FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Tuesday, February 3, 2004

 What:               National Pet Dental Health Month

 When:               February 2004  

 Most of us know the pain that an aching tooth can cause – and the same is true for our furry friends, too.  “ I try to have my clients relate to their pet’s oral health by using a comparison like this: imagine if you have ever had a toothache, how it is hard to eat, and how you may have a headache,” says FFDAS Veterinary Medicine Director, Dr. Cheryl Good.  “This is how your dogs or cats feel when they have an abscessed tooth, gum disease or periodontal disease.”

 February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and along with local veterinarians, the Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter urge you to keep your pets healthy with regular dental care.

 Statistics show that more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats age three and older show signs of a condition in which bacteria attack the soft gum tissue; this condition is called periodontal disease, which is the final stage in a process that begins with the development of plaque on your pet’s teeth.

 “Tooth decay and gingivitis can not only lead to tooth loss, but also to many problems like heart disease, kidney disease, and many other types of systemic infections.” Dr. Good continued.  “The bacteria in pets’ mouths multiply exponentially when there is tartar, which leads to bacterial problems not only in the mouth, but can also travel in the blood stream, which can be inhaled into the lungs to cause further problems.”

 Just as regular visits to a dentist help to take care of our teeth, daily brushing and flossing is critical between check-ups.  The same is true for animals, too.

 “Just like we learn to brush our teeth when we are young – and before we are able to do for ourselves, our parents brush our new, baby teeth to help prevent decay – it is a great idea to start brushing our new puppy and kittens teeth right from the start,” Dr. Good adds.

 For cats and dogs, regular brushing is an important part of any preventive dental program.  A special toothbrush and toothpaste for pets are recommended, and your veterinarian can show you the proper way to brush your pet’s teeth.  And diet is a major factor in having strong, healthy teeth, too.  Feeding your pet coarse-textured food may help prevent accumulation of plaque and tartar.

 The keys to your pet’s oral health are professional veterinary dental care and good care at home.  Too few pets receive both and most don’t receive either.  The bottom line?  “Pets with healthy oral cavities make happier pets, which make happier owners,” says Dr. Good.

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The mission of the Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter (FFDAS) is to 
provide loving care and sanctuary to animals, encourage adoptions and reunions, 
and promote respect, responsibility and compassion for all animals.  

Animals are the heart of our mission.

  * * * * *

We cordially encourage your coverage of this information.  Thank you.

 Contact:          Elaine Greene
                       Executive Director, Shelter and Animal Services
                       (313) 943-2077  

                        Kevin Palczynski
                        FFDAS Director of Communications
                        (313) 623-8331 (Cell)

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Page Last modified October 03, 2009
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2661 Greenfield, Dearborn, MI 48120, 313-943-2697, friends@dearborn-animals.com,  www.dearborn-animals.com