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August, national Hill’s Pet Dental Month, is time to brush up on your pet’s health as a lack of regular oral care can have serious implications for its health and well-being. Various veterinary studies have associated many systemic conditions, including heart, kidney and liver problems to poor oral health.

“Oral disease can be painful and, if untreated, can be potentially life-threatening,” says veterinarian Dr Guy Fyvie, spokesman for Hill’s Pet Dental Month, “Yet it is easily prevented with a regular dental routine which includes brushing the pet’s teeth regularly and / or feeding a food that is clinically proven to clean the teeth.”

If not removed bacteria and food debris cause plaque and tartar build up above and below the gum line and on the teeth, which increases the likelihood of developing gingivitis (gum disease).This in turn can lead to periodontal disease, an irreversible and damaging stage of infection that can affect the animal’s entire body.

“A proactive dental care routine helps prevent plaque and tartar build up,” says Dr Fyvie. He recommends the following three step dental plan for your pet’s overall well-being:

1. Firstly visit your pet’s dentist (the vet) for a dental exam. Don’t wait for the annual check-up if you suspect a problem. If necessary your vet will refer the pet to a specialist veterinary dentist.
2. Secondly, start a dental care regime at home. Your vet can advise on the most suitable methods for your pet, which may involve brushing its teeth. One of the most convenient and effective ways is feeding a specially formulated food clinically proven to be effective in combating plaque and tartar build-up. Hill’s Science Plan Oral Care and Hill’s Prescription Diet® t/d, work like an edible toothbrush, cleaning the pet’s teeth as it eats. Hill’s t/d is the only complete food in South Africa to have been awarded the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance* for stain, plaque and gingivitis control. Remember to check your pet’s mouth and teeth regularly, being sure to look at all the teeth including the back ones.
3. Schedule regular veterinary check ups. These are essential in helping your vet monitor the state of your pet’s dental health.

Although oral disease is most common in small dogs and cats, all pets are at risk. Symptoms include smelly breath, discoloured teeth, tender and bleeding gums, pain, tooth decay, tooth loss, drooling, changes in eating behaviour and listlessness or subdued behaviour. Once your pet displays obvious signs it may already have serious oral disease. It is recommended to rather start a preventative programme to maintain good oral health throughout the pet’s life.

For more information and expert advice speak to your local vet, or call the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Careline toll-free on (0800) 228 783.

* The Seal of Acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council, an organization initiated by the American Veterinary Dental Society to guide consumers, appears on products that meet defined standards for plaque and tartar control in dogs and cats.