Getting some humans to look after their teeth and gums can be difficult at times so spare a thought for the veterinary professionals who attempt to get pet owners to care for their pet’s teeth.

Brushing Fido’s teeth with toothpaste twice a day is an effort and not something people tend to do but with around 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats reported to have gum disease by age three, it is an issue that needs serious attention.

Held annually every August (1-31), Pet Dental Health Month is sponsored by Pfizer and Hills Pet Nutrition Pty Ltd and is now in its seventh year. The campaign is an important reminder to pet owners and veterinarians that caring for our animals’ teeth is an essential part of an overall health plan for pets.

Dr Tony Caiafa, Convenor of Pet Dental Health Month 2004, said veterinarians had been leading the way by approaching the issue with a ‘prevention is better than cure’ solution.

According to Dr Caiafa periodontal disease is the most chronic infection seen in cats and dogs. He says that with the life expectancy of dogs and cats on the increase, oral disease management will become an increasingly important component of small animal practice.

The overriding factor being the need for education and the veterinarian is the person best placed to provide this.

Dr Caiafa believes the veterinarian’s role is to formulate treatment programs, which may include professional scaling and cleaning, plaque control recommendations as well as a recall and review program to assess whether the pet owner is carrying out proper homecare and whether the patient is improving.

Veterinary Nurses also have a crucial role in providing homecare advice, demonstrating plaque reduction techniques and discussing the importance of ‘dental friendly’ diets with the owner.

“Owners need to be introduced to good oral care early on in the animal’s life and the rising popularity of puppy and kitten classes gives the ideal opportunity for this to occur,” says Dr Caiafa.

But no matter the age of the pet, owners can start to do something today.

If you are a small animal veterinarian make sure all your clients know that it is Pet Dental Health Month from 1 to 31 August and introduce them to the benefits of dental health care for all members of the family.