Why does my pet have smelly breath?
Halitosis (smelly breath) most commonly originates from plaque buildup in the mouth. The smell is suggestive of increasing amounts of deposits, which will eventually lead to gum disease. “Doggy breath” is not normal and you should seek advice from one of our vets.
Wild animals don’t have dentistry performed, so why does my dog need it?
Wild animals do suffer from bad teeth and sometimes die as a result. In the wild, animals do not live as long as we hope our pets will and as dental diseases are progressive; our pets are at greater risk of more weakening dental conditions.
My pet is not in pain, so should I just wait and see what happens?
No. Animals do not show the same symptoms of pain as us. The behavioral changes that animals show are often very subtle. Dental disease is often extremely advanced by the time they stop eating and worsening pain will have preceded this.
How do I know my pet has a dental problem?
Frequent health checks by either our Vet or Nurse and monitoring by you, the owner, will highlight potential problems. Signs to look out for include smelly breath, reddened gums, any discharges, broken teeth, facial swellings. If you are in any doubt please make an appointment with our Veterinary Nurse.
My pet will not tolerate tooth brushing – what else can I do?
Tooth brushing is the only way to prevent gum disease. Various diets and chews with a dental claim are available. These products may have some benefits but will never be as effective as daily tooth brushing. Please ask our Veterinary Nurse for a demonstration on how to brush your dog’s teeth.
Are dental x-rays really necessary?
Much of the tooth structure lies below the gum, hidden from view. Without x-rays much disease and the extent of the disease is often missed. Certain procedures require x-rays (radiographs) to be taken to ensure that the treatment has been effectively carried out. Taking dental x-rays allows better treatment planning, saving time and reducing potential risks and trauma.
