Kissing with confidence at Christmas time

17th Dec, 2024

Question

My puppy constantly kisses me on the face/lips. The rest of my family think I’m crazy to allow this, and my mother is always saying, “Don’t let her do that – you’ll catch something.” Now I’m wondering how safe it is to be kissing her? Also, I’m told that I should get her used to having her teeth brushed to prevent any future dental problems.

From what age should one brush their dog’s teeth and how often? Between you and me, I’m not sure she’ll be willing to give me back the toothbrush once she gets her teeth into it, but if it’s for her own good, I’m willing to try.

Michael Burke, Fairlands, Johannesburg

Dr Larry van Niekerk answers…

I’m not sure how old you are, but perhaps ask your mom or your doctor if there’s proof you have caught anything other than unconditional love from your puppy.

While there’s no doubt that brushing and dry food are better than no brushing and wet food, some animals, just as humans, are more prone to periodontal disease irrespective of what they eat and how regular they are with dental hygiene.

Using a pet toothbrush and toothpaste early may get your pet used to brushing. Regular visits to your veterinarian will ensure early detection and prevent poor dental hygiene.

There’s a proven direct correlation between the health of your pet’s teeth and the health of their kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. So oral health care, besides making your pet more pleasant to be around, will also improve well-being, health and longevity.

Teeth-Brushing Time!

Taking care not to be bitten, take a moment to gently open the lips and examine for tartar build-up, broken teeth, reddening of the gum margins and smell.

A common question always asked by owners is, “How much will it cost to clean my pet’s teeth?” As you might expect, the answer of course is – it depends. We tend to liken a full dental treatment in animals to a simple human “dental scaling”, and of course they’re not the same. Besides the health aspects there is, naturally, the pain associated with dental disease.

Your veterinarian will in all cases have to anaesthetise the patient for any dental work and weigh the risk of anaesthesia. At times it can far outweigh the benefits to your pet. Grades of dental disease will reflect in the costs as more intense treatment and effort may be needed, depending on the Grade.

MILD


Grade 1: Gum margins swollen and red and mild plaque. Treat NOW!

MODERATE


Grade 2: Mouth now becomes painful, with noticeable smell. Antibiotics and painkillers added.

SEVERE


Grade 3: Periodontal disease becomes irreversible, with extractions necessary. Painful mouth affects eating and behaviour. Drips, painkillers and pre-anaesthetic testing in older patients.

BAD


Grade 4: Gums eroded by chronic infection, loose teeth and damage to bone, risking even jaw facture with extraction. These patients need antibiotics, drips and pain medication before, during and after dental treatment.

Remember, your pet’s dental health should be attended to in the mild stages. Endeavour not to leave dental disease and then expect a “dental scaling” to solve the problem.

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