naturalpet
DOGGY
BREATH
by dr. shawn messonnier
Consider herbal supplements. ~
U
p to a stunning 80 percent of
dogs and 70 percent of cats
Oregon grape root, rosemary, thyme
over the age of three suffer from
and parsley work to reduce the oral
bad breath, frequently a sign of oral
bacteria that can enter the blood-
health problems. One of the most seri-
stream and cause infection of in-
ous offenders is periodontal disease,
ternal organs, if left unchecked.
a deterioration of the gums and bones
All of these herbs are available
supporting the teeth. In my veterinary
in capsule form; a vet should
practice, more than 90 percent of
recommend the dosage.
the pets I see from ages 1 to 3 years
already show early symptoms of this
Employ chew toys. ~ Chewing
infectious disease, such as yellow
helps to dislodge odor-causing
brown tartar on tooth surfaces. Some
tartar and bacteria. Avoid giving
also suffer from gingivitis, or inflam-
pets bones, hooves and rawhide
mation (reddening) of the gums. If left
products, which are typically contami-
untreated, the teeth can become loose and
nated with chemicals; ingested, these
may need to be pulled.
can cause choking or intestinal problems.
If a pet already has been diagnosed with
Again, an enlightened vet can suggest
periodontal disease, twice yearly dental clean-
alternatives.
ings, under anesthesia, can keep the problem
Finally, before attempting treatment for
from escalating. I assure clients that otherwise
periodontal disease, remember that other
healthy pets generally have low risks associ-
problems, such as kidney or digestive
ated with anesthesia. Talking with a holistic vet
The most common
disease, can also cause bad breath. A thor-
will ensure the minimal amount of anesthetic
ough exam by a holistic veterinarian will
needed is used.
disease in dogs ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
In addition, a few at-home measures will
and cats is
The welcome news is that clini-
work to minimize an animal’s bad breath:
cal experience indicates that proper oral
dental disease. health may extend the life of a pet by as
Try daily brushing. ~ Ask a holistic veterinar-
Your pet’s fresh
long as two to five years. It’s another ex-
ian to prescribe a pet toothpaste or gel. Many
ceptionally good reason to tackle both cat
contain chlorhexidine, an antibacterial agent
breath could tuna breath and doggie breath.
that helps control odor.
mean longer life
Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary
Apply a plaque-prevention gel. ~ Prescription
and lower veterinary medicine, is a national holistic pet col-
products like OraVet and the over-the-counter
dental expenses.
umnist and author of The Natural Health
Pet Gel, made with aloe vera, applied two to
Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected
three times a week, act to repel bacteria and
Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for
slow development of dental disease. Adding Oral Hygiene
Pets. His radio show airs weekly on Sirius and XM radio.
Solution to a pet’s daily drinking water is also an easy
Find his iPhone app
preemptive plaque attack technique. A regular combined
at
http://PawsForPeace.com. For more of his informative
program can be 80 percent as effective as daily brushing.
articles, visit
PetCareNaturally.com.
30 Phoenix
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