- Inflamed gums (gingivitis)
- Bad breath
- Discoloured teeth
- Loose teeth
- Excessive drooling
- Reluctant to eat hard food or chew
- Facial swelling
- Changes in behaviour (aggression, disrupted sleep patterns)
So, how can I keep my pet’s teeth free from dental disease?
- Encourage regular (ideally daily) chewing.
Daily chewing for at least 5 minutes per day helps to mechanically clean your pet’s teeth. Chewing options can include: dental diets, specially designed dental chews, raw hides and pigs ears.
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND FEEDING YOUR PETS BONES. Cooked bones splinter during chewing and can lead to life threatening damage to the body as they pass (or become lodged) in the mouth and digestive tract. Raw bones can also pose a threat to your pet’s health as the marrow within is very fatty and can cause pancreatitis or other tummy upsets.
- Encourage regular (ideally daily) chewing.
Daily chewing for at least 5 minutes per day helps to mechanically clean your pet’s teeth. Chewing options can include: dental diets, specially designed dental chews, raw hides and pigs ears.
- Dental Diets – Hills Science Diet T/D
- Tooth brushing and anti-bacterial mouth rinses Some pets will allow you to brush their teeth. This is most successful when started early (i.e. when your pet is a puppy or kitten). Soft small toothbrushes and specifically designed toothpastes are available from Vets in Endeavour Hills. Human toothpaste is not suitable for dogs and cats. Vets in Endeavour Hills also recommends the use of an anti-bacterial mouth rinse. When used daily this rinse kills the bacteria which contribute to bad breath and periodontal disease.
- Plaque off or water additives Plaque Off is a powder made from seaweed that helps prevent the binding of plaque onto your pet’s teeth. (Fun fact it started off as a product for humans!) Simply sprinkle onto your pets food each day to help reduce the build up of plaque and tartar. There are also products you can add to your pet’s water to help neutralise bacteria growth in your pet’s mouth. But just remember to also have a second bowl with fresh water at all times, especially over the warmer months.
- Veterinary dental cleaning In humans even with twice daily brushing, flossing and mouth washing we need to have our teeth cleaned by the dentist regularly. This can be the same for our pets too! As part of your pet’s regular health assessments provided at Vets in Endeavour Hills, your vet may recommend a professional dental scale and polish to:
- Prevent the onset of irreversible dental disease and tooth loss; and
- To extract infected and damaged teeth that might be causing your pet pain
FAQs
Teeth cleaning (including a dental examination, which includes X-rays to assess the roots of the teeth) must be performed under anaesthesia. This ensures your pet’s comfort and well-being during the procedure.
Dental disease in pets is graded from 0 to 4. Depending on the severity of gum disease, the level of tartar present, and the number of teeth requiring extraction due to irreparable damage, the cost of your pet’s teeth cleaning can vary.
To get an estimate of costs, arrange an appointment with one of our vets.
Typically, annual dental check-ups are advised; however, the frequency of cleanings depends on factors such as age, breed, and existing dental conditions.
Our vets can offer recommendations according to your pet’s requirements.
If your pet has a broken tooth, schedule an appointment with Vets in Endeavour Hills for an evaluation and appropriate treatment. Broken teeth can lead to pain, infection, and other complications and require immediate care.