Dental care

Have you checked your pet's teeth lately? Watch our video about what goes on during a veterinary dental check up.

Did you know that over 80 percent of dogs and cats over the age of three suffer from some form of dental disease? 

Don't pass off bad breath in your companion as something to be ignored! Check out our video below with RSPCA Queensland Veterinary Nurse, Rohan Hughes and learn all about what to look for to ensure your pet has healthy pearly whites!

Common symptoms of dental disease

If your pet displays any of the following, seek veterinary treatment immediately:

• Bad breath
• Mouth soreness
• Difficulty eating
• Reduced appetite
• Loss of teeth
• Red or bleeding gums
• Pawing at the mouth
• Tartar buildup
• Unexplained drooling

If bad teeth are left, not only will your pet be in pain, infections that have gone ignored or unnoticed can lead to other life threatening illnesses such as kidney disease or heart failure.

Lilly the RSPCA dog recently had orthodontic surgery to correct her teeth, you can read her story here. 

Dental care for your horse

Keeping your horse's teeth clean and checked every year is really important for their overall health and wellbeing. Read more here on horse dental care. 

More information

Want to know more about pet dentistry and anaesthesia Frequently Asked Questions? Check out the RSPCA Resource Centre here.