Care of the Dog 



a double set of teeth; this is very unsightly. It is 

 difficult to extract these teeth, because of the long 

 root which is firmly imbedded in the jaw, and un- 

 less great care is exercised in their removal, the 

 tooth may be broken, leaving the root for further 

 trouble. 



Tartar. — Ordinarily a dog's teeth require no at- 

 tention, but owing to the abnormal condition under 

 which we are keeping the house dog to-day, much 

 trouble is arising from their neglect. Tartar is a 

 calcareous deposit on the neck of the teeth at the 

 border of the gums. It is a gray, yellow, or brown- 

 ish color and is hard and brittle in composition. On 

 accumulating in sufficient quantities, it pushes back 

 the gums, laying bare the root of the tooth, which 

 is thereby loosened. The food particles are de- 

 posited about it, causing irritation and decay. The 

 tartar accumulation may be prevented by cleaning 

 the teeth occasionally with water, using cotton swabs 

 as a brush. Plain water, a solution of table salt, 

 bicarbonate of soda, or hydrogen peroxide may be 

 used. The peroxide tends to dissolve the tartar, 

 making its removal much easier. Some of the tooth 

 powders used by man are often applied, but with 

 more or less difficulty. After a large deposit has 

 formed it must be removed by means of special in- 

 struments. This is a slow, tedious process and one 

 which the dog will surely resist. After the tartar 

 has been removed the gums frequently need treat- 

 ment, especially where they have receded. For this 



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