Why visit a Vet Dentist in Teddington
Poor dental hygiene can lead to all kinds of pain and problems for your pet, which is why their oral healthcare is just as important as your own regular visits to the dentist.
At Alpha Vets, 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.
Book a Vet Dentist appointment
Oral health problems in pets
Did you know a staggering 80% of pets over the age of three years old have dental disease that needs treating now?
When your pet’s teeth aren’t cleaned regularly, plaque (a clear layer of bacteria) will start to build up. Plaque develops into a hard yellow/brown substance called tartar. As tartar on the back teeth can be impossible to spot at home, another sign of this is exceptionally bad breath. Untreated tartar invites other bacteria to flourish, which can cause gums to become inflamed, teeth to become loose and in extreme cases, lost altogether. Severe periodontal disease can also lead to secondary infections in other parts of your pet’s body, including their heart, kidneys, and lungs.
Dental problems can be very painful and will affect your pet’s quality of life. To protect their overall health and wellbeing, prevention and early treatment of dental issues 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 Alpha Vets, we can help you with both.
Book a check-up with one of our Vet Dentists in Teddington
Spotting pet dental problems at home
Many pets will not show when they’re in pain. This is why it’s so important to check their teeth & gums regularly at home for:
- Exceptionally bad breath
- A build-up of tartar
- Red, swollen, bleeding gums
- Broken or misaligned teeth
- Holes in teeth – typically in cats
- Overgrown teeth in rabbits and small furries
- Change in appetite / difficulty eating
- They become distressed when you try to examine their face or 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
Here are some recommended ways to look after your pet’s teeth & gums in between visits to one of our Teddington Vet Dentists:
- Clean your cat or dog’s teeth daily (or a few times a week at least) – best to start at an early age but never too late to try. Finger brushes are the best option for many pets, and you should only ever use pet-specific toothpaste or gel. Avoid if you think your pet may bite or scratch you (especially cats).
- A dry/partially dry diet – hard biscuits act in an abrasive manner when 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 – some can be high in calories so keep an eye on your pet’s weight.
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Save on your pet’s dental care with our Healthy Pet Club!
Get £50 OFF preventative dental procedures when you become a member of our Healthy Pet Club – learn more.
