February is pet dental awareness month. It is important to keep on top of your pet’s dental health and different pets have different needs.
Gum disease can lead to bad breath, pain and loose teeth. Infections can spread to the heart, liver, kidney or lungs – so it’s worth knowing what to look out for to catch it early.
You should get your pet used to having their mouth touched from a young age. It makes it so much easier for you and the vets when they need to have their mouths examined or their teeth cleaned. You will also get to know what is normal for your pet’s mouth and teeth too, which will help you to see issues more quickly
We look at your pet’s teeth during their annual booster. The vet can give you some really useful advice and tips on how to care for your pet’s teeth to keep them in tip-top condition
If you’ve never checked your pet’s teeth before, or you don’t know the signs of gum disease, here’s a few pointers to look out for:
- Bad breath – never assume this is normal.
- Gums that are painful, red, swollen or bleed easily
- Plaque – this appears as a build-up of yellow material on the teeth
- Tartar – a hard, brown build-up on the teeth
- Loose or missing teeth
Mouth pain may not be obvious but may show as
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty eating
- Bleeding when eating
- Irritability
- Reluctance to be handled around the mouth
- Depression or being quieter than normal
If you’re in any doubt contact us to make an appointment
As an owner, you can take steps to prevent the build-up of plaque on your pet’s teeth and there are several ways you can do this:
- Brush their teeth regularly with a pet-safe toothpaste.
- Give your dog chew toys.
- Feed dry pet food or a specialised dental diet.
- Visit your vet for regular dental check ups.
As part of our Pet Care Plan we offer £100 off dental procedures – click here to find out more
If you need advice on techniques or products, contact the team via PetsApp or by phone on 01444 440224
