A GUIDE TO ASSESSING / SCORING YOUR GREYHOUND'S DENTAL HEALTH
GRADE 0
A healthy mouth with pink gums
These teeth are healthy, a young dog. Good dental hygiene through a dog’s life helps to maintain this standard.
GRADE 1
Gums are healthy but tartar (calculus) is accumulating on the teeth.
This condition is easily dealt with by cleaning /scaling. Consult your veterinarian. Providing bones or hard chews regularly will also remove some tartar and limit future build up.
GRADE 2
Note some inflammation along the 'gum line' and build up of tartar on teeth.
There is a level of bacterial infection leading to bad breath. Consult your veterinarian as cleaning under a general anaesthetic may be the best option.
GRADE 3
More severe inflammation and recession of the gums.
There is a greater level of bacterial infection in the mouth/gums. Veterinary intervention is required to prevent the infection becoming systemic i.e. affecting liver or kidneys.
GRADE 4
More severe damage to the gums, gums receeded. Teeth are loosening and tartar build-up is significant.
Veterinary intervention is required to assess the dental health and probably advise re extracting some teeth, scaling the remainder and aggressive treatment with antibacterial medicines. All this is necessary to eliminate any dental pain and minimise the risk of other complications like liver, kidney and/or heart disease.
DOWNLOAD THIS GUIDE AS A PDF TO PRINT & KEEP
RCÉ/GRI Code of Practice
In November 2021, Rásaíocht Con Éireann / Greyhound Racing Ireland launched a new Code of Practice. This Code of Practice applies to any peson who keeps, breeds, rears, trains, races, trades or transports a greyhound in Ireland. Dental Health is one of the key areas covered within the code, as outlined above. Why not take a look at the document in full to learn more.