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National Pet Dental Month

Press Release
Source: The Hartz Mountain Corporation

'Brush-Up' On Ways to Observe National Pet Dental Month and Honor Your Pet
Tuesday February 1, 9:04 am ET

Just Like Humans, Dogs Need to Improve Their Dental Health

SECAUCUS, N.J., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- With 65 million dogs in the U.S., many Americans can relate to having a four-legged family member. Treating him or her like a child includes providing the best food, exercise, plenty of love and a comfy place to sleep. However, according to a study by the American Veterinary Dental Society, oral disease is the number one health problem diagnosed in dogs and cats and periodontal disease affects approximately 80 percent of dogs over the age of three(1). February marks National Pet Dental Month and an important reminder to take a bite out of your dog's potential dental problems.

"Periodontal disease in dogs is very similar to periodontal disease in people. Just as it is essential for us to maintain a dental regimen, it is important for the quality and longevity of the pet's life to keep their teeth and gums healthy as well," commented Dr. Daniel Carmichael, veterinary dental specialist with the Center for Veterinary Care in Westbury, N.Y., as well as a noted author and lecturer.

The risks of leaving the teeth in an unhealthy state can include painful oral infections, tooth loss, potential spread of infection to other vital body organs, and other more serious problems in the mouth such as pathologic jaw fracture.

While professional dental checkups and cleaning are essential steps, there are also easy ways that you can manage your pet's dental health at home by making small changes in your dog's lifestyle. Hartz(R), the leading manufacturer and marketer of pet supply products in the U.S., offers a wide variety of innovative toys, chews, toothbrushes and other products, in appealing designs, colors and flavors, for maintaining oral health and keeping your prized canine happy.

Maintain and Improve Your Dog's Dental Health at Home
Dr. Carmichael and Hartz(R) have teamed up to offer helpful tips to provide better dental care for your pet:

• Brush Teeth Daily: Only 42 percent of dog owners said they had brushed their dog's teeth (Gallup Target Market Report on Dental Care 2003). Teeth need to be brushed regularly, once a day is recommended. Using both a toothbrush and toothpaste developed for pets is the best metho of removing and preventing plaque build up in between veterinary visits. Pet toothpastes are available in meat flavors to appeal to your dog. They are made to be swallowed and do not foam up in the mouth.



• Provide Treats for Teeth: Nearly one third of people surveyed by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) say that keeping teeth clean is the number one criteria they use when purchasing a pet treat or toy (2). Rawhide dog treats have been used for many years to satisfy dog's natural desire to chew, and Hartz(R) DENTAL(TM) FLAVOR INFUSED Rawhides encourage your pet to chew longer. A study at Harvard University has shown that the abrasive action of chewing rawhide can help reduce plaque and tartar in dogs by up to 25%.



• Play to Dental Health: Fun chew toys, especially those with raised tips, exercise teeth and gums. The Hartz(R) DENTAL(TM) Tooth Scrubber Dog Toy has been shown to reduce plaque and tartar by 56% (3). Chew toys are the most frequently purchased dental products (APPMA). Furthermore, they can relieve boredom for dogs left alone and can help keep puppies from biting household and personal items. Also, chew toys are an alternative to hard objects, and animal bones, which might lead to tooth fractures.



• Take a Break and Monitor for "Doggy" Breath: According to the APPMA, about one in three dog owners say their dog has problems with bad breath (4). If your dog has bad breath, products like Hartz(R) DENTAL Breath Strips can help freshen dogs' breath. However, bad breath can also be a warning sign. Check your pet for bleeding or irritated gums, tartar buildup or oral pain. Seek veterinary assistance right away if you notice any chronic problems.


By combining regular veterinary checkups with a consistent dental regimen at home, concerned and loving pet owners can help their dogs have healthier teeth and gums.

About The Hartz Mountain Corporation

Founded 79 years ago, Hartz is the leading manufacturer and marketer of pet products in the U.S. Hartz is committed to enhancing the human-animal bond by providing quality pet products, innovative and technological solutions developed with proven science and love for companion animals. The company offers more than 1,500 separate pet products, each dedicated to the health and well-being of household pets.

The Hartz Mountain Corporation is owned by Sumitomo Corporation of America (SCOA), together with its parent, Sumitomo Corporation, Japan (SC), an integrated global trading company. Hartz operates as an independent company with a strong focus on customer service and innovation, through expanded research, development and quality of manufacturing. For more information please visit http://www.hartz.com.
(1) The American Veterinary Dental Society
(2) American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2003/2004
National Pet Owners Survey
(3) Hartz(R) Canine Dental Study
(4) American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2003/2004
National Pet Owners Survey

Source: The Hartz Mountain Corporation
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