Majority of Canadian pet owners unaware of pain associated with periodontal disease in pets

New study finds 54 per cent of Canadians lack full comprehension of pain in pets caused by gum disease

GUELPH, ON, Feb. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - A new study from Ipsos Reid is shedding light on the misconceptions about periodontal disease pain experienced by dogs and cats. Commissioned by Royal Canin, the study found 54 per cent of Canadian pet owners lack full comprehension of pet pain associated with periodontal disease symptoms, and most believe the symptoms of periodontal disease are more painful in humans than in dogs and cats.

"Periodontal disease is the number one problem veterinarians see in dogs and cats of all ages, and it's a very painful and preventable disease for both pets and humans," says Dr. Johanne Pelletier, Director of Scientific Communications at Royal Canin.

Ipsos Reid polled pet owners from across Canada in January about a range of questions related to periodontal disease and how symptoms affect pets. Two-thirds (65 per cent) of respondents believe that root exposure is painful in cats and dogs, but when it comes to humans, nearly nine in 10 (89 per cent) believe the same symptom of periodontal disease is painful. Likewise, swollen or bleeding gums - other symptoms of periodontal disease - are identified by 63 per cent of Canadians as painful for cats or dogs, but substantially more (82 per cent) consider these same symptoms painful for humans. Even after learning of the pain pets experience, only 46 per cent felt they completely understood how painful it is and that it is just as painful a disease for pets as it is for humans.

"More awareness is needed to help Canadian pet owners better understand just how painful periodontal disease symptoms are for pets," says Pelletier. "That starts by talking to a veterinary care professional and continues with at-home assessments, ongoing veterinary dental exams and choosing a reputable dental food formulation."

As February is dental health month in Canada for both humans and pets, Royal Canin encourages Canadian pet owners to schedule a dental exam with a veterinary professional to evaluate periodontal disease risks and symptoms. "One visit with your veterinarian in February can mean the difference between a pet in pain, and a healthy, happy pet," says Pelletier.

Talk to your veterinary care professional or visit www.royalcanin.ca for more information about periodontal disease prevention and management for cats and dogs. Full tabular results from the Ipsos Reid study are available at www.ipsos-na.com/news-polls/.

These are some of the findings of an Ipsos Reid poll of 1,017 Canadian cat and/or dog owners conducted between December 29th, 2012 to January 7th, 2013, on behalf of Royal Canin. The poll is accurate to within +/- 3.5 percentage points had all Canadian cat and/or dog owners been polled.

Royal Canin is a worldwide manufacturer and supplier of high quality, specialized dog and cat foods in the veterinary, pet specialty and breeder channels. Its headquarters are in France and production operations exist in 10 countries around the world, including the Canadian plant based in Guelph, Ontario. Royal Canin offers a comprehensive veterinary exclusive line of therapeutic and life stage formulas.

Ipsos Reid is Canada's market intelligence leader and the country's leading provider of public opinion research. With operations in eight cities, Ipsos Reid employs more than 600 research professionals and support staff in Canada. The company has the biggest network of telephone call centres in Canada, as well as the largest pre-recruited household and on-line panels. Ipsos Reid's Canadian marketing research and public affairs practices are staffed with seasoned research consultants with extensive industry-specific backgrounds, offering the premier suite of research vehicles in Canada— all of which provide clients with actionable and relevant information. Ipsos Reid is an Ipsos company, a leading global survey-based market research group. To learn more, visit www.ipsos.ca.

SOURCE: Royal Canin

Media Contact:
Jessica Danelon, BSc, MSc
Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs
Royal Canin
Phone: [phone]
[email protected]