Veterinarians Highlight Importance of Dental Health in Senior Pets

Clinical directors Sarah Carroll and Emma McRobbie emphasized that many owners are unaware of how prevalent dental disease is in aging pets. They noted, "Dogs and cats are very good at hiding discomfort, which means dental problems can be present long before obvious signs develop."

The veterinarians frequently see pets whose quality of life has diminished due to dental issues that their owners did not recognize. They encourage pet owners to take advantage of the free assessments to identify potential problems early on to keep their pets healthy and comfortable.

As part of the campaign, an educational video has been released featuring a veterinarian discussing the significance of regular dental checks, practical home care advice, and common signs of dental disease. The video can be found on CVS Vets' YouTube channel.

Symptoms of dental disease vary among pets. For dogs, indicators include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, excessive drooling, difficulty eating, facial swelling, and pawing at their mouth. In contrast, cats may exhibit more subtle signs such as eating slowly, reduced grooming, weight loss, bad breath, or pain while eating.

If left untreated, dental disease can lead to severe consequences, including chronic pain, infection, and tooth loss. Ms. Carroll and Ms. McRobbie stressed the importance of dental care in a pet’s overall wellbeing, noting that it is often overlooked since pets typically do not show clear signs of discomfort.

The free assessments will be available until December 18 and can be scheduled on the practice’s website. Each appointment includes an oral examination by either a vet or nurse, recommendations for home dental care, a dental diet, necessary treatments, and a complimentary dental gift bag containing nutritious dental food and a discount voucher for future purchases.