Pet Smile Month will be held during September 2006 The aim is to promote awareness of the importance of Veterinary Dentistry both to the public and to the veterinary profession, helping to achieve better health through better dental care.

Dental disease has a much greater impact than just smelly dog breath. Look at dental disease more as a whole body disease and you will realise the importance of good dental care for your dog. Gum and dental infections can spread to the kidneys, heart valves and other areas of your dog’s body.

Pet Smile Month is determined to try and help combat the biggest infectious disease of pets. “Dental disease is the most common infectious disease of our pets. Over 80% of cats and dogs over the age of 3 require dental treatment now” says Pet Smile Month. This means that literally thousands of pets are suffering from disease, often without their owners being aware of a problem.

“Whilst dental disease is unpleasant – leading to bad breath, pain, discharges and often the loss of teeth; the effects do not stay confined to the mouth. Bacteria spread via the bloodstream and can attack the kidneys, heart, liver – indeed the whole body. This is why pets often feel so much better after proper dental treatment – owners often reporting that they seem like puppies or kittens again” says Pet Smile Week.

FREE Dental Check-ups
During September 2006 Pet Smile Month is providing FREE dental check-ups for pets at participating veterinary practices. These check-ups are being carried out at registered Pet Smile Month veterinary practices throughout the UK. The veterinary staff are giving up their time to provide free dental check-ups and to complete a survey of pets' oral health.

Owners will also receive a goody bag from the Pet Smile Month sponsors (Royal Canin, Petplan and Pedigree®) and participating vets. All the goody bags contain information leaflets about using a quality diet to help avoid dental disease and information about pet insurance.

Healthy Dog Tooth

Find a Pet Smile Month Vet
To locate the nearest registered Pet Smile Month Veterinary Practice to you, all you need to do is enter your postcode. The Pet Smile Month website will find your nearest participating practices. Find a Vet

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
The Pet Smile Month website contains a useful guide to brushing your dog’s teeth.
Toothbrushing for Dogs

For more information about Pet Smile Month visit www.petsmile.org