Many pet dental diseases occur below the gum line, where you can’t see. Maybe that’s why dental problems can be missed even by the most observant pet owners.

We’re offering FREE Dental Checks during February, so you can make sure your pets get their teeth checked over whether you’re concerned about something or just want peace of mind.

The signs of dental problems are not always apparent, but that doesn’t mean our pets aren’t suffering from problems with their teeth. A sore mouth or gums can really get our pets down and there are a few signs you can watch out for:

1. Lost appetite or weight loss can also be a sign that your pet’s teeth are decayed or painful. Imagine how hard it will be to chew with painful teeth or gums, particularly when eating hard pet foods like kibble.

2. Yellow or brown teeth, or those which have obvious signs of plaque build up, tend to indicate the need for teeth cleaning. It may be possible to relieve the symptoms with mouth wash or dental chews, or your pet may need some expert dental treatment.

3. Dog breath is something we come to expect from our pooches, but some dogs have it worse than others. If your dog (or your cat for that matter) has worse smelling breath than usual, its probably time for a dental check.

If you’re not sure whether your pet has problems in the dental department, it’s always a good idea to speak to us. Mouthwash, dental chews and regular teeth cleaning can all help to avoid dental problems. But, chances are most pets will benefit from some dental treatment at some point in their lives.

We probably expect our own teeth to last our lifetime, and we all know that regular dental check ups are vital to achieving that. The same goes for our pets, so get in touch if you’d like any help or advice.