More Than a Smile: Prioritising Dental Care for Senior Pets

Ensuring your senior pet’s retirement is as comfortable as possible means paying close attention to their dental health. Healthy teeth and gums are fundamental to your pet’s overall well-being, as dental issues can lead to pain, difficulty eating, and more serious health complications.

Regular cleaning and attention are the best defence against dental problems. Neglecting this can lead to advanced dental disease, which may require complex procedures under anaesthesia for older pets. While modern anaesthesia is very safe, it’s always a serious consideration for ageing animals. If your pet does require anaesthesia, it’s vital to discuss pre-anaesthetic blood tests and careful medication choices with your vet, who will recommend the safest options based on your pet’s specific health status.

It’s crucial to know the signs of an issue. If you notice your pet has persistent bad breath, inflamed gums, or other indicators of dental disease, do not delay treatment. Proactive and timely veterinary care can prevent unnecessary discomfort, maintain their appetite, and ensure they can eat pain-free, which is essential for their quality of life.

By prioritising your senior pet’s oral health, you are making a simple yet profound choice that contributes to their comfort, health, and happiness throughout their retirement.