Pet dentistry services in Somerset & Wiltshire
Every animal deserves a comfortable mouth.
Did you know that around 75% of dogs and cats have some form of dental disease by the age of 3 years? The majority of pets will show few signs of having a painful mouth so regular checkups help identify those animals at risk.
There are 3 main types of dental problem that may require treatment:
- Periodontal (gum) disease in dogs & cats happens as a result of plaque and bacteria accumulating in the mouth. Gingivitis results (inflammation of the gums) and gradually the attachments of the tooth are damaged causing it to loosen and fall out. This painful condition can also lead to systemic illnesses such as kidney failure.
- Up to 70% of cats will be affected by tooth resorption in their lifetime. A hole forms in the crown, and in some cases, the roots are affected too. This condition is very painful and requires x-rays and tooth extraction.
- Dental trauma and fractures can be caused by chewing on inappropriate objects or through injury. Teeth extraction is normally required, but in some cases, they can be referred to a veterinary dental specialist for repair.
Dental care at Garston Vets
If one of our team has recommended dental treatment for your pet it is important to act on this advice to prevent the condition from getting worse. At Garston Vets, we have invested heavily in state-of-the-art dentistry equipment and facilities to ensure your pet receives the best possible dental care.
Your pet’s dental treatment:
- Your pet will be admitted in the morning and stay with us for the day
- Dentistry requires a general anaesthetic and we include fluid therapy in the cost to make this as safe as possible
- All cats will have their teeth x-rayed as standard and dogs as needed
- The teeth will be cleaned and assessed and any that are not healthy will be extracted. This is often a surgical procedure in cats and dogs
- We will check your pet after 2 and 10 days to make sure they are recovering well from the procedure.
Until we have examined your pet’s mouth under anaesthetic we cannot predict the extent of any problems or the time required to carry out the work. We limit dentistry to 2-hour sessions to minimise the risk of a lengthy anaesthetic. If your pet requires further treatment this will be done after 4-6 weeks.
FREE pet dental checkups for life
Following dental treatment, your pet will be entitled to FREE dental check-ups for life with our nursing team every 6 months. It is likely that your pet will need further dental treatment at some stage but good home care will reduce the frequency over their lifetime.
How to prevent dental disease in dogs & cats
Pet teeth brushing is the BEST way of keeping your pet’s teeth healthy. You should aim to brush your pet’s teeth every day with pet-specific toothpaste, using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a finger brush. Brushing is the single most effective method of removing the plaque that leads to gum disease.
If you find daily brushing difficult or your pet won’t tolerate it, there are other products you can use instead of/in addition:
- Yucare Tooth Cleaner – a microfibre finger sleeve with silver ions can be used daily instead of brushing
- ROYAL CANIN® Dental Diet – larger kibble size and a special formulation will help reduce plaque build-up
- Water additives and rinses – used in addition to brushing and diets can improve oral hygiene
- Dental Chews – the daily use of chews such as VeggieDent can help keep teeth clean and promote gum health
Checking your pet’s teeth and gums at home regularly for any damage, plaque build-up, or abnormalities can help with spotting signs of dental decay early. Your pet should also have periodic dental checks with our veterinary team, just as you would visit your own dentist around every 6-12 months.
Why not join our Wellness Plan
At Garston Vets we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure. Our Wellness Plan has been specifically designed so that your pet not only receives all of the essential vaccinations and parasite protection they need, but also a whole range of additional benefits to help ensure they remain in the best possible health.
Our team will work with you to make sure every aspect of your pet’s health care plan is appropriate for their age and lifestyle. To budget with confidence whilst providing premium treatment for your pet, sign up to our 12-month payment plan to spread the cost of your pet’s preventative healthcare and start enjoying the many benefits right away.
At Garston Vets we believe our Wellness Plan provides exceptional cover as it includes tick prevention – an ever-increasing problem in rural areas. Join today!
