SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, May 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westward Animal Hospital in Saskatoon is educating pet owners about the importance of pet dental care for pet wellness. According to Dr. Cairo Parker, dental care helps to reduce the risk for gum disease and other oral health problems, including periodontal disease, tooth loss and bacterial infections. Dr. Parker says that the majority of dogs and cats older than three years have periodontal disease, a condition characterized by gum inflammation, bleeding gums, and an increased risk for tooth loss and bacterial infections. Dr. Parker is working with pet owners to reduce the incidence of gum disease and support pet's dental health.
The Saskatoon pet care team at Westward Animal Hospital is educating pet owners about the benefits of annual veterinary dental cleanings in an effort to reduce the incidence of periodontal disease in pets.
"Dental care is an important part of pet wellness care," said Dr. Parker. "However, many pet owners do not realize just how important dental care is for a pet's overall health. Our animal hospital is working to change this."
In order to raise awareness about the importance of pet dental care, Dr. Parker and the team at Westward Animal Hospital are educating pet owners about common periodontal problems in pets. These problems include gum disease, tooth loss and bacterial infection.
Dr. Parker also cited recent statistics from the American Veterinary Dental Society that found 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have symptoms of periodontal disease by age three.
"Periodontal problems are a serious issue for cats and dogs – and many owners do not even realize this," said Dr. Parker. "By educating pet owner about the dangers of periodontal disease, we hope to reduce the number of pets diagnosed with this health problem each year."
Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, swollen or reddened gums, changes in eating habits, and general discomfort in pets. The animal hospital recommends prompt treatment for pets exhibiting these symptoms.
"If dogs or cats exhibit these symptoms, prompt care can help reverse these oral health problems and prevent serious damage," said Dr. Parker. "Our goal is to help every pet live a long, healthy life – and dental care is just as important to achieving this goal as vaccinations or other wellness exams are."
Dr. Parker says the best way to prevent periodontal problems is through annual dental cleanings and at-home care.
"Scraping away plaque buildup from the gum line reduces the risk for periodontal disease and other oral health problems," said Dr. Parker. "While at-home brushing is important, brushing cannot completely remove all plaque buildup. This is why regular cleanings are critical for a pet's well-being."
Dr. Parker recommends regular cleanings and at-home brushing for comprehensive dental care.
Pet owners may learn more about the animal hospital's dental pet service by visiting http://westwardanimalhospital.com/.