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Creekside's "Ask The Dr."
Dental health & weight issues
Q: I give my dog those chewy dental bones to keep her teeth clean. Isn't that enough?
Dr. Crowe's Answer
Most Important, be sure you watch your dog while he/she eats any chew. Dogs that bite large pieces off
and try to swallow them without chewing first can choke or not be able to pass large pieces. The "gobblers"
may not be able to safely eat softer chews. If your dog gnaws the chews at a moderate pace they will help
clean the molars and premolars, which are the primary chewing teeth, yet the canines and incisors will get
no benefit from this. To get the best dental preventive care you should brush your dogs teeth daily or at least
use an antibacterial gel daily to help kill the bacteria that cause plaque and tarter to build up.
Toothbrushing:
Q: My dog is not about to let me brush his teeth. The last time we tried he got mad and attacked the toothbrush
leaving it in shreds: We were afraid to push the issue. How important is brushing and what if we don't?
Dr. Crowe's Answer
Brushing is the best way to prevent dental disease in dogs, cats and people! Just like children, our pets
must be introduced to the toothpaste and toothbrush and taught how to have their teeth brushed. Most dogs
that attack the tooth brush are doing so because they are afraid and are trying to protect themselves
from an unfamiliar object being put in their mouth. Patience and making the experience a fun and rewarding
one are the best approach. We will be happy to demonstrate techniques and give you personalized instructions
and tips to make brushing an enjoyable part of your daily routine and help your pet to see it as treat time rather
than a threat! At your next visit to Creekside ask for a brushing demo!
Overweight:
Q: How do I know if my pet is overweight?
Dr. Crowe's Answer
While breeds have approximate weight ranges that are considered standard for the breed, the best way
to judge the body condition is to look at your dog or cat and feel them with your hands. We score the body
condition on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being emaciated, or too thin, and 5 being obese, or too big! A score of 3
is considered the ideal body condition score. If you view your pet from above, you should see an obvious waist
line just in front of the hips. From the side there should be an obvious tuck up from the chest to the abdomen (belly).
You must actually feel the sides of the chest and should be able to feel each individual ribs without being able
to see them. The same is true of the spinous processes on your pets back, easily felt, not seen. If your pet
has the shape of a pear when viewed from above and the abdomen extends down from the chest rather than up,
it is obese. Feel free to stop by Creekside and have your pet accessed for its body condition score. We can weigh
your pet and show your exactly how to evaluate the body so you can keep your pet at optimum weight which
will ensure the best chance at a long and healthy life with you.
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