Majority of Pet Owners Don't Properly Care for Pets' Teeth

Thursday, March 1, 2001

Don’t Properly Care for Pets’ Teeth (NAPSA)—Does your pet smile? Are you doing what you should to protect that smile? A new Gallup survey shows that, while 65 percent of pet owners believe their pets smile, they aren’t doing their part to take care of their pets’ teeth—despite the fact that owners say they know how important dental health is to their pets’ overall health. The survey of more than 1,000 pet owners, conducted by The Gallup Organization on behalf of The Iams Company, found that two-thirds of pet owners understand dental health is important to their pets’ overall health. Yet only one in five has ever brushed their pets’ teeth. Iams is taking a giant step toward helping pet owners care for their pets’ smiles with the introduction of the new Eukanuba Dental Defense System™ across its entire dry adult Eukanuba Dog & Cat Foods product line. Eukanuba Dental Defense is the result of monthsof research into improving pet dental health. University studies found that Eukanuba Dental Defense can reduce tartar build-up by up to 55 percent in dogs and up to 45 percent in cats. “Eukanuba Dental Defense packs a ‘one-two punch’that will greatly help pet owners care for their pets’ teeth,” said Dr. Dan Carey, veterinarian and Director of Technical Communications at Iams R&D. Dr. Carey explained that, while other dental products simply feature a crunchy kibble that scrapes off some plaque while the pet is eating, Eukanuba Dental Defense is proven to work while the pet is chewing the kib- ble and afterwards, when its micro-cleansing crystals slow tartar formation. “We believe this significant upgrade to the entire Eukanuba product line will help millions of dogs and cats have better oral health,” he said. To maintain optimal dental health, Dr. Carey recommends pet owners follow the “Three Ds”—Dentistry, Daily brushing, and Diet. While Eukanuba Dental Defense will make it easier for owners to follow the last step—diet—the Gallup survey results indicate that ownersstill have a long way to go to provide total dental health for their pets. Accordingto the survey, 63 percent of pet owners have never had their pets’ teeth professionally cleaned. The poll finds even more room for improvement with brushing. Of the 22 percent of pet owners who ever brush their pets’ teeth, only one in 10 brush daily, four in 10 brush weekly, and 20 percent say they brush only a few timesa year. While their actions don’t support it, pet ownersare correct in considering their pets’ dental health important to the animal’s overall health. Dental issues are the top disorders seen in private veterinary practices, according to a University of Minnesota study. The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that approximately 85 percent of dogs and 75 percent of cats have dental issues, including plaque and tartar build-up, which can lead to serious health concerns, such as periodontal disease, infection, and organ failure. For more information,call 1-800863-4267 or visit www.iams.com. The Gallup Organization survey results do not imply endorsement of any product or service. The results are based on 1,002 interviews conducted Aug.-Sept. 2001 with adults whoreport being a caregiver for a dog or cat. The marginof error is +/- 3 percentage points.