Dr. Andrea's Tips for Teeth

Teaching your pets to love--or tolerate--having their teeth brushed doesn't happen overnight. I spent a year brushing my dogs' teeth before we even thought about trying to tackle the lower teeth. But if you go slowly and use positive reinforcement you'll see great results.

The upper teeth are most important, so begin there. Start by letting your animal lick species-appropriate toothpaste from your finger; you wouldn't enjoy beef-flavored toothpaste but they love it. After 2-3 days of this, try adding the toothpaste to a small brush, a Q-Tip, a child's toothbrush, or a finger brush; the size will depend on your animal. Just brush one tooth (a canine tooth is a good place to start) and call it quits for the day. Reward your animal's bravery with a great treat. They'll remember the reinforcement and look forward to their next brushing session. Gradually work your way up to brushing more teeth each session. Animals with red or inflamed gums would benefit from a bit of George's Aloe Vera (for human consumption) applied to the gum line. It's flavorless and will relieve inflammation. 

Remember to reward after every session. I always reward my dogs after brushing their teeth. Kiko actually trained me; she loved her treats so much she would turn circles and snort until I brushed her teeth and rewarded her. Tenzin just puts up with brushing to get to the treat. Either way, the job gets done! If you have any questions about acclimating your animals to brushing or products to use, just let us know. Check out this video of me brushing Tenzin's teeth to get a sense of technique. 

Pet Profiles by Dr. Jody

Charlotte was fearful and acting out at times so her behaviorist recommended she be assessed by AnShen.  Wiry pulses, purple tongue, a diagnostic point at bladder 18, all indicate liver qi stagnation, which can lead to acting out and feeling stressed.  She also was painful at her thoracolumbar junction on her spine (the part with the ribs and the low back meet) which can increase stress.  Treatment with Chinese herbs to relieve liver qi stagnation, laser treatment at her sore spot, some homemade diet and laser acupuncture along with positive reinforcement behavior training--which her parents do wonderfully--led to great improvement in Charlotte's attitude after one treatment.  At her second treatment she was able to have a spinal adjustment to help her back even more.     Mika had multiple orthopedic problems that weren't improving, even with massage and chiropractic treatment.  She was very sensitive to touch and had difficult heat cycles.  Similarly to Charlotte, she had a diagnostic point at bladder 18 and discomfort at the thoracolumbar junction.  Liver qi stagnation with heat was her diagnosis, and after some time on a Chinese herbal formula to relieve stagnation and cool her liver, she is comfortable being ridden with only rare tenderness or reactivity and mild heat cycles.     Springtime can lead to more liver qi stagnation in animals prone to it, so both Mika and Charlotte are continuing their herbs through the season to keep them happy and comfortable.  They both receive only positive reinforcement training, which allows them to feel comfortable, reduces stress, prevents injury to both them and others around them, and allows them to learn.  They are beautiful, brilliant and lucky animals!

Charlotte

Mika