Roebuck Veterinary Hospital is urging local pet owners not to overlook the signs of dental disease in older cats and dogs, as the condition remains one of the most common yet often unnoticed health problems.

To help raise awareness and identify potential issues early, the practice has launched a dental health campaign and is offering free dental assessments for cats and dogs aged six years and over.

Dental disease affects the majority of pets during their lifetime. One in every five dogs over the age of four have some degree of dental disease[i], and one in four cats over six years old are affected by dental illness[ii]. Despite its prevalence, many pets show only subtle signs of discomfort, meaning problems can go unnoticed for months or even years.

To support pet owners in recognising the signs, Roebuck Great Ashby Veterinary Hospital has released an educational video here, featuring an experienced vet discussing the often-overlooked symptoms of dental disease and the importance of regular dental checks.

In the video, the vet offers practical advice on maintaining a pet's oral health at home, explains what owners should look out for, and outlines when further treatment may be needed to improve a pet's comfort and welfare.

Nigel Tao, Clinical Director at Roebuck Great Ashby Veterinary Hospital, said: "Many owners are surprised to learn just how common dental disease is in pets, particularly as they get older. Dogs and cats are very good at hiding discomfort, which means dental problems can be present long before obvious signs develop.

"Every week we see pets whose quality of life has been affected by dental disease, yet their owners had no idea there was a problem. That's why we're encouraging owners to take advantage of these free assessments, so we can identify any concerns early and help pets stay healthy and comfortable."

Common signs of dental disease in dogs include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, drooling, dropping food, facial swelling and pawing at the mouth. In cats, symptoms can be more subtle and may include eating more slowly, reduced grooming, weight loss, bad breath or signs of discomfort while eating.

Left untreated, dental disease can progress from inflammation of the gums to irreversible damage of the tissues supporting the teeth, leading to chronic pain, tooth infection and tooth loss. In some cases, oral infections may also have wider implications for a pet's overall health and wellbeing.

Nigel Tao added: "Dental care plays a vital role in a pet's overall wellbeing, yet it's often overlooked because pets rarely show obvious signs of pain. Through these free assessments, we want to help owners understand what healthy teeth and gums look like, show them how they can support their pet's dental health at home, and identify any issues that may benefit from further treatment."

Owners of dogs and cats aged six years and over are encouraged to contact Roebuck Veterinary Hospital to arrange a free dental assessment while appointments remain available. The offer runs between 1^st October and 18^th of December, and clients can book an appointment by contacting practice on https://www.cvsvets.com/east/roebuck-great-ashby-veterinary-hospital.

The offer also includes a free dental appointment with either a vet or nurse, an oral examination, a recommendation for home care, dental diet and dental treatment. In addition, all attending clients will receive a free dental gift bag including a bag of Hill's dental food and a £10 discount voucher for use against a further dental food purchase.

For more information about how to look after your pet's dental health, including cat and dog teeth cleaning, pet dental care and tartar build up in your pet's mouth, visit https://www.cvsvets.com/health/dental-disease-in-dogs and https://www.cvsvets.com/health/dental-disease-in-cats. The full educational video is available on the CVS Vets website here.

Five signs that your pet has dental disease:

1. Persistent bad breath. Bad breath is often one of the earliest signs of dental disease and shouldn't be dismissed as a normal part of pet ownership.

2. Changes in eating habits. Taking longer to finish meals, chewing on one side, dropping food, avoiding hard food or showing reluctance to eat can all indicate oral discomfort.

3. Red, swollen or bleeding gums. Healthy gums should be pale pink. Redness, swelling or bleeding may be a sign of gum disease.

4. Reduced grooming or changes in behaviour. Cats may groom less if their mouth is painful, while dogs and cats may become quieter, less playful or reluctant to be touched around the face.

5. Excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth or facial swelling. These can be signs of significant dental disease and should be checked by a veterinary professional.

[i] O'Neill, D.G., Mitchell, C.E., Humphrey, J., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C. and Pegram, C. (2021), Epidemiology of periodontal disease in dogs in the UK primary-care veterinary setting. J Small Anim Pract, 62: 1051-1061. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13405

[ii] O'Neill DG, Blenkarn A, Brodbelt DC, Church DB, Freeman A. Periodontal disease in cats under primary veterinary care in the UK: frequency and risk factors. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2023;25(3). doi:10.1177/1098612X231158154