February is Pet Dental Health Month

BREA, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- February is Pet Dental Health Month, and Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, is marking the occasion by reminding pet owners about the importance of regular dental care for their four-legged loved ones. VPI policyholders spent more than $8.5 million last year on dental conditions, the 11th most common type of claim submitted to the Company in 2011.

Preventive tooth care is not only necessary for pets, it's financially sound for pet owners. In 2011, the average claim amount for pet teeth cleaning was $164. In contrast, the average claim amount for treating tooth-related disease was $238. Periodontal disease, a condition caused by residual food, bacteria and tartar that collect in the spaces between the gum and tooth (resulting in infection that spreads to the bone), accounted for the most dental claims received by VPI last year—nearly 20,000. Tooth infections, inclusive of cavities and abscesses, accounted for the second most common tooth-related claims, totaling nearly 4,800. Infections of the teeth are typically the result of untreated tooth decay, cracked teeth or severe periodontal disease.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), an organization dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of 3. VPI encourages pet owners to have their pets' oral and dental health evaluated regularly by a veterinarian. Between regular check-ups, pet owners should look for the warning signs of gum disease such as bad breath, red and swollen gums, yellow-brown crusts of tartar along the gum lines, and bleeding or pain when the gums or mouth are touched.

Pet Dental Health Fast Facts:

Dogs

• Puppies have 28 temporary teeth that begin to show at about 3 to 4 weeks of age
• They have 42 permanent teeth that generally grow in between 5 to 7 months of age
• Periodontal disease is the most common dental issue among dogs

Cats

• Kittens have 26 temporary teeth that begin to show at about 2 to 3 weeks of age
• They have 30 permanent teeth that generally grow in by 5 to 6 months of age
• Resorptive lesions are the most common tooth disease among cats

About Veterinary Pet Insurance
With more than 485,000 pets insured nationwide, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the No. 1 veterinarian-recommended pet health insurance company and is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America's pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional CareGuard^® coverage is available for routine care (Premier Plan includes dental cleaning benefit).

Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 2,500 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. Pet owners can find VPI Pet Insurance on Facebook or follow @VPI on Twitter. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

SOURCE Veterinary Pet Insurance

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