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It’s Hill’s Pet Dental Month – so check those chompers!

Dental disease in pets is unfortunately far more common and serious than we may think. American Veterinary Dental Society says that 80% of pets are affected by dental disease by the age of four. Dental disease can cause bad breath, bleeding gums, tooth loss and pain, but it can also be life-threatening. I find this very scary.

“Bacteria and toxins in an infected mouth can enter the bloodstream, affecting vital organs and causing serious illnesses including heart and kidney disease,” explains Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary advisor for Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

It’s Hill’s Pet Dental Month – so check those chompers!

Hill’s Pet Dental Month Jack Russel Terrier Pretty Please Charlie
It’s Hill’s Pet Dental Month – so check those chompers!

‘Mind your pet’s mouth for total health’, is the message for national Hill’s Pet Dental Month this September, encouraging owners to be proactive about their pet’s oral health and prevent dental disease.

Dr Fyvie suggests five simple steps to keep your pet’s mouth healthy:

  • Take your pet to the vet for a dental check at least once a year, or whenever you notice any symptoms, such as bad breath, bleeding gums, discoloured teeth or drooling.
  • Regular tooth brushing to remove plaque is recommended as the ‘gold standard’ of pet dental care. Use a pet toothpaste and soft brush. Brushing is not always easy to accomplish, particularly in older pets, so it is best to start regular tooth cleaning from a young age.
  • Feed a food clinically proven to help clean your pet’s teeth as it eats; Hill’s Science Plan Oral Care and Hill’s Prescription Diet® t/d are the only complete foods in South Africa that have been awarded the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance for plaque and tartar control. The kibbles have a patented fibre matrix that works like an edible toothbrush as your pet eats, gently scrubbing the exposed tooth and cleaning away plaque, thus avoiding tartar build-up.
  • Avoid sticky sweets, treats or tidbits which can lead to a more rapid build-up of plaque.
  • Use tooth-friendly toys and chews – bones and even hard plastic Frisbees can damage teeth.

Hill’s were kind enough to send us a bag of Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d to help us look after our four-legged kids’ teeth. Brushing is an absolute no-go. We have tried and failed miserably. Hopefully t/d will be just what we have been looking for. Jack and Tequila are both loving the food. And we are keeping our fingers crossed that it will help a bit with Jack’s breathe. Sorry boy, but it’s bad.

Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d and Hill’s Science Plan Oral Care are the only complete foods in South Africa that have been awarded the US Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance for plaque and tartar control. The kibbles have a patented fibre matrix that works like an edible toothbrush as your pet eats, gently scrubbing the exposed tooth and cleaning away plaque, thus avoiding tartar build-up. Available exclusively from veterinary practices Hill’s t/d is a completely balanced food and suitable for long-term feeding.

Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d dry dog food kibble Pretty Please Charlie

Here’s to keeping your fur baby’s pearly whites clean and healthy.

xoxo

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Put a spring in your pet’s step with Hill’s j/d

I just hate the thought of my dogs getting older. It’s even hard just typing out the words. My girl is getting older…

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Just pretending to be asleep… check the ears!

It is our job to ensure the health and well-being of our animals. And they may need a little more TLC as they get older (like we all do). Hill’s has a line designed for pets with arthritis and joint mobility problems. They sent Tequila a bag to try out, and I only have one ‘complaint’… I think it’s tastes too good. Ms Hoover likes it very much.

Here are a couple of tips from Hill’s on how to put the ‘spring’ back in your pet’s step (and I think it is worth sharing):

Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary advisor for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, says it’s important to first seek a professional diagnosis. “The vet can prescribe pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication as necessary and also talk through nutrition and lifestyle changes that can help slow down the disease and improve quality of life.”

Being overweight is a big no-no; “Excess weight puts additional strain on the joints and increases inflammation,” says Dr Fyvie. Maintaining optimum weight should be a priority for all arthritic pets.

Correct nutrition can also make a huge difference. Eight out of ten South African owners said their pet was walking, running, playing and rising from rest more easily after being fed Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d. This food – for cats and dogs – has been clinically proven to reduce symptoms of arthritis in as little as 21 days. Speak to your vet for details.

Moderate, low impact daily exercise is important – such as walking or swimming. “Hydrotherapy is excellent because water supports the joints, minimising discomfort.”

Animal rehabilitator Sister Dawn Jones recommends physical rehabilitation: “Massage improves circulation, enhances muscle tone, releases muscle spasm, improves motion and stimulates endorphin release. Ideally, an arthritic pet should be massaged at least once per week and after exercise.”

Keep joints warm. “Heat packs and water bottles should not be too hot,” says Jones. “An elderly pet with a thin coat may benefit from a jacket in winter.”

Playtime can be painful for arthritic pets. “Don’t allow boisterous play. Before getting another puppy, consider whether it will be too much for your pet to handle,” advises Jones.

“Food and water bowls at ground level or within easy reach, a soft bed in a draught-free area, a low-sided litter tray and anti-slip mats are all ways to make home easier to navigate.”

For excellent information on managing pet osteoarthritis visit www.hopskipjump.co.za. 

And of course feed your pets Hill’s Prescription Diet® j/d®.

xoxo