Give your pet something to smile about this September
It's not only people who should "brush up" for better health. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, eight out of ten cats and dogs have oral disease by the age of four* and its the condition most commonly diagnosed by vets**. September is 'National Hill's Pet Dental Month' and time to remember that pets need dental care too.
Oral disease is caused by a build up of bacteria and debris on the teeth, called plaque. If not removed, plaque mineralises into tartar which can cause gum irritation and further plaque build up. Symptoms include discoloured teeth, smelly breath, tender and bleeding gums, pain, tooth decay and tooth loss. And even worse, the bacteria and toxins present in an infected mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs, causing serious illness including heart and kidney disease.
Although actually brushing the animal's teeth is recommended as the most effective method to prevent oral disease, it is not always easy to do. A food that cleans the pet's teeth as it eats is a more convenient option. Look for foods that carry the American Veterinary Oral Health Council's Seal of Acceptance such as Hill's Science Plan™ Oral Care and Hill's Prescription Diet™ t/d. These foods, which are suitable for daily feeding on a long-term basis, have kibbles with a special fibre matrix that works like an edible toothbrush, scrubbing the pet's teeth as it eats.
For expert advice on how to best care for your pet's oral health speak to your vet. You can also click here for more information on dental care for dogs and dental care for cats.
References:
* Wiggs RB, Loprise HB, in Veterinary Dentistry, Principles & Practice, 1997.
** LundEM, Armstrong PJ, Kirk CA et al, Health status and population characteristics of dogs and cats examined at private veterinary practices in the USA, Journal American Veterinary Medicine Association 1999.