February Is National Pet Dental Health Month Schaumburg, Ill. — Fido's or Fluffy's bad breath could be more than a smelly annoyance; it might signify a serious health risk with the potential to damage not only the animal's teeth and gums but its internal organs as well.
To address the significance of oral health care for pets, several veterinary groups are sponsoring National Pet Dental Health Month in February. Sponsors include the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, American Veterinary Dental College, Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians, Veterinary Oral Health Council and Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.
According to the AVDS, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three, often indicated by bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face and mouth and depression.
Although daily tooth brushing is advised for dogs and cats, only 2 percent of dog owners follow through. In addition, 65 percent of dogs with stage one periodontal disease often go untreated because veterinary health care teams do not recommend needed treatment options like dental exams, professional dental cleaning and dental x-rays.
AVMA President Dr. James Cook warns pet owners trying to save money in the current economic crisis not to skimp on regular veterinary care for their pets.
"Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets," said Dr. Cook. "Twice-a-year checkups, including an oral health checkup, are important to ensure your pet is not in pain and is not suffering from serious oral health problems. Besides causing receding gums and tooth loss, bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting the heart, liver and kidneys, which can be potentially life threatening.
"Just as the public has come to realize that their own oral health is linked to their overall health, veterinarians want people to understand that dental health care is essential to maintaining the overall health and well-being of the family pet."
Pet Dental Health Campaign spokesperson Dr. Linda J. DeBowes, DVM, veterinarian at Shoreline Veterinary Dental Clinic, Seattle, concurs.
"The expenses associated with professional dental treatment may be significant; however, if this preventive care is not done, the cost to the owner may well be much higher in diagnostics and management of dental disease," Dr. DeBowes said.
In addition to professional dental care, Dr. DeBowes advises pet owners to make oral home care part of their pet's routine as a way to prevent tooth decay.
Veterinarians can help pet owners begin a pet dental care routine at home, and encourage them to continue regular veterinary check ups to monitor their pets' oral health.
To view the AVMA's instructional video on dental health and tooth brushing, visit www.avmatv.org or www.avma.org. The Web site www.petdental.com also has resources for pet owners on how to provide proper dental care for their pets and games and activities for kids.
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The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 78,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association's issues, policies and activities.
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