Why dental health matters

 

Maintaining your pet’s dental health is an essential part of their overall well-being. Dental disease is extremely common in both cats and dogs, and at some point in their lives, many will require a professional dental procedure—just as humans do.

​

Without regular care, plaque and tartar build-up can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, pain, and more serious health complications. Prevention and early management are always preferable to treatment once disease has progressed.

​

At-home dental care

 

We strongly recommend supporting your pet’s oral health at home wherever possible. The gold standard is regular tooth brushing, ideally 3–4 times per week, using only a pet-specific toothpaste. Human toothpaste should never be used, as it can be harmful if swallowed.

​

In addition to brushing, there are a range of dental diets, chews, and supplements available that can help reduce plaque build-up. These can be particularly helpful for pets who are less tolerant of brushing or resistant to having their teeth handled.

​

Our team can advise on the most suitable options for your pet’s individual needs.

​

Breeds more prone to dental disease​

 

While any pet can develop dental disease, certain breeds are more predisposed due to jaw shape, tooth crowding, or genetics.

​

In dogs, smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, and Dachshunds are particularly prone to dental problems. In cats, breeds such as Persians and other brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds may also be at higher risk.

 

For these pets, proactive dental care and regular monitoring are especially important.

​

Why untreated dental disease is a concern

 

Dental disease is not just a cosmetic issue—it can have a significant impact on your pet’s health and quality of life.

Left untreated, it can lead to:

​

• Oral pain and discomfort

• Difficulty eating or reduced appetite

• Tooth loss and advanced gum disease

• Persistent bad breath (halitosis)

• Bacteria entering the bloodstream, with potential links to heart, liver, and kidney disease

 

Early intervention helps prevent these complications and keeps your pet more comfortable and healthier for longer.

​

Dental procedures at Vet in the City

 

At Vet in the City, we have a dedicated dental suite with a high-quality dental x-ray machine. This enables us to carefully assess your pet's teeth and provide the specific dentistry treatment that they need.

​

When a dental procedure is required, it is performed under general anaesthetic to ensure your pet is comfortable and safe throughout.

​

Your pet will be admitted during one of our early morning appointments and carefully assessed prior to the procedure. Throughout every stage—anaesthetic, treatment, and recovery—they will be closely monitored by our experienced team of vets and registered veterinary nurses.

​

Once fully recovered and stable, most pets are able to return home with you later that same day. We will provide clear and detailed post-operative instructions at discharge to support a smooth recovery at home.

​

10% Off Dental Procedures for Premium Health Plan Members

 

As part of the many benefits of joining our Premium Pet Health Plan, members will benefit from 10% off dental procedures at Vet in the City.

​

Dental procedures are priced using a banding system - see our price list for more details.