Home | Articles | Breeds | Shopping Links | Training Guides

'Sergeant's(R) Doggie Bad Breath Contest' Event Highlights National Pet Dental Health Month

Celebrity Judge Steve Dale Lends His Nose to the Cause

OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Sergeant's(R) Pet Care Products, Inc., a leading supplier of pet care products, held its second annual "Sergeant's Doggie Bad Breath Contest" Saturday in an effort to promote February as National Pet Dental Health Month.

Nationally renowned pet journalist and dog behavior consultant Steve Dale of Chicago served as a celebrity judge, along with representatives of Sergeant's and the Nebraska Humane Society.

The judges endured several rounds of smelling dog breath before ultimately crowning "Liza," a 9-year-old Brittany spaniel, the winner of the stinking contest.

For having the most offensive breath, "Liza" received a year's supply of Sergeant's DentaFresh(R) products. The first and second runners-up received gift baskets containing DentaFresh and other Sergeant's products.

"Finally, I met a dog whose breath is louder than its bark," says Dale, who also writes a syndicated newspaper column and hosts two syndicated radio shows about pets. "While we had fun here today, I hope the message is to do something so you can accept a wet dog smooch without cringing or needing a clothespin. And you can do something. For starters, you can brush your pet's teeth. It really will matter -- not only to your sensibilities, but to the long-term health of your best friend."

"We felt the contest would be a fun way to highlight National Pet Dental Health Month and bring attention to oral disease among pets, which is definitely no laughing matter," says Joel Adamson, spokesman for Sergeant's.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, oral disease is the number one health problem diagnosed in dogs and cats, affecting approximately 80 percent of dogs over the age of three. If not treated, oral infections can spread throughout the body, shortening the life of a dog by as much as five years.

"With DentaFresh you get triple teeth cleaning power: ductile texture to rub teeth; patented inclusions to scrape teeth; and active ingredients to help reduce tartar, plaque and the unpleasantness of 'doggie breath,'" says Adamson.

Sergeant's Pet Care Products, Inc. is a leading supplier of pet supplies including flea and tick remedies, health and well-being products, natural and formulated treats, rawhide chews, toys and accessories. More information and photos of the contest are available at http://www.sergeants.com.