AVMA Reminds Pet Owners During Pet Dental Health Month That Pets Suffer with Dental Health Problems, Too

From American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)


— Bad breath and yellowing teeth are two of the earliest signs. But if left untreated, these easily overlooked symptoms of poor dental health can develop into periodontal disease or gingivitis. Even worse, it sometimes leads to kidney, liver, or heart disease.

Most people don't understand the serious consequences of poor pet dental. That's why the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is using this month to emphasize the importance of pet dental health. February is Pet Dental Health Month.

"Dental health is very important for the overall health of our companion animals, and that's why we are a sponsor of Pet Dental Health Month," explains Dr. Gregory S. Hammer, president of the AVMA. "Many pet owners simply don't appreciate the importance of maintaining good dental health practices. As a result, dental disease is very common among companion animals. Pet Dental Health Month emphasizes working together with your veterinarian to establish an appropriate dental health regimen for your pet."

The American Veterinary Dental Society estimates that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three.

There are a number of symptoms to look for to determine if your animal is suffering with dental disease:

* Bad breath—it's not unusual for a dog to have breath that's unpleasant, but if it becomes putrid, this is a strong sign of dental disease.
* Tartar build up—just like in people, a dog or cat's teeth should be white and free of tartar.
* Swollen, receding, or bleeding gums.
* Fractured teeth—bad oral hygiene can lead to cavities, which can be very painful.
* Change in eating habits—sometimes an animal's dental disease can become so uncomfortable that pets will avoid certain foods.

Prevention is the best cure for dental disease in animals, and that includes annual visits to your veterinarian to have your pet's teeth examined. Dogs and cats should also have their teeth brushed on a regular basis, and special foods, along with dental chews, rawhide, dental bones and other healthy products that pets consider "treats," can help keep teeth white and free of disease.

In order to train your dog or cat to tolerate regular tooth brushing, start by massaging the animal's gums with an appropriate pet tooth paste. Poultry-flavored toothpaste is very popular, and most animals love the taste. Toothpaste made for humans can make a pet sick. Once the animal starts accepting or even looking forward to this new ritual, introduce a toothbrush and clean the exterior of the animal's teeth.

If your pet already has signs of periodontal disease, a professional cleaning is in order. Talk to your veterinarian for more information on a dental health treatment and program for your pet.

For more information about the AVMA and its animal welfare activities, please visit the AVMA at www.avma.org.

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As Times Get Tough, ASPCA Asks Families Facing Foreclosure: “Please, Don’t Leave Your Pets Behind”

NEW YORK, January 30, 2008—As the subprime mortgage crisis has devastated homeowners and the economy, it has brought with it a troubling trend: pets abandoned after home foreclosures. The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) wants to remind pet owners that they have options when facing economic woes.

“It’s not unusual for animals to be left behind, even abandoned, during difficult times,” said ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. “The loss of a home is devastating and can only be made worse by having to also leave behind a beloved family pet. The ASPCA wants to remind pet owners that investigating alternatives in advance is the best way to make an informed decision.”

Recent studies suggest that home values could continue to drop by $1.2 trillion in 2008, creating far-reaching economic hardship and a likely recession. Many cities, such as Cleveland, Ohio, and Trenton, N.J., have already been particularly hard-hit by the collapse of the subprime market, with thousands of homes being abandoned. Bank employees and other lenders who enter these homes are often required to leave property—including pets—untouched until legal proceedings are complete. As a result, pets are not receiving the care they need.

“If pet owners anticipate foreclosure, we advise planning ahead to find a suitable solution for their cat or dog,” said Dr. Stephanie LaFarge, ASPCA Senior Director of Counseling Services. “Even though options in these cases are often limited and less than ideal, making an informed decision ahead of time is a much better than simply leaving the pet behind in an abandoned home.”

The ASPCA offers this advice for people who are faced with foreclosure and the loss of their pets:

• Check with friends, family and neighbors to see if someone can provide temporary foster care for your pet until you get back on your feet. Agree to a specific time frame, and check on the pet regularly;
• If you are moving into a rental property, make sure pets are allowed and get permission in advance—and in writing; and
• Contact your local animal shelter, humane society or rescue group, in advance of your move, since many shelters limit their admissions to the number of animals they can adequately care for. If a shelter agrees to take in your pet, provide medical records, behavior information, and anything else that might assist shelter workers in finding your pet a new home.

“It is difficult and heartbreaking to lose a pet as a result of economic hardship,” said Sayres. “But pet parents may take comfort in knowing that their pet will be better off, if they plan ahead and keep their cat or dog’s well-being in mind.”

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Founded in 1866, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) was the first humane organization established in the Americas, and today has more than one million supporters throughout North America. A 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in animal-assisted therapy, animal behavior, animal poison control, anti-cruelty, humane education, legislative services, and shelter outreach. The New York City headquarters houses a full-service, accredited animal hospital, adoption center, and mobile clinic outreach program. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York’s animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series “Animal Precinct” on Animal Planet.

For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.

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