Does your dog or cat have bad breath? Bad breath can come from tiny bacteria in your pet’s mouth. These bacteria can lead to tooth decay and gingivitis.
I talked with three local veterinarian clinics about brushing your pet’s teeth. Only one out of three recommended regular brushing. Another recommended a water additive called Aquadent
instead. The third one didn’t recommend any preventative dental treatments. I also talked with a veterinarian dentist, who definitely and firmly suggested brushing once a week with a C. E. T. brand toothpaste. This toothpaste contains special enzymes that break down tartar. If you decide to brush your cat’s teeth, I suggest you follow these directions to get your cat used to having things in its mouth. First you take tuna juice or another flavored liquid that your cat likes and dip your finger in it. Then call your cat in a voice that means “treat time”. Next, carefully put your finger in your cat’s mouth and rub around his or her teeth. Make sure your cat is comfortable with this step before proceeding to step two. Now you’re ready to take gauze or another textured material and dip it in a liquid that your cat likes and rub it around your cat’s teeth. When your cat is used to this, you are ready to try a small, soft bristle toothbrush and kitty toothpaste. This should be a process where you and your cat have a lot of fun, while promoting your cat’s health. If you have a dog, I suggest you follow these instructions. First you offer your dog a little bit of pet toothpaste from your finger. The next time, let your dog lick the toothpaste from your finger and then run your finger along the gum line. Then you can let him or her lick pet toothpaste from the toothbrush and run it around the gum line. Hey! Now you’re brushing your dog’s teeth. At first your dog may not let you brush all of his or her teeth but you’re still making progress. Eventually you should be able to brush all of your dog’s teeth, but for now just keep trying. Even though not all dentists agree that brushing is important, I think it is worth a try. It is great way to bond with your pet, and it certainly doesn’t hurt. | ||
The article is written by Veronica Sturman and required no editing. She was a grade schooler who has several books published and available at the Natchitoches bookstore on Front Street. Her first book was the first written by a child and published in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She also does her own illustrations, a child prodigy in creativity with a true talent for writing. Her columns will be carried regularly in this newspaper. I have republished it with a later date in order to provide the introduction so that it introduces why this is a humanitarian affair, to care for one's animals
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