In Mansfield, Ohio, tiny Kucharo arrived at the Humane Society of Richland County on Saturday. His owner wanted his dog to be euthanized “because his teeth were falling out.” Rescuers were not convinced such a drastic decision had to be made and decided to have the eight-year-old frightened dog examined by a veterinarian.
After a physical examination and bloodwork, it was determined Kucharo’s mouth was badly infected. Was it any surprise he was losing his teeth? He is now being administered antibiotics to fight the infection and will then be scheduled for advanced dental work.
Pets are living longer and dental care has become very important since it can be connected to other health issues. Dental disease in dogs can also be very painful, even though dogs and cats are experts at hiding pain. Often advanced dental disease can lead to a change in eating habits as well as behavior.
Healthy dogs will have pink gums while dogs with gingivitis will often present with red and inflamed gums as the first stage of dental disease. As their gums become more inflamed from a buildup of plaque and tartar, they begin to recede, swell and eventually progress to bone loss.
The best way to prevent gum disease such as Kucharo’s is to brush your dog’s teeth to remove food, bacteria and plaque before it hardens. Pet toothpastes have enzymatic action to get into the gums – do not use human toothpastes as they contain fluorides and detergents that should not be swallowed.
In addition, dogs should have annual dental cleanings from a veterinary professional and the major difference between humans getting annual cleanings and dogs – dogs are put under general anesthesia.
You can give your dog a range of items that can complement their daily care of toothbrushing which include dental chews and/or a dose of enzymes in their water.
Make sure to contact your veterinarian for expert advice.
Kucharo is terrified, but the staff at the rescue organization have promised him “extra snuggles” to help. Soon this little guy who looks surprisingly like a tiny red fox, (he’s not!) will be ready to find a loving home.
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This is heartbreaking. I am very sorry that humans have failed this precious little treasure.
I am glad that he is finally getting the veterinary treatment he needs!!!
I don’t understand how anyone would ignore their furbaby to this state…….
We rescued 4 senior furbabies and I prefer to do without vs. deny them essential care and good food. I live in jeans and t-shirts, drive a 22 (almost 23) year old car and am very happy with my life choices. I have no need for designer anything……. My husband feels the same!!!
Right now our rescues are all lying in their beds in front of the fireplace (these precious little senior treasures love the heat)!!!
If one isn’t prepared to treat their furbabies like family, then don’t have them……..