August is the Australian Veterinary Association’s dental health month so it ’s time to talk about all things teeth-related. Kristie Bradfield finds out what you need to know about doggy dental care.
Did you know that between 80 and 85 per cent of all dogs over the age of three have teeth and gum issues that need treatment? We humans know that having a sore tooth is no fun at all — not only is it painful but it also affects other parts of our lives like eating, sleeping and having fun. Our dogs get sore teeth too; the only problem is that they can’t tell us when they are in pain. Periodontal disease can go unchecked for years and it can cause significant pain and discomfort in our canine pals. The good thing is that all of this potential pain can be avoided by some proactive treatment.
Tell-tale signs
While our dogs can’t verbalise their pain, there are a few physical signs of dental disease that speak for them. Dr Danielle says to keep an eye out for signs like:
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Red or bleeding gums
- Broken or missing teeth
- Disinterest in normal diet, particularly harder foods like biscuits or chews If your pet’s mouth seems to be dirtier — for example, if there is more tartar on one side of their mouth — it is likely that it is painful to chew on that side of their mouth so they avoid it, resulting in the teeth getting progressively worse. If you notice any of these signs, a trip to the vet is necessary.
Dental Health Month
August is the Australian Veterinary Association’s Dental Health Month. Want to access info about dental care for your dog? Head to the AVA website for more details: www.ava.com.au.
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