Media release: July 2, 2012

Wellington Vet Campaigns to Improve Canine Oral Health

A Wellington veterinarian says he is shocked at the state of canine oral health and has joined a nationwide programme to offer free dental health checks for dogs this month.

Dr Allan Probert says a recent survey* showed that more than half (61%) of dog owners admitted to not brushing their dog's teeth at all with 55% saying they did not realise they needed to and 15% claiming their 'dog didn't like it'.

Dr Probert says it was also worrying to see that at least 7% of dog owners didn't know how to brush their dog's teeth.

Research** also shows that 80% of Kiwi dogs over the age of three have developed gum disease which can lead to tooth loss, abscesses and bone infection.

The bacteria and infections that result from bad dental hygiene can spread to the dog's bloodstream leading to heart, kidney or liver disease which can result in serious health complications, he says.

He hopes to address this issue by joining more than 200 other vets across the country as part of the Pedigree Dentastix initiative - which will offer free health checks for dogs throughout Doggie Dental Month in July.

Dr Probert says while pet owners may remember to walk, feed, deflea and worm their pets; many are still unaware of how to look after their dog's oral hygiene and what damage neglecting this can do.

Dr Probert says he looks forward to opening the Khandallah Vet Hospital to dog owners who are concerned about their pet's oral hygiene and helping to educate them on the importance of dental care for canines.

Dr Probert says that he hopes the free vet checks will improve awareness and encourage people to bring dogs in for a quick check on a regular basis.

"The current oral health isn't great - diet plays a big factor as does owner education. People are habituated to the smelly old dog and don't realise that bad breath can be treated. Just looking in their mouths would be a good start," says Dr Probert.

Pedigree Dentastix Brand Manager Aurelia Moly from MARS says the research also shows that 90% of dog owners do not believe their pet has gum disease***.

"These statistics are really concerning which is why we think it is so important to launch the free vet checks and create awareness of the issue," says Moly.

"Our aim is to show dog owners that with a few simple steps they can improve their dog's health dramatically, we see partnering with vets all over the country as a great way to do this," she says.

The campaign will run in conjunction with Doggie Dental Month in July. For more information about FREE Dental Checks in July or details about Pedigree Dentastix go to www.doggiedentures.co.nz

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