Warrington Veterinary Practice Offers Free Dental Checks for Senior Pets

All Creatures Vets in Warrington is providing these assessments for pets aged six and over as part of a campaign to raise awareness about dental disease, which often goes unnoticed in senior animals.

Helen Molyneux, senior practice director at All Creatures Veterinary Centre, stated that many owners are unaware of how common dental disease is in pets, especially as they age. She noted that pets often hide discomfort, making it difficult for owners to detect dental issues until more severe symptoms appear.

The center sees many pets whose quality of life has deteriorated due to dental disease, without the owners realizing there was a problem. Molyneux emphasized the importance of these free assessments to identify concerns early, helping pets remain healthy and comfortable.

Dental disease impacts most pets at some stage in their lives. Research shows that one in five dogs over four years old exhibits signs of dental issues, while one in four cats over six is affected. Symptoms of dental disease can be subtle and might go unnoticed for long periods.

To help owners, the Warrington center has created an educational video explaining the signs of dental disease and the significance of regular dental checks. Common signs in dogs may include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty eating, facial swelling, and pawing at the mouth. In cats, symptoms can consist of slower eating, reduced grooming, weight loss, bad breath, or signs of discomfort during feeding.

If untreated, dental disease can escalate from gum inflammation to severe damage to the tissues supporting teeth, leading to chronic pain, infections, and tooth loss. Additionally, oral infections can adversely affect a pet’s overall health.

Molyneux highlighted that dental care is crucial for a pet's overall wellbeing, yet it is frequently neglected because pets do not show obvious pain. The free assessments aim to educate owners on maintaining healthy teeth and gums, indicating potential issues that might require further treatment.

The free dental checks will be available from October 1 to December 18, including an oral examination, home care advice, and recommendations for dental diets and treatments. Each client will receive a dental gift bag containing Hill’s dental food and a £10 voucher for a future dental food purchase.

Appointments can be made by visiting www.cvsvets.com/north-west/all-creatures-veterinary-centre-warrington.