Hello and welcome to our newsletter for August!

Celebrated every August in Australia, National Pet Dental Health Month was created to highlight how important oral health is to the overall health, happiness and well-being of your pet. 

Each year at Mira Mar Vets we aim to raise awareness and improve the dental health of our patients by offering free dental checks, and lots of great giveaways and tips on maintaining your pet's oral care at home.

To book your pets free dental check, please call the clinic on 9841 5422!

If cuddles with your pet have become unpleasantly odorous of late, there are several potential causes to consider. Here, we’ll go through some of the common reasons pets develop bad breath and how we can help!

1. Dental disease

This is the most common cause of pongy breath in dogs and cats. It involves the build-up of plaque (a sticky film that contains bacteria) on unbrushed teeth, which then hardens over time to form calculus. If left untreated, this leads to gingivitis (gum inflammation), which then progresses to periodontitis (inflammation and infection of the tissues that support the teeth).

If we check your pet’s mouth and find dental disease, we will recommend a procedure to clean its teeth and assess the health of its teeth, gums, and jaw. We might also recommend the extraction of any significantly damaged teeth.

2. Gastrointestinal disease

If your pet suffers from recurrent gastrointestinal disease (which can be caused by a poor diet, a dietary intolerance or food allergy, chronic infection, or another gut disease process), you might notice them having frequent smelly burps or flatulence.

If you notice symptoms of poor gut function in your pet, we’d advise a prompt veterinary check-up to investigate further. We might also recommend other diagnostics such as blood tests, abdominal imaging, or faecal tests.

3. Kidney disease

In the later stages of kidney disease, reduced kidney function allows waste products to build up in the blood, which can change the smell of the pet’s breath. Pets with significant kidney disease can also develop painful mouth ulcers, contributing to smelly breath.

Kidney disease is diagnosed with routine blood and urine tests. Depending on the stage of kidney disease a pet is found to have and the suspected underlying cause, we can then make recommendations for treatment or management.

So, if you notice your pet is emitting odours that only a mother could love, we’d recommend booking a prompt consultation with our smell-savvy vets!

Regular dental care is an important aspect of caring for your pet’s general health and quality of life. If you’ve ever had tooth pain, you’ll know how miserable it can be! Additionally, untreated dental disease can release bacteria into your pet’s bloodstream, affecting the health of other organs in the body.

Here are a few ways you can save pennies by performing DIY home dental maintenance for your pet and when it’s best to utilise professional veterinary dental services.

1. Home dental hygiene maintenance

It’s recommended that you start dental hygiene maintenance for your pet as early as possible in their life (or soon after a recent dental procedure) to reduce the development of tartar and progressive dental inflammation.

Depending on your pet’s temperament and general health, we may recommend a variety of home care options including:

• training your pet to have their teeth brushed once daily with a soft toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste (or water)
• daily dental chews (preferably with VOHC – Veterinary Oral Health Council – accreditation)
• prescription dental diets

2. Veterinary care

Comparatively, the cost of a veterinary dental clean may seem expensive compared to a human scale and polish – this is because humans generally don’t require a full general anaesthetic for a thorough below-the-gumline clean like pets do!

However, putting off dental cleans for your pet can unfortunately end up costing significantly more in the long run if your pet develops irreversible tooth damage and requires extractions.

Our best recommendation? Start early, regular dental hygiene maintenance for your pet at home to slow the build-up of dental disease. Then, wherever possible, try to have veterinary dental cleans performed promptly on your pet when recommended by our team, so that your pet hopefully only require clean-ups and not extractions.

Regular dental care for your pet should help keep both you and your pet smiling!

A few dental-related myths are still floating around, which can mislead owners about the best dental care for their beloved pets.

Here are some of the top veterinary "tooth untruths" that our team would love to myth-bust.

1. Home dental care will prevent your pet from requiring veterinary dental treatment

We recommend early, regular home dental hygiene maintenance for every dog and cat to help slow the development of dental disease. Depending on the pet's temperament, this may include daily tooth brushing, prescription dental diets, or daily dental chews.

However, even humans brushing their teeth twice daily are recommended to have a professional dental check (and a clean, if required) every 6-12 months to prevent painful periodontal disease (which causes permanent damage). It's the same for pets; they will also benefit from a dental procedure every 6 to 12 months.

2. My pet is too old/unwell to undergo a dental procedure

Many owners are worried that a dental procedure will be too unsafe for their elderly pet. Rest assured that with the proper health screening (such as pre-anaesthetic blood tests), most older pets can still safely undergo an anaesthetic for dental work that will help to maintain their comfort and health.

In pets with pre-existing health issues, we can make additional safety adjustments, such as:

• Staging their dental treatment into two shorter procedures
• Avoiding the use of certain sedatives or drugs
• Considering specialist referral if appropriate

3. My pet is still eating, so they mustn't be in pain

Unfortunately, many well-meaning owners have the wrong impression that their pet must not have dental pain if they are still eating!

Due to their natural survival instincts, most dogs and cats will continue eating through dental pain unless their disease becomes very severe (such as a tooth root abscess). If you've ever had tooth pain, you'll know that it's obviously preferable to treat pets before they reach this point.

For any other dental-related queries, consult our knowledgeable team.

Many of you would remember Dr Farand Thompson, who was a long-term locum at Mira Mar Vets from the end of 2020 until the beginning of 2022.  Whilst Dr Farand was with us in Albany, he was also involved in an exciting research project using ultrasound techniques on whale sharks off the coast of Exmouth.  We are thrilled to announce that the research was recently published, so congratulations to Farand and the team of scientists involved!  Click here to read a summary.

Image credit: ANDRE REREKURA

Did you know that the 8th of August is International Cat Day? This month, to celebrate the purr-fect feline friend in your life, our team has come up with a list of feline-friendly gifts to consider.

A heated cat bed

Provided that you ensure you’re purchasing a high-quality product that will be safe for your cat and your home, a heated cat bed can be a lovely gift for keeping your pet warm over the cold winter months, particularly for older cats who may have joint stiffness or discomfort.

A new food bowl

Cats generally love wide, shallow bowls (so their whiskers aren’t squashed during feeding), made from an easily cleaned material such as stainless steel. Plastic bowls are best avoided, as these can easily harbour leftover food particles and bacteria, which may predispose some cats to developing feline acne on their chin.

A drinking fountain

Many cats love using a feline drinking fountain, which gently circulates water for a fresher taste. This can encourage cats to drink more, which helps to keep their urine dilute and avoid the formation of irritating urinary crystals in their bladder. Just ensure that your fountain is well-designed for easy cleaning of all internal surfaces (to avoid the build-up of a bacterial biofilm).

Healthy treats

If your cat has no dietary restrictions, natural treats made with high-quality protein (e.g. freeze-dried chicken, turkey, or fish pieces) will usually be well-received. It’s best to only buy Australian-made treats, as other treats may include unhealthy preservatives. Combine a treat type your cat loves with a feline food puzzle toy, and you’ll have a wonderful environmental enrichment activity to help keep them happily occupied!

If you end up spoiling your cat with a gift this month, please snap some adorable photos of them enjoying their surprise and post them on our Facebook page!

To add to the feline love, August 22nd each year is Take Your Cat to the Vet Day!  Probably not your cat's favourite date on the calendar, but we assure you we try to make every visit a happy one.

With International Dog Day fast approaching on the 26th of August, our team are practically barking with excitement to share this list of wallet-friendly gifts and environmental enrichment ideas that are sure to get your canine friend’s tail wagging!

Canine comfort

Our team loves a well-fitted puffer jacket to keep pets warm over winter (particularly dogs with short coats such as whippets and greyhounds). Ensure that coats are well-fitted enough so that your pet’s front legs don’t get trapped inside when they curl up, but also soft and elastic enough around the armholes to allow comfortable movement without irritating the skin of the armpits.

Canine fashion

If your dog is the sociable type, they will probably enjoy the extra petting and attention that comes with wearing an adorable bandana, bow or pet bowtie out on walks! Before letting strangers pat your dog, however, ensure your dog is showing body language associated with being comfortable to interact, such as a loose tail wag (which may include a bottom sway too!), a relaxed facial expression (with soft lips and neutral ear position), and no signs of nervousness such as leaning away or freezing.

Puzzle toys

To give your canine friend some enjoyable mental stimulation, try investing in a few food puzzle toys. These can be filled with your dog’s favourite treats and offered on a rotating basis to help keep your pet busy and entertained.

Safe chew treats

If your pet loves chewing, try picking them up some long-lasting chew treats. Our team recommends only offering treats with a little “give” to them, as very hard, brittle treats such as deer antlers can lead to painful tooth fractures. Pets who tend to gulp food (we’re looking at you, labradors!) may also need to be supervised to ensure they don’t choke trying to swallow overly large pieces.

For more canine-friendly environmental enrichment ideas, consult our pawfectly dog-obsessed team!

Paws and Smiles: Dogs Brighten Lives at Renmark Nursing Home

The Caring Canine Companions program at Renmark Nursing Home brings joy to residents by connecting them with visiting dogs. Resident Kathleen Magann said, "I can't wait [for the visits] … the dog jumps up on the bed. I cuddle them, I just love them." Organised by Sarah Peckover, the program helps residents, including those with dementia, feel more animated and engaged. "He comes alive, becomes more animated, smiles and becomes a different person," Peckover noted.

Click here to read the full story at ABC News.

Does Your Dog Need a Jacket in Winter?

The need for a dog jacket depends on the dog's size, breed, and local climate. "Larger dogs can handle the cold," said Dr. Susan Hazel, University of Adelaide. Smaller dogs may need jackets, especially in rain or for older, arthritic pets. While some dogs may dislike jackets, positive reinforcement helps. "Dogs thrive on approval from their owners," Dr. Hazel noted. Indoors, dogs don't need jackets at night, but proper shelter is crucial for outdoor sleepers.

Click here to read the full story at ABC News.

PetRescue's Annual Pet Adoption Report Highlights Growth and Challenges

PetRescue's 2022-2023 State of Pet Adoption Report reveals key trends in Australia's pet adoption landscape. Pet adoption numbers increased by at least 45% across shelters, councils, and vets, though rescue groups saw a decline. "This report provides an inside look into the hidden world of rescue," said PetRescue CEO Patima Tantiprasut. Despite high stress levels, nearly 70% of participants reported job satisfaction and compassion satisfaction.

Click here to learn more at Pet Industry News.

The endangered Australian sea lion, with a dwindling population of around 10,000, is the focus of a major new research effort. Despite advancements in fishing practices reducing bycatch, numbers continue to fall, raising concerns about other potential threats such as pollution, disease, and climate impacts.

Simon Goldsworthy from the South Australian Research and Development Institute is leading this extensive study, part of the 10-year Threatened Species Action Plan. The research will explore a variety of factors, including the effects of environmental pollutants like heavy metals and PFAS, and diseases such as toxoplasmosis, commonly found in cat feces, which may impact reproductive rates.

"We're looking into diverse risks that might be influencing their survival and recovery," Goldsworthy stated. The team plans to use cutting-edge techniques, including genome sequencing and stable isotope analysis, to better understand the sea lions' genetic health and diet.

Additionally, the study will investigate the correlation between climate change and increased pup mortality during heat waves, aiming to develop strategies to protect these vulnerable animals during extreme weather events.

This significant research initiative involves collaborations with universities and conservation organizations nationwide, all united in their goal to uncover the critical factors affecting the survival of Australian sea lions.

Click here to read the ABC's full story.

This email contains comments of a general nature only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Please always consult your vet for specific advice on your pet's individual needs.

All content © PetPack 2024