Dental care helps pets avoid gum disease

Dear Readers: Do you brush your dog's or cat's teeth? Have you ever thought about doing this for your furry friend?
According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council, you should use a soft-bristle brush and warm water to brush your pet's teeth. (Caution: Never use baking soda or human toothpaste to brush your pet's teeth.) First, run the brush under warm water to soften the bristles, then brush the teeth gently to remove plaque. It is the mechanical effect that is most beneficial to your dog's teeth (you can also use a finger brush or wrap a cotton cloth around your finger).
If your pet has bad breath, then you might need to think about dental care, since this can be a sign of gum disease. Also, a pet can develop plaque, just like a human, and since pets can't hold a toothbrush, they need your help!
The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show some signs of gum disease by the time they reach age 3. Note: February is National Pet Dental Health Month, encouraging pet owners to be responsible when it comes to cleaning their pet's teeth.
When brushing your pet's teeth, be gentle, especially if you have never done this before, and be sure to let it have a drink of water when you finish. If you make this a part of your pet's preventive dental program, you might help it avoid more serious dental problems later. Happy brushing! Heloise
Dear Readers: Doris McBeth of Manheim, Pa., sent a picture of Scooter, a 1-year-old gray cat, perched over the top of a computer monitor as Doris is playing solitaire on the computer. It looks like he's patiently waiting his turn!
Visit my Web site at www.-Heloise.com and click on Pet of the Week -- you'll find Scooter's photo there! Do you have an unusual or just plain cute pet photo you'd like us to feature? If so, send it to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000. Heloise
Dear Heloise: My two dachshunds make contributions to a local Pet Rescue in the names of their little pet friends. Their "parents" get the acknowledgement honoring their little bundles of joy, and the feedback is wonderful. Many people have started doing the same. Most of our pets have all they need and more. Giving to a rescue organization gives another pet the opportunity to have a loving home. Wendi, Little Rock, Ark.
Dear Readers: If you feed wild birds in your yard, here's an idea that's easy to do, and your feathered friends will love it. Thread small pieces of veggies, fruit, popcorn, etc., on a length of string and knot the end to hold them in place. Hang the string from a branch and watch the feeding frenzy begin. Heloise
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate