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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NC)-According to a recent survey by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), Canadian veterinarians feel that only 25% of pet owners proactively enquire about dental health during their visit.*
Considering new studies now show there is a strong correlation between good oral health and the overall wellness of your pet, dental care should be an important factor in your pet's daily routine.
Coinciding with their pet dental health awareness campaign, the CVMA, in partnership with Hill's Pet Nutrition, want to ensure all pet owners understand the basics of at-home dental care.
It has never been easier to clean your pet's teeth daily, and they will certainly thank you for it!
"There are a number of easy ways to look after your pet's teeth from the comfort of your own home," says Dr. Clayton MacKay, DVM, Director of Veterinary Affairs, Hill's Pet Nutrition Canada.
"With all we are learning about the systemic connection between the mouth and rest of the body, it has never been more important."
The first step is to become familiar with your pet's mouth. Take the time to look inside so you can better recognize any changes that may occur. Using your veterinarian as a resource is also important.
Advocate for a "professional" dental check-up each visit and ask lots of questions. Make sure you brush your pet's teeth daily; this is the gold standard for oral care and will keep teeth in top condition.
In addition to brushing, chewing activities can help serve as an effective maintenance tool, and feeding your pet a specially formulated dental food and treats can also keep plaque and tartar build-up at a minimum.
Products awarded the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal ensure they have passed a standardized evaluation process measuring plaque and tartar control effectiveness.
You should also be aware of any warning signs of periodontal disease. These include: tooth loss, tartar build-up, bleeding gums, subdued behaviour, refusal to eat, bad breath and excessive saliva.
Tips for Brushing Your Pets Teeth:
. Avoid restraining your pet
. Keep the brushing sessions short and sweet
. Give your pet lots of praise and be positive
. Move through the brushing process in steps over a few weeks (start by using your finger, then add gauze over the finger, then use a toothbrush)
. Always use a specially designed toothbrush for pets and never use human toothpaste as it can harm your cat or dog
We all spend a lot of time looking after our pearly whites, so why should we not do the same for our pets? It will help maintain overall good health.
To learn more about pet dental care visit www.petdental.com. To learn more about the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) visit www.VOHC.org.
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