Teeth check for canines

Vet nurse Jocelyn Finn and vet Dr Julia Dowsett are reminding owners about the importance of regular dental check-ups for their pets. Pictured here with Ned the cattle dog.

By ALENA HIGGINS

STINKY breath, trouble eating, inflamed gums and loose or broken teeth are all symptoms of gum disease in pets.
August is dental awareness month, a time when vets across the country remind pet owners about the importance of maintaining their furry friend’s smile.
Pets are prone to problems with their teeth, which, if left unchecked, can have long- term consequences for their overall health, Warwick Veterinary Clinic’s Dr Julia Dowsett said.
“Gum disease in pets often goes unnoticed,” Dr Dowsett said.
“The end result is that infected gums and teeth can lead to infections in the kidney, liver and heart.”
Annual checkups, coupled with feeding dry foods rather than moist canned foods can help remove bacterial plaque, but bad habits should also be avoided, Dr Dowsett said.
“Don’t let your pet chew hard material likes stones as these can lead to teeth factures.
“And avoid giving your pet lollies or table scraps as this can lead to plaque and tartar formation,” she said.
Warwick and Allora vet clinics are offering free dental check-ups this month.
“Dental disease progresses in stages, so it’s important it’s caught early to prevent further damage,” Dr Dowsett said.