By Denise Fleck
for Dental Care
Place your hand over your dog’s muzzle (his mouth can stay closed), lift his lip on one side and in a circular motion, brush the outsides of the top and bottom teeth – 30 seconds on the top set, 30 seconds on the bottom and then move to the other side. If your pooch is reluctant, clean a few teeth, praise him and try again the next day. The abrasiveness of the canine tongue generally takes care of the inside of the teeth. With regular care, you can keep your dog’s teeth, gums and mouth healthy if you… Brush your dog’s teeth at least every other day. Schedule annual exams and cleanings with your veterinarian. Provide chew toys, raw (never cooked) knuckle bones & raw vegetables to clean teeth naturally in between brushings.
The nice humans there took time to work with him and discovered what a smart dog he was as Mikey could open baby gates and let himself out to tour the lobby, but they also realized that Mikey was in need of dental care, so thanks to their Grey Muzzle grant, Mikey benefited and is healthy and clever! Taking proactive steps to keep your dog’s teeth clean early on will ensure that as he reaches his grey muzzled years, his teeth remain healthy and his dental care won’t break the bank. In hopes of helping more senior dogs like Dozer, Bella and Mikey, The Grey Muzzle Organization is launching its fourth annual Summer Smile Campaign to give senior dogs sweet new smiles. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to provide dental cleanings and procedures to hundreds of older best friends. Cleanings, extractions and sometimes even oral surgery can help golden oldies eat, play and rest better. Many Grey Muzzle grantees work in partnership with specialists, but still, these procedures can cost between $300-$700 per dog depending on what needs to be done. YOUR contribution helps give old dogs something to smile about, and…YOUR grey muzzle’s smile may end up in The Grey Muzzle Organization’s 2020 Calendar! Simply make a tax-deductible donation and upload your favorite picture of your senior pup.
Stay Vigilant to the Signs of Dental Disease: Bad Breath Loose Teeth
Brown Or Yellow Stains Swelling Under The Eyes Difficulty Eating Excessive Drooling Red, Irritated, Swollen Or Bleeding Gums Loss Of Appetite Or Weight Loss Lethargy Or Loss Of Energy Behavior Changes (Pain can result in a grouchy pet. If your dog suddenly has bad manners, it could be a medical issue.) Eleven-year-old Mikey was a dog in need of a second chance. After many years as a family pet, he was surrendered to the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter in Michigan.
Learn more at www.greymuzzle.org
103
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease