BROMSGROVE’S Clent Hills veterinary practice will be promoting good oral hygiene as part of National Pet Dental Health Month throughout February.
Pets, just like their human counterparts, can suffer from a variety of oral health issues – around 80 per cent of dogs have active dental disease by the age of three, making it the most common disease affecting our four-legged friends.
This can pose some serious health problems, affecting dogs’ wellbeing and behaviour.
Prevention is always better than cure – good quality dog food can scrub teeth while being chewed and there are many dental aids and treats that can help too.
Local vets can advise on the best food and products to maintain good oral health.
It is also important dogs’ teeth are brushed using a special canine toothpaste. It is helpful to start teeth cleaning when they are a puppy, but it is never too late to try it.
Certain breeds have poorly aligned jaws with crowded or absent teeth, so it is worthwhile asking vets or veterinary nurses to show the best way to clean the teeth.
Many pets, particularly middle-aged and older cats and dogs, require periodic professional scaling by a vet in addition to ongoing plaque control at home.
Regular veterinary check-ups will include an examination of pets’ mouths and owners are urged to monitor their pet’s oral health by looking for signs of bad breath, red and swollen gums, yellow-brown crusts of tartar along the gum lines, and bleeding or pain when the gums or mouth are touched.
Clent Hills head vet Alun Edwards said: “We hope National Pet Dental Health Month will draw attention to this serious issue for pets.
“If left untreated, plaque and tartar build-up can lead to gum disease, which can result in infection, severe pain and even organ damage.
“With regular oral health maintenance and check-ups, most of these problems can be avoided.”
Visit clenthillsvets.co.uk or call 01527 889810 for more information.
