Why Pet Dental Care Matters: More Than Just Fresh Breath

Admin Team

Many pet owners assume that bad breath in dogs and cats is normal, but it’s often a warning sign of dental disease. Just like humans, pets need regular oral care to prevent painful infections, tooth loss, and serious health issues that can affect their heart, liver, and kidneys.



Approximately 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of periodontal disease by the age of three. That’s why dental health is essential—not just for fresh breath, but for your pet’s overall well-being.

The Hidden Dangers of Poor Pet Dental Health

When plaque and tartar build up on your pet’s teeth, bacteria can spread beneath the gumline, leading to painful inflammation, gum recession, and tooth loss. If left untreated, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream, affecting vital organs and potentially shortening your pet’s lifespan.


Health Issues Linked to Poor Dental Care:

·      Periodontal Disease – The most common dental problem in pets, leading to pain, gum infection, and tooth loss.

·      Heart Disease – Bacteria from the mouth can travel to the heart, increasing the risk of endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining).

·      Kidney & Liver Infections – The bloodstream carries bacteria from dental disease to major organs, causing long-term damage.

·      Chronic Pain & Behavioural Changes – Pets with dental pain may eat less, become irritable, or avoid playing with toys.


How to Spot Dental Problems in Your Pet

Since pets can’t tell us when they’re in pain, it’s important to watch for early warning signs of dental disease:

·      Bad breath (persistent, foul-smelling odour)

·      Yellow or brown tartar buildup on teeth

·      Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

·      Difficulty eating (dropping food, chewing on one side, or avoiding hard food)

·      Excessive drooling

·      Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face against surfaces

·      Loose or missing teeth



If your pet is showing any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a professional dental check-up with your vet. Call us today to book an appointment.

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Important YVV Update

By Admin Team • February 17, 2026
Sadly, we have had some staff changes recently at Yass Valley Veterinary. After 3 years, Dr Issy Card has taken a small animal position in Canberra. Our recently married Dr Anne Cusack is relocating to Wagga for her husband’s work, and Dr Natalie Flew is also leaving us to work in an emergency afterhours clinic in Canberra with more suitable hours for her new family. We will all miss these three amiable, dedicated and competent veterinarians and wish them well in their future pursuits. Dr Stuart Williams, after almost 33 years at Yass Valley Veterinary (15 years as a partner with Dr Peter Gibbs and 15 years as sole principal), is resigning from his full-time position at the end of February. He is looking forward to having a break away from afterhours on call and managing a large staff across two hospitals. Working as a volunteer veterinarian in Australia and overseas, travelling with his wife Cath and spending some much needed time at home and in the garden, is on the agenda for Stuart in the short term. Dr Tamara Butler, who has been with the business for 17 years, will be promoted to the Lead Vet role when Stuart resigns. Dr Nicole McKenzie will take on the Tamara’s Veterinary Manager role, while Ms Carrie Luckie will retain the Practice Manager role. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and care that each of our departing veterinarians has given to our clients and patients, and their departures will mean a temporary change to our service availability. Be assured that we are actively and enthusiastically recruiting veterinarians to join our team. We’d like to introduce Dr Josh Tannen, a small animal veterinarian & surgeon, who will be with us until April. This experienced and easy-going locum will be very welcome by the team. However, in the short term, we will be operating with a smaller team, so there may be occasions where we are unable to provide the full range of services that are currently provided. What does this mean for you? • At times, we may need to rotate Saturday clinic closures. • There will be evenings or weekends when we do not have an after-hours veterinarian available. We will always do our best to keep you informed. Any changes to opening hours or services will be communicated via our social media pages and through notifications on the Yass Vet App. As always, if you require after-hours assistance when a veterinarian is not available, please call us on 6226 4444. Your call will be answered by a team of qualified nurses who will triage your situation and direct you to the closest appropriate emergency hospital if needed. We truly appreciate your understanding, patience, and ongoing support during this period of transition. Our commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care for your animals remains at the heart of everything we do.