If Your Best Friend Has Dogs Breath Its Time For The Vet

As part of the Australian Veterinary Association’s Pet Dental Health Month this August, veterinarians are encouraging pet owners to have their furry friends checked for tooth trouble. “Bad breath is a common sign of dental problems in animals,” says Dr Christine Hawke, the Coordinator of AVA Pet Dental Health Month. “This is common in both cats and dogs, and really needs to be investigated as bacteria poisoning from dental infection can lead to heart, liver and kidney problems. “Unfortunately pets are likely to suffer in silence rather than show weakness, this is particularly common in pack animals like dogs,” said Dr Hawke. Vets recommend annual dental health checks for pets, and regular tooth brushing. Although bones are a popular treat used by many for dental care, they can cause problems such as broken teeth and gut obstructions. "Toothbrushing is safer and more effective than chewing, and many dogs and cats can be trained to enjoy having their teeth brushed, especially if started at a young age,” said Dr Hawke. “Problem signs include bad breath, inflamed gums, and teeth that are stained with tartar. “We estimate that around 80 per cent of animals over the age of three have some degree of dental disease, which becomes even more of a problem in later life. We also see many younger animals with dental issues. “If you are unsure, the best plan is to have you pet checked out by your local veterinarian, who is trained to find these types of problems,” she said.

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