29th October 2026 • The HERALD • Page 55 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v ANIMAL MAGIC Victoria: 07503 813594 Daniel: 07584 534818 SELF SERVICE DOG WASH No Appointment Necessary Forestsidegrooming.co.uk 189 Long Lane, SO45 2PA Most Senior Pets Affected By Dental Disease Warns Local Vet Advice from Seadown Veterinary Hospital treatment. In addition, all attending clients will receive a free dental gi bag including a bag of Hill’s dental food and a £10 discount voucher for use against a further dental food purchase. For more information about how to look a er your pet’s dental health, including cat and dog teeth cleaning, pet dental care and tartar build up in your pet’s mouth, visit: https://www.cvsvets.com/health/dental-disease-in-dogs and https://www.cvsvets.com/health/dental-disease-incats [i] O’Neill, D.G., Mitchell, C.E., Humphrey, J., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C. and Pegram, C. (2021), Epidemiology of periodontal disease in dogs in the UK primary-care veterinary setting. J Small Anim Pract, 62: 1051-1061. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13405 [ii] O’Neill DG, Blenkarn A, Brodbelt DC, Church DB, Freeman A. Periodontal disease in cats under primary veterinary care in the UK: frequency and risk factors. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2023;25(3). doi:10.1177/1098612X231158154 Seadown Veterinary Hospital is urging local pet owners not to overlook the signs of dental disease in older cats and dogs, as the condition remains one of the most common yet o en unnoticed health problems. To help raise awareness and identify potential issues early, the practice has launched a dental health campaign and is o ering free dental assessments for cats and dogs aged six years and over. Dental disease a ects the majority of pets during their lifetime. One in every ve dogs over the age of four have some degree of dental disease[i], and one in four cats over six years old are a ected by dental illness[ii]. Despite its prevalence, many pets show only subtle signs of discomfort, meaning problems can go unnoticed for months or even years. To support pet owners in recognising the signs, Seadown Veterinary Hospital - Hythe has released an educational video (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=D1HWZycb0VM), featuring an experienced vet discussing the o en-overlooked symptoms of dental disease and the importance of regular dental checks. In the video, the vet o ers practical advice on maintaining a pet’s oral health at home, explains what owners should look out for, and outlines when further treatment may be needed to improve a pet’s comfort and welfare. Gillies Mo at, Clinical Director at Seadown Veterinary Hospital - Hythe, said: “Many owners are surprised to learn just how common dental disease is in pets, particularly as they get older. Dogs and cats are very good at hiding discomfort, which means dental problems can be present long before obvious signs develop. Every week we see pets whose quality of life has been affected by dental disease, yet their owners had no idea there was a problem. That’s why we’re encouraging owners to take advantage of these free assessments, so we can identify any concerns early and help pets stay healthy and comfortable.” Common signs of dental disease in dogs include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, drooling, dropping food, facial swelling and pawing at the mouth. In cats, symptoms can be more subtle and may include eating more slowly, reduced grooming, weight loss, bad breath or signs of discomfort while eating. Le untreated, dental disease can progress from in ammation of the gums to irreversible damage of the tissues supporting the teeth, leading to chronic pain, tooth infection and tooth loss. In some cases, oral infections may also have wider implications for a pet’s overall health and wellbeing. Gillies Mo at added: “Dental care plays a vital role in a pet’s overall wellbeing, yet it’s often overlooked because pets rarely show obvious signs of pain. Through these free assessments, we want to help owners understand what healthy teeth and gums look like, show them how they can support their pet’s dental health at home, and identify any issues that may benefit from further treatment.” Owners of dogs and cats aged six years and over are encouraged to contact Seadown Veterinary Hospital to arrange a free dental assessment while appointments remain available. The offer runs until 18th December, clients can book an appointment by contacting the practice: https://www.seadownvets.co.uk e o er also includes a free dental appointment with either a vet or nurse, an oral examination, a recommendation for home care, dental diet and dental FUR REAL! Cat Scientists Launch National Hunt To Solve Britain’s Hairball Mystery Cat owners in Hythe are being called on to join a fascinating worldwide investigation into one of our pets’ most common, and least understood, habits: hairballs. While millions of cat lovers are familiar with the dreaded sound of retching and the sight of a furry surprise on the carpet, experts say there is still remarkably little scienti c research explaining why some cats regularly produce hairballs while others seem completely immune. Now, leading feline specialists at CVS Vets have launched “ e Fur Report”, a major study aiming to uncover the truth behind our cats’ grooming routines and what they might reveal about feline health. Cats spend up to half their waking hours grooming, swallowing loose hairs in the process. ose hairs can form clumps, known as hairballs, which cats may vomit up or pass in the litter tray. But surprisingly, scientists still don’t know exactly how common hairballs really are, what causes them, or when they might signal something more serious. Researchers are asking cat owners in Hythe aged 18 and over to complete a quick online survey, whether their feline friend regularly coughs up furballs or has never produced one in its life. Dr Sam Taylor, one of the world’s leading feline medicine specialists at CVS Vets, said: “Many people think hairballs are just a normal part of owning a cat, but we still have lots to learn. We’re keen to hear from owners whose cats have never experienced hairballs, as well as those whose cats have them regularly. Every response will help us build a better understanding of cat health.” e project will examine everything from coat length to grooming habits and owner care routines, including brushing and bathing, to discover what impact they may have on hairball frequency and overall feline wellbeing. e ndings could help shape future advice for cat owners and vets alike, potentially improving healthcare and quality of life for millions of moggies. And the best bit? Taking part only takes a few minutes. So if your u y companion is a serial furball o ender, or if they’ve never le a hairy gi on the living room oor, researchers want to hear from you. Take part in e Fur Report: www. surveymonkey.com/r/ e_Fur_Report For further advice and tips on all aspects of pet healthcare visit https://www. cvsvets.com/health Take part in The Fur Report
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