Dental Care For Your Pets
Dental care is an essential part of maintaining your pet's overall health and well-being. Prevent dental disease with these care tips and prevent dental issues with advice from our veterinary experts at Alder Vets. Vet dental care near me will promote your pet's overall health and happiness.
Signs of Dental Problems in Pets
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Yellow or brown tartar on the teeth
- Difficulty eating or chewing
- Drooling excessively
- Pawing at the mouth
- Loose or missing teeth
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Tips for Improving Your Pets’ Dental Care and Oral Hygiene
Food and saliva left on the teeth form plaque, a soft substance that can be removed by brushing or using dental products. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which is difficult to remove without professional dental care.
If tartar is not addressed, bacteria can spread below the gum line, causing sore, red gums known as gingivitis. This can progress to periodontitis, leading to loose teeth, tooth root infections, and jawbone infections.
Regular Brushing
Brush your pet's teeth daily if possible, or at least several times a week. Use a pet-specific toothbrush or a finger brush, you may need a couple of people if your pets don’t cooperate with their teeth brushing, but implementing this practice in earlier in life will mean it’s easier for pet owners to brush their pet’s teeth. Always use toothpaste formulated for pets. Human toothpaste can be harmful.
Dental Treats and Chews
Chews or dental treats provide mechanical action that helps clean teeth. Look for treats specifically designed to promote dental health, often labelled as dental chews. Our vets at Alder can advise on brands or where to find healthy but effective dental chews.
Professional Dental Cleanings
Schedule regular professional dental cleanings with your veterinarian, usually once a year. Professional cleanings are often done under anaesthesia to thoroughly clean and examine the teeth and gums, you can avoid this needing to be done by taking care of your dog or cat’s teeth with the above home tips. Some breeds are more prone to dental issues. Consult with vet dental care near me professionals for breed-specific advice.
Vet Dental Care Near Me for Rabbits
Rabbits have continuously growing teeth, which can lead to dental issues if not properly managed. Overgrown teeth can cause pain, difficulty eating, and other health problems.
Signs of Dental Problems in Rabbits
- Drooling or wetness around the mouth
- Decreased appetite or difficulty eating
- Weight loss
- Droppings that are smaller than usual
- Facial swelling
- Changes in behaviour or decreased grooming
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
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Improve Your Rabbit’s Dental Care Routine
For advice and opinions on your rabbit’s teeth, speak to a vet dental care near me professional at Alder Vets. Book an appointment with us to discuss diet, oral hygiene and teeth tips.
Tips you can take away and implement from home include:
Providing unlimited access to high-quality hay, or meadow hay. Hay helps wear down teeth naturally and is essential for gut health. Providing fresh vegetables like leafy greens will also aid in dental wear. Pellet food that's high in fibre is good for their oral health, and will usually contain many other benefits that help with their skin, fur and digestion.
Wooden toys or dental chews are also great for reducing plaque build-up and wearing down their teeth.
By providing a proper diet, regular dental check-ups, and appropriate chew toys, you can help ensure your rabbit’s teeth stay healthy and prevent dental problems. For vet dental care near me, talk to Alder Vets in Surrey today!
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