If your pet has plaque and tartar and is at risk of developing gingivitis we may recommend a dental clean. This is a very common procedure and is essential when it comes to pet care.

During a dental procedure we use very similar equipment to human dentists. As you might already have realised, we can't ask our pets to say “open wide" while we have a look around. To make sure we are able to clean all the teeth and do it safely (we don’t want to be bitten!), a general anaesthetic is required. 

A scaling device is used to remove any plaque that is stuck to the teeth.

In some cases, bacteria may have already damaged the structures of the tooth, leading to exposure of the roots and sensitive nerves. This can cause your pet pain, so it is best we remove any diseased teeth. A fractured tooth may also require extraction. We will advise you if dental x-rays are required to further assess the health of the tooth/teeth.

After the tooth is removed dissolvable sutures may be placed at the extraction site. Finally, a polishing instrument and paste are used to help form a protective layer over your pet’s pearly whites.

Antibiotics, pain relief and a diet of soft and chunky food may be needed until the extraction sites have healed. At the end of the day your pet will be happier and healthier.

With winter in full swing, here are a few hazards to watch out for: 

Frozen water: In some areas of Australia it gets so cold overnight that your pet’s water bowl may freeze over. Sometimes it doesn’t get a chance to melt during the day so your pet will have no access to water. Check your pet’s water twice daily.

Heater hazards: Don’t let your pet sit too close to the fire or heater - he can singe his fur or even burn his nose!

Coats and clothing:  A coat might be a good idea for pets that have been clipped or are old and feel the cold, but be aware that most pet clothing is unnecessary and impedes an animal’s ability to regulate his own temperature. Never leave your pet clothed and unattended as he may overheat. (It is not even recommended in the chilly UK - see here)

Who is hiding under the bonnet?: Cats (and other critters) might find a nice warm spot under your car bonnet on a cold night so always turn on your car engine and leave it running for a while before heading off just to be sure.

Anti-freeze:  If you are heading to the snow fields and are using anti-freeze in your car, make sure it is out of your pet’s reach. Dogs especially like the initial taste of anti-freeze but it is highly poisonous.

A new smart collar has been developed in the US that can help tell you when your dog is sick. The studded collar contains sensors that keeps track of temperature, pulse and respiration as well as activity patterns.

Whilst it doesn’t take the place of regular vet visits and you keeping an eye on your best friend, it does let you know if your dog’s vital signs start to deviate in a way that might indicate a possible problem. If this is the case an alert is sent to your smartphone and to your vet.

A great feature is that because the device works in real time, vets will have more information on which to base their diagnoses and keep track of how animals respond to treatment. When it comes to technology, there are exciting times ahead!

Read more here