98 yourfamily.co.zaMAD ABOUT PETS
LIFE ON THE ANIMAL FRONT
From puppyhood
to golden years
Montego Pet Nutrition has introduced
three new products to its super-
premium Karoo range. A senior range
and new breed-specific puppy foods
have been added to ensure a balanced
diet in all stages in your dog’s life. Visit
Montego.co.za for stockists.PetSafe’s Fun Kitty Doorway Dangli
(R178, Shingavet.co.za) can be hung
from any doorway to create an
instant kitty play spot. It appeals
to your cat’s natural hunting
instinct and playful nature by
randomly dispensing food
or treats as your cat grabs,
swipes, and bats at the toy
with its dangling fur tail.
The stretchy bungee cord
adds bouncy excitement
and the breakaway safety
buckle keeps your cat
safe from accidents.The Kong Wobbler (from R299, Shingavet.co.za)
is an action-packed treat and food dispensing toy
that sits upright until pushed by your dog’s paw
or nose. It periodically dispenses tasty rewards
as it wobbles, spins, and rolls. The unpredictable
movement keeps the toy challenging, even for
seasoned Wobbler users, and it can also be used
for feeding to help slow and extend mealtimes
while providing exercise for your dog. It comes in
small (half a cup of food or treats) and large (one cup of food or
treats) and unscrews easily for filling and cleaning.Nina Ottosson’s Dog Smart toy (R500,
Shingavet.co.za) is a fun and activating
game for you and your dog or cat. Hide
a few treats in the recesses underneath all
or some of the hollow bone-blocks and let
your pet search for the treats by using their
paws or mouth to lift or scratch. It’s a great
bonding-time toy as you need to supervise
your pet’s playtime.with Dr Platzhund
Q
I have a nine-year-old male golden
Cocker Spaniel called Rusty who has
the most terrible breath. He eats well and
I’ve tried brushing his teeth with pet dental
toothpaste and a finger brush, but it hasn’t
helped. I’ve also tried chlorophyll tablets in his food and using
a water product from my vet to try and get rid of the halitosis,
but nothing has worked. Is there a practical and economical
solution to this problem?A
The Cocker Spaniel is one of the dog breeds that’s
most susceptible to dental problems. The bad breath is
caused by bacterial growth that could be based in the tartar
on his teeth or in lip-folds on the sides of the lower jaw, or
a combination of both.
Only a vet can help with this problem. The best results
will be achieved by booking Rusty in for dental scaling and
polishing. The vet will also need to check his lip-folds for septic
moist dermatitis due to the accumulation of infected saliva
from dental plaque.
The procedure will need to be carried out under general
anaesthesia and, because Rusty’s a bit older, he should be
on an intravenous drip during the process. The plaque on
his teeth is more than likely on the inside and outside of the
teeth so access with dental scalers needs to be achieved in
an anaesthetised state. Often, some teeth may have started
rotting and will be loose, so these will need to be extracted.
You won’t be able to determine true costs for this
procedure until Rusty has been anaesthetised and assessed.
If the costs are outside your budget, speak to your vet about
a payment plan – you can’t compromise your dog’s life by
cutting corners in this regard.
Pet owners must keep in mind that rotten teeth results in
bacteria build-up in the gums and on the teeth, migrating to
the inner lining of heart tissue and the kidneys. Many dentally
neglected dogs and cats present themselves with congestive
heart failure or kidney failure later
on in life.
After Rusty’s teeth are
cleaned and the lip-folds
are unaffected or require
treatment, he needs to be
fed dry pellets only. A
purely dental, highly
nutritious diet will be
available through your
veterinary practice.
Remember:
bad teeth result in
a shortened and
unhealthy life
for your pet.FUN TOYS FOR
HIDING TREATS