naturalpet
DOGGY
BREATH
by dr. Shawn Messonnier
U
p to a stunning 80 percent of
amount of anesthetic needed is used.
dogs and 70 percent of cats
In addition, a few at-home mea-
over the age of three suffer
sures will work to minimize an animal’s
from bad breath, frequently a sign of
bad breath:
oral health problems. One of the most
serious offenders is periodontal disease,
Try daily brushing. ~ Ask a holistic vet-
a deterioration of the gums and bones
erinarian to prescribe a pet toothpaste
supporting the teeth. In my veterinary
or gel. Many contain chlorhexidine, an
practice, more than 90 percent of the
antibacterial agent that helps control
pets I see from ages 1 to 3 years already
odor.
show early symptoms of this infectious
disease, such as yellow brown tartar on
Apply a plaque-prevention gel. ~
tooth surfaces. Some also suffer from
Prescription products like OraVet and
gingivitis, or inflammation (reddening)
the over-the-counter Pet Gel, made with
The most common
of the gums. If left untreated, the teeth
aloe vera, applied two to three times
can become loose and may need to be
a week, act to repel bacteria and slow
disease in dogs
pulled.
development of dental disease. Adding
and cats is
If a pet already has been diag-
Oral Hygiene Solution to a pet’s daily
nosed with periodontal disease, twice
drinking water is also an easy preemp-
dental disease.
yearly dental cleanings, under anesthe-
tive plaque attack technique. A regular
Your pet’s fresh
sia, can keep the problem from esca-
combined program can be 80 percent
lating. I assure clients that otherwise
as effective as daily brushing.
breath could
healthy pets generally have low risks
mean longer life
associated with anesthesia. Talking with
Consider herbal supplements. ~ Or-
a holistic vet will ensure the minimal
egon grape root, rosemary, thyme and
and lower veterinary
parsley work to reduce the oral bacteria
dental expenses.
that can enter the bloodstream and
cause infection of internal organs, if
left unchecked. All of these herbs are
available in capsule form; a vet should The welcome news is that clinical
recommend the dosage. experience indicates that proper oral
health may extend the life of a pet by as
Employ chew toys. ~ Chewing helps to long as two to five years. It’s another ex-
dislodge odor-causing tartar and bacte- ceptionally good reason to tackle both
ria. Avoid giving pets bones, hooves and cat tuna breath and doggie breath.
rawhide products, which are typically
contaminated with chemicals; ingested, Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veteri-
these can cause choking or intestinal nary medicine, is a national holistic pet
problems. Again, an enlightened vet columnist and author of The Natural
can suggest alternatives. Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Un-
Finally, before attempting treat- expected Miracles: Hope and Holistic
ment for periodontal disease, remember Healing for Pets. His radio show airs
that other problems, such as kidney or weekly on Sirius and XM radio. Find his
digestive disease, can also cause bad iPhone app
breath. A thorough exam by a holistic at
http://PawsForPeace.com. For more
veterinarian will ensure proper diagno- of his informative articles, visit PetCare-
sis and treatment.
Naturally.com.
24
www.VOFLnatural.com
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