Does senior pet insurance cover dental treatment?

As our furry friends grow older, their little niggles and health quirks tend to grow with them, and their teeth are no exception. From wobbly molars to grumbly gums, dental worries are one of the most common reasons senior dogs and cats end up at the vets. So it's only natural to ask: does pet insurance cover dental treatment for older pets?

The short answer is yes, senior pet insurance can cover dental treatment – but there are a few conditions to be aware of. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how dental cover works under Purely Pets senior pet insurance, what's included on each cover level, and how to keep your policy watertight so you can focus on treasuring those precious moments with your beloved companion.

Does pet insurance cover dental treatment for older dogs and cats?

Yes — Purely Pets Lifetime policies include dental cover for pets of any age, including senior dogs and cats. There's no upper age limit to take out a new policy with us, which means your older companion can still benefit from comprehensive Lifetime cover, including support with dental bills.

Our dental cover includes treatment for your pet's teeth, gums and mouth, plus any necessary medication. It's designed to help you say yes to the care your senior pet needs, without that sinking feeling about how you'll pay for it.

Here's what's on offer at a glance:

Dental cover for a senior dog in the UK

If you're looking specifically for dental cover for a senior dog in the UK, the good news is that our pet insurance for older and senior dogs is built with these life stages firmly in mind.

Dental problems are one of the most common health concerns for older dogs. Plaque, tartar, gum disease and broken teeth can snowball into bigger issues if left untreated, sometimes requiring professional cleanings, extractions or more serious dental surgery.

Because senior dogs may need a little extra veterinary attention as their creaky joints, dental concerns and ongoing conditions become more frequent, having the right cover in place can be a real weight off your mind.

With Purely Pets, dental cover for older dogs includes:

• Dental accidents from year 1 – For example, a broken tooth caused by an injury

• Dental illness for new conditions from year 2 – Such as gum disease that develops during your policy

• Up to £2,000 towards dental treatment on Gold and Silver Lifetime plans (up to £500 on Bronze)

• Direct payment to your vet (subject to approval), so you're not left covering large bills upfront

• Unlimited 24/7 video calls with a Joii vet at no extra cost, ideal for a quick chat about your senior dog's oral health without an in-person trip

Curious about what else is on offer? Take a look at our full dog insurance cover page for a broader breakdown of Lifetime benefits.

Older cat dental treatment insurance

For our feline friends, older cat dental treatment insurance works in exactly the same way. Our pet insurance for older and senior cats is designed to give you practical, flexible support during those quieter, cosier years – with cover that recognises how much dental problems can affect a cat's overall well-being.

Cats are grand masters at hiding pain, so dental issues often creep in unnoticed. That's why keeping on top of oral health matters so much — and it's a big reason our senior cat cover includes dental treatment.

With Purely Pets, dental cover for older cats includes:

• Dental accidents from year 1

• Dental illness for new conditions from year 2, provided you keep up with routine dental check-ups at your own expense

• Dental treatment related to injury or illness up to the benefit limit for dental cover, as part of your veterinary fees.

• Lifetime cover that refreshes each year at renewal, meaning long-term or recurring dental conditions can continue to be covered year after year

• No upper age limit on taking out a new policy — so if your moggy is already well into their golden years, we may still be able to help

Cats are typically considered "senior" from around 7 years old at Purely Pets, though many happily snooze their way into their late teens and beyond.

What's the difference between dental accidents and dental illness?

This is one of the areas that can trip up pet parents when they read the small print. Here's a simple way to think about it:

• Dental accidents – Things like a broken canine after chewing on a stone, bone or kennel bar, or a tooth injury from a fall. Cover for dental accidents kicks in from year 1 of your policy.

• Dental illness – Conditions like gum disease, gingivitis, periodontitis, or feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) that develop over time. Cover for dental illness begins from year 2, provided any dental treatment your vet has recommended has been carried out (at your own expense) and you have evidence of annual dental check-ups.

This distinction matters because untreated dental disease can lead to more serious health problems, including chest infections, kidney disease and even heart damage. Catching things early is best for your pet and can help keep dental treatment costs more manageable too.

What isn't covered by senior pet dental cover?

We always want to be completely upfront with you about what's included, so there are no unwelcome surprises. There are a few things that generally aren't covered by our dental cover:

1. Routine teeth cleaning (dental prophylaxis) – This is considered preventative care, so it isn't covered under our dog or cat insurance policies.

2. Vaccinations, flea and worming treatments, and other preventative treatments.

3. Pre-existing dental conditions – any illness, injury or symptom your pet showed signs of, or was diagnosed with, before your policy started.

4. Anything that happened during the waiting period – a 14-day waiting period applies to illness and 48 hours to accidents from the start of your policy.

For a deeper dive on how existing health issues are handled, our blog on how pre-existing conditions affect senior pet insurance is a great place to start.

What do you need to do to keep dental cover valid?

To make sure your dental cover stays in tip‑top shape, there are a few sensible steps to keep on top of:

You can view your policy documents anytime through our Manage My Policy portal, and our friendly team is only a phone call away on 0330 102 5748 if you're unsure about anything.

Common dental problems in older pets

Understanding what to look out for can help you catch dental issues before they become bigger, more expensive problems. Dental disease is estimated to affect more than 80% of UK dogs and cats over four years old, and up to 85% of cats aged three and over.

Common dental issues in senior dogs include:

• Tooth decay caused by plaque and tartar build-up

• Gingivitis (inflamed, red gums), which can progress to periodontitis

• Broken teeth from chewing hard objects

• Loose teeth from gum disease or advanced decay

• Bad breath, excessive drooling and pawing at the mouth

Our dental issues in dogs guide goes into much more detail, with practical warning signs to watch for.

Common dental issues in senior cats include:

• Tartar and plaque build-up

• Gingivitis and gum disease

• FORLs (feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions), where the tooth root is eaten away beneath the gum — often first noticed as missing teeth

• Bad breath (more pungent than the usual fishy kitty breath)

• Bleeding gums, drooling or reluctance to eat kibble

You'll find lots of gentle, practical guidance in our blog on how to look after your cat's teeth, plus more insight in our overview of 5 common cat health conditions.

Tips to protect your senior pet's teeth

A little preventative love goes a long way, and it can help keep both your pet's smile and your policy in great shape.

1. Start (or keep up) a daily brushing routine using pet-safe toothpaste — the earlier you start, the easier it gets.

2. Feed a balanced diet to support strong teeth and gums; ask your vet for advice on prescription dental diets if needed.

3. Offer safe dental chews or toys nothing harder than your fingernail — to help reduce tartar.

4. Never ignore smelly breath, drooling or bleeding gums book a vet check-up sooner rather than later.

5. Book yearly dental check-ups to keep on top of oral health and to keep your dental cover valid.

6. Use your 24/7 Joii vet video calls for quick reassurance about any dental concerns from the comfort of your sofa.

Peace of mind for you, their forever happiness

Dental care is such an important part of keeping your senior dog or cat comfortable, happy and healthy in their golden years.

With Purely Pets Lifetime cover, you can rest easy knowing dental treatment for accidents and illnesses is included as part of your policy — up to £2,000 on our Gold and Silver plans — so you can focus on what really matters: giving your beloved companion all the love and cuddles they deserve.

Ready to protect your ageing companion? Get a senior pet insurance quote online in minutes, or call our friendly UK-based team on 0330 102 5748 to chat about your options.

Your peace of mind. Their forever happiness.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may vary between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change. Please refer to our policy wording for full details of what is and isn't covered.