Pet Dental Health Awareness Campaign Highlights Link Between Healthy Mouths and Healthy Bodies
Hill's Smile Sweepstakes encourages pet owners to follow a routine of regular brushing, dental check-ups and the right nutrition
TORONTO, Feb. 4, 2014 /CNW/ - Hill's Pet Nutrition Canada has launched the 2014 Pet Dental Health Awareness campaign and Smiles Sweepstakes to increase awareness of the link between oral and overall health.
Periodontal (gum) disease is the number one diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. By the age of just two, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease. Unfortunately, there are no obvious outward signs of periodontal disease until it is very advanced.
That is why it is important for pet owners to work with their veterinarian to develop a plan to be proactive and vigilant when it comes to the health of their pets' teeth and gums.
"Pet owners often aren't aware they should be brushing their pets' teeth and when they do know, they quickly realize this is not an easy task. Unfortunately, oral health issues often lead to more systemic health issues and our pets then end up facing more serious problems that could have been prevented," said Susan M. Jones, D.V.M., Director of Veterinary Affairs at Hill's Pet Nutrition Canada.
The Pet Dental Health Awareness campaign is designed to encourage pet owners to follow a routine of regular brushing, regular dental check-ups and the right nutrition. The campaign's message to pet owners promotes a healthy equation for life: daily brushing + regular dental checkups + the right nutrition = improved oral and overall health of pets. Pet owners can visit PetDental.ca to learn more as well as register for the Hill's Smile Sweepstakes.
The Hill's Smile Sweepstakes is intended to reward pet owners for taking action to provide better oral care to their dogs and cats. It gives them a chance to win instant prizes like an iPad mini®, $500 towards an oral checkup and treatment for their pet, or the grand prize — one year's worth of free Hill's® Prescription Diet® t/d® Oral Health pet food.
t/d® Oral Health, the #1 vet recommended dental food*, is the only pet food clinically proven to reduce gingivitis and accumulation of both plaque and tartar.
Plaque contains potentially harmful bacteria, which left unchecked, can build up and create infection in pet's gums that can spread through the body and impact vital organs. Preventative oral care can promote better overall health, with lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease. Proper brushing of pet's teeth, along with regular dental checkups, is the key to preventing plaque buildup. However, for pets that form tartar quickly or have a history of oral problems, good oral health may also require a pet food specially formulated to clean teeth.
t/d® Oral Health uses a fibre matrix technology in the kibble to scrub the tooth surface and remove plaque as the pet chews. Its large kibble size engulfs the entire tooth when the pet bites down on it, rather than crumbling on impact like ordinary dry foods.
Therapeutic nutrition can offer needed support for your pet, but only your veterinarian can make that determination and provide a recommendation. That is why regular dental exams are so important.
Pet owners should visit their Veterinary Clinic to develop a regimen for improved oral health, and to also learn more about the Hill's 2014 Smiles Sweepstakes.
At Petdental.ca, Canadian pet owners have multiple ways to win in the Smile Sweepstakes through a variety of activities such as uploading a photo of their pet, or spreading the message of pet oral health with their friends. The sweepstakes runs through the end of April 2014; and 16 grand prize winners will be awarded nationally.
About Hill's Pet Nutrition
Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. manufactures Prescription Diet® brand therapeutic pet foods and Healthy Advantage® brand preventative wellness pet foods available only through veterinarians, and Hill's® Science Diet® and Hill's® Ideal Balance™ brand pet foods sold through veterinarians and finer pet specialty stores. Founded more than 70 years ago with a unique commitment to pet nutrition and well-being, Hill's is committed to its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's produces high-quality, great-tasting pet foods owners can trust and give to their canine and feline companions as part of a veterinary health care team recommendation. This ultimately improves patient health and the health of the practice. For more information about Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. and Hill's Evidence-Based Clinical Nutrition™ visit HillsVet.ca and follow us on Twitter at @HillsCanada.
*Based on a national survey conducted May 2013.
SOURCE: Hill?s Pet Nutrition Canada Inc.
Adam Lee, RedFuse for Hill's Pet Nutrition Canada Inc., 816-412-6764 or [email protected]
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