Please note: Media Relations is unable to answer questions about pet health problems. Contact your veterinarian.

Source: Dr. Matt Riegel, 785-532-5690, mriegel@vet.k-state.edu
Pronouncer: Riegel is (REE'-gul)
News release prepared by: Amber Haag, 785-532-6415

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

PETS HAVE PLAQUE ON THEIR TEETH, TOO

MANHATTAN -- The next time you're at the store picking up a new toothbrush to keep your pearly whites, well, white, you might want to pick up a toothbrush and special pet toothpaste for your cat or dog.

Dr. Matt Riegel, assistant professor of clinical sciences at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, said pets should receive the same dental care as people.

He said less than 5 percent of pet owners clean their cat or dog's teeth at home and less than 10 percent bring their pets in for professional dental care.

"We're in a new era of veterinary medicine," Riegel said. "People put more emphasis on their pets as true companions and members of the family. Dental care fits in with giving your pet the best possible life."

Owners should not leave their pet's mouths in any worse condition than they would leave their own, Riegel said.

And it's not just older pets owners should worry about. Riegel said about 80 percent of cats and dogs over two years of age have some level of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a combination of disease processes, including plaque and gingivitis, as well as the loosening of teeth.

Riegel said disease in your pet's mouth amounts to more than bad breath and ugly teeth. He said periodontal disease has been proven to lead to heart, kidney and liver problems.

"Prevention is the key," Riegel said. "If we can prevent periodontal disease from progression, everyone's job is easier."

Riegel said the key to prevention is brushing your cat or dog's teeth daily. He said the size of the toothbrush will depend on the animal, but owners should be sure to use toothpaste made for animals. The toothpaste made for people contains fluoride and is intended to be spit out. Pets don't spit, so will try to swallow the toothpaste.

"You've got to work them into having their teeth brushed, and I suggest you start early," Riegel said. "It will take about four to six months before they're comfortable with it. After that, brushing should only take a few minutes each day."

Riegel also said owners should take their pet to the veterinarian approximately once a year for professional dental cleaning.

"Think of treating dental disease in your pet like changing the oil in your car," Riegel said. "You can put your money toward changing the oil in your car every 3,000 miles or wait for your car engine to burst and spend much more rebuilding it."

Recently, Pfizer gave K-State a gift to expand the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital's dental suite. Construction on the suite will begin this year.

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