Dental Care
Good dental health is essential to your pet’s overall wellbeing. At myVet, we offer gentle, thorough dental care to help prevent pain, infection, and long-term health issues.
Keeping Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy
Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common health problems seen in pets—yet many owners are unaware of the early signs or how to prevent it. Just because your pet isn’t showing obvious signs of discomfort doesn’t mean their mouth is healthy. Left untreated, dental disease can cause chronic pain and lead to infections that affect the heart, lungs, or kidneys.
The good news? With regular checks and a few simple habits at home, you can help keep your pet’s teeth clean and their mouth healthy.
Checking your pet’s mouth regularly can help catch early signs of dental disease. Warning signs include:
- Yellow or brown staining on the teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Loose or broken teeth
- Pus around the gumline
- Unusual lumps or growths in the mouth
You may also notice changes in your pet’s behavior, such as reluctance to chew, hesitation to eat, avoiding cold water, or losing interest in toys. If you spot any of these symptoms, book a check-up with your vet.
Brushing your pet’s teeth is the most effective way to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. While dental biscuits and dry food help to some extent, they’re not a substitute for regular brushing.
Getting Started
Introduce tooth brushing gradually—especially if your pet isn’t used to having their mouth handled:
- Begin Slowly: Gently rub your pet’s gums with your finger. Dipping your finger in chicken broth (for dogs) or tuna water (for cats) can make this more appealing.
- Try Gauze: Once your pet is comfortable, wrap your finger in gauze and lightly rub the teeth and gumline.
- Introduce the Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled brush designed for pets (or an ultra-soft human brush). Apply a small amount of pet-specific toothpaste—never use human toothpaste, as it can upset their stomach.
Aim to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and focus on the gumline, where food particles and bacteria tend to collect.
- Place your hand gently over your pet’s muzzle.
- Use your thumb and forefinger to lift the lips and keep the mouth slightly open.
- Brush one side of the mouth, then the other, using small circular motions.
- Keep sessions short and calm—praise and patience go a long way.
- Wrapping your pet in a towel or blanket can help keep them calm and secure.
Regular dental care is one of the most important things you can do to support your pet’s long-term health. If you're unsure where to start, or think your pet might need a professional dental cleaning, speak to your vet.
Book a Dental Check Today
Regular dental care is one of the most important things you can do to support your pet’s long-term health. If you're unsure where to start, or think your pet might need a professional dental cleaning, speak to your vet.