Dog Dental Care at Chichester Vets

Your Complete Guide

Keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy

Keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy is one of the best ways to safeguard their long-term well-being. Dental disease is one of the most common conditions seen in dogs, with over 70% affected by the age of three, yet it often goes unnoticed. At Chichester Vets, we are here to help you spot the signs, care for your pet’s teeth at home, and provide professional treatment when needed.

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Why Your Dog’s Dental Health Matters

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Dental disease doesn’t just cause smelly breath or tartar on the teeth. It can lead to chronic pain, tooth loss, and even affect other organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. Many dogs live with ongoing discomfort without showing obvious signs, which is why regular dental checks are so important.

Owners are often amazed at the difference after a dental procedure, especially in older pets. Many owners say their dogs feel like their younger selves with more energy once the pain and infection have been relieved.

Signs of Dental Problems in Dogs

Dogs rarely stop eating because of dental disease, so you may not realise your pet is uncomfortable. Some signs to look out for include:

Home dog teeth cleaning
Dogs Teeth
  • Bad breath

  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

  • Yellow or brown tartar build-up

  • Dropping food while eating or chewing on one side

  • Excessive drooling or pawing at the face

  • Swelling around the mouth or jaw

  • Blood on toys, chews, or bedding

If you notice any of these changes, it’s time to book a dental check.

Home Dental Care for Dogs

Good dental health starts at home. Just like us, dogs benefit from daily care:

  • Tooth brushing

    Brushing is the gold standard. With patience and training, most dogs can learn to accept it. Use a veterinary-approved toothbrush or finger brush and special pet toothpaste (never human toothpaste).

  • Dental gels, rinses, and supplements

    These help reduce bacteria and plaque, especially if brushing is not possible.

  • Dental diets and chews

    Special biscuits and chews can help keep teeth cleaner by reducing plaque build-up.

  • Regular checks at home

    Get your dog used to you gently lifting their lips to check their teeth and gums.

To help you get started, we are introducing nurse dental consultations, where you will receive personalised advice and a starter pack containing samples such as a toothbrush, finger brush, and toothpaste or dental gel.

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When Professional Treatment is Needed

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, professional treatment is necessary. If your dog has been diagnosed with dental disease, we may recommend a dental procedure under general anaesthesia.

We know many owners worry about anaesthesia, especially for older pets. At Chichester Vets, we take every precaution to make it as safe as possible:

  • Pre-anaesthetic blood tests to check for hidden health issues

  • Tailored anaesthetic plans based on your pet’s age, breed, and medical history

  • Supportive fluid therapy throughout the procedure

  • Advanced monitoring equipment and a dedicated nurse by your pet’s side at all times

Recovery is usually smooth, and most pets go home the same day.

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What Happens During a Dental Procedure?

  • Examination and charting

    Once your pet is safely anaesthetised, we examine every tooth, record any disease, and check for signs of infection or abnormal growths.

  • Cleaning

    Plaque and tartar are removed with an ultrasonic scaler. Each tooth is probed to detect pockets or loose roots.

  • Extractions (if needed)

    Severely diseased teeth may need to be removed. Depending on the case, we use either closed or surgical techniques, always ensuring pain relief is provided.

  • Polishing and aftercare

    The teeth are polished to smooth the surface and slow tartar build-up. Pain relief and follow-up checks are arranged where necessary.

Aftercare and Prevention

Your pet may be a little drowsy for a day or two after anaesthetic, but most bounce back remarkably quickly. If teeth are extracted, we provide pain relief and a soft food plan until the mouth has healed. Once recovered, we’ll help you establish a home care routine to reduce future problems.

Even with the best care, dogs will naturally develop tartar again over time. Most will need several dental procedures in their lifetime, but by combining professional treatment with home care, you can help your dog keep their teeth healthier for longer.

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Dental Awareness Month

This October, we’ll be running a Dental Promotion to raise awareness of pet dental health. Keep an eye out for special offers and events at the practice. It’s the perfect opportunity to book your dog’s dental check and learn more about keeping their teeth clean and healthy.

Book a Dental Check Today

With Chichester Vets, keeping your dog’s teeth healthy is simple and stress-free. From puppies to older dogs, we’re here to support you with expert dental checks, professional cleaning, and friendly advice for lifelong care.

Chichester Vets, Independent vets you can trust
Excellent
Chichester Vets4.9
Based on 118 reviews
Chichester Vets, Independent vets you can trust
Jayne R.
3 years ago
Fantastic vets. brilliant vets, nurses, and reception staff. Kind caring and listen to you would let anyone else treat my dog Winston now.
Chichester Vets, Independent vets you can trust
Michelle W.
2 years ago
Oving Vet is brilliant in service and caring, I have been recommended by a local coz I just moved to this town, and Oving Vet is very caring the our four-leg baba and gives very good advice they are not like another vet just wanna earn ur money only. I'm highly recommended 👌.
Chichester Vets, Independent vets you can trust
Aaron G.
2 years ago
Great team of people highly recommend 👏
Chichester Vets, Independent vets you can trust
Claire S.
2 years ago
We always have had wonderful routine check ups here. Today, we had to use the vets for an emergency after my beloved dog ate my daughters raisins, and within half an hour, she was being seen too and treated. They were all so compassionate and very quick with a plan. I can't express how much I appreciate you all for saving my first baby. Thank you 😊
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