Just like us, our pets are vulnerable to gum disease and tooth problems. Alarmingly, by age three, up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats already show signs of dental disease. While most of us brush daily and visit the dentist once a year, no amount of “crunch” in standard dry food will clean your pet’s teeth properly.

“An ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure.”

Preventative Home Care

🪥 Daily Brushing

The gold standard for your pet’s dental health is brushing once a day. If that feels too ambitious, aim for at least four times a week, you will still make a big difference.

Tools you’ll need:

• A grainy, beef or chicken flavoured paste (never use human toothpaste).
• A small children’s toothbrush or a finger brush.

How to brush:

• Let your pet taste a pea sized amount of paste so they see brushing as a treat.
• Apply the paste to the outside surfaces of the teeth, no need to pry their mouth open.
• Gently brush in small circular motions along the gum line.
• Praise and reward generously once you are done.

Tip: As they lick, your pet naturally cleans the inside surfaces too.

🦴 Dental Specific Diets and Treats

When daily brushing is not always possible, specially formulated dental diets and chews help reduce plaque and tartar mechanically as your pet crunches or gnaws.

• Dental diets: (e.g. Royal Canin® Dental, Hill’s® Prescription Diet T/D) are complete nutrition and can replace your regular kibble.
• Veterinary dental chews: (e.g. Greenies™, Oravet™) are VOHC approved and contain enzymes or gentle abrasives to help clean teeth.
• Supermarket chews: can work if your pet spends adequate time chewing.

Safety tip: Choose treats that break down if swallowed whole, to avoid obstruction.

💧 Water Additives and Oral Rinses

For pets that cannot chew or don't tolerate brushing, “mouthwash” products added to drinking water or applied orally can reduce bacteria and freshen breath. These are not substitutes for brushing but are better than no care at all.

Puppy Dental Care

Starting early sets up lifelong dental health habits.

• Early introduction: Begin touching your puppy’s mouth gently during play so they are used to handling.
• Training to brush: Use a soft cloth or finger brush first. Reward calm behaviour with praise or a treat. Progress to a toothbrush gradually.
• Teething: Puppies lose baby teeth between 4 and 6 months. Offer safe teething toys to satisfy chewing urges and protect adult teeth as they emerge.
• Routine: Make brushing a fun, brief daily ritual. This builds positive associations before dental disease develops.

🐱 Cat Dental Care

Cats are just as prone to dental disease as dogs, but their signs are often subtle. Many cats develop gingivitis or FORL lesions (painful resorptive sores), which require veterinary treatment and cannot be managed at home.

Key points for cat dental care:

• Brushing is not usually recommended unless your cat is very tolerant, as it can cause stress or injury.

• Dental diets for cats (such as Hill’s® t/d® Feline or Royal Canin® Dental) can help reduce plaque and tartar.

• Dental chews or treats: Options like Greenies™ Feline can assist with plaque control in some cats.

• Water additives are an easy alternative for cats who will not chew.

• Regular checks are essential: Cats are experts at hiding pain, so early detection is key.

If you notice bad breath, drooling, red gums, or your cat dropping food, book a dental check promptly.

❌ Why I Do Not Recommend Bones for Dental Care

While some people believe bones help clean teeth, they pose more risks than benefits. Bones can:

• Fracture teeth or cause painful injuries in the mouth
• Get stuck across the palate or cause choking
• Lead to constipation or intestinal blockages
• Carry bacteria such as Salmonella

There are far safer and more effective ways to keep your pet’s teeth clean, such as brushing, dental diets and approved chews.

When Professional Cleaning Is Needed

Even the best home care cannot replace a professional clean under anaesthetic. I will assess your pet’s dental health at each visit and advise when a clean is needed.

Signs your pet may need a professional clean:

• Persistent bad breath
• Red, bleeding or inflamed gums
• Yellow or brown tartar build up
• Reluctance to chew, dropping food or favouring one side

🩺 What a Dental Procedure Involves

• Pre-anaesthetic checks: Physical exam and bloodwork if needed.
• Anaesthesia and monitoring: Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen.
• Cleaning steps:
  • Remove large tartar deposits.
  • Probe gum pockets to assess periodontal health.
  • Ultrasonic scale and polish (similar to what your dentist uses).
  • Extract any loose or diseased teeth to eliminate pain.

Why Pets Get Extractions, Not Fillings

Fillings do not hold up to the wear and tear of chewing. Once infection damages the supporting structures of a tooth, extraction is the only way to relieve pain and prevent further disease.

Cats: are also prone to FORL lesions (painful resorptive sores) that destroy the tooth from the inside out. These cannot be repaired or filled and always require extraction to eliminate discomfort.

FAQ: Dental Care for Pets

Q: How often should my pet have a professional clean?
Many pets benefit from a professional clean every one to two years, although this varies depending on factors such as breed, genetics, age and how consistently home dental care is provided. High-risk pets, including small or toy dogs, brachycephalics like Pugs, or cats prone to gingivitis, may need more frequent care. I can help determine the best timing for your pet during an at-home check.

Q: Is anaesthesia safe for older pets?
Yes. Age alone is not a barrier. Pre-anaesthetic checks and careful monitoring make it safe. I always assess each case individually, weighing the potential risks of anaesthesia against the benefits of removing pain and infection. In most cases, relieving dental pain and improving comfort far outweighs the risks, and many senior pets show a noticeable boost in appetite, energy and quality of life after treatment.

Q: My pet still eats despite bad teeth. Could they be in pain?
Yes. Pets instinctively hide pain. By the time they stop eating, discomfort is often severe. Regular checks catch problems early.

Q: Will my pet manage without extracted teeth?
Absolutely. Pets often eat better after painful teeth are removed, even with fewer teeth, and they can still eat dry food happily.

Take Action Today

Dental disease is painful, infectious and preventable.

• ✅ Book an at-home dental check: I will examine your pet’s mouth during a home visit.
• ✅ Learn brushing techniques: I can show you how to brush effectively and safely.
• ✅ Act early: If tartar, bleeding gums or eating changes appear, it is time for professional cleaning.

📞 Call to Book Dental Check

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