The Dog Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
Tooth Brushing: A Royal Pain?
I heard you talk on “Hot Talk” 560 [radio], and I like your philosophy on dog care. I was wondering about a good way to clean the teeth of small dogs. Brushing is a royal pain in the whatnot, so is there a more natural way to keep dogs’ teeth clean? Till I hear from you, I will try your book. Regards.
From: Hank, at “Hot Talk” 560 Radio
Dear Hank,
Gotta tell you, you’re right: brushing is a pain. But if you get a small child’s toothbrush and dog-flavored toothpaste, the dog will actually enjoy it. Unfortunately, the “natural method of dental care,” so to speak -- in the wild -- would be for gums to become infected and teeth to fall out. And you don’t want that…
Thanks for writing!
Tracie
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You To Know, and from DOG TALK® The Radio Show, broadcast live, Saturdays, from 11-12 noon EST, on your local NPR affiliate. All emails are answered personally and then posted, sometimes in abbreviated form.
