Vets encourage owners to prioritise oral health during Pet Smile Month
Vets are encouraging pet owners to look after their furry friends’ teeth this month.
September is Pet Smile Month. As part of the annual campaign, vets across the country are offering advice and help with dental health issues, with some surgeries also providing free dental checks.
For most owners, brushing their teeth is an important part of morning and evening routines, vet nurse, Nina Downing, explains, but many don’t clean their pets’ teeth. Just as humans are at risk of decay and gum disease, animals can also develop oral health problems.
Gum disease is particularly common in dogs and can lead to premature tooth loss.
Nina, a veterinary nurse at PDSA, suggested that pet owners may not be aware of the risks of dental diseases or familiar with brushing techniques. Vets can help with dental cleaning and offer tips to improve dental health, including healthy eating and going for regular check-ups.
Warning signs to look out for include swollen, red and bleeding gums and injuries or swelling that prevent cats or dogs from eating normally. Pets may seem reluctant to eat if they have gum disease or a painful tooth, or they may go off their food. Dental symptoms are not just linked to gum disease and tooth decay.
They can also increase the risk of other illnesses, as bacteria that cause periodontal disease can travel to other parts of the body via the bloodstream.
Owners who have concerns about their pet’s teeth are encouraged to seek advice from their local vet and keep up to date with routine health checks.
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