Diagnosed Health Problems (NAPSA)—Do you consider yourself a good dog owner? Is Fido not only the happiest pup on the block, but also the healthiest? There are nearly 44 million U.S. households that own approximately 74 million dogs. Although many of these owners treat their dog more like a family member and less like an animal, most are unaware of one of the biggest health risks for their dog. Periodontal disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in pets. In fact, more than 80 percent of dogs have it by the time they are 4 yearsold. Periodontal disease begins when bacteria and food debris build up along the dog’s gumline. Plaque is created and, soon after, tartar forms on the teeth. Eventually the gums swell, and pockets form that can trap bacteria and lead to more serious problems. “Doggy breath, loose teeth, bleeding gums, mouth pain and even infections in the heart, liver and kidney are signs of advanced periodontal disease,” says Jan Bellows, DVM and owner of Hometown Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic in Weston, Fla. “To avoid these health problems, owners must take steps to care for their dog’s teeth—much like they care for their own.” Only one in five owners have ever attempted to brush their pet’s teeth and only 2 percent = na i brush with enough frequency to maintain proper oral health. In addition to brushing, Dr. Bellows uses ORAVET”, a plaqueprevention gel that stops diseasecausing bacteria from attaching to the teeth. It is the only sealant available on the market. After an in-clinic cleaning, the sealant is applied to the dog’s teeth, creating an invisible barrier that reduces bacterial plaque adhesion. Owners then apply the odorless, tasteless homecaregel to the dog’s teeth once a week.It typically takes less than a minute to apply. “As a veterinarian and asa pet owner, this gel gives me a valuable tool in preventingoral disease in dogs,” says Dr. Bellows. “It’s easy to use and is a perfect complement to tooth brushing, dental diets and dental chews.” For more information, contact your veterinarian or visit www.ORAVET.com. Note to Editor: Below are the references for the above editorial. APPMA’s 2005/2006 National Pet Owner Survey. Available at www.appma.org |press_industrytrends.asp. Accessed February 10, 2006. Lund M,et al. Health status and population characteristics of dogs and cats examined at veterinary practices in the United States. JAVMA 1999,214:1336-1341. Mayers M. Dentistry Basics: Brighten Your Patient’s Smile and Their Teeth. Veterinary Technician 2002;23(2):80-86. All Pets Dental Clinic. The Periodontal Page. Available at www. dentalvet.com / patients / periodontics /could_my_dog_or_cat_have_periodo.htm. Accessed February 10, 2006. Dental care importance—recognized yet ignored. Veterinary Practice News. December 18, 2001. ™ORAVET is a trademark of Merial. 2006 Merial Limited. Duluth, GA. All rights reserved.
