The survey uncovered that the majority of pet owners are unaware that if their pet's breath smells funny, it's probably serious. The reality is that bad breath is an early indicator of dental disease which is the most common disease in pets, affecting 78 percent of dogs and 68 percent of cats over the age of three.
The survey found that more than half of dog owners (57 percent) admit their pet has bad breath, yet only six percent cite the smell as a reason to schedule a dental cleaning. If that's not enough of a concern, chew on this: 59 percent of pet owners surveyed did not know that dental disease is the most common disease found in cats and dogs.
Loving pet owners are also citing bad breath as a reason to create some space between themselves and their pooch. According to the survey, nearly one-third (27 percent) of dog owners indicated that they have purposely avoided close cuddle time with their lovable pup because of bad breath.
Despite this foul-smelling feedback, 62 percent of dog owners aren't taking action to alleviate their pet's bad breath and only one-third of pet owners have taken their dog (38 percent) or cat (29 percent) to the veterinarian for a professional cleaning. What pet owners may not realize is that pet dental health is just as important as human dental health. As with humans, dental disease in dogs and cats has been associated with changes in liver, kidney and cardiac functions.
"It's a little concerning that more than half of dog owners believe their pet has bad breath but only a small percent would actually seek medical advice from a veterinarian. What pet owners don't realize is that bad breath is often an indicator of something serious. Many people believe that bad dog breath is normal—it's actually not," said Jeffrey Klausner, DVM, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Banfield Pet Hospital.
"Because dental disease is the most common disease affecting dogs and cats over the age of three, it's critical that pet owners partner with their veterinarian when it comes to their pet's preventive care, especially their oral health. Simple steps such as twice-yearly visits to the veterinarian and annual professional cleanings are important to keeping pets healthy and happy."
In order to address the issue of pet dental health and give pet owners a breath of fresh air, Banfield is offering a limited-time coupon for a dental consultation by a veterinarian, available for download at www.Banfield.com during the month of February.
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