Pets need help cleaning their teeth to combat gum disease

Cats and dogs are usually provided good nutrition by pet owners but most still suffer from gum disease.  Unlike their feral counterparts that gnaw their way through each meal effectively cleaning their teeth, these domesticated pets need some help to fight the disease.

Nelson veterinarian Hans Andersen of Halifax Vets says pets are generally given good nutrition but they no longer have the same opportunity to clean their teeth by chewing on hard objects as they would in the wild.

“Overall, pet owners feed their pets healthy food.  The problem is that pets don’t have to work very hard for it – they need abrasive food like bones and hard biscuits.  In the wild, cats and dogs chew their way through skin, muscles and bones for every single meal.  This regular movement on the gums and teeth keeps plaque at bay, unlike the build up of plaque seen on the teeth of domesticated cats and dogs,” says Andersen.

“Pets need to sink their teeth into food so the plaque is squeegeed off and the pocket between the gum and tooth is cleaned.  Brushing your pet’s teeth each day is the ultimate way to clean them, but it’s not a reality for most people.  You need the compliance of your pet for a start, and we’re all so busy.  This is why giving your pet something solid but palatable to chew on helps manage the disease,” says Andersen.

Using a biscuit that doesn’t crumble, rawhide chews for dogs, or chicken necks for cats are good options,” says Andersen.

North Shore veterinarian Kevin O’Meara of Forrest Hill Vet Clinic says gum disease is a real problem.

“In fact, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some degree of periodontal disease by two years of age.  Gum disease can start occurring as young as 18 months and animals aged four years and older often need tooth extractions,” says O’Meara.

“Gum disease can cause inflammation and infection of tissues surrounding the teeth as bacteria and plaque builds up in the mouth.  When your pet eats, plaque bacteria can enter the bloodstream.  In susceptible animals like those with low immune systems and especially some pedigree breeds, this may cause damage to the heart, the liver and kidneys which, in turn can shorten your pet’s life expectancy,” says O’Meara.

A scientifically designed food for cats and dogs which cleans teeth and freshens breath as pets chew such as Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d acts like a toothbrush and is clinically proven to reduce plaque, tartar and gingivitis.

Gum Disease Signs to Look Out For in Your Pet:

•       Bad breath
•       Chewing on one side of the mouth or pawing at the mouth
•       Red, inflamed or bleeding gums
•       Tooth loss
•       Going to the food bowl but not eating
•       Salivating
•       Build up of yellow-brown tartar around the gum line
 

About Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Hill’s Pet Nutrition manufactures Science Diet brand pet foods, sold through veterinarians, SPCA and pet specialty food stores, and Prescription Diet therapeutic brand pet foods available only through veterinarians. Founded more than 50 years ago by one veterinarian’s unique commitment to pet nutrition and wellbeing, Hill’sTM follows its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets by producing high quality, great tasting pet food. Explore HillsPet.com.au for more information.