Click here to view the latest information on how to access our services.

Click here to view the latest information on how to access our services.

Your Pet’s Dental Care Routine at Blythwood Vets

Maintaining your pet’s dental health is a crucial part of their overall well-being. By incorporating preventative care into your pet’s routine, you can help ensure their teeth and gums remain in top condition.

Just like humans, pets can experience tartar build-up, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Simple practices, such as brushing your pet’s teeth once or twice a day, can significantly improve their oral hygiene and help prevent dental issues.

At Blythwood Vets we’re here to support you in establishing a regular dental care routine for your pet, ensuring their oral health is maintained effectively.

Book a pet dental care appointment

Signs of Poor Dental Health in Pets

Pets, including rabbits, cats, and dogs, can show several signs of poor dental health, such as:

  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Visible tartar build-up (brown discoloration on the teeth)
  • Discoloured teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Red or inflamed gums (gingivitis)

If you observe any changes in your pet’s behaviour or notice signs of discomfort in their mouth, contact the Blythwood Vets team. Book a dental care appointment today to keep your pet’s oral health in check.

 

Signs of Severe Dental Disease in Pets

When dental care is neglected, severe dental disease may develop. Indicators of advanced dental issues include:

  • Drooling
  • Reluctance or slowness to eat
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Chewing on one side of the mouth
  • Dropping food while eating
  • Swelling around the mouth

If your pet displays any of these symptoms, contact Blythwood Vets immediately. Severe dental disease can cause significant discomfort for pets, but early identification and treatment can make a big difference.

Book a pet dental care appointment

Comprehensive Dental Care at Blythwood Vets

Our experienced team at Blythwood Vets is available to answer your questions and recommend suitable products or dental diets for your pet. Whether it’s guidance on brushing techniques, choosing the right dental chews, or advice on diets designed to promote oral health, we’re here to help.

Book your consultation online today to ensure your pet’s dental care routine is tailored to their needs and benefits their overall health.

What Can I Do To Keep My Pets Teeth Healthy?

The best way to maintain healthy teeth is to brush your pet's teeth daily. This is easiest to start when your pets are younger but can be introduced at any age. The team would be happy to help with advice on introducing this to your cat or dog.

It can also be beneficial to have a scale and polish performed regularly to clean the teeth thoroughly. This is similar to the treatment we would receive from a dental hygienist. These are done under a short general anaesthetic as our patients won’t sit in one position for a prolonged period and we must ensure their safety and the team’s safety when in the vicinity of sharp teeth!

Brushing teeth

Start by getting some toothpaste specially made for pets – never use toothpaste made for humans as these are not designed to be swallowed and are toxic to dogs. Try gently rubbing the paste around their gums and when they are relaxed about it continue this method for 7-10 days. The next step is to put some of the paste on to a pet toothbrush and let them lick it off.
They might be suspicious of the brush at first so if they walk away be patient and try again the next day. When brushing your pet’s teeth, you should aim to gently brush the outside surfaces of all the teeth to remove plaque.

Book a pet dental care appointment

Vet Dentistry - Emergency Dental Work 

We understand that many pet owners occasionally face an emergency when their pet breaks or injures a tooth and need to see a vet for dental care treatments. We have the right equipment and tools for emergency dental work.

Our emergency dental work is done to a high clinical standard, and the following is included (as applicable):

  • Dental x-rays are carried before teeth are extracted.
  • IV fluids (if needed), enhancing anaesthetic safety and speeding recovery
  • Dental nerve blocks to provide excellent pain relief for pets having extractions
  • Teeth are extracted surgically (where appropriate) so the gum is stitched closed.

Dog & Cat Dentistry - Ongoing Care and Recommendations

Pet dental health is particularly important for each pet’s lifelong, overall health. The vet dentist team at Blythwood recommends ongoing, at-home pet dental care to preserve your pet’s oral well-being. We recommend a range of select dental health care products, which are used by veterinarians with our pets. These include pet toothpaste and products that are easy to use, such as treats, supplements, and more! There are liquids that can be added to your pet’s water to help reduce plaque build-up and reduce bad breath (halitosis) as well as veterinary dental diets. We can help you choose and utilise the best products for your pet’s lifestyle and needs.

Find Out More About Dental Care for Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits

At Spinney Vets, we provide specialised dental care services for dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals. Learn more about our specific pet dental care services by contacting our team or visiting us online.

 

 

Pet Dental Care FAQs

What is dental disease?

Dental disease can vary from mild to severe. In the early stages of dental disease plaque and tartar begin to build on the surface of the tooth. As plaque and tartar continue to build the gum around the tooth can become inflames (gingivitis). Left untreated, the inflamed gum will begin to recede, exposing the root of the tooth. Ultimately the tooth may be lost. Dental disease can occur following trauma where a tooth is fractures

Is my pet in pain if they have dental disease?

Yes. Your pet’s teeth are made up in the same way as our teeth with the same nerves and sensations. They experience dental pain in the same way as we do. However, pets are very good at hiding this pain and it can often be difficult to identify they are in pain.

Who will check if my pet has dental disease?

Our nurses can assess your pet’s teeth for free during a dental clinic and are fully trained in advising you on techniques to help care for them. In addition, our vets will check your pet’s teeth at each of their examinations for vaccinations or other problems.

What happens during my pet’s dental care?

At the start of your pet’s treatment, we will chart your pet’s mouth. This is a process where we individually assess each tooth and the gums and record any abnormalities. Charting your pet’s teeth ensures no problems are missed and acts as a record if further investigation treatment is required. You will also receive a copy of this chart for your own records. The vet doing your pet’s dental care will then call you to discuss the findings in your pet’s mouth and to recommend what dental treatment is required. You will also be given costs of all treatments. As will all operations your pet will be carefully monitored throughout their anaesthetic.

What is scale and polish procedure?

As with people, a scale and polish involve an ultrasonic scaler held gently against the teeth. The scaler will gently vibrate against the teeth to remove tartar. A high-speed polisher is then used to ensure your pet’s teeth are left smooth and clean. (All patients who require other dental treatment will also have their teeth scaled and polished).

When are dental x-rays taken?

If we are concerned about a tooth showing early signs of decay, we may take an x-ray of the tooth as your own dentist would do. The x-ray allows us to examine the portion of the tooth under the gum (the root) to identify if it’s healthy or not. This information will be used to determine the best treatment for that tooth.

What do dental extractions involve?

In short, dental extractions mean removing teeth. This is only done when a tooth is diseased and, if left in the mouth, will cause further problems. At Blythwood Vets we use surgical extractions to carefully remove teeth which are diseased. This means we use surgical techniques to safely remove the tooth, minimising trauma to the gums and other structures in the mouth. We will then suture the gum. For your pet this means minimal trauma in their mouth and quicker healing time.

What if my pet requires more advanced dental treatment?

On occasion your pet may require more advanced dental techniques such as root canal treatment. These advanced procedures can help to prevent teeth which are showing early signs of disease and can help prevent extractions. If this is required, we can discuss referral options for your pet

Our Locations

Hatch End 

Map for Hatch End

500 Uxbridge Road
Pinner, Middlesex
HA5 4SL

020 8421 0510
[email protected]

Opening Hours:

Mon to Fri: 8am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 9am - 4pm

See Virtual Tour

 

Bushey

Map for Bushey

2 High St
Bushey
WD23 3DN

020 8950 2002
[email protected]

Opening Hours:

Mon to Fri: 8am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 9am - 4pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm

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Northwood Vets open across limited hours

Map for Northwood

Waterlane House
Sandy Lane, Northwood
HA6 3HA

01923 820059
[email protected]

Opening Hours:

Mon to Fri: 8:30am - 12pm and 3pm - 7pm

Saturday: Closed

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IMPORTANT CLIENT UPDATE

Northwood is currently open across limited hours; therefore, please call us to arrange collections at 01923 820059

** Stanmore Vets Temporarily Closed **

Map for Stanmore

103-105 Stanmore Hill
Stanmore
HA7 3DZ

020 8954 0554
[email protected]

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday 8.30 - 7.00pm
Saturday: Closed

See Virtual Tour

IMPORTANT CLIENT UPDATE

Our Stanmore branch is temporarily closed, during this time please contact our Bushey branch for appointments.

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