Dental Disease

Critter Chat Dental
Dog and cat dental disease

Just like with us, your pets’ dental health is really important. Sore teeth affect our pets’ mood, appetite and general health just that as they do with us. Even though they look really different, dogs and cats have very similar tooth anatomy as we do and can suffer from all the same oral diseases as we do. But unlike us, our pets can’t tell us when something is wrong, so it is important to know what to look for and have their mouth and teeth checked at least once a year by your friendly veterinarian.

If you have noticed any of the signs below in your pet, then a dental check-up is probably a good idea:

· Bad breath

· Discolouration of teeth

· Bleeding gums or red along the gumline

· Drooling

· Reluctance to eat dry, crunchy food and raw bones

· Pawing at their mouth

Treatment for dental disease is sometimes as simple as a course if antibiotics, and other cases may need a general anaesthetic to undergo cleaning, polishing, and the removal of any problem teeth. Even in these severe cases your pet will on most cases be ready to go home that afternoon. Remarkably, even after multiple extractions most animals cope really well and are still keen to enjoy hard food and bones and usually the removal of a painful tooth will result in a much happier pet.

As always, prevention is best and preventative dental care may include:

· Regular brushing (with animal tooth paste and brush as human toothpaste is not designed to swallow, and it’s very hard to train a pet to spit!)

· Special diets are available that help prevent plaque build up and remove mild tartar

· Annual dental check ups –ideally carried out as part of your pets annual vaccination

· Offer raw bones to your dog – these are useful for removing plaque, provides stimulation for the gums and your dog will love you for it!!

· Cats will benefit from raw chicken wings and necks or meat cut into long strips to encourage them to chew with those back teeth, this helps to prevent tartare build-up and strengthens the peridontal ligament, thereby maintaining that cheesy grin.

If you think your pet is showing any signs that they may need a visit from the tooth fairy please contact us at the clinic to arrange an appointment. Happy chewing!