Why visit a Vet Dentist in Claygate

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 Claygate 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

Dental problems in pets

Fact: 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) starts to build up. Plaque then develops into tartar (a hard yellow/brown substance). 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 in pets can also lead to secondary infections in other parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, and lungs.

Pet dental problems can be very painful and will affect your companion’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 Claygate Vets, we can help you with both. Learn more about our dental facilities.

Book a check-up with one of our Vet Dentists in Claygate

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 for your pet.

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 Claygate 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 purchased for cats, dogs and rabbits to help keep teeth & gums healthy and bad breath at bay – some can be high in calories though so keep an eye on this.

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