Peewwww!! Does your pet have BAD breath? Bad breath is a sign of dental disease, so if your cat or dog's breath makes you gag it may be a cause for concern. If you can smell it, chances are they are in need of some urgent dental care. 

August is Dental Health Month and we are encouraging Smiles and Fresh Breath all round as our pet owners learn how to take an active role in keeping their pets teeth and gums healthy. In this month's edition we discuss how dental disease and mouth pain can affect your pet's quality of life, appetite, behaviour, sensory perception and general wellbeing.

That's why down at the vets we are offering FREE DENTAL CHECKS for ALL PETS. Our pet care team of dental nurses is ready to give your pet the FRESH BREATH TEST now!

FREE Fresh Breath Tests for ALL PETS for the Month of August.

Dental disease is one of the most common diseases affecting dogs and cats. Teeth that are covered in tartar can lead to pain and disease elsewhere in your pet's body.

Prevention is better than cure and there is now a diet specially formulated to help clean your pet's teeth. The kibble is larger in size than normal and it has special properties to help resist crumbling. This means the tooth is 'scrubbed' as your pet chews.

The diet has been clinically proven to help reduce gingivitis (a nasty inflammatory condition of the gums caused by bacteria - laden plaque). It can also help improve your pet's smelly breath.

Dogs and cats find the diet very tasty but it needs to be fed daily for maximum effect. It is suitable to be fed alone and is full of antioxidants for a healthy immune system.  

Call us to arrange a FREE Fresh Breath Test dental check for your pet. We can help your pet to a healthier and better smelling mouth.

Hill's Prescription Diet t/d uses natural fibres in a patented technology to scrub a pet's teeth like a toothbrush. Purchase Hill's Prescription Diet this month for YOUR CHANCE TO WIN a $1,000,000 CASH Smile! Plus 5 x $1000 CASH to be WON. For more information click here 

Did you know that brushing your pet's teeth is considered the 'gold-standard' of dental care? 

Daily brushing is recommended but any brushing is considered beneficial.

Here are some tips:

1. Make it a daily routine. Always be calm and patient with your pet so it is a happy experience.

2. Start by getting your pet used to brushing with your index finger. Gently lift the lips and massage the gums and teeth. Praise your pet for allowing this.

3. Gradually build from here until your pet tolerates you massaging the gums for longer periods - this may take a few days to weeks.

4. Choose a suitable brush. Start with a finger brush initially and eventually move onto a firmer bristled brush. We have some excellent pet tooth brushes specially shaped to help.

5. Use a pet approved toothpaste. These are safe and are flavoured for added enjoyment. Never use human toothpaste.

6. Brush in a circular action, emphasising the brush stroke away from the gums. Brush all four sides of each tooth for two minutes.

Ask us to show you our dental care products.

To watch a good video on how to brush, click here: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-brush-your-pets-teeth 

It is that time of the year again and this is a friendly reminder to be extra careful of the dreaded paralysis tick.

The paralysis tick is common along the east coast of Australia especially New South Wales and Queensland. Once the tick attaches at a suitable site it begins to fill with blood and will inject a nasty toxin that causes muscle paralysis from the hind legs up to the chest.

Watch out for:

- Weakness in the legs
- Drooling, coughing or gagging
- Difficulty breathing

If you notice any of these signs seek veterinary advice immediately as death can ensue once there is paralysis of the muscles that help your pet breathe.

The entire tick will need to be removed so it is always best to seek veterinary advice.

Remember that prevention is better than cure. Speak to us about the best preventative options for your pet in your area.

Our puppy pre-school is a fun way for puppies and families to learn all the skills required for a rewarding life together. Under the expert guidance of our qualified nurses, parents can enjoy being involved in developing their new puppy's social skills to ensure they become polite and well behaved canine citizens.

Classes are held once a week for 4 weeks 6.30 - 7.30pm.

To join our next class, please call the location that suits your family and ask our friendly staff for more details or click here

Our 4 week program also includes a puppy water safety class at our indoor swimming facility, AquaDog Health & Fitness Centre.  For more information click here

Congratulations to all our recent graduates of our Puppy Preschool classes:

At Arundel: Class commenced 16.6.09
Boston Tarrant, Buddy Wollschlager, Nixon Gilmour

At Nerang: Class commenced 10.6.09
Toby Walker, April Purser, Zylah Jago, Sam Aitkenhead, Coco Stevens, Oliver Dalgliesh, Possum Ferguson, Spot Bullock

At Helensvale: Class commenced  22.6.09
Ollie Love, Buddy Seymour, Buster Conwall, Sally Wright, Archie Rowley, Maggie Lillecrapp, Bailey Bowles, Sophie Parker.

Thank you to all the enthusiastic puppy preschoolers and their dedicated families for sharing the experience with lots of learning, love and laughter. 

We hope you will enjoy the memories of your time together at Puppy Preschool by printing your class photo to display in the frame provided. To print your class photo or to email to friends and family go to our website www.thevets.com.au then go to E-cards to find your framed class photo.