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722 W. Jackson Street
Macomb, IL 61455
(309) 833-2365
CLICK HERE to see before and after dental pictures.
Join the Fight Against Oral Disease
National campaign encourages pet owners to make pet dental care a priority
(Topeka, Kan.) Dental health often falls low on a pet owner's list of pet care
priorities, taking a back seat to exercise, proper nutrition and grooming. Many pet
owners simply don't realize the importance of oral care to their pets' overall
health. By taking good care of their pets' teeth, pet owners not only help prevent
periodontal disease the most commonly diagnosed disease among cats and dogs over
the age of three but also help their pets live longer, healthier lives.
In an effort to elevate the importance of pet dental care in owners' minds, the
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Veterinary Dental
Society (AVDS) and Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. have joined together this February
to spread the word about dental care during National Pet Dental Health Month. This
year marks the eighth annual Pets Need Dental Care, Too campaign, and features the
theme "Join the Fight Against Oral Disease."
During National Pet Dental Health Month, pet owners are reminded of the dangers of
poor pet dental care. Because dogs and cats can't brush their own teeth, it's up to
their owners to ensure their beloved pets get the oral care they need. Trouble begins
when food particles and bacteria build up in the mouth form plaque and tartar, which
leads to gingivitis and severe periodontal disease. Periodontal disease leads to tooth
decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, and, in severe cases, tooth loss. Even more
complications arise when the bacteria that cause periodontal disease travel into a
pet's bloodstream, possibly resulting in damage to the heart, liver, kidneys and lungs.
To prevent serious health problems caused by poor oral health, pet owners can follow
a few simple guidelines suggested by the AVDS:
1. Take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental exam. Your pet should have a
thorough physical exam, including examination of the teeth and gums, at least once a
year. If plaque and tartar buildup is evident, your veterinarian may recommend a
dental cleaning.
2. Start a home dental care routine. Your veterinarian can suggest an at-home
regimen that may include nutritional supplements and brushing your pet's teeth. One of
the most convenient and effective ways to combat oral disease is feeding specially
formulated foods proven effective in removing plaque and tartar buildup. The Seal of
Acceptance of the Veterinary Oral Health Council, an organization initiated by members
of the AVDS to guide consumers, appears on products that meet defined standards for
plaque and tartar control in dogs and cats.
3. Monitor your pet's oral health by scheduling checkups with your veterinarian.
Regular dental cleanings may be recommended.
By following these easy steps and making dental care a priority not just during
February, but all year long pet owners can help prevent periodontal disease, ensuring
a lifetime of healthy smiles for their pets. For more information on pet dental care
and National Pet Dental Health Month, visit www.petdental.com.
The American Veterinary Medical Association was established in 1863 to enhance the
science and art of veterinary medicine. With more than 65,000 members, it is the
largest veterinary organization in the world.
In 1976, veterinarians formed the American Veterinary Dental Society to further the
knowledge and recognition of the importance of veterinary dentistry among veterinary
students and the general public.
Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of nutritional and therapeutic
pet foods. Founded more than 50 years ago, Hill's mission is to help enrich and
lengthen the special relationship between owners and their pets by producing the most
scientifically advanced, highest quality pet foods available.
Brush Up on Pet Dental Health Online
Web site details National Pet Dental Health Month campaign, offers pet dental care
tips (Topeka, Kan.) Is Rover's breath a bit offensive? Are Kitty's teeth yellow and
stained? Bad breath and stained teeth are not only unpleasant, but also early warning
signs of periodontal disease, one of the most common, yet easily treatable, diseases
among cats and dogs over the age of three. Now pet owners can brush up on pet dental
care and learn how to prevent periodontal disease at the Pets Need Dental Care, Too Web
site, located at www.petdental.com.
Designed as an easy-to-use resource for pet owners and veterinarians, the
site is a component of the Pets Need Dental Care, Too campaign in observance of
National Pet Dental Health Month. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA),
the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) and Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. join
together each February to raise awareness about pet dental care among pet owners. This
February marks the ninth annual campaign. Petdental.com offers pet owners a wealth of
information about pet dental health, including a step-by-step guide to brushing a pet's
teeth at home, information about dietary solutions and facts about pets' teeth. In the
FAQ section, veterinary dentist and AVDS past president, Dr. Steve Holmstrom, makes it
convenient for pet owners to get answers to their frequently asked questions about pet
dental care. Petdental.com also features a veterinary care guide that gives veterinarians
important tips about dental care exams as well as information they need to encourage
client participation in pet dental care. This section provides professional resources
allowing veterinarians to increase their knowledge of dental care through research papers
and other online resources. Petdental.com also includes an exciting game to encourage
families to revist the site. The Hill's Ultimate Famous Pet Challenge Game tests players'
knowledge of famous pets, including pets in history, pets on television and pets in the
movies. Petdental.com is a cooperative effort between the sponsors of the Pets Need
Dental Care, Too campaign and is an excellent source of pet dental care information for
veterinarians and pet owners.
Press release, links, and resources provided by www.petdental.com
