More than half of households in the UK owned at least one pet in 2021/22*. Dogs and cats were the most common household pets that year, with an estimated 13 million dogs, 12 million cats and 1.5 million rabbits. That’s a lot of teeth to keep clean.
Vets are fully aware that a pet’s dental health is a significant concern and that oral bacteria can have a considerable impact on the overall well-being of the animal.
Periodontal Disease: This is one of the most prevalent dental issues in pets. It involves inflammation and infection of the structures supporting the teeth, such as the gums and bone. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and may contribute to systemic health problems.
Pain and Discomfort: Dental issues can cause pain and discomfort for pets. They may have trouble eating, leading to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, oral pain can affect a pet's behaviour, causing changes in temperament and activity levels.
Systemic Health Impact: Poor dental health in pets has been linked to various systemic health problems. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, leading to more severe health issues.
Bad Breath (Halitosis): Persistent bad breath is a common sign of dental problems in pets. It often indicates the presence of bacteria and infection in the mouth.
Difficulty in Chewing: Pets with dental issues may struggle to chew and swallow their food properly, leading to digestive problems and malnutrition.
Dental health issues are largely preventable with Dental Care including tooth brushing, dental diets and supplements, and professional dental cleanings by a vet.
In August 2021, a survey published by the Royal Veterinary College revealed that every year, one out of every eight dogs (12.5%) suffers from dental illness. Furthermore, a report published in December 2021, by Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic, (US-based vet clinic) highlighted that dogs are five times more likely than people to develop dental problems, with periodontal infection affecting 80% of dogs over the age of three.
Accord Animal Health will be meeting this challenge in canine dental health by entering the pet dental health market and launching an exciting new product at BSAVA ‘24 in March.
Bob Ferguson said “I’m looking forward to sharing more information on our all-natural triple action dental product at BSAVA from 21-23 March. I believe this product will be a game changer for dog owners, and we look forward to working with our vet customers in offering the product to all their pet owners.”