When their breath is worse than their bite - Dental issues

If your pet’s breath wipes the smile off your face, it probably has oral disease, the number one pet health problem. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society 80% of dogs and 70% of cats already have signs of this painful and potentially life-threatening condition by age three.

Most people understand the importance of brushing their own teeth every day. Yet many don’t realise that veterinarians recommend a daily dental routine as the best way to protect pet’s oral health.

Brushing teeth, or feeding special diet, will remove plaque, the primary cause of oral disease. If not removed, plaque mineralises into tartar, which can cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. Symptoms include discoloured teeth, smelly breath, tender and bleeding gums, pain, tooth decay and tooth loss. Furthermore the bacteria present can enter the bloodstream and infect the heart, liver, kidney and lungs.

To protect your pet’s overall health, keep its breath sweet and mouth in tip-top condition, Dr Guy Fyvie, spokesman for national Hill’s Pet Dental Month, recommends four simple steps:

1. Firstly visit your pet’s dentist – the vet. They will examine the mouth and where necessary, recommend a thorough cleaning under anaesthetic.

2. Secondly, start a daily dental regime at home, which involves either brushing or, more conveniently, feeding specially formulated foods. Hill’s Science Diet Oral Care and Hill’s Prescription Diet® t/d work like an edible toothbrush, cleaning the teeth as the pet eats. These are the only complete foods available in South Africa that have the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance, which indicates proven efficacy in controlling plaque, gingivitis, stain and tartar.

3. Ensure your pet’s diet has the optimum balance of nutrients and is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to keep the immune system strong and healthy.

4. Schedule regular veterinary check ups that include a dental exam.

“We had no idea that you could even clean your cat’s teeth,” said Anlie Malherbe, whose cat Tracey suffered from severe gum disease. “We noticed Tracey wasn’t eating and she was losing weight, but were surprised when the vet diagnosed periodontal disease. Unfortunately it was so advanced Tracey had to have all her back teeth removed. And now she’s like her old self again, enjoying her Hill’s food and really playful.”

“Animals can’t say how they are feeling,” said Dr Fyvie. “But anyone who has experienced tooth ache knows how painful tooth decay can be. Just imagine how you’d feel if you hadn’t brushed your teeth for years!” he adds.

For more information chat to the vet (your pet’s dentist), visit www.HillsPet.com or call the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Careline toll-free on (0800) 228 783.

FACT BOX - SYMPTOMS OF ORAL DISEASE

· Bad breath

· Red and swollen gums

· A yellow brown crust of tartar on teeth

· Pain or bleeding when you touch the gums or mouth

· A change in eating or chewing habits

· Abnormal drooling

· Tooth loss

· Going to the food bowl but not eating

· Swallowing food whole instead of chewing

· Dropping food out of the mouth

· Pawing at the face or mouth

· Listlessness or subdued behaviour

All pets are at risk for developing dental problems. Once a pet displays any of these warning signs serious oral disease may already be present. Rather start a preventative programme of dental care today to maintain good oral health throughout a pet’s life.

Issued on behalf of Hill’s Pet Nutrition by Paula Wilson Media Consulting.

For media queries or visuals please contact Paula Wilson on (021) 789 1904 / (082) 659 9187 or Cathy Williams on (021) 782 2847 / (084) 682 2847 or email oncourse@telkomsa.net.