Free Dental Health Campaign Launched for Older Pets in Bury

The campaign seeks to raise awareness about dental disease, which is a common but often overlooked health issue among pets. Pamela Illingworth, practice director at Pennine Veterinary Centre - Tottington, noted that many pet owners are surprised to learn how prevalent dental disease is, especially as pets age. She emphasized that dogs and cats often conceal discomfort, allowing dental problems to develop without obvious signs.

According to research, dental disease affects a significant number of pets in their lifetimes, with one in five dogs over four years old and one in four cats over six showing some form of the condition. Symptoms can be subtle, and pets may endure discomfort for extended periods before displaying clear indications of a problem.

To assist pet owners, Pennine Vets has released an educational video featuring a veterinarian discussing the signs of dental disease and the benefits of regular dental check-ups. The video provides practical advice on maintaining oral health, identifying symptoms, and determining when professional treatment is needed.

Common indicators of dental disease in dogs include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, drooling, food dropping, facial swelling, and pawing at the mouth. In cats, symptoms may be less apparent and can include slower eating, decreased grooming, weight loss, bad breath, and discomfort during meals.

If ignored, dental disease can escalate from gum inflammation to serious damage to the supporting tissues of the teeth, leading to chronic pain, infections, and tooth loss. Oral infections can also lead to broader health complications for pets.

Illingworth stressed the importance of dental care for overall pet health, stating that it is often neglected since pets do not typically exhibit clear pain signals. The free assessments, available until December 18, include an appointment with a vet or nurse, an oral examination, and tailored advice on home care, diet, and necessary dental treatments.

As part of the campaign, pet owners will receive a dental gift bag that contains Hill’s dental food and a £10 discount voucher for future purchases. Appointments can be arranged via the Pennine Vets website, where additional resources on pet dental health, including tips on cleaning teeth and preventing tartar, are also available. A full educational video can be viewed on the CVS Vets YouTube channel.

Pet owners who notice any signs of dental disease, such as persistent bad breath, changes in eating habits, bleeding gums, reduced grooming in cats, or excessive drooling, are encouraged to seek veterinary advice. Pennine Vets aims to enhance pet comfort and quality of life by detecting dental issues early.