A Rotorua veterinarian says dental problems are the most common problem encountered at routine health checks and his workplace has joined a nationwide programme to offer free dental checks for dogs this month.
Dr Russell Cowie from Central City Vets said research showed 80 per cent of New Zealand dogs over the age of 3 have developed gum disease which can lead to tooth loss, abscesses and bone infection.
The bacteria and infections that result from bad dental hygiene can spread to the dog's bloodstream leading to heart, kidney or liver disease which can then result in serious health complications.
More often than not by the time it is discovered a pet needs dental attention with one or more teeth typically having to be removed.
He hopes to address this issue by joining more than 200 other vets across the country as part of the Pedigree Dentastix initiative - which will offer free dental checks for dogs throughout the Doggie Dental month of July.