Zagreb, 18th of February, 2009 – 86 percent of dog owners think that the oral hygiene of dogs is important, and 36 percent think that it is equally important as oral hygiene of humans. These are some results of the survey conducted by Pedigree among 400 dog owners, age between 19 and 45, in four largest Croatian cities on the occasion of Month of healthy smile held in February in order to determine habits of dog owners, when oral hygiene of their pets is in question. Within the promotion, which is organised from 1st to 28th of February, all dog owners can conduct free examination of teeth and oral cavity of their pets in 40 veterinary clinics across Croatia.

Oral hygiene of dogs is equally important as for humans. Luckily, Pedigree research showed that Croats know this very well and more than 80 percent of them are aware of the fact that dogs can have toothache. Problems with teeth of our pets can begin in early years after the development of “permanent” teeth and one third of examinees are aware of this, while one third thinks that these problems occur when the dogs are ten and older. It is important to identify this problem on time, because unpleasant pain caused by problems in cavity could turn your otherwise happy and playful pet into nervous and sad animal. Although 75 percent of dog owners are aware this fact we cannot forget that teeth are dogs’ main tool. .

They eat, play, carry things and haul with their teeth. Teeth to dogs are like hands to humans, and since they cannot tell us when they have toothache, their owners should pay attention to their teeth. In this case, Croats are showing love to their pets because almost 80 percent of them, according to Pedigree research, told that they clean their pet’s teeth at least once a year, 35 percent each month and 10 percent everyday, so that their pets could have a big, beautiful and healthy smile..

In February, Pedigree organised Month of healthy smile with the aim of increasing awareness of the importance oral hygiene. 62 percent of owners who participated in the research are aware of the fact that February is dedicated to the health of teeth and oral cavity, and the half of them are aware that during the entire month they can conduct free examination of pet’s teeth and oral cavity in 40 veterinary clinics across Croatia. With this promotion, Pedigree is dedicated to continuous care of all pets so that everyone could enjoy more happiness that dogs bring us. Because, and don’t forget, dog’s rule.

Damir Skok                                                                          Petra Gelb

Mars Hrvatska d.o.o.                                                              Mmd Corporate, PA & PR Consultants

Tel: 01/6593-165                                                                    01/4882-863

Mob: 098/278-571                                                                  099/4882-863

e-mail: damir.skok@eu.effem.com                                          petra.gelb@mmdcee.com