At Rooke’s, we know just how much our pets mean to us. Whether they’re bounding ahead on a walk, curling up on the sofa or nudging us for attention, they bring so much joy into our everyday lives.
When we think of grooming, we tend to picture baths, brushing, tidy trims and neat nails. But there’s one vital piece of grooming that often slips under the radar… dental care. And yet, it’s one of the most important things we can do to support our pets’ overall wellbeing.
So today, we’re shining a spotlight on the missing piece of grooming and sharing simple, practical ways to keep your pet’s teeth clean, healthy and pain-free.
Why Dental Care Matters More Than You Might Realise
It’s easy to assume that dental issues are rare or that pets naturally keep their teeth in good shape, but unfortunately that’s far from the truth. Plaque begins forming on pets’ teeth just hours after eating, and unless it’s removed regularly, it hardens into tartar – which can’t simply be chewed away.
By the age of three, most dogs and cats are already experiencing some level of gum disease. And while the early stages are often easy to miss, dental issues can eventually cause:
👉 Pain and discomfort
👉 Inflamed gums
👉 Tooth loss
👉 Difficulty eating
👉 Increased risk of organ-related illnesses
At Rooke’s, we’ve met many loving owners who had no idea their pet was struggling until symptoms became obvious. Pet dental care isn’t just about fresh breath – it’s an essential part of keeping our pets happy and healthy for years to come.
Spotting the Warning Signs
Because pets are so good at hiding pain, we need to look out for the subtle clues. Here are some common signs of dental issues:
👉 Persistent bad breath
👉 Brown or yellow build-up on the teeth
👉 Drooling more than usual
👉 Red or swollen gums
👉 Hesitation when eating or chewing
👉Pawing at the mouth
👉 Loose or missing teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak to your vet sooner rather than later. Early intervention is always best as it can save your pet from unnecessary discomfort.
Why Dental Care Belongs in Every Grooming Routine
We believe grooming should go hand in hand with general health care. Just as groomers help spot skin issues, parasites or ear infections, they can also support your pet’s dental hygiene. Including dental care in your pet’s grooming routine builds consistency by ensuring their teeth never go too long without attention, while also helping to catch problems early, as groomers often work closely enough with your pet to notice subtle changes around the mouth that you might miss at home.
It can also reduce stress for your pet, as adding gentle dental cleaning to a familiar grooming session feels far less daunting than introducing it separately. Plus, regular dental care at the groomer’s supports what you do between visits, reinforcing the effectiveness of your at-home routine and creating a team effort between groomer, vet and owner to keep your pet’s teeth healthy.
Your At-Home Dental Toolkit: Simple Ways to Get Started
As much as professional grooming and vet visits help, the biggest impact comes from what happens at home. And it doesn’t need to be overwhelming – we promise. #RookesRecommends brushing their teeth (yes, really!).
Brushing is the most effective way to reduce plaque. With pet toothbrushes and delicious pet-safe toothpaste flavours (like liver or beef), it’s easier than many owners expect.
Start gradually:
👉 Let your pet taste the toothpaste.
👉 Gently rub a little on their teeth with your finger.
👉 Introduce the toothbrush once they’re comfortable.
👉 Keep sessions short and positive.
Aim for a few times a week as consistency matters more than perfection.
You’ll find a variety of toothbrushes and toothpastes in our dental care range at Rooke’s, all chosen for safety and ease of use.
Dental Chews and Treats
Not all chews are created equal! We carefully select dental treats that actually help scrape away plaque, freshen breath and keep your pet entertained at the same time.
Many dogs (and some cats!) absolutely love them, making them a great addition to your routine.
Dental Toys
Chew toys can also contribute to cleaner teeth, especially for dogs who naturally love to gnaw. We stock durable, pet-safe toys designed to help reduce plaque while providing hours of fun.
Always check the size and material to ensure the toy suits your pet’s chewing style.
Water Additives & Sprays
These are useful support tools for pets who don’t tolerate brushing easily. Added to drinking water or applied directly to the mouth, they help fight bacteria and freshen breath, though they shouldn’t replace brushing completely.
Professional Dental Care: Still Essential
Even with excellent home care, pets still need professional dental checks. Veterinary dental cleaning removes tartar and allows vets to examine the teeth and gums properly, often using X-rays to spot hidden issues.
A typical vet dental involves:
👉 Scaling and polishing teeth
👉 Cleaning below the gum line
👉 Checking for fractures, decay or disease
👉 Removing damaged or infected teeth
Because pets won’t stay still for a full clean, it’s always done under anaesthetic – which ensures thoroughness and keeps them safe.
The Groomer’s Role in Dental Health
More and more groomers now offer dental extras such as:
👉 Tooth brushing
👉 Non-invasive plaque removal
👉 Fresh breath treatments
👉 Visual dental assessments
While groomers can’t diagnose health conditions, they are invaluable in spotting signs early and helping maintain oral hygiene – especially for pets who visit regularly.
At Rooke’s, we love seeing owners create a routine that includes both grooming and dental care. The difference in long-term oral health is remarkable.
Making Dental Care Stress-Free and Positive
If your pet isn’t used to dental care, don’t worry as it’s never too late to begin. Here are a few tips we share with customers in-store:
👉 Take it slowly and keep each step positive.
👉 Use praise, treats and plenty of reassurance.
👉 Don’t force anything – build up gradually.
👉 Focus on small wins (even a quick brush is progress).
👉 Be patient; every pet learns at their own pace.
Over time, most pets accept dental care as part of their normal routine – especially when rewards are involved!
Healthy Teeth, Happy Pets: A Brighter Future for Your Companion
Dental care truly is the missing piece of grooming. And once you begin including it in your pet’s routine, you’ll likely notice fresher breath, happier mealtimes, improved comfort, and a healthier, more energetic pet.
At Rooke’s, we’re always here to help you choose the right dental tools, treats and toys – and answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible to care for your pet’s teeth at home, so they can enjoy a longer, happier and healthier life.
Because a bright smile isn’t just adorable – it’s a sign of true wellbeing.