Doggy dental checks in Purleigh
April 14, 2019
Doggy dental care: find out what’s normal for your pet
It’s important to keep on top of your dog’s dental health to avoid gum disease, which can lead to bad breath, pain and loose teeth.
Infections can even spread to the heart, liver, kidney or lungs – so it’s worth knowing what to look out for to catch it early. Book a dental check-up and, while you’re there, you can find out about the other services we offer to help you keep your dog in tip-top condition.
Brush up on your dog’s dental regime
The vets at Edgewood Vets in Purleigh will examine your dog’s mouth and teeth during the annual check-up and vaccination appointment, but you should check them every few weeks too – a year is a long time with toothache.
Here’s what to look for:
- Bad breath never assume this is normal
- Gums that are painful, red, swollen or bleed easily
- Plaque – this appears as a build-up of yellow material on the teeth
- Tartar – a hard, brown build-up on the teeth
- Loose or missing teeth
- Mouth pain may not be obvious but may show as:
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty eating
- Bleeding when eating
- Irritability
- Reluctance to be handled around the mouth
- Depression or being quieter than normal
If you’re in any doubt, just give us a call or pop into Edgewood Veterinary Group and make an appointment – one of our nurses will be happy to show you what you are looking for, and how to examine your dog’s teeth without risking being bitten.
Preventing plaque
The main ways you can prevent a build-up of plaque on your dog’s teeth are:
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste (give the nurses at Edgewood Veterinary Group a call if you need advice about this)
- Give your dog chew toys
- Feed dry dog food or a specialised dental diet
- Visit your vet for regular dental check ups
