Doggy Dental

Dear Fisher,

I am happy the holidays are over and all those tempting sweets have been eaten or given away. Boy, it is hard not to just chin up to the table and grab a bite. I must confess I did a little of that, but also, I am aware of the consequences. The last thing I want is to get whisked away to the vet to get my teeth cleaned.

So here is what I am wondering about. Isn’t it possible to do the dental stuff right here in my own home? Maybe my humans can use some ideas on how to do that.

Tessie

Dear Tessie,

You are one lucky dog if your people are concerned about your teeth. I wonder what got that started. Oftentimes, it is the bad doggie breath that made them seek help in a hurry. But never mind what got them to do it – it is good for your overall health and popularity.

Dogs, just like humans, can have all sorts of problems related to bad teeth. Too many table scraps and sweets can lead to plaque, then tartar, and ultimately caries – caused by bacteria that produce acids that can literally burn through your tooth enamel. The importance of scaling is to get at the bacteria in the gum line. Polishing is pretty self-explanatory. Your friends will see you coming with those pearly whites gleaming in the sun. Your vet can perform the function of scaling and polishing. The good news is, with proper weekly teeth maintenance, scaling and polishing only need doing every 2 to 3 years.

If your humans are already over-tasked, your groomer may also apply general tooth and mouth maintenance along with that adorable puppy cut. They often have products available and are usually quite knowledgeable about proper dental care. Your internet can also provide you with a vast array of utensils, sprays and gels to suit your taste.

Signs of poor dental health include tartar, displayed as creamy-brown, hard material on your teeth. Other signs are bad breath, of course, and then worse – receding gums and difficulty eating. Loss of appetite and sensitivity around the mouth should get you to the vet soon.

Home dental care could be a nice bonding between you and your human. A few tips on getting started:
1. Your human should start by stroking the outside of you mouth to get you used to idea that this is just another form of petting.
2. Then try a breath spray. Think of it as a nice refreshing mist that will allow you to slurp all over your human’s face again.
3. Next your human can put a small amount of tooth gel on his finger and gently distribute amongst your teeth. Repeat daily until you are used to someone messing with the inside of your mouth.
4. Now for the tooth brush. This is where your opinion really matters. You may be more accepting of the finger brush, which covers your human’s finger and has little rubber bristles on one side.
5. Do put your foot down on the use of human toothpaste and toothbrush. They are not meant for your enjoyment.

Visit Instructables for more information.

And now in the interest of equality, I must mention to you cats out there that this can all apply to you as well. Tuna Breath is no longer a good excuse when you have just inhaled a small can of turkey and giblets pate.

Your friend,
Fisher

published in tbt Tampa Bay
Out There weekend edition