Dental care at Southill Vets
Did you know that most cats and dogs over the age of three have dental issues that need addressing sooner rather than later?
Your pet’s dental care routine is just as important as your own and should include a combination of home care and veterinary dental check-ups.
Dental issues in pets can go unnoticed at home, especially as bad breath is often seen as ‘normal’, and ‘part of owning a pet’. Keep reading for the tell-tale signs of dental disease.
To help keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy, book a dental check-up today at Southill Vets.
Dental treatments & facilities
The latest dental equipment and facilities are available at our Wincanton and Gillingham veterinary surgeries. We offer a full range of routine dental procedures on-site for when professional treatment is required.
Home care dental advice
Our experienced nursing team can offer you dental advice and show you how to care for your pet’s teeth at home. They can also refer your pet to one of our Vets should they spot any dental problems.
Contact us to book a nurse dental clinic
How to spot pet dental problems at home
Dental problems can be very painful and will affect your pet’s day-to-day quality of life. However, many pets will hide the fact they are in pain.
Severe periodontal disease can also lead to secondary infections in other parts of your pet’s body, including their heart, kidneys, and lungs.
To protect your pet’s overall health and wellbeing, prevention and early treatment are vital.
Signs of pet dental disease
- Exceptionally bad breath
- A build-up of tartar (solid yellow/brown substance)
- Red, swollen, bleeding gums
- Broken or misaligned teeth
- Holes in teeth – typically in cats
- Overgrown teeth in rabbits and small furry pets
- Change in appetite/difficulty eating
- Resistance/aggression when you try to examine in or around the mouth
- Change in demeanour/behaviour
How dental disease usually starts
When plaque is left to build up on your pet’s teeth it turns into a hard yellow/brown substance called tartar, which is accompanied by smelly breath.
Untreated tartar invites other bacteria to thrive, which can cause gums to become inflamed, teeth to become loose and in extreme cases, lost altogether.
