Healthy habits lead to a lifetime of wellness

A regular dental routine helps your pet live a happy and healthy life.

Dental health plays an important role in your pet’s overall health and wellbeing, but more than 80% of cats and dogs develop a form of dental disease by the time they turn 3.

The build-up of plaque and tartar can cause gingivitis, bleeding and pain, which left untreated can contribute to certain forms of heart, liver and kidney problems. Prevention is always better than a cure, so Greencross Vets have provided their best dental advice to set your pets up with great dental hygiene for life.

Select your pet to find out how to care for their teeth

Dog

Cat

7 signs of dental disease in dogs

Pets can’t tell us when it hurts so get to know the 7 signs of dental disease and take them to the vet if you think they might be displaying symptoms.

Smelly dog breath, whist common, isn’t normal and is the easiest way to identify the first signs of dental disease. Other symptoms include plaque and tartar build-up, reddened gums, excessive salivation, pawing at the mouth and difficulty chewing. Abscesses seen as lumps below the eye can also be seen.

6 steps

for dog dental care

Just like us, dogs need a daily dental hygiene routine. If you can’t remember the last time you brushed your dog’s teeth, then it’s time to step-up your dog’s dental routine.

Maintaining dogs’ dental health is essential to their overall well-being and in most cases, dental disease is preventable with the right care.

1

Book a checkup with your vet

If you can’t remember the last time you brushed your dog’s teeth, they probably need a dental checkup Regularly visit the vet who can perform dental examinations and provide prevention and treatment plans. You can find your closest Greencross vet at Greencross Vets

2

Feed a dental diet

Dental diets are dry food designed with a particular shape and texture to “scrub” or provide mild abrasion to your dog’s teeth and clean off plaque as they chew. They also contain ingredients that promote fresh breath and better dental health.

3

Brush their teeth daily

Brushing your dog’s teeth daily with a pet toothbrush is the most recommended way to reduce plaque build-up. Check out our range of tasty beef or chicken flavoured toothpastes that your best mate will love!

4

Feed dental treats and chews

Reward your dog with a tasty treat that helps to clean their teeth. While dental treats shouldn’t be solely relied on for your pet’s dental hygiene, they’re a useful addition to their home dental care program

5

Play with dental toys

Dental chew toys are a fun way to keep your dog’s pearly whites sparkling. Rope toys and textured rubber toys are two great options that will keep them entertained while also mechanically cleaning their teeth.

6

Add water additive or teeth gel

Other elements you can include in your dog’s daily dental care routine are water additives and oral gels. Either measure the additive into their drinking water or apply the gel to their teeth daily to promote healthy teeth and gums and to fight bad breath.

7 signs of dental disease in cats

Pets can’t tell us when it hurts, so get to know the 7 signs of dental disease and take them to the vet if you think they might be displaying symptoms.

Smelly cat breath isn’t normal and is the easiest way to identify the first signs of dental disease. Other symptoms include plaque and tartar build-up, reddened gums, excessive salivation, pawing at the mouth, under eye-swelling, loss of appetite and difficulty chewing.

5 steps

for cat dental care

Just like us, cats need a daily dental hygiene routine. If you can’t remember the last time you brushed your cat’s teeth, then it’s time to step-up their dental routine.

Maintaining cat’s dental health is essential to their overall well-being and in most cases, dental disease is preventable with the right care. You can help protect your cat’s teeth with 5 keys steps:

1

Book a checkup with your vet

If you can’t remember the last time you brushed your cat’s teeth, they probably need a dental check up. Regularly visit the vet who can perform dental examinations and provide prevention and treatment plans. You can find your closest Greencross vet at Greencross Vets

2

Feed a dental diet

Dental diets are dry food designed with a particular shape and texture to “scrub” or provide mild abrasion to your cat’s teeth and clean off plaque as they chew. They also contain ingredients that promote fresh breath and better dental health.

3

Brush their teeth daily

Brushing your cat’s teeth daily with a pet toothbrush is the most recommended way to reduce plaque build-up. Check out our range of tasty beef or chicken flavoured toothpastes that your feline friend will love!

4

Feed dental treats and chews

Reward your cat with a tasty treat that helps to clean their teeth. While dental treats shouldn’t be solely relied on for your pet’s dental hygiene, they’re a useful addition to their home dental care program

5

Add water additive or teeth gel

Other elements you can include in your cat’s daily dental care routine are water additives and oral gels. Either measure the additive into their drinking water or apply the gel to their teeth daily to promote healthy teeth and gums and to fight bad breath.