Dental Care
We all know the importance in regular dental care – we brush our teeth at least twice a day and if we don’t, plaque, tartar and cavities may soon result. Our pets are no different – the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) estimate that by the time they are 3 years old, 80% of dogs will have signs of oral disease. Symptoms may include bad breath, reddened gums, and buildups of yellow or brown tartar along the gumline. Your dog may show changes in chewing or eating patterns and may paw his mouth. As infection and inflammation progresses, periodontitis may result – this is irreversible and may lead to the loss of the tooth. As oral bacteria can be released into the bloodstream, dental disease can also result in heart, kidney, liver and lung disease. As our pets are living longer compared to their wild relatives, maintaining good dental health is very important towards them leading healthy, happy lives.
We advise regular dental checks – the annual health check or vaccination check up is the ideal time to assess for any early problems. Your vet can advise you on how to keep your dog’s teeth clean and if adental cleaning is required. Plaque and tartar is removed by using an ultrasonic scaler, and the teeth are polished afterwards. We check for any loose or damaged teeth which may need to be extracted. The dental procedure is carried out under a full general anaesthetic, as no awake dog will let us do a thorough cleaning. Your vet may advise pre anaesthetic blood tests, and your dog may require antibiotics prior to the dental cleaning. Your dog may have to go home on some medications afterwards.
After a dental cleaning, home care is equally important to prevent recurrence of dental disease. Young puppies should have their mouths handled from an early age, to get them used to the idea oftoothbrushing. Even older animals, if introduced slowly and patiently, can be taught to accept having their teeth brushed. Never use human toothpaste as this can cause foaming and contains toxic ingredients which can upset your dog’s tummy. If done daily, toothbrushing can prevent plaque formation, gingivitis and periodontal disease, saving your dog from pain and reducing the cost of future dental care. Please see our online video on toothbrushing techniques.
If your dog won’t tolerate toothbrushing, there are other methods which may help to maintain a healthy mouth.
- Special diets are available which can help care for your dog’s teeth while he eats. Some have been created to help reduce plaque and tartar formation. Please ask your vet for more information about the different types of diet available and which best suits your dog’s needs.
- Dental treats – some chews are marketed to be a part of dental health care, but not all are created equal. For information on which products are most effective, check out the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOCH) website. Remember that these treats may contribute towards weight gain, and always be around to supervise your pet when giving chews.
- Dental sprays – some of these can be sprayed into the mouth or added into the drinking water as an anti-plaque wash.
We have all the products you need to be able to perform effective home care in our Retail Shop so please come in and discuss further with our staff if necessary.