Vet Dentist in Staines-upon-Thames
Did you know a staggering 80% of pets over the age of three years old have dental disease that needs treating now?
At Travel Vet, we have a comprehensive range of dental equipment on-site that allows our Vet Dentists to clean, de-scale and even remove teeth if necessary. You can relax in the knowledge that your pet’s pearly whites are in the very best hands at our practice.
Oral health problems in pets
When your pet’s teeth aren’t cleaned regularly, plaque will begin to build up. Plaque develops into tartar (a hard brown/yellow substance), accompanied by bad breath. Untreated tartar will invite other bacteria, which can cause the gums to become inflamed, the teeth to become loose and in extreme cases, lost altogether. Severe periodontal disease can also lead to secondary infections in other parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, and lungs.
Dental health problems can also be very painful and affect your pet’s quality of life. To protect your pet’s overall health, prevention and early treatment are key. Home care, as well as professional dental checkups at our veterinary practice, should form part of your pet’s overall preventative healthcare routine. At Travel Vet, we can help you with both.
Book a dental check-up with one of our Vet Dentists
Spotting pet dental problems at home
Many pets won’t show when they’re in pain so it’s important to check their teeth and gums at home regularly. You should look out for:
- Exceptionally bad breath
- A build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth
- Red, swollen, bleeding gums
- Broken or misaligned teeth
- Holes in teeth – typically with cats
- Overgrown teeth in rabbits
- Change in appetite and difficulty eating
- Your pet won’t let you examine in or around the mouth
If you are concerned, book a dental appointment and we can advise on the appropriate course of treatment.
Caring for your pet’s teeth at home
In between visits to the Vet Dentist, there are ways in which you can look after your pet’s mouth too:
- Clean your dog’s teeth daily (or at least a few times a week) – best to start at an early age but never too late to try. Some cats will let their teeth be cleaned, but best to avoid if they may bite or scratch.
- A dry/partially dry diet – hard biscuits act in an abrasive manner when they are chewed, removing plaque from your pet’s teeth.
- Dental treats – specialist dental chews can be bought for cats, dogs and rabbits to help keep teeth & gums healthy and bad breath at bay – beware as some can be high in calories.
