Dental Hygiene and Your Pet

Maintaining proper dental care for your pet is essential for their overall health and well-being. Here are some key aspects of dental care recommended by our veterinarians:

1. Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian to assess your pet's oral health. These check-ups allow for early detection and treatment of dental issues before they escalate. We offer FREE dental checks and can assist you in managing your pets dental hygiene.
2. Professional Dental Cleanings: Just like humans, pets benefit from professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup. We may recommend professional cleanings annually or more frequently depending on your pet's dental health.
3. Home Dental Care: Implement a daily dental care routine at home to supplement professional cleanings. This may include brushing your pet's teeth with pet-safe toothpaste, providing dental chews or toys, or using dental rinses or gels as recommended by our veterinarians.
4. Dietary Considerations: Feed your pet a balanced diet that promotes good oral health. Specialized dental diets or dental treats may help reduce plaque and tartar buildup while supporting overall dental health.
5. Chew Toys and Dental Treats: Offer your pet appropriate chew toys and dental treats designed to promote dental health. Chewing helps reduce plaque and tartar accumulation and promotes healthy teeth and gums. Dental treats and toys must be soft enough for the tooth to penetrate, providing the mechanical rubbing action, similar to a toothbrush. Too hard a treat or bones may provide useless for cleaning or cause other health issues.
6. Monitoring Dental Health: Keep an eye out for signs of dental problems such as bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, difficulty eating or drinking, loose or broken teeth, and excessive drooling. If you notice any of these symptoms, call us to schedule an appointment for evaluation and treatment.
7. Professional Dental Examinations/Staged Dentistry: We may recommend a  staged dental, which involves breaking down a comprehensive dental treatment plan into multiple stages or sessions. This approach is commonly used for pets with severe dental disease or extensive dental issues that cannot be addressed in a single dental cleaning session.  During the initial examination dental radiographs are taken and a treatment plan devised. 
8. Specialist Referral for Dental Issues: If unique or specialised dental problems are detected, your veterinarian may recommend treatment by a dentistry specialist. Prompt treatment helps alleviate pain and discomfort and prevents further dental issues from developing.
9. Preventive Care: Prevention is key to maintaining good oral health in pets. By staying proactive with dental care and following your veterinarian's recommendations, you can help prevent dental problems and ensure your pet enjoys a healthy mouth and overall well-being.

Remember that proper dental care is an essential part of your pet's overall health care routine. By prioritizing dental health and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help keep your pet's smile bright and their mouth healthy for years to come.