Bad Breath Can Signal Danger for Dogs and Cats; February National Pet Dental Health Month Raises Awareness for Animal Oral Care.

LOS ANGELES -- Halitosis, or more commonly known as bad breath, is an unpleasant odor not specific just to humans and frequently occurs in animals too. Many pet owners are unaware that "doggie breath" can be a danger signal for a range of oral and other diseases if ignored and left untreated. With February designated as National Pet Dental Health Month, veterinarians want to raise awareness that oral and dental hygiene is just as important for companion animals as it is for people.

"Halitosis is more common in dogs than cats, often increasing with age, and is more prone to developing in smaller breeds as a result of being fed soft food," said Todd Tams, DVM, DACVIM and Chief Medical Officer for VCA Antech, Inc. "Poor dental hygiene will eventually cause gum disease and can lead to much more serious health problems, including heart and kidney disease, if not treated properly and promptly," he added.

According to Dr. Tams, major causes of pet bad breath include periodontal disease (build-up of plaque), gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), abscessed teeth, bone or hair stuck in the mouth, oral ulceration, foreign bodies in the mouth (such as plant material or grass awns), tumors of the mouth (oral neoplasia), upper GI tract disease, severe kidney disease, inadequate nutrition and poor digestion. Two of the more serious dental problems seen by veterinarians are broken teeth in dogs and cervical line lesions (dental resorptions) in cats. Potential symptoms that should be treated immediately include mouth discharge or pain, bloody oral discharge, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), trouble eating, lethargic behavior and depression.

"Proper nutrition is central to oral health and annual dental exams, including ultrasonic cleaning, polishing and fluoride treatment, should be a part of every pet's regular health care routine," added Tams. "Annual veterinarian-recommended preventive care can ensure that pets maintain good oral hygiene and avoid unnecessary future medical complications," he added.

To avoid painful gum disease, tooth loss and other diseases, Dr. Tams recommends that pet owners follow simple guidelines that begin at home, such as:

--Providing pets with fresh, clean water and regular exercise at all times

--Developing a consistent home care routine such as tooth-brushing using toothpaste or hygiene gel formulated especially for pets

--Providing a diet recommended by a veterinarian 

--Avoidance of human snacks and sweets, including pet chew products that can potentially break teeth

--Scheduling an annual comprehensive veterinary exam that includes a dental examination

With regular annual veterinary visits, including a dental exam, pet owners can protect their companions from gum disease and potentially more serious medical complications.

VCA Antech, Inc. (Nasdaq:WOOF), operates the largest network of freestanding, full-service animal hospitals and diagnostics laboratories across the country and employs more than 1,400 qualified veterinarians at more than 375 animal hospitals in 38 states. VCA Animal Hospitals offer a full range of general medical and surgical services for companion animals, as well as specialized treatments including oncology, ophthalmology, cardiology and neurology. Dedicated to the provision of compassionate and comprehensive veterinary care, VCA also provides advanced diagnostic services. For more information, visit the Web site at www.vcapets.com.