Dental Disease Has Become A Severe Issue for Cats and Dogs

New York, NY – February is National Pet Dental Health Month and Pumpkin Pet Insurance, a leading pet health and wellness company, is trying to help pet owners treat dental disease. With over 50-90% of cats affected by dental disease over the age of four and 80% of dogs over the age of three, the month serves as an important reminder to pet owners that, just like humans, the dental health of animals is important for reasons well beyond cosmetic.^1,2 

There’s a profound lack of understanding regarding the importance of dental hygiene, demonstrated by the less than 1% of pet owners who regularly brush their pets’ teeth, according to research conducted by the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry. Many owners are also unaware of the long-term effects that dental disease can incur on their animals. 

Indicators of poor dental hygiene in pets such as, bad breath, inflamed gums, and yellowing teeth, may be the initial signs of an oral disease that could have a significantly adverse impact on a pet’s quality of life if left untreated. While the impact of oral ailments may not initially manifest in ways noticeable to pet owners, the threat of infection, severe pain, and even organ damage in the absence of proper treatment is a reason for concern and appropriate due diligence. Leading veterinarians across the country urge pet owners to maintain regular oral-health maintenance and veterinary checkups to catch oral health issues in their early stages. 

“Know that preventive cleanings are less costly and are more likely to preserve your dog’s teeth than cleaning up severe gum infection in the mouth and addressing the diminished quality of life that results from ignoring dental health for a long time,” said Dr. Robert Gates, DVM, Cuyahoga Falls Veterinary Clinic. 

Proactive owners can improve their pet’s dental health at home. Feeding a nutritious and balanced diet helps to promote good dental health. Veterinarians also recommend that owners occasionally and gently brush their pet’s teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste formulated specifically for animal use. The use of toothpaste designed for animals is particularly important because the high fluoride content in human toothpaste can be toxic to some animals. Owners should consult with their veterinary provider to determine the best dental hygiene products for their pet. 

While home-care methods are impactful, regular consultations with veterinarians are key to maintaining an animal’s dental health. Without regular professional cleanings, there is a high likelihood an animal may require costly, more intensive veterinary procedures to treat dental illness. Not all insurance plans cover dental illness so be sure to look for an insurance plan like Pumpkin Pet Insurance that includes this coverage.

More information about Pumpkin’s services and coverage options can be found at www.pumpkin.care

¹ Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Feline Dental Disease, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-dental-disease

²  Hiscox, Lorraine, Dental Disease in Dogs, VCA Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-disease-in-dogs

About Pumpkin Pet Insurance^[3]

Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (Pumpkin) is a direct-to-consumer pet care company and insurance producer founded to help ensure pets live their longest and healthiest lives. Pumpkin insurance plans offer dog and cat owners advanced veterinary care coverage, and their optional Preventive Essentials plan add-on offers life-threatening disease prevention through reimbursing for vaccines and the related annual wellness exam and lab tests, helping enable consumers to make data-informed care decisions based upon their individual pet’s health needs. All Pumpkin Plans provide reimbursement for covered care administered by any licensed veterinary clinic in the U.S. and Canada. Pumpkin insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Pumpkin insurance does not cover routine dental cleanings. Waiting periods, annual deductibles, co-insurance, benefits limits and other exclusions may apply. For all limitations and for information about Pumpkin’s Pet Insurance, and/or to learn more about Pumpkin’s optional add-on Preventive Essentials benefits, visitors can review Terms and Conditions at pumpkin.care/insurance policy and at pumpkin.care/customer agreement, respectively.

Additional information may be found by visiting www.pumpkin.care.

^[3] Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (Pumpkin) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company, a Crum & Forster Company and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin receives compensation based on the premiums for the insurance policies it sells. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration.

Media Contact
Company Name: Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Contact Person: Brittany Gbur
Email: Send Email
Phone: 215-983-9075
Address:251 West 30th
City: New York
State: NY 10001
Country: United States
Website: www.pumpkin.care