DR BRUCE CHARD

contact@northharbourvet.co.nz MY 6-year-old poodle Lou recently had her teeth cleaned for the second time in two years. What I can do to prevent her having them cleaned every year?

Small dogs often have a problem with plaque building up on their teeth as they do not chew their food well.

The best way to lessen the need for Lou to have her teeth cleaned under an anaesthetic is to practise daily teeth brushing. Your vet will supply a dog tooth paste that is poultry flavoured.

Try a dental diet where the food particles are large, making Lou chew on them before swallowing. This helps to clean her back teeth but is not so good for the front. There are also many dental chews which can help the back teeth. Be careful with antler chews as they can break teeth.

Our 11-month-old birman cat called Bob suddenly started drooling from his mouth and did not want to eat. He seems to be recovering now after treatment from our vet. The vet said it may have been due to something he licked. Could it have been a sore tooth?

Being such a young cat it is unlikely that Bob had a sore tooth or alternatively something caught on the teeth which your vet would have easily seen.

A common problem at this time of the year occurs when cats walk on recently sprayed decks being treated for mould removal. The product is meant to be safe but when cats walk on the deck when is still wet it stays on their paws.

Afterwards, cleaning of the paws leads to burning of the tongue. Often, a cat is presented drooling with no other signs. But the next day, ulceration of the tongue and sores on the paws are seen. Treatment involves cleaning the paws and nursing until your cat is able to eat again.