During the check-up veterinary staff will assess the oral health of a pet and will offer advice on tooth brushing, oral hygiene and diets together with showing what treats reduce dental disease.

In addition to the check-up, pet owners will receive a goody bag containing samples of special dental diets for cats and dogs and special dog oral hygiene chews which are shown to reduce the amount of pets’ dental disease.

Dental disease is a welfare issue.  “Dog’s breath” is the very least of the worries.  Oral pain is a feature, but often goes unnoticed because pets carry on eating.  As periodontal disease progresses, bacteria spreads from the mouth through the blood stream to affect other organs such as the kidneys and heart valves.  In addition little showers of bacteria are carried into the lungs with every breath.

Diane Leggo, Veterinary Nurse at the Langford House Small Animal Practice, said: “Eighty per cent of pets over the age of three are suffering from dental disease, this accounts for untold pain and illness, most of which is treatable and nearly all is preventable.

“Many pet owners do not realise the extent of their pet’s disease and are unaware of the importance of tooth brushing, daily oral hygiene chews and the special dental diets which can help avoid the problems.  Pet Smile Month exists to raise awareness of the problems of dental disease and to try and encourage prevention.”

Pet Smile Month will run during September at the University of Bristol’s Small Animal Practice at Langford.  To make an appointment for a pet dental check-up, telephone (01934) 852422.