BRUSHING YOUR DOG'S TEETH

Wild animals are already naturally protected from tooth decay, thanks to the food they eat. But this is also the reason why you might expect your pet dog to have tooth decay, says Dr B. Deepika

- Dr B. Deepika

To begin with, let me tell you a small story that prompted me to write this article. One fine morning a small girl came to my clinic with her pup for vaccination. She was curiously looking around my clinic, especially my table. Maybe she found it all fascinating and it seems she wanted to ask me something. I initiated the conversation with a formal question.

“Hello dear, what is your name?” She replied, “Pooja,” with a cute smile, and asked me, “Doctor, why do animals not brush their teeth? Do I need to brush my Pappu’s teeth daily?”

Though I couldn’t explain her scientifically, I replied to her and gave them some idea about how to brush her puppy’s teeth. Just like the little girl, I’m sure a lot of readers of this prestigious magazine also want to discuss the dental care of their pets.

So, do animals need to brush teeth?