By Deanne Jeffers
OUR beloved pets don’t carry a toothbrush and so general wear coupled with incorrect diet means that their teeth may need some attention. Whether a cat, dog, rabbit, let’s show some pets love this month by caring for their teeth.
Dr Frances Jenner, veterinarian and owner at GV Vets, understands the importance of protecting your furry friend’s oral health, and the risks associated with poor dental care.
“Dental checks are just as important for animals as they are for people. Poor dental health can be very painful and lead to secondary health problems like infections and heart, lung, or liver problems. Just like in humans, bad dental health impacts overall quality of life and general wellbeing.”
“Some signs to watch out for are bad breath, red and swollen gums, brown or grey muck on the teeth, or bleeding gums. You may also notice your pet pawing at their face or rubbing their mouth for relief, or they have a reluctance towards hard toys or chewing,” said Frances.
GV Vets is the locally owned and operated veterinary clinic, located at 169 Nixon Street, Shepparton. Their friendly and experienced team offer a full range of veterinary services to both family pets and farm animals in the surrounding region, including dental checks and cleans.
“Every pet’s needs are different. The best way to care for your pet is to bring them in for a check-up,” Frances said.
As well as providing the highest level of care to your pets, they can inform you on the best line of defence against dental disease, diet-related issues and other health problems.
Don’t forget GV Vets Dental Month and book your pet in for a free dental check in February or an appointment with GV Vets by calling (03) 5878 1144 or going to www.gvvets.com.au