Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Tooth Angst

We took Pappy to the vet last weekend to get his shots and a general checkup. He was very brave and calm entering the office, given that when we last came to get his stitches out he was a quivering wreck.

Everything was going great until the vet checked on Pappy's teeth. Pappy's canines have shown noticeable wear since we got him, and are quite flattened at the tips at just two years old (like his tooth-grinding owner). The vet warned that if things keep up at this pace he may require a doggy root canal one of these days.

He's a diligent little chewer, but I couldn't think of anything he gets that would be abrasive. The vet cautioned that Pappy shouldn't play with tennis balls because they can cause a lot of wear, and my jaw dropped. Pappy without tennis balls is like The Green Giant without Li'l Sprout, Quisp without Quake, Anita Bryant without orange juice (I guess I'm dating myself here... I hope Anita doesn't come after me). This is the space age, why can't the vet graft some walrus tusk DNA onto Pappy's fangs or something?

At the dog park on Sunday we brought along a vet approved rubber ball rather than letting him play with the tennis balls in the enclosure; I wouldn't normally bring toys, but Pappy's not at all possessive so I don't anticipate problems. Gad, I never thought my stoic dog would require special instructions-- "Don't let him have that tennis ball, he needs this special orthopedic ball. And he's allergic to tree nuts, and here's his inhaler..."

8 comments:

Jude said...

"Don't let him have that tennis ball, he needs this special orthopedic ball. And he's allergic to tree nuts, and here's his inhaler..."

*melts* SO cute!

Toby said...

Hey Pappy!~ Make sure to stay away from those evil tennis balls! You gotta keep those pearly whites in top condition!!!

Luv,
Tobes

3dogcache said...

ugh, next thing you know there will be a ban on tennis balls at the dog park...only orthopedic balls allowed. Poor paps, not more green fuzz for him.

3dogs

Nat said...

Jude,
Pappy would even be cute in support hose.

Toby and 3Dog,
Tennis balls are now persona (sphera?) non grata in the Pappy home.

Bella said...

Pappy maatey - darn those teeth they should be made to last a life time of marrow bone chewing shouldn't they.
But hey go with the tennis ball alternative - make it your best friend - other wise it could be more pain
Good Man
Paw Power & Wuff
Bella

Finnegan said...

Yikes! Root canal does not sound like a good time. Go with the "special" ball so you can keep your toofers and tip top shape!

Woofs,
Finny

Liza said...

Pappy -

Sorry to hear about your tooth troubles. Don't let you humans see my post entitled "I hate health care" - they will see my mom actually trying to BRUSH my toothies!!

Have a happy day! Dory

Nat said...

Bella and Finn,
Thanks for the dental support.

Dory and Liza,
It's tough being the object of such care and attention-- Pappy feels your pain, and would happily attribute his tooth wear problems to his toothpaste.