Bad ‘doggy breath’ is no laughing matter!
September is National Hill’s Pet Dental Health Month when owners are reminded that ‘doggy breath’ is no laughing matter and could indicate poor dental hygiene and a serious oral disease that may ultimately affect the health of your pet.
Oral disease is the number one health problem vets diagnose in adult dogs and cats. It causes smelly breath, discoloured teeth, bleeding gums and potentially tooth loss, and the bacteria accumulation can damage your pet’s heart, liver and kidneys. Yet according to Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary adviser to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, severe oral disease is easily preventable. For many owners, by the time they become aware of the problem it has advanced to affect not only the teeth, but the gums and jaw as well.
“Prevention is better than cure, from both a health and financial perspective,’ says Fyvie. “Oral disease, which can be prevented by a simple pet dental routine, is painful, potentially life-threatening and can be extremely costly if major veterinary treatment is required. Good dental care for cats and dogs is just as important as it is for people and good oral health can result in longer, healthier lives for our pets.”
