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Study links gum disease in pets to heart problems, other health issues

In an alarming new study, gum disease, which can occur in up to 75 percent of dogs and cats by middle age, has been linked to the occurrence of heart disease.

The study, conducted by Dr. Larry Glickman at Purdue University, examined the records of nearly 60,000 dogs with gum disease and about 60,000 without. Results revealed a direct correlation between gum and heart problems.

“Our data shows a clear statistical link between gum disease and heart disease in dogs,” says Glickman.

And the news doesn't get any better

Animal researchers have long been aware of the connection gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, and life-threatening diseases in dogs and cats. This relation is so clear, in fact, that pet health officials have coined the phrase, “Silent Killer of Pets,” when referring to periodontal disease. This condition can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and infect the heart, liver and kidneys — shortening a pet’s life by up to five years.

In the Purdue study, each animal was followed for average for 2.5 years, and some as long as 5 years, Glickman says. Of the pets that had no signs of periodontal disease at the onset of the study, about 0.43 percent were diagnosed with congestive heart failure by the end of the study.

On the other hand, nearly 2 percent of the subjects with periodontal disease were diagnosed with congestive heart failure. That’s a heart disease rate of more than four times higher for pets with gum disease compared to the test group that showed no signs of the disease.

As a pet owner, you play a pivotal role in helping ensure your pet’s dental health through regular teeth brushing and preventative, pro-active dental care.

The correlation was even stronger when it came to endocarditis, or inflammation of the heart valves, Glickman says. In the pets with no periodontal disease, about 0.01 percent were diagnosed with endocarditis. That compared to 0.15 percent of the subjects with periodontal disease dogs — an increased risk of 1,500 percent!

This study clearly speaks to the need for more emphasis on dental care,” Glickman said.

So how can you protect your pet from these life-threatening conditions?

Promoting good pet dental care starts at home

Your pet’s dental care doesn’t rest with your veterinarian alone. As a pet owner, you play a pivotal role in helping ensure your pet’s dental health through regular teeth brushing and preventative, pro-active dental care.

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends pet owners establish a dental health routine between veterinary visits. And because most pets naturally resist having items forcibly placed in their mouths, it’s best to start this practice as early in the life as possible so they become accustomed with the procedure.

By taking these simple steps to keep your pet’s teeth and mouth healthy, you will go far in keeping the rest of him healthy. So talk to your veterinarian about how to keep your dog healthy and happy, through routine home dental care between office visits.

Remember: Pets can live longer, healthier lives if dental health care is managed and maintained on a regular basis throughout their lives.

Oxyfresh: The only home dental care plan you'll need for your pet

The good news is, Oxyfresh can help prevent periodontal disease while promoting fresh breath for our pets by following a couple simple steps from home:

Step 1 — Just add water!
Add one teaspoon of Oxyfresh Pet Oral Hygiene Solution to one quart of drinking water and pour into your pet’s drinking bowl; freshen daily. You can also use a sprayer bottle to mist the same solution into your pet’s mouth twice daily. Pet Oral Hygiene Solution is safe and tasteless and odorless so your pet will readily drink it. In about three to five days, you will notice an obvious improvement in your pet’s breath. Oxygene® goes to work, destroying bacteria in the mouth and breaking down sulfur compounds that cause bad pet breath. This reduces the amount of plaque and tartar that can lead to periodontal disease.

Step 2 — Toothpaste for pets!
Apply Oxyfresh Pet Gel daily to the gums and teeth. Brushing on the Gel with the Oxyfresh Triple Pet Toothbrush will produce optimum results. For very small dogs and cats, application may be best with a Q-tip. Pet Gel further helps freshen breath and has a phenomenal healing affect with continued use. Formulated with aloe to soothe, plus Oxygene® to cleanse and deodorize gums, Pet Gel is an important part of your home pet dental care program.

This two-step program is easy and very beneficial for all pets. It is up to you to take action and help prevent problems through better dental care for your pet.

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