Did you know that 9 out of 10 adult dogs and 7 out of 10 adult cats suffer from dental disease? Dental problems are extremely common in pets, and many owners don’t realise there’s an issue until the disease has already progressed.

February is Pet Dental Health Month, making it the ideal time to focus on your pet’s dental health and learn how good pet dental care can improve their comfort, well-being, and overall health.

Why Is Pet Dental Health So Important?

Dental disease is the most common health condition affecting dogs and cats. By the age of four, over 85% of pets have some degree of periodontal disease, a painful condition that affects the gums, teeth and supporting structures of the mouth.

Periodontal disease in pets begins with plaque and gingivitis, but without proper dental care, it can progress to:

• Painful inflammation of the gums
• Infection and tooth loss
• Difficulty eating and changes in behaviour
• Bacteria spreading from the mouth to other areas of the body

Good pet dental health is just as important as nutrition, exercise and parasite control yet it’s often overlooked.

Signs of Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats

Pets are very good at hiding pain, so dental problems can go unnoticed. Regular dental checks and knowing what to look for at home are essential.

Common signs of dental disease in dogs and cats include:

• Persistent bad breath
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
• Drooling or pawing at the mouth
• Difficulty eating or reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Irritability or behaviour changes
• Sneezing or nasal discharge
• Swelling or discharge around the face or mouth

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, they may need veterinary dental care.

What Causes Periodontal Disease in Pets?

Periodontal disease develops through a gradual process:

• Food particles and bacteria collect on the teeth, forming plaque
• Plaque hardens into calculus (tartar)
• Calculus builds up beneath the gum line
• Pockets form between the teeth and gums
• Bacteria multiply, causing infection

Without treatment, this leads to irreversible damage including bone loss, gum recession and chronic pain.

Preventing Dental Disease: Pet Teeth Cleaning at Home

Regular tooth brushing is the most effective way to maintain good pet dental health. Brushing your dog’s or cat’s teeth helps remove plaque, reduce bad breath and prevent gum disease.

How to introduce pet teeth cleaning:

1. Start by gently touching the side of your pet’s face
2. Progress to rubbing the teeth and gums with your finger
3. Introduce a small amount of pet-safe toothpaste
4. Gradually move on to using a pet toothbrush

Daily brushing is ideal, but even brushing a few times a week can significantly reduce dental disease in pets. Always use toothpaste and brushes designed specifically for animals.

Veterinary Dental Checks and Treatment

Routine pet dental checks allow us to identify dental problems early, often before your pet shows obvious signs of discomfort. During a check-up, we assess the teeth, gums and oral tissues. For rabbits, we use an otoscope to examine the teeth while they are conscious.

If dental treatment is required, this is carried out under a general anaesthetic. This allows us to perform a full oral examination, use dental X-rays to assess disease beneath the gum line, and provide appropriate treatment safely and thoroughly.

Free Nurse Dental Checks at Orchard Vets

Here at Orchard Vets, we offer free nurse dental checks to help support your pet’s ongoing dental health. These checks are ideal for spotting early signs of dental disease and discussing the best home dental care routine for your pet.

If you’ve noticed bad breath, tartar build-up, sore gums or changes in your pet’s eating habits, please contact us to book a dental check.

???? Contact us today:

• Oldbury – 0121 544 0404
• Harborne – 0121 428 1777
• Wednesbury – 0121 556 6890

Looking after your pet’s teeth is an important part of their overall health and Pet Dental Health Month is the perfect time to start ????????