Our Pet Health Plan Terms are being updated, effective from 12th February 2024. Please click here for more information.

Looking after your pet’s pearly whites is extremely important, which is why we’re launching a dental health awareness campaign to provide help, advice and treatment along with some great offers.

Dental disease among cats, dogs and rabbits is one of the most common problems we deal with at Vet4Life and there are some simple steps all pet owners can take to improve their furry friend’s oral health.

To help you get started on the road to better dental care for your pet, we’re offering Vet4Life Family members £50 off a scale and polish for cats and dogs, from now until 31st March 2019.

What problems can bad oral health cause?

Unfortunately, dental disease is extremely common in pets due to a combination of dietary and genetic factors.

Here are some of the issues a bad oral health regime can cause:

  • Without daily brushing, plaque can build up on animals’ teeth. This contains a complex film of bacteria which can be damaging to gums and roots
  • If plaque isn’t removed it can build up and become calcified. The brown substance which can be seen on teeth is tartar, which can allow more bacteria to grow if left untreated
  • Not treating plaque and tartar can eventually lead to toothache, gingivitis (gum infection) and tooth loss. All these conditions can be very painful and you may see your pet having difficulties eating
  • Seemingly harmless items which pets chew on, such as tennis balls, can wear teeth down and leave the root exposed

What action should I take?

  • Regular proactive dental care can help prevent oral health issues. Daily brushing with pet-friendly toothpaste will help reduce the build-up of plaque
  • Prescription dental diets can be used to help prevent plaque build-up and keep teeth clean
  • For cats and dogs where tartar is already present, a scale and polish under a general anaesthetic is needed to remove the build-up

If you have any questions about your pet’s oral health, please get in touch with us on 020 8977 3955.