DT News - Canada - ‘Pets Need Dental Care, Too’ educates pet owners on link between healthy mouths and healthy bodies

Dental Tribune Canada

Wed. 25 July 2012

save

Hill's Pet Nutrition Canada and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) have launched the 2012 Pet Dental Health Awareness campaign (PDHA) to increase awareness of the link between oral and overall health. "It takes combined teamwork from the health care team and the owner to ensure proper pet dental health is achieved," said Susan M. Jones, DVM, director of veterinary affairs at Hill's Pet Nutrition Canada.

"The Pet Dental Health awareness campaign educates and rewards the team and the owner, but the dogs and cats who receive better oral care as a result are the real winners," Jones said.

The campaign's message to pet owners follows a healthy equation for life: Daily brushing plus regular dental checkups plus the right nutrition equals improved oral and overall health of pets. To help reinforce this, the campaign offers a kit to pet owners available through the veterinary health care team. The kit contains a brochure on proper dental care, pet toothbrush kit, brushing quick-reference card and cardboard smile stick for pet photos. Pet owners can also visit www.petdental.ca to learn more about "the healthy equation for life" and Hill's Prescription Diet Oral Health pet food.

"The CVMA is pleased to partner with Hill's again on this important wellness issue," says Lloyd Keddie, DVM, CVMA president. "Proper dental care is extremely important to the overall well-being of dogs and cats."

Research has shown a strong link between a healthy mouth and a healthy body. Bacteria can buildup in a pet's mouth, which can form lesions and spread pathogens to remote tissues and organs in the body. Conversely, a strong link has been seen between good oral health and a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease. Brushing a pet's teeth properly each day is considered the gold standard and can help reduce plaque buildup. However, for pet owners who are reluctant to use brushing, through a veterinarian's recommendation, Hill's Prescription Diet pet food can be incorporated, which works like a toothbrush to fight oral bacteria.

"Prevention of periodontal disease starts before dental disease has developed. If we're going to prevent it we have to be ahead of the curve," said Fraser Hale, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, practice owner of Hale Veterinary Clinic. "Since there's really no downside to having a good periodontal program in place, we should apply that to all cats and dogs. It's a win-win for the longevity of the pet."

Hill's Pet Nutrition manufactures Hill's Prescription Diet brand pet foods, therapeutic pet foods available only through veterinarians, and Hill's Science Diet brand pet foods sold through veterinarians and finer pet specialty stores. Founded more than 60 years ago with a unique commitment to pet nutrition and well-being, Hill's is committed to its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's produces pet foods that owners can trust and give to their canine and feline companions as part of a veterinary health care team recommendation. This ultimately improves patient health and the health of the practice.

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national body representing and serving the interests of the veterinary profession in Canada.

(Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada Inc.)

To post a reply please login or register

Canadian children most in need of dental care are least likely to receive it

TORONTO, Ontario, Canada: Less than one per cent of healthy urban children surveyed in Toronto had received dental care by the recommended age of 12 months ...

Canadian oral-health associations support consideration of national dental care

OTTAWA, Ontario, CANADA: The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association and the Canadian Dental Association have each have come out in support of the ...

Towards a healthy mouth with [BE YOU.]

Most of us know that proper brushing with toothpaste containing fluoride is the first step in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Despite this, ...

Oral health lags in long-term care

After discovering a gap in oral health care available to residents of long-term care facilities, dental professionals, educators, and extended-care ...

Leaders in oral health and dental hygiene recognized

OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada: Canadian leaders in oral health will be recognized for their service to the Canadian public and their outstanding contributions to ...

Government of Canada invests in health system innovation to ensure Northerners have access to care

YELLOWKNIFE, Northwest Territories, CANADA: Delivering quality health services over long distances to small, isolated communities is an ongoing challenge ...

Survey: Oral health care a must for Canada’s long-term care homes

OTTAWA, Ontario, CANADA: According to a national poll conducted by Abacus Data for the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA), nearly all Canadians ...

Experts call for changes in oral health care for Canadian children

OTTAWA, Canada: Members of the Canadian Paediatric Society have stated that access to dental care must be improved for Canadian children. Although several ...

‘Oral Health for Total Health’ an essential message this April

OTTAWA, Ontario, CANADA: April is oral health month in Canada and, while we all continue to do our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus and keep our ...

Dental specialists in Canada: A true need?

Over the years, dental specialties have emerged in faculties of dentistry due to the advancements within specific areas of treatment, and they have been ...

Education

Live webinar
Mon. 22 April 2024
10:00 AM EST (Toronto)