Looking After Your Pets Teeth : Pet Dentistry

. Posted in Dental Hygiene, Oral Health

It’s hard to scroll through a Facebook newsfeed without seeing some pet-obsessed friend posting an image of their dog/cat/fish/komodo dragon in a Halloween costume, Christmas elf-hat or ill-advised flowery bow.

People get a real kick out of treating their pets like human beings, and I should know, I’m the first person to admit that I’m completely wrapped around my dog’s little paw!

Looking after your pets teeth

But in our never-ending crusade to inflict our own fashion choices on our unsuspecting furry companions, most people forget the really important facets of human conduct we should share with our pets: dental care!

Can pets suffer from dental disease?

Recently, it was discovered that 80% of pets suffer from some form of dental disease by the age of four! 80%! We’d never allow four out of five of our children or friends to suffer from dental disease, so why do we let our pets!

Most probably, because most of us just aren’t aware that there is a problem.

How can you tell if your pet has a dental problem?

Bad breath can be an easy telltale sign that there may be a dental health issue. Other signs include:

  • Plaque
  • Tartar build up
  • Reddened hums or gingivitis
  • Excessive salivation
  • Chattering teeth
  • Difficulty chewing food

Dental care in pets, like humans, is of vital importance because the presence of disease has been associated to heart, liver and kidney disease in both humans and animals. It has been documented that adequate dental care can add as much as four years to your pet’s life!

How can you help your pet avoid dental disease?

Now, of course we agree that you’d look a bit silly rocking up to Dental O So Gentle with Miss Jollywobbles for a hygiene appointment. But lucky for you dental care is available at many veterinary practices, with many of the same dental equipment as you’d find at Dental O So Gentle.

So next time you schedule a hygiene and/or examination appointment with us, why not book your best buddy in for their own appointment!

Don’t forget your furry friends; we know how much of a smile they bring to our faces!

Looking after your pets teeth

By Ash Brannan and Alyssa Garbellini, Clinical Coordinators