Care for your canine's canines, urge vets

A Rotorua veterinarian says dental problems are the most common problem encountered at routine health checks and his workplace has joined a nationwide programme to offer free dental checks for dogs this month.

Dr Russell Cowie from Central City Vets said research showed 80 per cent of New Zealand dogs over the age of 3 have developed gum disease which can lead to tooth loss, abscesses and bone infection.

The bacteria and infections that result from bad dental hygiene can spread to the dog's bloodstream leading to heart, kidney or liver disease which can then result in serious health complications.

More often than not by the time it is discovered a pet needs dental attention with one or more teeth typically having to be removed.

He hopes to address this issue by joining more than 200 other vets across the country as part of the Pedigree Dentastix initiative - which will offer free dental checks for dogs throughout the Doggie Dental month of July.

Dr Cowie said while pet owners might remember to walk, feed, deflea and worm their pets, many were still unaware of how to look after their dog's oral hygiene and what damage neglecting this could do.

Dr Cowie says that he hopes the free dental checks running during the month of July will improve awareness and encourage people to bring dogs in for a quick check on a regular basis.

"The current oral health isn't great - diet plays a big factor as does owner education. People are habituated to the smelly old dog and don't realise that bad breath can be treated.

"Just looking in their mouths would be a good start," he said.

For more information about the free checks in July go to www.doggiedentures.co.nz.