05/04/2023
Did you know that around 80% of dogs and cats will have some form of dental problem before their fourth birthday? Thankfully, there’s lots we can do to help our pets have healthier mouths. We’ve been investigating the benefits of cat and dog teeth cleaning regimes.
Why you should clean your dog or cats’ teeth
If your goal is a happy, healthy pet, teeth cleaning should be part of your regular routine. This is because – just like people – pets can get smelly breath and issues with their gums if oral hygiene is left to chance. In the longer term, rotten or infected teeth and gums can leak bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to problems in your pet's heart and kidneys, which is much more serious than just bad breath.
Dental details, facts, and figures
If you don’t have a regular dental routine for your pet's teeth, most vets recommend an annual ‘dental’ – these can be expensive and require a general anaesthetic.
A ‘dental’ (veterinary clean, descale, and polish under general anaesthetic) can cost between £150 and £600 depending on your vet.
If your pet needs teeth extracted, these costs increase significantly – and so will your pet’s recovery time.
Some dog breeds are more prone to dental issues than others – very short muzzled breeds (brachycephalic), dogs with narrow, pointed muzzles (like sheltie, poodles and dachsie), and some tiny-mouthed toy breeds seem to struggle more than average.
