Why is dental care so important?

Caring for your dog's and cat's teeth is a very important part of maintaining their overall well being. There are three reasons why proper dental care deserves more emphasis these days:

An important part of a dental care program for your pet is regular at home examinations. Just a few minutes on a regular basis could help keep your pet pain-free and also catch any signs of dental disease before they become a problem.

Over 85% of dogs and cats over 4 years old have some form of periodontal (dental) disease. Dental disease causes bad breath (halitosis) and pain, it is also a source of infection and can make your pet seriously ill.

For some pet’s a prescription dental diet such as Hills t/d may be recommended to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy and clean. Ever wondered how they work and what you can do to get the most out of your pet’s dental diet? Here’s some information and tips so you can achieve the best results.

"We really need to see 'Maxy' for a dental", it's a common request given that 85% of dogs and cats over the age of 4 experience some form of dental disease. So if you have heard a similar comment like this from your vet, you are not alone. With some further explanation and photos to illustrate, we hope to help you understand why your veterinarian is so insistent about teeth and gum care.

Harry is a 2 year old domestic short hair who visited us for his booster vaccinations. During a routine physical examination our veterinarian noticed plaque on Harry's teeth and inflamed gums. Harry was suffering with bad gingivitis and plaque, that left untreated would only worsen. Over time he would eventually develop cavities in the teeth, gingival recession, and loose teeth.. oh and it would probably be pretty painful too.