Dedham Veterinary Associates masthead
Monthly Update
September 2011
Greetings!
Did you know that pets can develop dental problems just like our own? Without proper care, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will develop gum disease by the time they are three years old! The solution is regular brushing. If that sounds intimidating, just read our step-by-step instructions for dog owners in this issue of the newsletter. If you have a cat, check out this video on brushing a cat's teeth from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Please let us know if you have a suggestion for other helpful "how-to" articles. Just send us an email or join us on Facebook.

If you are going to Dedham Day on September 25th, be sure to stop by our booth. We'd love to see you!

Sincerely,
Dr. Beverly Mason
Medical Director
Dedham Veterinary Associates

 Yes, You Can Brush Your Dog's Teeth

  

Dental disease is one of the most common health problems that dogs face, but it can usually be prevented through regular tooth brushing. Brushing your dog's teeth can actually be enjoyable if you follow a few easy steps.

 

You will need: A soft-bristled tooth brush (dog or human) and pet toothpaste in a flavor your dog will like, such as poultry. Yum! (Do not use human toothpaste because it may cause an upset stomach in dogs.)    

Now Sunny will demonstrate the basic steps.

 

Brushing a Dog's Teeth step 1

Most dogs will not comply if you just dive in and start brushing. Start by just showing your dog the toothbrush and paste.

Brush a Dog's Teeth Step 2

Your dog may be interested in the smell of the toothpaste and want to take a taste. Go ahead and let him or her. Then give lots of praise. Good dog! Repeat this daily. Your dog will start looking forward to the daily toothpaste.

 

Brushing a Dog's Teeth Step 3

Once your dog is happy about the thought of toothpaste you can gently lift the lip and brush one tooth and then give lots of praise again. Repeat this for several days.

 

  

Brushing a Dog's Teeth step 4

As your dog becomes comfortable with this routine you can gradually brush a few more teeth. This may take several weeks. Keep praising your dog. Be patient. It will be worth all of the work in the end. Eventually you can pull the lips back to reach the teeth far back in the mouth.

 

To find out more about your pet's dental health please see our dental health handout under the general care section of our handouts page, or watch our dental care and dental cleaning video. If your pet does develop a dental problem, our state-of-the-art digital dental radiography equipment can help us quickly diagnose issues. Read more in the "Spotlight" article in this newsletter.

 
Quick Links
Spotlight

Your own dentist may not offer digital dental x-rays, but we do! DVA has advanced digital dental radiography equipment that captures high resolution images used to diagnose dental problems. Digital technology uses less radiation, delivers faster images, and is more flexible than conventional dental x-ray equipment.

Pet Photo of the Month 
DVA Cat photo
Abraham enjoys playing with a catnip toy from DVA.

Want to share your pet's photo with our readers? Please  email us your pictures!

 

Office News 

 

Join Us at Dedham Day!

 

Don't miss Dedham Recreation Day on September 25 from noon to 5 at Barnes Memorial Park. We'll be at our booth handing out all kinds of free treats from 12-3. Stop by to say "hi" to our team and pick up balloons, dog cookies, cat nip treats, pet food scoopers, frisbees and more. You might even win a great prize in our free raffle! See you there! 

   

    

Meet Jessica   

 

  Jessica working with exotic birds

 

If you have an exotic pet, Jessica is the veterinary technician for you! She works part-time for us and is a full-time technician at Zoo New England. While she loves dogs and cats, she relishes the challenge of working with zoo animals and wildlife.

 

Jessica started training as a veterinary technician when she was just 16 and went on to major in wildlife and environmental management at Framingham State College. She has served as a veterinary technician for more than 12 years and spent three years as a technician for birds and exotic animals at a specialty animal hospital.

 

Jessica is currently studying for the National Veterinary Technician Examination and enjoys spending time with her Rottweiler, Buddha.