Dental checks important for dogs and cats too
We all know how important dental care is in maintaining healthy teeth and this extends to the four-legged members of our family too.
Dogs have 42 teeth and cats have 30 teeth, while humans have 32. This means that our pets have similar if not more teeth to keep healthy.
Shockingly, it had been shown that around 80% or dogs and 70% of cats over the age of two years have a degree of dental disease meaning there is a very real reason for us, as owners, to be taking our pet’s oral health seriously.
The most common type of dental disease, periodontal disease, develops when bacterial plaque becomes out of control in the mouth, causing damage to the delicate tissues around teeth and gums, leading to pain, discomfort and loosening of the affected tooth over time.
Mild periodontal or gum disease can be treated by a deep clean of the mouth, whereas more severely affected teeth may require removal.
Other types of dental disease include: tooth fractures, often after a trauma; chronic ulceration; a condition called tooth resorption, seen in both cats and dogs; growths in and around the mouth; and abnormalities with the positioning of the pet’s teeth and/or jaw.
Thankfully, many of these conditions are manageable with the correct intervention and treatment, following a full oral assessment including x-rays under general anaesthesia.
How can we maintain oral health in our pets and try to prevent gum disease progressing?
The gold standard is daily tooth brushing, which can be tricky to start but with slow introduction, brushing is extremely effective at reducing the bacterial plaque in the mouth.
Starting this at a young age will often be beneficial in reducing any nervousness that your pet has when their mouth is being examined. There are various other products available which have some evidence that they reduce tartar build up as well as diets that can reduce the progression of gum disease.
At Alnorthumbria, we are currently offering free dental checks for both new and existing clients with pets over the age of six. This is an excellent opportunity to have your pet’s mouth examined by one of our vets or nurses, and allow us to work together to tailor a plan to your pets requirements.
Clients that attend will also receive a free bag of dental food for their pets, to help kick-start the process of maintaining good oral health.