Keep your pets' teeth clean

PETS at Home in Yeovil is holding a free in-store event this week to raise awareness on keeping your pet’s teeth clean and healthy.

The event takes place each day from Saturday, September 11, to Friday, September 17.

With 85% of dogs suffering from canine gum disease, in-store advisors will highlight how important it is to keep your dog’s mouth healthy and the effects this can have on your pet’s overall wellbeing.

Dogs are vulnerable to a variety of oral health related problems including periodontitis, the most common canine gum problem.

Caused by a combination of food debris, plaque and bacteria, it eventually works its way under the teeth into the gums, loosening the teeth.

Another very common gum disease is gingivitis where the gums become inflamed, and without proper treatment, the teeth can eventually be lost.

Store manager Jonathan Hamlet, at Pets at Home, said: “A number of factors affect how vulnerable your dog is to gum disease, including its age and general health, diet, breed and genetics, how its teeth are aligned, and grooming habits.

“Taking care of your dog’s teeth is just as important as looking after your own. After the age of three, plaque and tartar can begin to form, which can lead to gum disease and other infections.

“The best way to prevent canine gum problems is to brush your dog's teeth, every day if possible. It’s also a good idea to give your dog special dental bites to chew on, as they are naturally abrasive, helping remove food deposits and preventing plaque from forming.”

Source: This is the West Country