When parents have children, the importance of brushing a child's teeth is drummed into them for fear of decay and other dental issues but what happens when we become pet owners?

Dental extractions in dogs and cats are something which happen daily, often when a pet reaches middle age and can be costly, which is why pet insurance which covers dental treatment is important.

But as Lucy Tottey, a vet with Cheshire Pet Sandbach with a special interest in animal dentistry, says preventative care can go a long way to helping prevent dental problems get to the stage where they need surgery.

"It's easier to start at the puppy and kitten stage when they are young and introduce it as a game," says Lucy.

"Dogs and cats need special pet tooth paste. Human toothpaste is too high in fluoride to use. There are various types of pet tooth brushes available including long ones to allow you to brush from a distance.

"You can also have dog finger tooth brushes . It's important to remove tartar and keep a dog's or cat's teeth in good condition. Brushing their teeth is a really important part of looking after your pet.

"Feeding a specially formulated dental diet is another good way to help maintain your pet's dental health; especially if tooth brushing is not so easy to do."

Knowing what treats, complete diets and supplements are best for dental health can be tricky, so a key piece of advice from Lucy is to look out for the VOHC seal of approval on the packaging when shopping - VOHC stands for 'Veterinary Oral Health Council'.

(Image: VOHC)

"Plaque and tartar lead to bacteria in the mouth," says Lucy. "If dental disease and plaque are ignored, then bacteria from the mouth will be entering the animal's bloodstream and can potentially, over time cause damage to their kidneys or heart. Dental disease is therefore a serious concern."

Lucy says some breeds are more prone to dental issues. She said: "These include little toy breeds, greyhounds and sight hounds and Yorkies for example."

A pet owner brushing their dog' teeth. (Photo: Cheshire Pet Sandbach)

"Teeth are one of the things checked during each six month health check at Cheshire Pet Sandbach, which is included in Pet Health Club membership. 

"This is where many pet's dental problems are first spotted, as animals usually hide any dental pain, eating and behaving as normal. 

"Dental disease is a very common cause of chronic pain, and the last thing pet lovers want is to have their pet in any sort of pain. Vets and nurses are able to advise the best way to care for your pet's oral health."

An X-Ray of a dog's teeth. (Image: Cheshire Pet Sandbach)

One pet owner with an 11 year old Cockapoo discovered the animal needed teeth extracting following her Pet Health Club examination.

"It can be upsetting finding out. I wish I had started brushing Bella's teeth when she we first got her. It's very important to get her to relax and let me brush her teeth. We have always fed her carrot and apples to help clean her teeth but that isn't enough," said the owner.

"A finger tooth brush is a good idea as well as using a flavoured dog toothpaste which they like. It's easier then."

Cats also need their teeth brushing. (Photo: Cheshire Pet Sandbach)

Pet owners who belong to Cheshire Pet Sandbach's Pet Health Club get a discount on dental work. Fortunately for that pet owner her insurance policy covered a large proportion of the work. Cheshire Pet Sandbach are happy to process any insurance claims if you have dental cover.  

(Image: Cheshire Pet Sandbach)

Lucy added: "It's worth getting an insurance policy which covers dental disease but ensuring good dental care and hygiene is equally as important.

"If you need help with either dental care for your pet or any other issues with your animal please give us a call."

Sandbach Nub News is proud that Cheshire Pet Sandbach is a sponsor of our news service. 

It is thanks to the generosity of organisations like Cheshire Pet that we can continue our mission to revive local news, both in Sandbach and across the UK.   

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