Dental Care

Cannington Veterinary Hospital - Cat yawning

At Cannington Vet Hospital we perform a range of different dental procedures. Similar to humans, pets are susceptible to dental issues and gum disease if their oral health isn’t taken care of.

Maintaining great dental health for your pet should incorporate  regular at-home cleaning and dental check-ups at the Vet. This will help prevent infections that can lead to more serious health implications for your pet. 

Dental Disease

There’s no doubt about it, dental disease in our pets really stinks! It is one of the most common problems we see in veterinary practice and not only is it painful for your pet, the increased bacteria in the mouth can be associated with other conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease and liver disease. As many as eight in ten pets have dental disease!

What causes dental disease?

A lack of chewing sinew and muscle (such as pets would develop catching food in the wild) allows plaque and tartar to build up around the teeth. Loads of cheeky bacteria appear and this leads to inflammation and eventual loss of the attachments that hold the teeth in place.

Symptoms to look out for:

  • Stinky breath
  • Discoloured teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
  • Weight loss
  • Drooling or dropping food from the mouth
  • Inflamed or receding gums
  • Pawing at the mouth

Additionally you may notice swelling under the eye if your pet has a dental abscess which is a build up of pus caused by infection.

Treatment

Our vets will need to assess the state of your pets teeth and gums, usually under anaesthesia where we perform a thorough clean along the gum line. Unfortunately, any teeth that are severely diseased or causing pain  will need to be removed to reduce further complications.

To prevent or reduce the implications of dental disease it is vital to have your pet on a premium grade food with the inclusion of large raw bones, dental treats and a daily brushing regime.

It’s important to do your research or speak with a veterinary professional before feeding bones to your dog or cat. Not all bones are suitable for pets and they should always be given under supervision.

Speak to our team to find out the most appropriate diet for your pet.