Oral health is not only essential to overall health and wellbeing for humans,but also for our animal friends as figures show four out of five dogs and catsover the age of 3 have some form of dental disease¹.
In fact, research also points to bad teeth as the biggest problem for petGreyhounds, with 39 per cent of the breed suffering from dental issues, farhigher percentage than for any other dog breed².
As we approach Pet Dental Month in August, Australia’s leading innovatorin animal health and welfare Vetafarm, highlights the need for proper dentalcare to reduce the number of Aussie pets that are unknowingly suffering.
“Many pets suffer in silence with periodontal disease. Dogs are great athiding pain and generally have a strong appetite drive. They can eat whilstavoiding a painful place in their mouth and give the impression they arehealthy,” said Veterinarian Dr Tony Gestier, Director at Vetafarm.
“It’s common for periodontal disease to be picked up at later stages when painand symptoms become apparent to the owner. Unfortunately, at this pointveterinary treatment and even surgery may have become necessary and it’s clearthe dog has been in considerable discomfort for quite some time”.
Vetafarm’s Lovebites range of functional chews and meal toppers now includesDentaShield chews to help improve general oral health. DentaShield containsNorwegian brown kelp to assist in the reduction of plaque and gingivitisᶟ andSHMP, which aids in tartar control and reduces dental calculus⁴.
“We understand the difficulties of brushing a dog’s teeth, but we alsounderstand the risks of poor dental care, so our mission is to provide a toolto combat the plaque and tartar that leads to Periodontal Disease that issimple and even enjoyable to use, for both dogs and their owners”
Check out Vetafarm’s video on how DentaShield works to combat plaque andtartar. The chews are also suitable for pups under 6 months of age to givethem optimum preventative care!
Vetafarm ‘pawtnered’ with Greyhound Rescue earlier this year, providing thecharity’s ‘Kennel Kids’ with DentaShield chews and contributing to the healthof their beautiful hounds.
“We encourage anyone who cares for Greyhounds to prioritise prevention andtreatment for dental issues and consequently improve the welfare of thesewonderful dogs,” said Dr Tony.
Signs of dental disease in pets
Signs of dental disease in dogs and cats include:
- bad breath
- reduced appetite
- behavioural changes around eating and drinking
- broken or loose teeth
- lumps or bleeding in the mouth
- discolouration or build-up of plaque and tartar on teeth
- redness of inflammation of the gum
- drooling
- chattering of the teeth
- pawing at the mouth.
Tips to maintain good oral health
- As Periodontal Disease can go undetected for long periods of time, prevention is preferred to cure.
- Brush your pet’s teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for pets.
- Provide your pet safe bones that assist in mechanical plaque removal.
- Feed dental treats and chews, like Lovebites DentaShield.
- Visit your vet at least once a year for a dental check-up to catch any early signs of disease and ask for advice about a dental care routine for your pet.
Lovebites DentaShield
Lovebites DentaShield can be purchased in Petbarn, PETstock and your localindependent pet store. To discover more, visit Vetafarm’s website.
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Competition – Win the Ultimate Lovebites Loot Pack!
Vetafarm Lovebites are giving away a massive prize pack valued at $2,500 toone lucky dog (and their human!)
Major prize includes a YEAR’S SUPPLY of Lovebites DentaShield chews, a GoProwith dog harness, FitBark activity monitor, Snooza orthopedic bed, apersonalised collar, heaps of toys, grooming gear, accessories and more! Tworunners up will also receive DentaShield chews and some toys.
Deadline 21 August 2021. Competition open to residents of Australia and NewZealand. For full T&Cs, visit here. Enter now athttps://lovebites.vetafarm.com.au/dentashield
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