Did you know that most dogs over three have gum disease requiring treatment? Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to help.
01 August 2023
On the Agria stand at Crufts 2020, it is all about teeth – and with very good reason.
Did you know that dogs over three-years-old have a significant chance of already having dental disease?
This is really bad news, as the impact can be extremely tough for our dogs to cope with. Poor dental health and gum disease are so common that the British Veterinary Dental Association states that most dogs over three have gum disease requiring treatment. According to The Royal Veterinary College, periodontal disease affects over 90% of adult dogs.
However, the great news is that by taking good care of your dog’s teeth, you can drastically reduce their chances of suffering the pain and problems connected with dental and gum disease. And should they need any treatment, Agria Pet Insurance is there to help.
Robin Hargreaves, Senior Veterinary Adviser at Agria Pet Insurance, explains:
“Our dogs should be with us into their teens, but the animals they evolved from didn’t live anything like to this age – and so their teeth are not designed for longevity. Left uncared for, the likelihood is that they will deteriorate, giving your dog gum disease and mouth and gum pain. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
“Encourage your dog to chew on something appropriate to use their teeth. Nothing too hard to break their teeth, and nothing that will break or splinter and get stuck in their mouth or digestive tract. Those on a soft diet can really benefit from something that involves properly using their teeth to help keep the surfaces clean.
“Also, something very important owners can do is to get into the habit of cleaning their dog’s teeth. Start as early as you can so it’s not scary for them and they get used to it from a young age, and always reward them afterwards. Cleaning dogs’ teeth is effective and helps to keep the tartar down – which otherwise traps food against the gums, erodes them back and causes infections.”
NEVER use human toothpaste with a dog. It is toxic and can be fatal. Always use toothpaste that's made specifically for dogs.
With dental disease being so common, it often comes as a shock to owners how few pet insurers provide cover for treatment for it, which can make it impossible to claim should veterinary care be required.
Fortunately, with Agria Pet Insurance, treatment for dental disease, illness and injury is included, helping owners to access any treatment their pet might need before problems become more serious.
If you’ll be at Crufts this year, make sure you call in to the Agria stand in Hall 3 to collect a free toothbrush for your dog and make a start on getting their teeth sparkling this spring*!
The team will be on-hand to explain all about Agria’s extra special dental cover, our policies and to give you a quote for Lifetime insurance for your dog. And what’s more, every new policy comes with £50 free towards anything that supports your pet’s health from your vet!
We hope to see you there!
*While stocks last
If you have an Agria Pet Insurance policy, you can access the free Pet Health Helpline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The veterinary-trained team will advise on any concerns or queries that you may have over your pet’s health – much like the NHS 111 service for people. Call free on 03333 32 19 47.