Veterinary Dental Care
Veterinary Dental Care
Throughout their lives, over 70% of cats and dogs will develop oral health issues, with the chances increasing significantly after the age of three. Unfortunately, many pets live with these problems in silence, until the dental disease becomes more severe. We recommend scheduling regular veterinary dental health check-ups for your pet to catch any potential problems early and reduce the risk of dental health issues. It’s also important to be familiar with the signs of dental disease.
Reasons why your pet needs veterinary dental care
Some signs are listed below:
- Bad breath
- Reduction in appetite
- Sensitivity around the mouth (may be indicated by pawing)
- Red, swollen or bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating and chewing (such as dropping food, eating slowly, only chewing on one side of the mouth or refusing to eat hard food)
- Cracked, chipped or loose teeth
- Plaque build up and staining
There are a number of consequences of dental disease and poor pet dental care which in severe cases infections can result in issues affecting internal organs. However, even a basic issue such as decreased appetite will cause weight-loss and prevent your pet getting the nutrients they need to stay fit and healthy.
Helping Your Pet’s Oral Health
Your pet’s teeth should be brushed regularly but this needs to be accompanied by regular veterinary dental health check-ups in order for us to assess the state of the gums and teeth and check for lesions or abscesses in the mouth.
How veterinary dental care works
Some dogs, such as toy breeds, are more susceptible to dental disease despite a good diet and home oral hygiene routine. At Highfield we provide a range of pet dental health services, including fully-anaesthetised scale and polish to clean the teeth and improve oral health, tooth extraction, remediation for periodontal disease and oral surgery.
Our vets are trained in pet dental care and are experts in diagnosing and treating oral hygiene issues. If you have any concerns about your pet’s oral health or want to book a check-up, please contact us to arrange an appointment.
