How to combat dental disease in your dog or cat

September 10, 2020

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Dental disease is one of the most common diseases in dogs and cats. Over 68% of pets over the age of three have some form of periodontal or dental disease. Poor dental health can cause significant discomfort and affect your pet’s overall health, longevity and quality of life despite them “still being able to eat”.

Periodontal disease refers to inflammation or infection that causes weakening or loss of support structures of the tooth. This is caused by build-up of plaque on the tooth. As the plaque accumulates over time, it starts to thicken and becomes mineralized, forming a hard substance called calculus. If left untreated, bacteria on the tooth’s surface can potentially be absorbed into the blood stream and could make your pet very sick.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce plaque build-up and minimize dental disease in your pets. Feeding formulated dental diets (T/D by Hills and Dental by Royal Canin), special dental chews and regular tooth brushing can go a long way in helping to prevent this process. If calculus is already present, a professional scale and polish will be required under a general anaesthesia.

If you would like to have a chat about your pet’s dental health or have their teeth assessed, don’t hesitate to contact the clinic to make an appointment.