🦷 Dental Health for Dogs and Cats: Keeping Smiles Bright in Albury–Wodonga

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🐾 Why Dental Health Matters

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Dental health is a vital part of your pet’s wellbeing. It affects not just their mouth, but their entire body. Shockingly, 80% of dogs and 50% of cats over the age of 3 show signs of gum disease—many without their owners even realising it.

At Murray River Animal Hospital, we’re committed to helping pet families across Albury–Wodonga prevent and manage dental disease with compassionate, expert care.

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🦴 What Is Dental Disease?

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Dental disease—also known as periodontal disease—occurs when plaque and tartar build up on your pet’s teeth, leading to:

• Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
• Infection
• Tooth damage or loss
• Pain and discomfort
• Potential spread of bacteria to organs (like the heart, kidneys, or bladder)

Without treatment, dental disease always worsens—which is why early detection and regular dental care are key.

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🔍 Signs Your Dog or Cat May Have a Dental Problem

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Keep an eye out for these common symptoms:

• Bad breath
• Reduced appetite or reluctance to eat hard food
• Drooling
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Loose, missing or broken teeth
• Weight loss
• Pawing at the mouth
• Tartar or discoloured teeth

visible tartar can hide underlying issues, like a fractured tooth or infected root.

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🦷 Book a FREE Dental Check at MRAH

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We offer FREE dental checks with our experienced veterinary nurses.

During your pet’s visit, we’ll assess their dental health and recommend the best treatment options—whether it’s preventative care, a professional clean, or further examination by our vets.

If a dental procedure is needed under anaesthetic, we’ll provide a clear and personalised quote.

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✅ What’s Included in a Veterinary Dental Procedure

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If your pet needs a dental clean or treatment under anaesthetic, here’s what to expect:

• Pre-anaesthetic health assessment
• Blood tests (to ensure anaesthetic safety)
• Calming medication
• General anaesthesia
• IV fluid therapy
• Full oral exam
• Teeth scaling to remove plaque and tartar
• Polishing and gum irrigation
• Anti-plaque sealant application
• X-rays (if recommended)
• Extractions or treatment of damaged teeth
• Pain relief and antibiotics if required
• A follow-up check with our nurses
• Extractions including local anaesthesia, packing of sockets and sutures to close gums
• Treatment of damaged teeth with cleaning, polishing and dental sealant
• A complimentary follow-up check with our nurses

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🐶 Bad Breath in Dogs

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“Dog breath” isn’t just a quirk—it’s usually a sign of dental disease.

Common causes include:

• Gum infection (especially in small breeds with crowded teeth)
• Food stuck between teeth
• Wrinkle infections (especially in flat-faced breeds)
• Beards/chin folds trapping moisture and bacteria
• Food stuck between teeth or under the gums

If your dog’s breath is clearing a room, it’s time for a dental check.

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🐱 Bad Breath in Cats

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Cats can suffer severe dental disease even without bad breath.

Feline dental issues may involve:

• Cavities and crown destruction
• Tartar hiding underlying decay
• Painful gum disease (even with visually healthy teeth)

Many of these issues can only be diagnosed under anaesthesia with a full exam and X-rays.

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