Pet owners are paying more attention to their animals' dental health and a growing number are buying supplements to help keep their pets' teeth and gums in tip-top condition, experts have claimed.
Emma Milne, the well-known TV vet, commented: "We're a nation of animal lovers and pampered pets are becoming increasingly popular, so it doesn't surprise me that people are following this lead and taking more interest in their pet health and hygiene routines.
"Your pet's dental care is just as important to his or her overall health as your own oral health as it can lead to more serious problems including heart, lung and kidney disease."
Supplements can help to combat bad breath and the build up of plaque on animals' teeth.
Dental plaque is a combination of bacteria and food debris that builds up on teeth and gums. If not removed effectively, these deposits harden and form tartar.
According to estimates, some 85 per cent of dogs and 70 per cent of cats over the age of three show signs of gum disease, the major cause of tooth loss.