Most of us make sure we brush our teeth every day, but how many of us pay attention to our pet's pearly whites?
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Greencross Vets Fairy Meadow vet director Dr Luke Michel said canines and kitties were prone to plaque, tartar and gingivitis just like humans, so regular brushing should be part of their care routine.
While some pets might be a little wary at first, Dr Michel said most warmed to the idea - especially when they got a taste of the specially formulated meat or fish-flavoured toothpastes available.
"Home dental care is very important and brushing your pet's teeth regularly, even daily, will help keep them healthy and happy," Dr Michel said.
"Home care can also include taking a good look at their diet and feeding them mainly hard biscuits, plus there's specific chews and rinses available for good dental hygiene.
"It's also important to inspect pets' teeth and gums to check for any bleeding, redness or swelling, or for any broken or discoloured teeth."
Greencross Vets clinics across Australia - including Fairy Meadow, Bulli, Wollongong and Warilla - will show pet owners how to brush their pets' teeth effectively as part of a complimentary pet dental check-up this month and throughout August.
Dr Michel said they were offering the free checks after research showed less than 5 per cent of Australian pet owners had taken their pets for a dental check-up.
"We usually recommend that pets get a health check-up, which should include a dental health check, every six months," he said.
"Some pets will never need any further dental procedures but some are prone to tartar build-up which leads to gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums.
"Not only is this uncomfortable and painful, the bacteria in the tartar can spread to other areas like the heart and the lungs and cause more serious health issues."
Dr Michel said pet owners should investigate if their pet had bad breath
"There's a common myth that pets generally have smelly breath but that's not true - it's usually a sign of dental disease," he said.
"Other signs can include difficulty chewing food, chattering teeth and excessive drooling."
If left untreated, pets can suffer high temperatures and extreme discomfort.
"After we treat a pet for dental disease the majority of pet owners notice their pets become a lot more active and happy," Dr Michel said.
