Hard Truth About Dog Breath
The Tooth Fairy Weighs In
Hey, it’s me, the Tooth Fairy.
Cat people, you’re not off the hook either. Felines also need their teeth brushed regularly. Just like with humans, an animal’s oral health is connected to their overall health. Tooth decay and gum disease have been linked to heart disease, kidney failure, and other chronic illnesses. Fortunately, there are plenty of dental treats that can help reduce plaque buildup, as well as pet-friendly brands of toothpaste and toothbrushes. Dog owners can get some advice on brushing at Rover.com/blog/how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth . Meanwhile, cat lovers should check out Petful.com/grooming/how-to- brush-cats-teeth-right-way . Keep in mind that, while brushing and special treats will help prevent dental problems, a toothbrush can’t clean away hard tartar. When tartar builds, you can brush your pet’s teeth all day long but it won’t make a difference. If you lift up your pet’s upper lip and see brown, then it’s time for a professional cleaning with your vet. Tiffany, I hope this answered your question! Maybe one day, when pet teeth are properly cleaned, I’ll be adding Fido and Mittens to my list!
Recently, I got a letter from Tiffany, age 6, from Leonard. She wanted to know why I don’t come to visit when dogs lose their teeth. Usually I only write for dentist newsletters, but I decided the best way to answer this question was with the help of your local vet. The reason I don’t pick up dog teeth is because dog teeth are disgusting! Now, this is not the dog’s fault. While their paws are adorable, the lack of opposable thumbs makes it difficult to brush and floss. This duty falls on their owners, but a lot of people don’t realize their dogs’ teeth need to be brushed too. Dog breath is a common problem pet owners have to deal with, but the truth is you shouldn’t be able to smell your dog’s breath any more than you can smell your own under normal circumstances. If something smells rotten, then something is rotting! When a whiff of your dog’s breath knocks you down, it’s a sign that your dog has a serious health issue.
Food Hounds !
PAWSitively Hilarious !
DR. NELSON’S SOON-TO-BE-FAMOUS BRISKET
Ingredients
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Prime brisket Yellow mustard
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2 cans beef broth
Worcestershire sauce, to taste
Preferred brisket rub
Directions
1. Use a sharp knife and trim the fat from the brisket to 1/8–1/4-inch thick on the “fat side.” Then, brush on a thin layer of yellow mustard on both sides. Apply rub by hand to brisket. Rub is dealer’s choice. It can be simple salt and pepper, or the preferred beef/ brisket rub. 2. Wrap brisket in plastic wrap and then wrap the whole thing in tin foil. Place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours. 3. Pour beef broth into a small pot and add a few splashes of Worcestershire sauce to make au jus. Heat pot until sauce starts to steam. Remove brisket from foil and plastic wrap and place it in a pan. Pour au jus over the top.
4. Prepare smoker with any kind of wood. Oak is traditional for Central Texas barbecue, though Dr. Nelson recommends a combination of apple and hickory. Heat smoker to 225 F and place brisket inside, fat side up. Let cook overnight. 5. Brisket is done when thermometer, placed in the flat of the brisket, reads between 195 and 205 F. Remove brisket from smoker and wrap in tin foil. Let rest for at least 30 minutes. 6. When ready to serve, be sure to slice against the grain.
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Your Hometown Vet
903.587.2210
TRADITIONSVETCENTERS.COM/LOCATIONS/LEONARD-ANIMAL-CLINIC
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