Web site designed for consumers to learn about importance of dental care

DAYTON, Ohio--Iams, Eukanuba, Iams Veterinary Formulas, and Veterinary Pet Insurance, leaders in pet care, have launched a Healthy Teeth for Pets campaign.

The campaign includes a Web site, which serves as a resource for pet parents to learn about the importance of pet dental health.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop gum disease by the age of three years. Through the Web site's educational videos, pet owners can learn how to brush their pet's teeth and identify common dental problems.

As part of the campaign, pet dental kits will be sent to select veterinary hospitals and retail outlets. The Healthy Teeth for Pets dental kit includes a finger brush, a teeth cleaning tracking chart, a guide for good oral health, money saving coupons for Iams and Eukanuba products and information about VPI--the oldest and largest pet health insurance company in the U.S.

"The Web site is designed to be a resource for consumers to go to learn about the importance of dental care," said Amy Dicke, DVM, technical services veterinarian at Procter & Gamble Pet-Care. "In light of pet dental awareness month, we hope that by educating pet parents about their pet's dental health we can contribute to the early recognition and prevention of dental problems."

A recent American Animal Hospital Association study shows that approximately two-thirds of pet owners do not provide the dental care that is recommended as essential by veterinarians. The Healthy Teeth for Pets campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of oral care in dogs and cats to help them live longer, healthier lives.

The campaign suggests that pet owners partake in a dental health program that incorporates the 3Ds:

1) Daily Brushing: Make it a routine to brush your pet's teeth every day. This will remove plaque and slow the development of tartar.

2) Dentistry: Consult your veterinarian about regular teeth check-ups annually or semiannually. A teeth cleaning performed by a veterinarian is the only way to remove tartar for pets.

3) Diet: Diet is important to good oral health. Some dry dog diets, such as Iams and Eukanuba, can help block tartar formation as it incorporates a patented, proprietary technology in many of its foods--a dental defense system.

For more information about caring for your pet's dental health, visit Healthy Teeth for Pets or call (800) 297-4267.

To read more about pet dental care, go to pet dental care.

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