Video Transcript
The humanization of pets is a major trend in the pet industry. More and more pet parents see their pets as a member of their family and spend more money each year to ensure they are providing their pet children the best care possible.
In general, what is good for pet parents is good for their pets. They know they need to clean their own teeth on a daily basis to stay healthy and to avoid hefty dentist bills. However, only a few pet parents do the right thing and have a daily oral care routine for their pets! It’s reported that only 8% of dog owners, and 4% of cat owners brush their pets’ teeth daily.
That’s why periodontal disease is the number one health problem in pets. By 2 years of age, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease. Small and toy-breed dogs are particularly susceptible due to the anatomy of their mouth.
Plaque and tartar buildup are the primary cause of periodontal disease. If plaque is not removed from the surface of the teeth every 24 hours, it will begin to bind with calcium in the saliva and turn into hard tartar.
Excess tartar can work its way up into the gumline causing gingivitis, periodontal disease, and eventually, more serious health issues such as liver, kidney, lung, or heart issues.
That’s why preventative oral care is extremely important for dogs and cats.