Did you know approximately 95% of dogs and cats over 3 years of age have some degree of periodontal disease which is the major cause of tooth loss.Periodontal disease begins with plaque, a soft film on the surface of the teeth.If this plaque is not removed from the teeth it forms a hard deposit on the teeth called calculus which requires dental treatment to remove.

As calculus builds up on the teeth, it pushes the gums away from the teeth. Over time the supporting structures of the teeth break down leading to infection, inflammation and eventually tooth loss. This may go unnoticed and is very painful. Pets’ general health is directly related to their dental health; if pets have bad dental health they also have poor general health. Bacteria from the mouth may cause secondary disease; stomach upsets, heart valve disease and or liver and kidneys infections.

This is preventable by brushing your pet’s teeth daily, a proper diet and regular dental check-ups. From an early age pets can be easily trained into having their teeth brushed and love this as part of their daily routine.

A few diets, such as Vet Essentials or Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d, have been shown to significantly reduce the build up of plaque