Innovative New Dental Products and Increased Pet Dental Care Highlight February National Pet Dental Health Month; APPMA Offers Pet Dental Care Tips.

Lifestyle Editors/Business Editors

GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 4, 2004

More pets have a reason to smile this February as an increasing number of pet owners pay attention to their pet's teeth. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), more dog owners than ever before have purchased toothbrushes and dental products for their canine friends.

But, industry experts are taking the opportunity during National Pet Dental Health Month to remind owners of the importance of taking good care of their pet's teeth. "Many people don't realize how much dental problems can affect a pet's health," said Bob Vetere, COO and managing director of APPMA. "Tartar build-up, cavities, fractured teeth or impacted baby teeth can all lead to bigger issues."

In addition to proper vet care and regular cleanings, pet product manufacturers are now offering a greater variety of products to make dental health care easy to manage for pet owners.

Throughout the month of February, SynergyLabs, the maker of more than 70 pet care products, will provide discounts on Dental Fresh to its distribution partners. When added to a pet's water bowl, this tasteless, odorless liquid helps reduce the formation of tartar and helps combat bad breath.

Hartz offers a wide variety of dental products that will help your dog's dental hygiene. Top products include Breath Strips for dogs, Chew Dent treats, 2 in 1 Bones, K-9 Cleaner rubber toy and Chew 'n Clean Teething Ring.

The double headed toothbrush by Petosan hugs your dog's teeth cleaning both inside and outside surfaces at the same time.

Short on time? The Quest Multi Care Dental System for Dogs by Nylabone is an easy and enjoyable way to take care of your dog's dental needs. The system includes three different chew bones that brush and floss dogs' teeth while also freshening breath.

For bad breath, try Chomp's Yip Yap breath mints for dogs and Pit'r Pat mints for cats. These healthy mints, which come in the shape of bones or fish, banish even the worst pet breath.

Sergeant's DentaFresh chew bones offer a quick and easy way to maintain your dog's dental health. Unique ingredients provide a distinctive chew texture that help reduce tartar, plaque and breath odor.

Some additional tips for pet dental care from APPMA include:

-- Begin a dental care regimen at home. Feed your pet specially

formulated foods with the Seal of Acceptance from the

Veterinary Oral Health Council, which appears on products that

meet defined standards for plaque and tartar control in dogs

and cats.

-- Schedule regular veterinary checkups to ensure that your

veterinarian can monitor the progress of your pet's dental

health.

-- Do not use toothpaste formulated for humans, which can cause

stomach upset.

-- Give your pet appropriate toys to prevent teeth fractures.

-- Don't wait for an annual checkup if you suspect a problem.

Take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental exam.

Founded in 1958, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association is the nation's leading not-for-profit trade organization serving the interests of the pet product industry and educating the public on the many joys and health benefits associated with pet ownership. APPMA's membership consists of nearly 700 companies, which include both small businesses, as well as the nation's leading pet product companies.