Pet dental disease is one of the most common health issues seen in dogs and cats, often starting with bad breath, red gums, or plaque build-up, and progressing to painful infections or even tooth loss if left untreated.

What many pet owners don’t realise is that dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth — it can also impact a pet’s overall health, including their heart, liver, and kidneys.

Understanding the signs, risks, and prevention of dental disease is key to keeping your furry friend healthy, comfortable, and happy.

Key Takeaways

What is Pet Dental Disease?

Pet dental disease is an infection of the teeth and gums that’s very common in dogs and cats. It usually starts with bad breath and a build-up of plaque, which can lead to sore, swollen gums and painful teeth. If left untreated, it can make eating uncomfortable and may even affect your pet’s overall health.

The good news is, with regular dental care and check-ups, most dental disease can be prevented.

Pet Dental Pain

1 year = 7 years in dog time. Skipping their dental check-up is like ignoring yours for 7 YEARS.⁠
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The tricky part? Most pets won’t show obvious signs of dental pain, even when it’s severe. Many still eat, play, and seem “fine” on the outside.⁠ But behind the scenes, infections can build, teeth may loosen, and ongoing pain can impact their mood, energy, and overall health.⁠
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We often hear owners say their pet seems like a whole new dog after dental treatment because they were in more discomfort than anyone realised.⁠
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Don’t wait for visible signs. Be proactive and book your dog’s dental check-up and catch issues before they become painful problems.⁠

It’s not just about stinky breath.

 By the age of 3 years, 80% of our pets have dental disease.

Left untreated, it can cause pain, tooth loss, or even lead to infections in vital organs.

And here’s the tricky part: your pet probably won’t show obvious signs.

Most pets will keep eating like nothing’s wrong

Even when teeth are loose, infected, or rotting, most pets will keep eating like nothing’s wrong.

They may still show interest in food, and chew, just more carefully. You might notice they favour one side, take longer to eat, or start preferring soft food. But often, the changes are so subtle, they go unnoticed.

 ⁠Dental pain is real. And just because they’re eating, doesn’t mean their mouth is healthy.

 ⁠You won’t always see the symptoms of dental disease, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. It’s up to us to look closer.

Pet Dental Disease Symptoms

Some more serious symptoms may include:

• Bad breath (it’s not “normal”)
• Excessive drooling or staining
• Struggling to chew or eat
• Pawing at their face or mouth
• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• Changes in mood or energy

If you notice even one of these, it is likely your pet is in lots of pain and we recommended acting quickly.

What happens if dental disease symptoms are ignored?

Untreated dental disease doesn’t just stay in the mouth.

• Infections can spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys
• Ongoing pain can affect mood and behaviour
• It can affect their overall quality of life

Does my pet still need regular dental checks?

Yes, even with great at-home care, your pet still needs regular dental checks.

Brushing, dental chews and water additives help but they can’t remove hardened plaque or tartar once it builds up.

That’s where professional scale and polish treatments come in. They prevent more serious issues like infection, tooth loss, and pain.

•  Annual dental checks
•  Professional cleans
•  At-home prevention in between

Dental care isn’t a “nice to have”, it’s essential for your pet’s long-term health.

Clients regularly report back to us after their pet’s dental procedure saying things like ‘Fluffy is like a kitten/puppy again” and “I had no idea that dental disease was affecting them so much!’

Not sure where your pet’s dental health stands?

Happy Paws is here to help. We strongly believe in the benefits of preventive pet dentistry to keep your pet’s mouth and the rest of their health in tip-top shape.

Book a dental check at Happy Paws and we’ll walk you through everything – no judgment, just expert care.

After all, they’re already perfect in our eyes, regardless of their size! But because we want our beloved companions to live their longest, happiest lives, it’s worth knowing how to spot those subtle signs of weight gain before they impact your pet’s health and mobility.
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The truth is that overweight pets are more prone to joint issues, heart strain, and reduced quality of life. And while the cuddly look might seem cute, the risks beneath the surface are anything but.⁠

How To Tell If My Cat or Dog Is Overweight?

We all love to spoil our furry family members, but sometimes those extra treats and cozy lounging sessions can add up around their middles! As pet parents, it can be tricky to tell when our cats and dogs have crossed the line from pleasantly plump to potentially unhealthy.

So if you’re wondering if your pet might be carrying a little extra love around the middle, then let’s check together!

Run your fingers gently through your pet’s fur—you should be able to feel their ribs with a light touch, like they’re hiding under a thin blanket. Take a peek at your buddy from above—do they have that cute little tuck at the waistline, or has their silhouette become more of a lovable oval?

Those adorable rolls and pouches might be more than just extra cuddle material! Don’t worry though—many pets (just like us humans!) find themselves carrying a few extra ounces of happiness, and spotting it early is the first step to helping them feel their bouncy best again!

Here are a few things to keep in mind as a Pet Parent

• ⁠Treats count! Your pet has a daily energy intake, so every snack adds up.⁠
• Pro tip: Use a portion of their meal as training treats to avoid overfeeding.⁠
• Quality nutrition matters. A well-balanced, high-quality diet makes all the difference.⁠

Possibly Already Overweight?

Before you panic or put Fluffy on a crash diet, have a chat with us! We can give you the real scoop on whether your pet needs a lifestyle tweak. We can rule out any sneaky health issues that might be behind the weight gain and help create a loving plan to get your buddy back to their bouncy best.

So if you’re unsure where to start, Happy Paws Vet is here to support you with tailored diet plans, weight checks, and advice specific to your pet’s needs.⁠ Because helping them live longer, healthier lives is the ultimate act of love.

Remember, helping your pet maintain a healthy weight is one of the sweetest ways to show your love—it means more energy for playtime, less strain on those precious joints, and more happy years together curled up on the couch. And when it comes to weight loss, slow and steady wins the race for our furry friends!

Those with weakened immune systems should take extra care, especially when handling faeces or administering medication.⁠

What Is Giardia?

Giardia is a microscopic parasite that infects the intestines, causing gastrointestinal issues in dogs. It spreads through contaminated water, food, or surfaces and can even be passed between pets.

Symptoms of Giardia in Dogs

• Diarrhoea (sometimes foul-smelling or greasy)
• Vomiting
• Weight loss or poor appetite
• Lethargy
• Dehydration

How Do Dogs Get Giardia?

Giardia spreads easily, especially in areas where dogs interact or drink from shared water sources. Your pup can pick up this pesky parasite in several ways, often without you even realising it! Here’s how Giardia in spread:

• Drinking contaminated water (puddles, lakes, streams, or infected bowls)
• Contact with infected faeces (even microscopic amounts)
• Licking contaminated surfaces or grooming after exposure
• Being in high-risk areas like dog parks, kennels, or shared water bowls

If Left Untreated, What Can Giardia Cause?

• Severe dehydration
• Chronic diarrhea & weight loss
• Weakened immune system
• Risk of spreading to other pets in the household

How to Protect Your Pup from Giardia?

• Always provide clean, fresh water
• Avoid stagnant puddles or shared bowls in public places
• Pick up and dispose of poop properly
• Keep food and water bowls clean & sanitised
• Visit your vet if your dog shows symptoms

Does Your Woofer Need a Check-Up?

⁠🐶 Chat to a Happy Paws Vet to learn more. Book a check up for your furbaby if symptoms exist.

Understanding the signs, like lumps, persistent wounds, and changes in appetite or activity, can make all the difference in your pet’s health journey, especially as they grow older.⁠

At Happy Paws, we are committed to providing quality, thorough consultations that give you and your pet the time, care, and attention needed to identify any concerns. Together, let’s ensure our furry companions have the best possible chance for treatment and a healthy, happy life.

Pet Cancer Awareness Early Detection Tips

We share our top tips to support owners in early detection.

Monitor Physical Changes

Lumps or Bumps: Regularly check your pet for any unusual lumps or growths. Pay attention to any changes in size, shape, or colour.

Wounds That Don’t Heal: Keep an eye on any persistent wounds or sores that don’t seem to improve over time. These could indicate underlying health issues.

Watch for Behavioural Shifts

An important sign to watch for in your pet is lethargy or a noticeable decrease in activity levels.

If you find that your furry friend seems more tired than usual, it could be a signal that something is amiss.

Changes in Appetite, Thirst, and Weight

A drop in appetite can be an indicator of underlying health problems, including dental issues, gastrointestinal distress, or even more serious conditions like cancer.

Increased thirst often accompanies changes in appetite and should not be overlooked.

If your pet is shedding pounds without any dietary changes, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian.

Changes in Bathroom Habits

Any unusual changes in urination or bowel movements, such as straining, blood in urine or stools or abnormal smells, can warrant immediate attention.

Sometimes our pets can have upset tummies (see Tell-Tail Signs Your Dog Has an Upset Stomach) but should unusual toileting persist, a call to your Vet is essential.

Be vigilant with regular vet checks

Regular veterinary visits are essential for ensuring your pet’s health and well-being. These check-ups provide your veterinarian with the opportunity to identify any underlying health issues before they escalate.

This is especially crucial for cats, as they are notorious for concealing signs of illness or injury. Cats often hide their discomfort until a condition has progressed, making it vital to maintain a routine schedule of veterinary care.

Like humans, cancer is prevalent in our cats and dogs and early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and improved outcomes.

Book A Check Up For Your Furry Friend

At Happy Paws, we deeply care about your pet’s health and well-being. Our dedicated team is committed to providing quality, thorough, and compassionate consultations tailored to your pet’s unique needs.

If your furry friend is due for a health check, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team. Appointments can be made online or call the clinic on (07) 5577 5084

Canine Upset Stomach Signs

1. Loss of Appetite

If your dog is suddenly not interested in food, this could indicate an upset stomach. A skipped meal is sometimes okay, but if it lasts more than 24 hours, it’s time to take action. Tip: Monitor your dog’s eating habits. If they continue refusing food, contact your vet.

2. Vomiting or Diarrhoea

Frequent vomiting or diarrhoea is a clear sign of digestive distress. Occasional vomiting or loose stools might not be serious, but repeated episodes can lead to dehydration.

Tip: If vomiting or diarrhoea persists for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by blood, contact your vet immediately.

3. Lethargy or Discomfort

Dogs may become less active, sluggish, or show signs of discomfort, such as pacing or whining. Tip: Give your dog time to rest and offer plenty of water. If lethargy persists, it’s time to call your vet.

4. Excessive Drooling or Lip Licking

Excessive drooling, lip licking, or gulping could be signs of nausea. Dogs often do this to try to soothe their stomachs. Tip: Offer bland food, like boiled chicken and rice, in small amounts. If the symptoms don’t improve, consult your vet.

5. Flatulence or Abdominal Noises

Gas or loud gurgling noises from the stomach can also indicate digestive issues. While occasional flatulence is normal, excessive gas can point to an upset stomach.

Tip: Avoid giving your dog rich or fatty foods that could worsen their symptoms. If gas continues, seek advice from your vet.

When to Intervene

Trust your gut and err on the side of caution.

Ultimately, no one knows your pet like you do. If something doesn’t seem right, we are always here to support you, your pets and ensure they receive the care they need.

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Consult Your Happy Paws Vet

No concern is too small, so always trust your instincts.

If you’re unsure, contact the team at Happy Paws – we’re here to help!

Saturday Trading at Happy Paws

September 2024

• Business as usual (open every Saturday 8am to 12midday)

October 2024

• Closed Saturday 12th
• Closed Saturday 19th

November 2024

• Closed Saturday 2nd for standard clinic operations (OPEN FOR SANTA PAWS 🎅🐾)
• Closed Saturday 16th
• Closed Saturday 23rd

December 2024 – onwards

• Closed Saturday 7th
• Closed Saturday 21st
• Regretfully, we will be closed every second Saturday until further notice.

Temporarily reducing our Saturday trade is always a difficult decision and we understand how disappointing this is, particularly for those who have limited availability.

We hope to return to being open every Saturday once we find our new PAWfect team members – be sure to send us PAWSitive vibes! 🐾🌞

If Saturday’s are your preferred day for appointments, please be sure to get in early as they fill up quickly and please be patient with our team in the event we are unable to squeeze you in.

Need a Vet When We’re Closed?

Emergencies

• If your pet needs urgent veterinary care on a Saturday we are closed, please contact Animal Emergency Services Carrara on (07) 5559 1599

🙏Thanks for your patience during this time and as always for your ongoing support and we’ll continue to bring you updates with how we’re getting on.

Pet osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease that affects animals, particularly older pets like dogs and cats. It’s similar to osteoarthritis in humans and involves the progressive deterioration of the cartilage within the joints. Cartilage acts as a cushion between bones, allowing for smooth movement, but when it wears away, bones can rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

Also known as arthritis,  osteoarthritis in your kitty or doggo can be tricky to pick in its early stages. Changes in the joint aren’t yet visible and, with four legs, our dogs and cats can shift their weight and posture to cope with pain.

Several factors can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in pets, including genetics, age, obesity, joint injuries, and certain medical conditions. Common symptoms of pet osteoarthritis include limping, stiffness, difficulty rising or lying down, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and behavioural changes like irritability or withdrawal.

“Is my woofer just slowing down as he ages?”

Owner’s may think, “he’s just slowing down,” or “he’s just a bit stiff.” Many don’t notice that their pet is not as willing to move around and play as he once was, as the changes within the joint is so gradual. Unfortunately, by the time it becomes obvious, the arthritis is quite advanced and will be causing considerable pain.

Pet Osteoarthritis Symptoms – When to Contact A Vet

It is important to get in touch with us if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Stiffness when getting up after sleeping (yes, just like us humans!)
• Limping or stiffness after a walk or exercise
• Licking or gnawing at joints or paws
• Puffy joints
• Abnormal gait
• Reluctance to walk upstairs or jump
• Reluctance to play and run
• Change in behaviour such as aggression when picked up
• Difficulty grooming
• Postural change or muscle wastage
• Hesitant to jump from heights
• Spending less time playing and more time sleeping

Pet Osteoarthritis Treatments

Let’s start with a consultation to establish a treatment plan. It’s important to note that the pain of arthritis can be treated!

Treatment for pet osteoarthritis aims to manage pain, reduce inflammation and improve mobility. We may recommend things such as medications (eg nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs & joint supplements), weight management, physical therapy, exercise modification, and in severe cases, surgery.

Your Friendly Local Vet Can Help

Early detection and intervention can help improve the quality of life for your furry family member with osteoarthritis.

If you’re thinking this could be more than just slowing down with age, please contact you friendly Coombabah Vet team at Happy Paws Vet Clinic.

We always strive to provide you with exceptional service, value for money and to give your furry family the best veterinary care possible.🐾💙

Whether you have a cuddle-munchkin or more of a devil-monkey, our amazing team are here to help make their experience more comfortable, rewarding and of course, PAWsitive.

So enjoy the wrap up and if you would like to chat with us about any pet care matters, we are here to listen, guide and assist.

Well hello Onyx, Wren, Poppy, Put Put, Bazzoka, Marshmellow, Steve, Tina and Tank

These are the latest little floofers to come through our doors and brave their first vet visits. We say it all the time but we love what we do and who we do it for! Being a part of your pet’s life from the very beginning is such a special treat. From the beginning, middle or even the end, we are here for you.

First vet visits are so crucial to ensuring your new fur kids are set up for a healthy, happy journey ahead. Our amazing team of veterinarians are here to help guide and assist you with all the curly questions. If you know someone with a new pet, tell them to reach out to us today, we won’t bite 🙂

Btw, have you seen our ever growing Furry Family Wall of Happy Heroes?

Celebrating the smaller things in life.

Despite trying to climb on mum’s shoulders to get a little bigger … Mia proves good things come in small packages. 🩷🐾

Bye Dr Jess, we’ll miss you!

It is with bittersweet emotion we announce the upcoming departure of one of Happy Paws foundation vets, Dr. Jessica Norman. After being a part of the Happy Paws family for close to 7 years, she has decided to take on a new adventure working within animal emergency. 🚑

Dr Jess has said leaving her Happy Paws family after such a long time has been a very difficult decision to make (many tears have been shed amongst us all) but it has always been her dream to work within the emergency animal field.

Whether you have only seen Dr Jess for a single visit or have been a ‘frequent flyer’ throughout the years she has been here, you will agree her level of knowledge, dedication, professionalism and care (for fur kids and their hooomans) is truly gold standard ⭐️

She has lived and breathed the values of this clinic and what sets us apart from others. She deeply appreciates the trust her clients have placed in her to care for their beloved fur family and needless to say, will miss each and every one of you. Dr Jess will have her last day in clinic on 4 March, please be sure to book in before then if you would like to see her and say your farewells (we promise, we have plenty of tissues on-hand to go around)! 😭

Although Dr Jess will be moving onto a new adventure, your pets will continue to receive the same fantastic care from Dr Tiana, Dr Vanessa and the amazing team of nurses who all share the same dedication and commitment to providing gold standard service and medicine in a fear free clinic.

We will miss you Jess and we wish you all the very best in your new and exciting adventure!! 🩷🐈‍⬛😽

Behind The Scenes at Happy Paws

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when you drop your fur-kid off for a procedure? Check out Chicka’s recent visit to get her teeth all nice and clean. If your fur-baby needs any dentistry work, make an appointment today.

We practice what we preach

Even our team bring in their pets for routine and preventative procedures such as health checks, vaccinations, desexing and dentals. Congratulations to Nurse Chloe who recently adopted this little meow via @catrescuegoldcoast. Nurse Chloe already has two doggies, Lacey and Wookie and one kitty-cat, Goose at home. This new little addition‘s name? … Duck! 😹

Yes, our Cat Only Clinic area is Now Open

We are excited to announce the much anticipated cat only entrance and consult rooms are now open. Our next goal is to finalise the gold level Cat Friendly Clinic accreditation. If you have a kitty cat and are planning a visit to our clinic, be sure to use this entrance on the left hand side. Check out the video here.

In this article, we’ve got your New Year’s resolution sorted: dental health and hygiene for your pet, plus we say hello to some regular and a first time doggo and kitty visitors (have you seen our ever growing Furry Family Wall of Happy Heroes?). We also provide a reminder of the importance of tick prevention and how best to look after your furbabies during these mighty hot summer months. You may have also noticed the lovely Anna who joined the awesome Vet team around 3 weeks ago for her university placement. And yes, we do offer GapOnly as a payment option. We explain more below.

Enjoy the wrap up and if you would like to chat with us about any pet care matters, we are here to listen, guide and assist.

New Year’s resolution sorted: Pet dental health and hygiene

Dental checks on all our pets is super important, starting from a very young age. Dr Jess, Dr Tiana and Dr Vanessa check to make sure all the deciduous (baby) teeth are coming through correctly during our puppy and kitten health checks. Our team can identify overcrowding, retained deciduous teeth as well as missing and fractured teeth which can be very painful and cause lifelong dental issues.

Our advice to you –  Get your fur kids used to having their mouth examined. Puppies should have 28 teeth and kittens 26. These super sharp needles (aka. deciduous teeth) are replaced by adult teeth, 42 in a dog and 30 in a cat! Btw, can you spot the baby tooth in this pic above?

Pink is in!

Whoever said blondes have more fun, clearly never dyed their hair pink! 😎 We couldn’t resist getting a picture of Nurse Ash and guest in clinic, Porsha.

GapOnly

GapOnly reviews and calculates your pet insurance claim while you wait. We explain GapOnly more here. If you are wanting to utilise GapOnly at your next visit, please be sure to flag this to our team so we can do our best to try and accommodate.

It sure has been hot! Please check your pet’s ears.

Keep an eye on your fur kid’s ears. With all the crazy heat, wet, humidity of late, have you noticed your fur kid is shaking their head or scratching their ears more than usual? It might indicate a problem with their ears. It’s a good idea to check your pet’s ears when you’re giving them a pat or brush. Keep an eye out for the following signs:

• black or waxy discharge in the ear canals
• red scratches on their ears
• a yeasty or strong odour coming from the ear canal
• irritation or pain when you touch their ears

If you notice any of the above or have any concerns, it is always best to bring them in for a check-up.

Hey Ziggy, all is good

“You’re going to put the thermometer where?!” Ziggy. All went well, btw 🙂

Importance of regular paralysis tick prevention

Regular paralysis tick prevention is really important for all our pets! Tick paralysis causes progressive weakness of your pet’s muscles, and can therefore cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties, leg weakness, a different-sounding “meows” and “woofs” and regurgitation. Severe cases can sadly prove fatal, even with treatment.

It’s best to apply veterinary standard tick prevention to your feline friends and precious pooches on a regular basis, and check them for ticks daily during peak tick season. Ask our friendly team of vets for advice on how to best protect your best mate against these dangerous parasites. Also see Protecting your pet with pet vaccinations and flea and tick prevention

Thank You, Anna

Have you noticed a new face around clinic? If you’ve been in to see us in the last couple of weeks, you may have come across Anna. Anna is going into her fourth year of veterinary studies through Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga and currently undertaking her first clinical placement.

Under the mentorship of our veterinary team, Anna has been building practical skills and broadening her knowledge tackling some of varied cases that come through our doors.

Whilst she’s only with us for a short time, already it feels like she is a part of the Happy Paws family and we wish her every success in her studies … and who knows … maybe, we’ll see her again in the future! Continue striving for paws-itive outcomes for all pets and their owner’s Anna!

Rocky, Joey and Steve

We welcome these gorgeous fur kids to the clinic this Jan. And importantly Steve, pounced on the opportunity to have her vaccination and is now protected against some particularly nasty illnesses such as Feline parvovirus and calicivirus. Despite the National feline vaccination shortage, we have been lucky enough to get our paws on some cat/kitten vaccinations.

If you have been holding off on booking in your feline friend, get in touch with us today.

We should also mention for all the kitty parents out there, that we have almost completed our clinic expansion to include a separate cat entrance and waiting room, two designated cat consultation rooms (we currently have one) and a hospital ward away from doggos.

Now back to this last month, we’ve welcomed plenty of regular and a newbie doggos and kitties and we share below a few of their stories.  Our awesome Vet team put your pet first, always, and October has again been no exception. We are committed to treating you furbabies as the valued family members that they are. If you would like to chat with us about any pet care matters, we are here to listen, guide and assist. Introducing some of our recent the wonderful furry visitors and latest news.

Santa Paws is Coming To Town! (free event 11 Nov 2023)

She (ie Santa Paws) can’t wait to see you all again and update her Christmas album with new photos with her furry friends!  So, get out your lead or basket and mark 9:30am-11:30am, Saturday November 11th, on your calendar.  It’s going to be a first in, first-served event so no bookings required! You can come as you are or get into the Christmas spirit and dress up for even more fun!

Kai + Halloween Tips

Kai the 84kg, Newfoundland is giving us his best ‘rare breed of lion’ impression … although he’s all about the cuddles!

Halloween is here, so to ensure you have a fa-BOO-lous Halloween, don’t forget to keep your treats safely stored away. Some of the foods we find delicious are toxic for our pets.

Steer your pet clear of chocolate, grapes, sultanas, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts, as they are all toxic foods for dogs.

If your pet does ingest something they shouldn’t, don’t wait, contact us straight away or if it is outside of our operating hours, contact (AES) Animal Emergency Services Carrara on (07) 5559 159