Canine Expert Stresses Importance Of Doggie
Dental Hygiene And Offers Tips
(NAPSI)-For most people, caring for their teeth-brushing, flossing, rinsing-is part of a daily routine. For the nearly 45 million dog owners in the United States, however, caring for their dog's teeth doesn't make the daily to-do list, which could lead to dental health issues for man's best friend.
In fact, a recent survey of dog owners found 74 percent of dog owners clean their dogs' teeth less than twice a year. Of those surveyed, nearly 50 percent said doggie dental health is either unnecessary or not top-of-mind, while another 20 percent find the task too difficult, messy or just unpleasant. Experts warn, though, that not taking proper care of your dog's teeth can lead to significant health problems. In fact according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80 percent of dogs show signs of periodontal disease, including plaque, tartar and gingivitis, yet only eight percent of dog-owning households have addressed it.
"Just like humans, dogs need regular dental care or they will develop the same problems that people do when they neglect their teeth," said Canine Health Expert Dr. Tiffany Bierer. "Taking proper care of your dog's teeth can go a long way in maintaining their overall health and well being."
Treat Your Dog To Cleaner Teeth
According to the survey, more than half of dog owners (53 percent) would be more willing to take better care of their dog's teeth if they had products that helped make it easier. A range of oral care products for your four-legged friends can help maintain their teeth. These oral care products serve two purposes-they're great tasting treats (for dogs) and they're dental-care tools that help keep dogs' teeth clean. The products include: Pedigree Dentastix for daily teeth cleaning; Pedigree Dentabone for a deeper clean and whitening; and Pedigree Breathbuster, which contains eucalyptus and parsley to fight odor-causing bacteria.
"Offering tartar-control bones for dogs to chew on while they enjoy the taste is a simple and healthy way to help clean their teeth between vet visits," said Dr. Bierer. "As the dog chews, the 'bone' acts like a toothbrush, gently scraping away the plaque that can cause more serious problems and bad breath. It's a dog's natural instinct to chew, so they really enjoy these kinds of products, and dog owners can feel like they are treating their pet while also helping ensure their dental health. These products offer a solution for helping maintain your dog's dental health because they were designed by dog lovers with dogs' needs in mind."
Dr. Bierer offers these additional tips to help improve your dog's dental health:
• If you feed your dog wet food often, be sure to include dry kibble food as part of his meal routine because the dry food helps create a natural cleansing action. Include treats such as the oral care products by Pedigree as part of your dog's regular, daily routine.
• Try to brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week using toothpaste specially formulated for dogs. Praise the dog frequently as you gently brush to help keep him calm.
• Ask your vet to examine your dog's teeth at his regular check-ups to ensure that his teeth and gums are in good shape.
• Start your at-home dental care routine with your dog when he/she is a puppy. They'll become familiar with the process, making it easier for you in the long run.
"By putting in a little effort to your dog's dental hygiene, a dog owner will assure good dental health and help prevent more serious dental and medical problems as the dog ages," said Dr. Bierer.
For more information and tips on how to care for your dog, visit www.pedigree.com.
Did You Know?
More than half of dog owners would take better care of their dog's teeth if they had products that helped make it easier. Oral care products that are great tasting treats (for dogs) and help keep dogs' teeth clean include: Pedigree Dentastix for daily teeth cleaning; Pedigree Dentabone for a deeper clean and whitening; and Pedigree Breathbuster, which contains eucalyptus and parsley to fight odor-causing bacteria. For more information and tips on how to care for your dog, visit www.pedigree.com.
