Dental Care for Dogs and Cats: More Than Just Bad Breath

We tend to laugh off "doggy breath", but bad breath is usually the first sign of dental disease — one of the most common and most under-treated problems in pets. Sore teeth and gums cause real, hidden pain, and the infection can affect the heart, liver and kidneys over time.

Signs of dental trouble

• Persistent bad breath.
• Yellow-brown tartar along the gum line.
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums.
• Dropping food, chewing on one side, or reluctance to eat hard food.
• Pawing at the mouth or drooling.

Everyday dental care

• Brushing is the gold standard. Use a pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste (never human toothpaste — it's toxic to them). Start slowly and make it positive; even a few times a week helps enormously.
• Dental chews and toys designed to reduce plaque are a useful extra — look for vet-approved ones.
• Dental diets and additives can help for pets who won't tolerate brushing.

The professional clean

Once tartar hardens, brushing can't remove it. Your vet may recommend a professional scale and polish under anaesthetic — the same deep clean you'd get at the dentist. It's the only way to properly clean under the gum line and treat problem teeth, and pets often perk up noticeably afterwards once the hidden pain is gone.

Start young, stay ahead

The earlier you build a dental routine, the easier it is — and the more discomfort and cost you save down the line. A healthy mouth is a surprisingly big part of a happy, comfortable pet.