Losing a Pet?

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Dear Dr. Jackson,
After my older dog passed away, I became very sad and depressed. Then I found a web site that had nice story with music called “The Rainbow Bridge.” Would you please share this with your readers? E. S.

Dear E.S.,
Yes, most definitely. This story has helped provide closure for many of my clients.

Readers: Go to www.indigo.org/rainbow and you will be richly blessed.

The rewards and risks of sharing a bed with pets
Large numbers of America’s pet owners routinely allow their pets to sleep in their beds each night, taking special comfort tin the contact when they are sick, lonely or depressed, studies show. According to a recent article in The New York Times, the Center for Disease Control advises pet owners to take precautions when allowing dogs and cats to share a bed, citing several zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from pets to their owners.

Veterinarians stress need for regular tooth brushing in pets.
Owners are advised to start brushing their pet’s teeth at a young age to avoid plaque buildup, which can develop in dogs as early as 2 years of age. It is really important for dogs and cats to have their teeth brushed at least 1-2 times a week (or more) because the gums are a main access site for bacteria and other diseases to get into the body.

Then the bacteria can go in through the gums into the capillaries, and then proceed to the heart, the kidneys and other the vital organs and shorten the pet’s life. Humans brush their teeth every day, shouldn’t we do the same for our pets? P.S. Special toothpaste needs to be used because the fluoride in regular toothpaste can be toxic.

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DR. TOM JACKSON
Medical Director
Veterinarian, UC Davis graduate, emphasis in Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Pain Control
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