By the age of three, most dogs and cats show some sign of dental disease. It starts quietly — plaque hardens into tartar, the gums inflame, and bacteria work below the gumline where you can't see it. Left alone, it leads to pain, tooth loss, and strain on the heart and kidneys.
Signs worth a closer look
- Bad breath that doesn't go away
- Yellow or brown buildup along the gumline
- Red or bleeding gums
- Dropping food, chewing on one side, or eating less
What a cleaning involves
A proper cleaning happens under anaesthesia so we can scale below the gumline, take dental X-rays, and check each tooth without distressing your pet. It's the only way to treat what's actually causing the problem rather than just polishing the surface.
At home, between visits
Daily brushing with a pet-safe paste is the gold standard. If your pet won't tolerate it, dental chews and water additives help. We're happy to show you a technique that works for your animal at your next exam.
