Humans have been cleaning their teeth in various ways since 3000 B.C., but it wasn?t until after World War II that Americans routinely brushed their teeth. Soldiers were required to brush their teeth daily, and they brought the habit home with them.
What about your pet? The American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends regular tooth brushing, a healthy diet and chew toys. Read on for details.
* Do a breath test: Healthy dog and cat breath isn?t the greatest, but it won?t be super-stinky either. See your veterinarian if bad breath is accompanied by loss of appetite, vomiting or excessive drinking or urinating.
* Check oral health: Have your pet face you. Look under the lips and examine gums and teeth. Are the gums white or red? Are they swollen? Do teeth have brown tartar? Are there lumps or loose teeth? If you answer yes to any of these questions, contact a veterinarian.
* Brushing prevents tooth decay: Teeth cleanings remove bacteria and plaque and prevent tartar buildup that can lead to gingivitis, receding gums and tooth loss. Cleaning a pet?s teeth requires pet toothpaste (never human toothpaste) and something to rub the teeth and gums. Use a pet toothbrush or a cotton swab for a cat or soft gauze wrapped around your finger for a dog.
* Effective teeth cleaning: Introduce cleaning gradually. Begin by gently massaging your pet?s lips in a circular motion before massaging its teeth and gums. Once your pet is comfortable, add a little pet toothpaste. Keep the toothbrush/finger at a 45-degree angle to the teeth. Use small, circular motions, lifting the lip when necessary. Focus on teeth touching the cheek, where most tartar forms.
* Veterinary dental exams and cleanings: Veterinarians recommend regular dental exams and cleanings that are done by trained professionals and involve anesthesia for the safety of your pet and the success of the procedure.
Happy tails:?Cheryl and Bob Seehorn love cattle dogs and appreciate their intelligence, energy and sensitivity. They also know successful care requires time and commitment.
Cheryl writes, ?Katie has been a challenge. When we got her from a rescue group, we knew that she had been abandoned. What we didn?t know was how fearful she was. She was afraid to be outside, so we began by sitting on the porch then moved to the lawn. Then we started walking back and forth in front of our house. It was a gradual process but we are now walking all over the neighborhood and going on hikes.
?Katie started classes shortly after we got her but it was difficult because of her reactivity. Next we went through a Growly Dog Program and she did very well. When she finished that program she started day care, where she has supervised interaction with other dogs. It has been a great help.
?Most days we walk three or four miles and practice commands and social skills. We just started a Novice Rally Obedience class, which will reinforce the skills she has learned. She still isn?t ready to walk through the Farmers Market or enjoy outdoor dining with us but she does enjoy our walks, playing a game of chase and seeing her doggie friends. She is a wonderful companion and has become a much happier dog as she has conquered her fears.?
Ways to help:?Volunteer, foster and make tax-deductible donations to local nonprofits such as the Yolo County SPCA, http://www.yolospca.org, and Rotts of Friends, http://www.rottsoffriends.com. Looking for a pet? Check these and other nonprofit rescues as well as Yolo County Animal Services, http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CA283.html.
? Evelyn Dale of Davis is a volunteer and advocate for shelter animal welfare. This column is published monthly. Contact her at?pawsforthought@sbcglobal.net
Short URL: http://www.davisenterprise.com/?p=149240
Posted by Evelyn Dale on Mar 17 2012. Last Login:
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