Dental care
As is true with most things prevention is better than cure, and this is particularly true when it comes to dental disease. Regular dental checks are recommended for dogs, cats, rabbits and other small furries.
The Importance of dental care in pets
When it comes to keeping our pets healthy, dental care is often overlooked — yet it’s just as important as vaccinations, proper nutrition, and regular check-ups. In fact, dental disease is one of the most common health issues affecting cats and dogs, with signs often going unnoticed until the condition becomes painful or advanced.
By the age of three, most pets show some signs of periodontal disease, which can include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, tartar build-up, and difficulty eating. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to serious problems like tooth loss, infections, and even damage to vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys due to bacteria entering the bloodstream.
Regular home dental care, like brushing your pet’s teeth, using dental chews, or incorporating vet-recommended dental diets, plays a crucial role in preventing plaque and tartar build-up. But even with the best at-home care, pets still need routine dental checks as part of their overall healthcare plan.
Regular dental checks and cleaning
We highly recommend regular checks, as dental disease is not just an aesthetic problem. It can result in significant pain and infection for the sufferer, often going unnoticed for long periods of time, as well as acting as a source of bacteria which can spread to the blood increasing the risk of irreversible damage to the heart valves, kidneys and other organs.
Symptoms of dental problems include:
- Bad Breath
- Inflamed Gums
- Plaque and Calculus
- Trouble Chewing
- Nasal Discharge and Sneezing
- Weight loss
Veterinary dental cleanings, done under anaesthetic, allow thorough examination and treatment of the teeth and gums — something that simply can’t be achieved while your pet is awake. These professional cleanings help remove tartar, treat existing issues, and prevent future complications.
Dental procedures
Dental treatment is usually carried out under general anaesthesia in most species, as this allows us to carry out any procedures necessary with minimal risk or stress to both animal and vet alike.
Firstly a careful examination of the soft tissues of the mouth is carried out before attention is turned to the teeth themselves to make sure no other problems are missed. Next, any teeth which are damaged, loose or where gum recession has caused the roots to be exposed are extracted to prevent pain and discomfort. The remaining teeth are ultrasonically scaled and then polished to slow repeat plaque formation. In some cases your pet may need a course of antibiotics prior to or following dental work to decrease the level of infection present in the mouth and assist with post-operative recovery.
Dental procedures are probably much more involved and time consuming than most people realise.
We have a highly skilled team who use high spec equipment to keep your pets mouth as disease and pain – free as possible.