Pet dental insurance

Animals love to explore with their mouths. Whether it’s your dog enjoying a new chew toy or your cat pouncing around the garden, teeth are more than just what they use to help them eat.

Sadly, this can mean pet dental problems further down the road.

Not all pet insurance includes dental cover as standard, but some policies do, And having it will certainly give you peace of mind if your pet suffers a potentially expensive oral-related malady.

Could your animal benefit from pet insurance that covers dental? Read on to find out.

Does pet insurance cover dental?

Not all pet insurance policies include dental cover as standard. And even if yours does, the level of cover can vary.

Read your policy documents carefully so you know if you’ve already got pet dental insurance.

Why choose pet insurance that covers dental?

From oral cavities and ulcers to bleeding gums and bad breath, pets experience a wide variety of mouth problems that require treatment.

Take dogs, for example. They love to chew things - and they don’t care what.

Unfortunately, their excitable chewing can lead to bloody mouths or even chipped teeth if they bite down on stones or other hard, sharp objects.

If you ever have to take your dog to the vet for a mouth injury, knowing their dog insurance policy will help cover the costs is a big relief.

What pet dental problems are there?

Bad dental hygiene doesn’t just impact your pet’s teeth, gums and mouth; it can affect other parts of their body, too.

Common pet dental problems include:

Plaque

If not cleaned properly, plaque will turn to tartar, which can then bring about conditions such as gingivitis (red, swollen, bleeding gums), periodontal disease (teeth becoming loose), and abscesses.

Gum disease

This can include anything from gingivitis to periodontal disease. Gum disease in pets can lead to serious problems if left untreated, so make sure you discuss potential preventative measures with your veterinarian.

Tooth infections

Possible side effects of a tooth infection include the eye becoming infected as well, periodontal disease, tooth loss, and even organ failure - which could be fatal, especially in older pets.

Chipped or fractured teeth

This is more common in dogs than cats. For all animals, though, chipped or cracked teeth can be very painful, so be sure to get to the root of the problem quickly.

Signs of pet dental problems

Pet dental problems aren’t always obvious, but knowing what to look out for will help you catch them.

The main signs of pet dental problems include:

• Bad breath
• Swollen, bleeding or red gums
• Difficulty eating or only chewing on one side of the mouth
• Blood on toys or in their water bowl
• Excessive drooling
• Brown or yellow teeth
• Loss of appetite or weight
• Becoming fussier with food
• Sneezing or nasal discharge

If you notice any of these symptoms and are worried about your pet’s oral health, seek specialist advice from a qualified vet.

Pet teeth care tips

If dental hygiene isn’t already part of your pet care routine, start looking after their teeth today!

Some ways you can help protect your pet from dental problems include:

Regular brushing

Many of us are reluctant to brush our pet’s teeth, but some animals actually enjoy the attention.

Use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for your pet; for example, you can buy various dental hygiene products aimed at cats and dogs from local pet stores or even supermarkets.

Dental chews and toys

Some chews and toys can help prevent plaque from hardening in your pet’s mouth, while others are made specifically for improved pet teeth care.

Diet

Putting your pet on a “dental diet” could help reduce the likelihood of them developing gum disease. Before changing your pet’s diet, ask your vet.

Book routine checkups

Early detection of pet dental problems is the best way to stop them worsening. Don’t wait until it’s too late - arrange for your pet to have regular checkups with the vet, especially if they have any pre-existing conditions that could be exacerbated by poor dental hygiene.

Have your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned

This can help reduce the risk of dental problems. However, many pet insurers don’t cover the cost of teeth cleaning, so you’ll likely need to pay for it yourself.

Where can I find pet insurance that covers dental?

Simply compare pet insurance quotes with us and weigh up all the policies that cover dental.

Policies vary widely, so make sure you have the level of cover you and your pet need.