Just like people dogs, cats and rabbits need regular dental care and checks.
For dogs and cats regular brushing and dry food can help keep their teeth in good condition. Rabbits need plenty of forage and vegetation to chew on for their teeth.
Our nursing team offer free dental checks for any pet, and can show you how to clean their teeth at home. Checking of the mouth and teeth is also part of the full health check given to your pet during their annual booster vaccine with one of our vets, and for members of the Pet Health Club during their free 6 monthly check.
The important things to remember are that dogs and cats must have special pet toothpaste (minty toothpaste with fluoride is not advised!) and also to introduce a new teeth cleaning regime slowly so as not to scare your pet. They should first get used to you looking at their teeth, and then introduce a finger in around their teeth and gums before introducing toothpaste and finally the brush. The earlier in a pets life that you begin this the better, it will keep their teeth clean, their breath fresh and help to delay or prevent dental procedures later in life.
We have a dental machine at both practices. The Upton upon Severn surgery has a new, state of the art dental machine which is excellent for complicated tooth extractions which are often needed.
We are also able to perform dental x-rays at the Upton surgery which enables us to assess your pet’s mouth just as your own dentist would when you go for checks. We are then able to monitor any issues and plan any extractions carefully.