Stokewood Vets in Bournemouth is raising awareness about dental disease in older cats and dogs, emphasizing that this condition is often overlooked despite being one of the most prevalent health issues in pets. To address this, the veterinary clinic has launched a dental health campaign, offering free dental assessments for pets aged six years and older until December 18.
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Maddie Plugaru, the practice director at Stokewood Veterinary Centre, highlighted the tendency of pets to hide discomfort, leading owners to underestimate the prevalence of dental disease, especially as animals age. She stated, "Many owners are surprised to learn just how common dental disease is in pets, particularly as they get older. Dogs and cats are very good at hiding discomfort, which means dental problems can be present long before obvious signs develop."
Pet owners should look for symptoms such as bad breath, red or bleeding gums, drooling, and facial swelling in dogs, while cats may show signs like eating slowly, grooming less, or appearing uncomfortable when eating. If ignored, dental disease can progress to chronic pain, tooth loss, and infections that affect a pet’s overall health.
The free dental assessment includes an oral examination, advice on home care, and a dental gift bag containing Hill’s dental food and a £10 discount voucher for future purchases. Appointments are available through the Stokewood Vets website.