Pet articles by hills

TEETH  

It’s not just people who should ‘brush up’ for the sake of good health. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society 80% of dogs and 70% of cats already have signs of oral disease by age three. “Oral disease is painful and potentially life-threatening,” says veterinarian Dr Guy Fyvie, spokesman for Hill’s Pet Dental Month, “yet it can be prevented with a simple pet dental routine.”  

Dr Fyvie says that oral disease is caused by a build up of plaque.  “If it is not removed, either by brushing the pet’s teeth or feeding special oral care foods, plaque can cause irritation and gum disease.  

“If your pet has discoloured teeth, smelly breath, tender and bleeding gums, pain, tooth decay and / or tooth loss they may already have oral disease. It is important to act quickly as the bacteria and toxins in an infected mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs, causing serious illnesses such as heart and kidney disease.”  

Dr Fyvie recommends following the American Veterinary Dental Society three step plan to ensure your pet’s dental health and overall well-being:  

1.       Firstly visit your pet’s dentist (the vet) for a dental exam.  Don’t wait for the annual check-up if you suspect a problem. Check your pet’s mouth and teeth regularly.

2.       Secondly, start a dental care regime at home.  Your vet can advise on the most suitable methods for your pet, which may involve brushing its teeth.  One of the most convenient and effective ways to combat oral disease is feeding a specially formulated food clinically proven to be effective in combating plaque and tartar build-up.  Hill’s Science Plan Oral Care and Hill’s Prescription Diet® t/d, work like an edible toothbrush, cleaning the pet’s teeth as it eats, and are the only complete foods in South Africa that have been awarded the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance for stain, plaque and gingivitis control. Ask your vet for a free sample of these complete, balanced foods which meet all adult and senior pets’ nutritional needs whilst supporting good dental health.

3.       Schedule regular veterinary check ups.  These are essential in helping your vet monitor the progress of your pet’s dental health routine.  

“All pets are at risk for developing dental problems, start a preventative programme of dental care today to maintain good oral health throughout your pet’s life,” Dr Fyvie says.  

For more information chat to the vet, visit www.HillsPet.com , or call the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Careline toll-free on (0800) 228 783.  

FACT BOX - SYMPTOMS OF ORAL DISEASE  

·         Bad breath

·         A yellow brown crust of tartar on teeth

·         Red and swollen gums

·         Pain or bleeding when you touch the gums or mouth

·         A change in eating or chewing habits

·         Abnormal drooling

·         Tooth loss

·         Going to the food bowl but not eating

·         Swallowing food whole instead of chewing

·         Dropping food out of the mouth

·         Pawing at the face or mouth

·         Listlessness or subdued behaviour

 

A new ‘leash’ on life for older pets -  

In South Africa an estimated 40% of pets are classified seniors, aged around seven and older.  And because in fact pets are living longer these days, vets are encountering more age related ailments, such as cancer, canine cognitive disorder (doggy Alzheimer’s), arthritis, cataracts and kidney disease.   

June is national Hill’s Senior Pet Month, an annual nationwide campaign to educate owners on how best to care for pets aged around seven and older. According to veterinarian Dr Guy Fyvie , spokesman for national Hill’s Senior Pet Month, studies have shown that many diseases can be delayed or prevented with age-appropriate care.  

“These days, with the advanced veterinary care and nutrition available, it is not uncommon for a dog or cat to reach the equivalent of over a hundred years old in human terms,” says Dr Fyvie.  “Feeding a diet specifically formulated for senior pets can help add year’s to your best friend’s life, and help delay, and even prevent, many health problems.”    

“A bouncing seven year old pet might not look old, but it is important to act before there are visible signs of ageing,” he adds.  “Many symptoms of old age diseases are only evident once there has been significant internal damage.  For example, kidney disease, one of the most common causes of death in older cats and dogs, will only produce symptoms once 75% of kidney function is lost.  A change in diet is the most effective management factor for this disease; in one study dogs with renal failure that were fed a specialised kidney diet (Hill’s Prescription Diet Canine k/d) lived twice as long as those fed normal food.”  

Warning signs of age related health problems include bad breath, stiffness, sleeping more, increased urinating and drinking, and changes in weight and behaviour.  If your pet displays any of these symptoms take them to your vet for expert advice.  

Dr Fyvie recommends four simple steps that can help senior pets enjoy long, healthy lives:  

1.      Schedule regular veterinary check ups to pick up any early warning signs of diseases.  Remember visiting the vet once a year in human terms is equivalent to about seven years in your pet’s life.

2.      Start feeding a diet specifically formulated for senior pets, such as Hill’s Science Plan Mature Adult Senior.  Your senior pet needs age-appropriate levels of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; its nutritional needs are very different to when it was a puppy or kitten. Getting it right is a complicated balancing act, but absolutely crucial as incorrect nutrient levels can have devastating consequences. For example excess protein can seriously damage the kidneys, and just a few too many calories a day can quickly cause obesity.

3.      Go for walks and play together. Appropriate exercise will help you both stay fit and active.  But avoid high impact activities, such as jogging and jumping, which could damage the joints.

4.      Give lots of love and attention.  Mental stimulation can help keep your pet alert and help avoid ‘doggy Alzheimer’s’.  

For expert advice on caring for your senior pet speak to your vet.