NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 6, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In an effort to encourage pet owners to take pet dental health seriously, Murphy Road Animal Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee is offering a 20 percent discount on any dental procedure during the month of September. “Dental health is often overlooked by pet owners. With nearly 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats showing signs of gum disease by the age of two, pet dental health obviously an important and often overlooked health concern,” says Murphy Road Animal Hospital medical director, Dr. Craig Prior.

Murphy Road Animal Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, is offering a 20 percent discount on any dental procedure performed during the month of September. The hospital hopes that this offer will encourage pet owners to take more proactive roles in ensuring good dental health for their pets.

According to Dr. Prior, an alarming number of pets show signs of gum disease by the age of two. Regular cleanings and daily brushings can help prevent this in dogs and cats. Depending on the breed and size of pets, dental checkups may be needed as often as every three to six months or as little as once per year.

Many pet owners dismiss dental cleanings for cats and dogs as something that’s unnecessary. Dr. Prior points out that this is a mistake for pet owners, though, because good dental health is as important for overall pet health as exercise and nutrition.

“Oral infections often lead to bacteria entering the blood stream and causing substantial problems in other areas of the pet’s body, such as the heart, kidneys and liver,” says Dr. Prior.

There are other benefits of good dental care for pets that extend beyond the scope of health. Animals explore the world with their noses and mouths. Gum disease is painful, whether pets show they are hurting or not. Gum disease robs them of some of the simple pleasures most pets revel in.

Additionally, health teeth lead to fresher breath in pets. “Many pet owners are awakened in the morning by puppies eager to go on morning walks. Bad breath is not a great way to start the day,” says Dr. Prior.

Finally, dental pain can cause pets to stop eating. Pets don’t display pain in quite the same way humans do. Hard, crunchy pet foods may become challenging for pets that are suffering from dental pain. This can create a chain reaction that affects overall health of pets due to poor nutrition.

About Murphy Road Animal Hospital

Located on Murphy Road in Nashville, Tennessee, Murphy Road Animal Hospital offers a wide range of health services for area pets. These services include dental care, wellness care, vaccinations, micro-chipping, spaying and neutering, Surgery, Internal medication, grooming, diagnostic services, nutritional counseling and senior care.

CONTACT: Murphy Road Animal Hospital, (615) 383-4241