Why dental health is important for pets: A Vet’s Insight

When it comes to the health of our pets, many of us are quick to schedule vaccinations, monitor diets, and keep them active. However, there’s one area that often gets overlooked: dental care. According to Dr. Suzan van Rooyen, a veterinarian with 17 years of experience, oral health in dogs and cats is just as important as any other aspect of their care – if not more so.

Dr. van Rooyen, who joined Aorangi Vets in 2017 after moving to New Zealand from South Africa, has become a passionate advocate for preventative dental care in pets. While her early veterinary work focused more on treating illnesses, her move to New Zealand opened her eyes to the importance of prevention, particularly when it comes to dental health.

“I realised quickly that preventing dental disease before it starts is far easier – and less costly – than treating it later,” Dr. van Rooyen explains. “I’ve since developed a strong passion for helping pets maintain healthy mouths.”

From Wildlife to Veterinary Dentistry

Dr. van Rooyen’s veterinary career began in South Africa, where she worked as a mixed animal vet. There, she had the unique opportunity to treat everything from household pets to incredible wildlife. Her most memorable experiences include assisting with a C-section on a majestic lion and performing the same intricate procedure on a tiny marmoset monkey. These diverse cases in her early years instilled a deep respect for the complexity of animal care.

However, it wasn’t until moving to New Zealand that Dr. van Rooyen began to see the true value of preventative care. “In South Africa, I focused mostly on treating sick animals,” she says. “But here, I quickly learned how much of a difference we can make by preventing issues before they arise.”

It was this shift that led Dr. van Rooyen to focus on dental health, an area she felt was often neglected by pet owners. “Dental disease can be incredibly painful for animals, and it’s linked to other serious health issues, including heart, liver, and kidney problems,” she explains.

The Seriousness of Dental Disease

Dental issues in pets are far more than just bad breath. According to Dr. van Rooyen, dental disease can cause chronic pain, affect a pet’s ability to eat, and lead to infections that impact other organs. The good news? Most dental problems are preventable.

“Many people don’t realize how much of an effect poor dental health can have on their pets’ quality of life,” says Dr. van Rooyen. “I’ve seen pets that couldn’t eat without pain or were avoiding play because of dental discomfort. After a dental cleaning or extraction, they’re like new animals – eating happily and playing like they used to.”

One such case was Crunchie, a Chihuahua who came into the clinic struggling to eat, acting lethargic, and avoiding his favourite toys. After undergoing a thorough dental clean and some extractions, Crunchie was transformed. “He was like a puppy again – eating, playing, and even cuddling with his owners more than ever,” says Dr. van Rooyen.

Prevention is Key

While dental procedures can certainly help animals suffering from dental disease, Dr. van Rooyen emphasizes the importance of prevention. Regular home care, including brushing your pet’s teeth and offering dental chews, can go a long way in maintaining oral health. Professional cleanings by a veterinarian also play a vital role.

“Prevention is always better than cure,” says Dr. van Rooyen. “We can do a lot to stop dental disease before it even starts. Regular professional check-ups are essential for spotting early signs of problems.”

Dr. van Rooyen also believes in the importance of educating pet owners on how to care for their pets’ teeth at home. “Brushing your pet’s teeth may seem daunting, but it’s one of the simplest ways to keep their mouth healthy. The earlier you start, the easier it becomes,” she advises.

The Personal Touch

While Dr. van Rooyen is passionate about veterinary dentistry, she also brings a personal touch to her work. At home, she is a devoted pet owner, sharing her life with her supportive husband, two teenage daughters, and an array of animals – including Murphy, her emotional support Labrador, and Marley, her energetic Golden Retriever.

“My pets are family,” she says. “I want the best for them, including their dental health.”

It’s this personal connection to pets that drives Dr. van Rooyen’s dedication to improving the lives of animals through better dental care. “The joy of seeing a pet go from struggling with pain to living a full, happy life is incredibly rewarding,” she says.

A Call for Awareness

As a member of Aorangi Vets’ dental campaign, Dr. van Rooyen is committed to spreading the word about the importance of dental health for pets. “It’s about educating owners and providing the tools and support they need to care for their pets’ mouths,” she says. “By focusing on prevention, we can help pets live longer, healthier, and happier lives.”

At Aorangi Vets, the team is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for pets – and that includes dental health. Dr. van Rooyen urges pet owners to take the time to schedule regular dental check-ups for their pets and to incorporate at-home care into their routine. Aorangi Vets is offering FREE Dental Health Checks until 31st July 2025.

“Preventative care is the key to keeping your pet healthy,” she concludes. “Don’t wait for a problem to arise – take action now, and your pet will thank you for it.”

READ MORE Maree Anderson, from Waimate, shares her experience with Aorangi Vets after her 13-year-old cat, Lilly, underwent dental treatment.