The Truth about Tooths

Luc getting cuddled by Dr. Kate, who brought him home with her that night so she could keep an eye on him.

By Meredeth Barzen

Sidewalk Dog has a confession to make: We didn’t give doggie dental hygiene much thought until Luc, the original Sidewalk Dog and the most lovable little lemon you’ll ever meet, paid a visit to Dr. Kate Knutson at Pet Crossing Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic in Bloomington last week. We’ll have the full details in a couple of weeks (and believe us, there are a lot of details!), but for now, let’s just say the visit involved a doggie dose of Valium, 31 tiny teeth that weren’t doing Luc any favors, and a very rude awakening on the importance of keeping your dog’s mouth clean and healthy. We found out that, just like in people, unhealthy teeth and gums can directly lead to serious health problems like heart disease and pneumonia—not to mention an offensively stinky mouth—in dogs.

Again, we’ll give you the full rundown in an upcoming post (sparing you as many of the gory details as we can), but we feel compelled to get the word out now about how very, very important it is to schedule regular dental exams, cleanings and X-rays for your dog, and to brush his teeth in between visits. Not only will you not have to suffer through icky dog breath when they slobber you with kisses, but it will help them lead happier, longer (yes, longer!) lives.

And we can’t wait to tell you all about our wonderful experience at Pet Crossing—where, besides the world-renowned dental care, you and your dog can take advantage of luxe touches like a fireplace in the lobby, a cushy private waiting room with snacks, a comfy couch and a T.V., and pre-op massages (for your dog).

But in the meantime, do your dog’s mouth (and body) a favor and schedule a dental exam—then whip out that toothpaste and start brushing!