Pet Pearly Whites

It’s that time of year again, Dental Awareness Month! As August quickly scoots around it’s time to consider the health and wellbeing of our pet’s teeth and gums.

“Prevention is the best form of attack when it comes to taking care of our beloved pet’s teeth and gums,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “Just like with the two-legged variety, dental hygiene and care is very important to help prevent future disease and problems.”

Periodontal or dental disease can lead to bacteria entering the bloodstream that can cause various other complications in the body including damaging the heart, liver or kidneys. Bacteria in the mouth can also lead to sever bone infections and even cause holes in the nasal cavity.

“So keeping up with your pet’s dental hygiene is important,” Crighton says. “August is certainly the time for your yearly check up with your local vet to ensure your pet has a clean bill of health for their teeth.”

During the month of August many veterinary clinics around the country will be running specials to help combat dental disease in cats and dogs.

Signs of periodontal disease

• Smelly pungent breath
• Excessive drooling
• Reluctance to eat / difficulty chewing
• Swelling in the face/jaw
• Sneezing and nasal discharge
• Inflamed red gums

“Preventing tooth problems is easy and just takes a little time and effort,” Crighton recommends. “You can choose to brush your dog’s teeth or offer teeth cleaning toys such as plastic bones and ropes.”

Raw bones (not cooked bones) are also great for the teeth however it is always advisable to supervise your dog while they are munching down, and remove the bone once they have finished.

“Raw bones are great for the teeth but care must be taken to remove the bone when the dog is done, to prevent a choking and ingestion hazards,” Crighton says. “And only choose bones and toys that are suitable for your dog’s size.”

Your vet can also organise for your pet to have a clean and scale to get those pearly whites looking photo-ready and smelling great.

“Pet Insurance Australia offers teeth cleaning cover under its Routine Care package as preventing dental disease is an important aspect in responsible pet ownership,” Nadia Crighton says.

Nadia Crighton

Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.

We offer award-winning* pet insurance policies to protect your furry friend’s health and wellbeing. Get a quote today and give your pets the care they deserve.