CLINIC NEWS

August Newsletter 2015

If you've been in to see us recently, you may have noticed that the clinic has undergone some refurbishing. Both our consult rooms have had a touch up with fresh paint and a bit of redecorating, with our pharmacy receiving the same treatment. It's been a little hectic trying to continue business as usual while juggling the redecorating and we thank you for your patience with us and hope you enjoy the new look.

ORAL HEALTH AWARENESS

Did you know that at the age of 2 around 70% of cats and 80% of dogs are already beginning to show signs of dental disease? Just like us, cats and dogs can suffer from oral health issues, problems that begin with the build-up of plague that hardens into tartar. If let untreated, this can lead to gingivitis, a condition where the gums become inflamed and painful. Eventually periodontal disease will develop which not only means the loss of teeth but also puts other organs in the body at risk of infection and disease. A healthy smile can improve the well-being of your pet and there are a number of ways to keep you pet's teeth clean! From specialised diets to dental treats, to water-additives and special pet toothpaste, speak to the nurses at reception to find out what works for you and your pet to keep you both smiling.

With moderate to severe tartar build up, a dental cleaning where the teeth are scaled and polished is necessary to treat dental disease. This involves a general anaesthetic in order to properly clean the mouth and assess the health of the teeth. This is often the best way to stay on top of and maintain oral health, as a scale and polish will ensure the teeth are clean and healthy before continuing on with dental maintenance through brushing, dental diets, treats, and special dental toys. If you are interested in a dental cleaning for your pet and would like to know more, our nurses at reception would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

For the month of August, every pet that comes in for a dental scale and polish will receive a free bag of Hills T/D to take home! This is a great way to trial a dental diet as well as to continue maintaining your pet's oral health.

NEWS FROM THE CLINIC

Our nurses Nicolette and Holly are getting ready to attend the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association Annual Conference in the middle of August. They will be attending a series of talks on a variety of topics to help further advance their skills and are excited to continue their education in an ever-changing field. It's important to keep ahead in the veterinary field and to continue learning wherever possible, which is why our team ensures that we remain up to date and continue our education whenever possible.

We hope you're all managing to keep warm in this cooler weather and are getting to enjoy the few lovely sunny days we've had.

All the best,

The team at Whangaparaoa Vet Centre.