A PERFECT set of glistening white teeth might be a dream for most of us.

But spare a thought for pet owners who also have the dental hygiene of their cats and dogs to think about too.

A Wickham vet is offering free dental check-ups next month as part of the nationwide Pet Smile Month.

The campaign is an important way for vets across the country to check up on the oral hygiene of British pets while offering their top tooth-friendly tips.

Veterinary surgeon Max Tuck, of the Animed Veterinary Group based in Wickham, said: "The mouth is like a window to the rest of the body and must be looked after.

"Bacteria generated by gum disease can be absorbed into the animal's bloodstream leading to heart disease and liver and kidney damage. It affects the animal's whole system."

"People don't realise that they should be brushing their cat's or dog's teeth every day using a specially designed toothpaste.

"Preventing oral problems is very important. The state of an animal's oral health will affect its whole demeanour."

Miss Tuck is expecting a good number of

people to take up the free appointments at Animed and other surgeries throughout the area for the fourth consecutive Pet Smile Month.

After a thorough oral examination, surgeries taking part in the campaign will offer pet owners further advice and referrals for necessary treatment as well as a tooth-brusihing starter kit.