Gum disease is the most common condition in adult dogs and affects four out of five canines over three years of age, yet only two per cent of owners follow a regular dental care regime for their pets.

Oral Care Month aims to educate owners on the importance of regular dental care. This includes brushing a dog's teeth daily to help prevent the build up of plaque and tartar and offering a dog chews, which when chewed every day, have been proven to reduce plaque accumulation by as much as 60 per cent and tartar accumulation by as much as 80 per cent.

Diane Leggo, Small Animal Practice Nurse at LVS Small Animal Practice, said: "Dogs need dental care as much as people do. By the age of three, 80 per cent of dogs show signs of gum disease, caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar.

"During Oral Care Month we will be informing owners on the telltale signs of gum disease, such as bad breath or fussy eating, which many accept as being normal, and offering them advice on preventative measures such as brushing teeth and offering samples of Pedigree dog dental chews."

To book a dental check-up, please contact LVS Small Animal Practice on tel 01934 852 422.