Pet Dental Care
Regular dental checkups with our experienced Vets alongside your pet’s annual booster or health check will help to improve day-to-day oral health, as well as preventing dental problems before they become too advanced. One of the most common problems that we see pets for, is unpleasant smelling breath and dental issues.
Modern dentistry equipment
Towcester Vets have a descaling and polishing machine as well as a wide range of tools that can help with tooth extractions. For small furries (rabbits, guinea pigs and rodents) we also have burring equipment that help to file down sharp teeth.
If your pet requires dental work carrying out, this will be completed under general anaesthetic for the safety of your pet and our vet. Our team will always discuss the procedure and any associated risks, helping owners to make informed decisions. Our experienced vets will care for your pet like their own and our surgical facilities coupled with modern equipment help us to provide the best service possible for both pet and owner.
How do I know if my pets’ teeth need examining?
- Does your pet have bad breath? If so it may be because they need a dental. Often when you can smell your dog’s breath you are likely smelling the bacteria and infection that has built up over time. Abscesses may appear at the top of the roots because plaque and tartar on the teeth cause the attachment between the gum and tooth to loosen. This then allows bacteria to enter the channel between the mouth and tooth root causing infection.
- Does your pet not want to play with their toys? Dental pain can be a subtle problem but one of the most common signs is that your pet does not want to play with their toys. They have less interest in chew toys and might only use one side of their mouth when playing.
- Does your pet have blood in their feed or water bowl? This is a clinical sign that their mouth needs examining.
- Lethargy and becoming withdrawn. If your pet seems more lethargic than normal this might not be related to old age.
- Weight loss and picky eating. If your pet has all of a sudden become fussy, it may be because their mouth is causing them pain.
- Aggressive behaviour. This can also be linked to mouth pain and is a good reason as to why you should keep on top of your pet’s dental health.
If you think your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, call our knowledgeable reception team who can advise or book in a consult with one of our Vets.
How can I help my pet avoid dental disease?
There are things you can start doing at home that will help your pet avoid dental problems in the future.
- Fight dental disease by investing in better nutrition for your pet. Try to keep as natural as possible and chat to our team about what might work best for your pet.
- Beware – dentastix are a treat for your pet and by feeding them regularly, they can add a lot of calories to your dog’s diet. Even though they do help to reduce tartar and plaque build-up, these should be used as part of a balanced diet and not instead of teeth brushing.
- Brush teeth daily where possible. Chat to your vet about pet specific toothpaste and toothbrushes. It may take a few weeks to get them used to the process but this is the best way to manage their dental hygiene moving forward.
