A: Dental care can help prevent oral disease in cats and dogs
The bacteria that lurk in a pet’s mouth may be the cause of bad breath and more. Bacteria accumulation can lead to oral disease and increase the risk for disease in other organs, such as the heart, liver and kidneys, according to research.
The American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. In fact, oral disease is the most common health problem treated in small animal clinics today.
The partners of the Pets Need Dental Care, TooTM campaign, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Dental Society, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., urge pet owners to undertake a three-step dental care program.
STEP 1: Visit your veterinarian for a complete checkup.
STEP 2: Start a pet dental care routine at home.
STEP 3: Continue regular veterinary dental checkups.
For more information on dental care for pets, please visit www.petdental.com.