Greencross Vets Keeping your dog’s dental health in check
Dental health care for your dog is just as important as looking after your own. Proper dental care for pets is critical to their overall health and well-being.
Dental disease can lead to tooth abscesses and bacteria, which can result in heart, liver, and kidney problems. The good news is, in most cases, dental disease is preventable with regular examinations and the appropriate ongoing dental care.
During a dental health check, we will carry out a thorough examination of your dog’s mouth, teeth, and gums to determine if there are any signs of gingivitis, plaque build-up or infection. The outcome of this examination will identify if your canine companion requires a professional dental scale and polish or some preventive measures that you can do at home to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Signs of dental disease include:
- bad breath
- discoloured teeth
- loose teeth
- reluctance to chew or eat
- excessive drooling
- bloody or inflamed gums
- facial swelling
- pawing at the mouth
Remember to get regular dental health checks for your dog. Every time you go to the dentist yourself, try to remember that your dog might be due for a dental health check as well. When you take your dog to the vet for their dental health check-up, it’s a great opportunity to get the rest of their general health examined also. This is a great time to discuss any other health care matters that are of concern, such as diet and nutrition, heartworm prevention, intestinal worming, flea and tick prevention, and skin care.
Finding and treating dental problems early on will prevent the need for more extreme procedures, like tooth extractions, later on. To book your dog in for a dental health check, contact your local Greencorss Vets team or book online today.
