Pets need dental care, too! Unfortunately, dental hygiene for our pets is sometimes overlooked. Dental hygiene is just as important to our pet’s overall health as things like nutrition, proper exercise and routine grooming.

Our pets are living longer now than in the past. Today, we have better preventive medicines and better ways to diagnose and treat many diseases. It is because of this that we are now seeing more companion animals whose most severe medical problems are dental problems.

To prevent oral disease, which is the number one health problem diagnosed in pets, it is essential to provide our pets with good dental care, both professionally and at home. By the age of three, about 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have gum disease.

The first thing that you might notice is that your pet has persistent bad breath. Plaque builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar or calculus. These areas grow bacteria and eat away at the teeth and gums. The bacteria not only cause disease in the mouth, they can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart, liver and kidneys.

Catching teeth problems early will help avoid severe dental disease. The simplest way to keep track of your pet’s teeth is during their wellness examinations every six months.

Preventing dental disease

Our staff will work with you in tailoring a dental program specific to the needs of you, your pet and your family. A professional dental cleaning may be recommended, which requires a general anaesthetic. During the procedure, your pet’s teeth and gums will be examined closely for problems. The teeth are then given a scale and polish. Some pets may require more than one dental cleaning per year, while others can go longer.

There are many ways you can help keep your pet’s teeth in good shape. It is important to start a dental care routine early so they get used to the feeling of having their teeth brushed and inspected.

Some of the products available include:

• toothbrushes and finger-brushes
• dental pastes (chicken and beef flavoured – just how they like it!)
• dental ‘chew’ treats such as canine and feline Greenies^®
• Hill’s Pet Nutrition™ dental diets

Clean teeth and healthy gums make a happier and healthier pet!

Pets need dental care, too! Unfortunately, dental hygiene for our pets is sometimes overlooked. Dental hygiene is just as important to our pet’s overall health as things like nutrition, proper exercise and routine grooming.

Our pets are living longer now than in the past. Today, we have better preventive medicines and better ways to diagnose and treat many diseases. It is because of this that we are now seeing more companion animals whose most severe medical problems are dental problems.

To prevent oral disease, which is the number one health problem diagnosed in pets, it is essential to provide our pets with good dental care, both professionally and at home. By the age of three, about 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have gum disease.

The first thing that you might notice is that your pet has persistent bad breath. Plaque builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar or calculus. These areas grow bacteria and eat away at the teeth and gums. The bacteria not only cause disease in the mouth, they can also affect other parts of the body, like the heart, liver and kidneys.

Catching teeth problems early will help avoid severe dental disease. The simplest way to keep track of your pet’s teeth is during their wellness examinations every six months.

Preventing dental disease

Our staff will work with you in tailoring a dental program specific to the needs of you, your pet and your family. A professional dental cleaning may be recommended, which requires a general anaesthetic. During the procedure, your pet’s teeth and gums will be examined closely for problems. The teeth are then given a scale and polish. Some pets may require more than one dental cleaning per year, while others can go longer.

There are many ways you can help keep your pet’s teeth in good shape. It is important to start a dental care routine early so they get used to the feeling of having their teeth brushed and inspected.

Some of the products available include:

• toothbrushes and finger-brushes
• dental pastes (chicken and beef flavoured – just how they like it!)
• dental ‘chew’ treats such as canine and feline Greenies^®
• Hill’s Pet Nutrition™ dental diets

Clean teeth and healthy gums make a happier and healthier pet!