Pets will open wide in February

For the seventh year, the AVMA is joining the American Veterinary Dental Society and Hill's Pet Nutrition in promoting National Pet Dental Health Month in February.

Hill's has once again generously funded the production of campaign materials for use in veterinary hospitals. Each dental campaign folder contains a poster and window cling (reprinted with this year's popular graphic and the caption "Dental Care Shouldn't Be Like Pulling Teeth"), a campaign logo sheet, a print ad for local newspapers and hospital newsletters, and several balloons and buttons featuring the campaign logo.

The folders are being sent to practitioners who responded to a November postcard mailing announcing the 2001 "Pets Need Dental Care, Too" campaign. Veterinarians who did not receive a postcard and would like the campaign materials should call (877) 883-5251 and a Hill's representative will be happy to send you a folder while supplies last.

In addition to the dental folders, veterinarians can visit the campaign Web site, www.petdental.com, for additional dental care information and ideas on highlighting pet dental health in their practice. Pet owners who visit the site will find home dental tips and the answers to commonly asked questions about pet dental care. There is also a section for the communications media where writers and reporters can access press releases and dental fact sheets.

The 2001 "Pets Need Dental Care, Too" campaign is an excellent opportunity for veterinarians to raise awareness of the need for regular, professional pet dental care with their clients and within their communities.