Beaumont Veterinary Centre in Botley, Oxford, has issued a warning about the prevalence of dental disease among older pets, urging owners to be attentive to potential signs, particularly in senior cats and dogs.
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To promote awareness and facilitate early detection, the clinic has launched a dental health campaign, offering free dental assessments to cats and dogs aged six and older.
Hannah Gardiner, the head vet at Beaumont Veterinary Centre, emphasized the commonality of dental disease in aging pets, noting that many owners are unaware of the issue. She stated, "Dogs and cats are very good at hiding discomfort, which means dental problems can be present long before obvious signs develop."
Dental disease is a significant concern, as one in five dogs over four years old and one in four cats over six exhibit signs of dental issues. Symptoms often remain unnoticed for months or even years due to their subtlety.
To assist pet owners in identifying dental problems, the clinic has released an educational video featuring a veterinarian discussing common symptoms and the critical nature of regular dental check-ups. Symptoms in dogs can include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, drooling, dropping food, facial swelling, and pawing at the mouth. In contrast, cats may show more discreet signs, such as slow eating, decreased grooming, weight loss, bad breath, or discomfort while eating.
If not addressed, dental disease can escalate from gum inflammation to serious damage affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth, leading to chronic pain, infections, and tooth loss. Oral infections may also have implications for a pet's overall health.
Gardiner pointed out the importance of dental care in a pet's overall well-being, stating, "Through these free assessments, we want to help owners understand what healthy teeth and gums look like, show them how they can support their pet's dental health at home, and identify any issues that may benefit from further treatment."
The free dental assessments are available until December 18 and include a consultation with a vet or nurse, an oral examination, and home care recommendations, along with suggested dental diets and treatments if necessary. Each attending client will receive a complimentary dental gift bag, featuring Hill’s dental food and a £10 discount voucher for future purchases.