The Edmond Sun

Local News

Discussion

March 18, 2008

Soft-bristle electric toothbrush does trick for dogs

Dr. William K. Fauks

EDMOND — I recently received a rather lengthy e-mail from an Edmond Sun subscriber containing a suggestion she thought I might want to pass along to readers of this column. She described judiciously attempting to comply with her veterinarian’s recommendation that she brush her dog’s teeth every two days, following dental problems that he previously had addressed. The dog owner says she was able to adequately brush the front teeth such as incisors, canine teeth and premolars but unable to do much for the back teeth until she tried something she’d read in a dog magazine — using a soft bristle electric toothbrush. She followed by stating that “now it is a cakewalk — I’m doing a good job and my springer spaniel doesn’t mind at all.”

I tried this out on my own dog, who is somewhat mouth shy and she also accepted it after one or two tries.

Don’t waste your time with this method, or any other type of brushing, if long standing tartar buildup is present. But it certainly will keep the much softer plaque under control. Dental plaque is the precursor of tartar, which ultimately is the cause of eventual oral infections and tooth loss. The removal of established tartar must be dealt with by your veterinarian — routinely employing sedation or a short-acting general anesthetic.

Incidentally, human toothpaste is not recommended for brushing your dog’s teeth. Enzymatic toothpastes, especially designed for dogs, are available through your veterinarian or favorite pet supply outlet. You’ll love the way your dog’s breath smells after a few brushings with these products, which greatly impact the control of dental diseases.

Because they’re pretty much out of sight, a dog’s teeth often are overlooked and neglected; consequently, dental disease still is acutely common. It is, in fact, one of the most prevalent problems that companion animal veterinarians deal with daily. Canine oral disease is painful, leads to early loss of teeth, and often causes heart and kidney disease when the heavy bacterial load in a patient’s mouth enters the main blood stream.

So whatever method works best for you, make it a habit to keep your canine companion’s teeth shiny, which should translate to healthy gums. Even with good home care, you also should have your veterinarian check your dog’s teeth once or twice a year.

*****

“No matter how little money you have, or how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich.” — Louis Sabin



DR. WILLIAM K. FAUKS is a retired Oklahoma City veterinarian. If you have questions about the health of your pet, write to “Ask a Vet,” at 3142 Venice Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73112, or e-mail bfauks1@aol.com.

Text Only
Local News
  • jc_babyA.jpg OU Medical Edmond greets 100th baby

    Sometimes it seems as if history repeats itself.
    My Birth Center at OU Medical Center Edmond delivered its 100th baby at 7:42 a.m. Friday, 44 years after the hospital’s first 100th baby was born in 1968. My Birth Center opened in September, becoming the first birth place available in Edmond since 2005.

    February 11, 2012 3 Photos

  • 2-11 Police & fire runs

    February 11, 2012

  • School board candidates release financial reports

    Both candidates running for the Edmond school board District No. 1 seat filed their first of two financial reports with the school administration.

    February 11, 2012

  • 2-11 Edmond Senior Center calendar

    The Edmond Senior Center, 2733 Marilyn Williams Drive, is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
    For information about Edmond senior programs, stop by and pick up a monthly calendar, check out the website at edmondseniorcenter.com or call 216-7600.
    Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. and reservations are needed a day in advance by 11 a.m.
    For lunch reservations, call at 330-6293 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    February 10, 2012

  • State schools to receive No Child Left Behind waiver

    State Secretary of Education Phyllis Hudecki announced Thursday Oklahoma is one of 10 states chosen to receive a waiver from No Child Left Behind requirements.

    February 10, 2012

  • Logan Co. Democrats to meet Monday

    The Logan County Democratic Committee will have its monthly meeting on Monday.
    The main order of business will be Get Out the Vote for the April 3 state Senate race. Precinct officers are encouraged to attend. In addition to business and planning items, the group will celebrate Logan County Democrats with birthdays in February. 

    February 10, 2012

  • Eloise Rees.jpg Edmond loses wealth of knowledge with death of resident

    The death of longtime Edmond resident Eloise Rodkey Rees goes with the saying that with every death, you lose a library.

    February 10, 2012 1 Photo

  • Polling places: Where to vote

    February 10, 2012

  • Humphreys seeks Senate seat

    Fearing that the liberties of Oklahomans are slipping away, Republican Chris Humphreys said he hopes to win the state Senate District 20 primary race set for Tuesday.

    February 10, 2012

  • Unwritten contracts hard to prove

    Q: Can an agreement be enforced if it is not in writing?
    A: Although it is generally advisable to put every agreement in writing, most agreements can be enforced without written evidence of the deal. Both oral and written contracts can, in the right circumstances, bind the parties to perform.

    February 10, 2012