Kiss Bad Pet Breath Goodbye for Good
The GREENIES® Brand Helps Pet Owners Understand that Bad Pet Breath is Not Normal
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Let's face it—we steer clear of bad breath! We brush and floss daily, and we avoid a smelly mouth at all costs. It is widely known that bad breath isn't just unpleasant but is a sign of poor dental hygiene and potential dental problems. But what about our pets? Sometimes our dogs and cats have the smelliest breath of all, yet many pet owners believe it is acceptable.
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The same attitude people apply toward bad breath should apply to our pets' breath as well, but oftentimes it doesn't. According to a study commissioned by The GREENIES® Brand, makers of the #1 vet-recommended pet specialty dental chews and treats1, 1 in 3 pet owners believe that bad breath in pets is completely normal.2 Bad breath, however, is not normal and is a strong indicator of serious oral disease in a pet's mouth. This indicates how misinformed pet owners are about their pets' oral health, and supports the often-heard statistic that by age two, most pets have oral disease.
"While smelly breath in pets is common, pet owners who believe this is normal are missing the signs of poor oral health or potential dental disease," said Dr. Brook Niemiec, a board certified veterinary dentist and President of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry. "By the time a pet owner becomes aware of their pet's bad breath, it is likely that dental disease has been present for an extended period of time, and a visit to the veterinarian is imperative."
Bad breath in pets stems from bacterial plaque accumulation. The bacteria that work their way under a pet's gum line create gingivitis and, if left untreated, result in periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a serious dental condition that affects a pet's whole-body health.
Fortunately, pet owners can reduce the risk of bad breath in pets through daily brushing or by giving Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) approved dental treats like GREENIES® Dental Chews and Treats. Daily oral care works to fight the buildup of plaque and tartar, thus lessening a pet's risk for dental disease and decreasing the prospect of stinky pet kisses. Regular visits to the veterinarian and professional dental cleanings are also recommended.
To learn more about how to prevent bad breath in pets, how GREENIES® Dental Chews and Treats work to keep pets' mouths healthy or to download a pet oral health infographic, visit www.facebook.com/greenies.
About The Nutro Company
The Nutro Company is a leader in natural nutrition for pets and has been dedicated to quality, excellence and innovation since 1926. The Nutro Company's dog and cat food and treats offer healthful formulas for every pet's life stage, activity level and size. The Nutro Company's family of brands include the MAX®, NATURAL CHOICE® and ULTRA™ brands of natural3 pet food and treats and the GREENIES® brand, which is the #1 veterinarian-recommended brand of treats1. The Nutro Company makes GREENIES® Dental Chews and Treats, including PILL POCKETS® Treats, JointCare Canine Treats and SMARTBITES® Treats. For more information, please visit www.nutro.com and www.greenies.com.
1 Among U.S. veterinarians that recommend dental chews and treats for at-home oral care.
2 Oral Myths Study, conducted by Trone Brand Energy™ Research, November 2011. N=982.
3 Naturally fortified with added vitamins, minerals and other trace nutrients.
®/™ Trademarks © The Nutro Company 2013. U.S. Pat. Nos. D578,727 and D587,428.
SOURCE The GREENIES® Brand
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