Pet insurance needed to cover dentistry bills

Posted : 21-09-2005

Stereotypical British "bad teeth" jokes have been amusing Americans for years, but now even the pet-loving nation's animals are suffering from bad dental care.

Veterinary charity PDSA has found that many pet owners are underestimating their pet's dental health.

A survey by the charity revealed that two thirds of owners interviewed believed that it was natural for pets such as dogs and cats to lose their teeth as they got older, and that their animal's bad breath was "normal" – neither of which is true.

Senior PDSA vet Elaine Pendlebury said: "Our own statistics and the new survey results suggest that very few pet owners carry out a regular dental care programme for their pets - which is very worrying.

"Just as we care for our teeth on a daily basis, the same rules apply for our pet's teeth."

Pets with bad teeth can acquire potentially fatal infections, and bad teeth and gums can affect an animal's diet, causing severe illnesses such as heart and kidney disease and arthritis.

Cheap pet insurance is advised to help cover for all eventualities, such as dentistry procedures and a visit to the vets.

The PDSA recommend brushing a dog or cat's teeth regularly to avoid a build-up of plaque, although this might be more difficult for a hamster.

© Adfero Ltd

The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of BDML Connect Ltd