Your Pet’s Healthy Smile
August 14, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Pets
The “Show Us Your Pet’s Healthy Smile” contest by The Greenies Company aimed to help everyone consider the importance of a healthy mouth for pets. More than 7,000 pet owners uploaded photos and learned more about preventing periodontal disease in their pets.
The winner is a three-year-old German Shepherd, Lucy! She received more than 31,000 votes to become a finalist. The winner was chosen by Dr. Jan Bellows, a veterinarian and pet dental specialist. Lucy will receive free GREENIES dental products for one year.
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection in the gums. The disease is the biggest health problem in pets, and has been linked to the development of heart, kidney, liver and respiratory disease. Many pets will suffer from periodontal disease by age three.
Preventing periodontal disease is easy. Take your pet to the vet for regular check-ups, and get your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned or otherwise treated when recommended. Another way pet parents can help prevent periodontal disease is by daily tooth brushing and feeding a dental diet when suggested. Dental chews can also be helpful — and fun.
(Image via Greenies Writers’ Pad)
