oP TaN5 aN PET CLINIC by Dr. Jeff Grognet and Dr. Louise Janes Dog Piles and Crowning Your Pet Q: | have an outdoor dog who does his duty all over my yard. is there any way he could be trained to go in one area? -- signed “dodging the dog piles” Dr. J: Yes there is. When your dog indicates jhe needs to go outside, don’t let him go out on his own. Lead him (on leash) to the designated area. Walk him up and down and wait for him to eliminate. Once he starts, you say a magic phrase, such as “Go Poop”. As he finishes, you praise him for being a good boy (very limportant!). Evertually the dog will defecate/urinate on your “Go Poop” command. As you repeatedly make him eliminate in the desired location, he will eventually use that area on his own. ‘|AN stool accidentally passed in other areas |must be collected and placed in the designat- ed location. This way, only one area will have the appropriate odor. Though it takes time, this technique can be very successful. /Q: I’ve heard that you can get teeth crowned in ‘{pets. Is that true, and how much does it cost? Strap short haired calico 8 yrs. domestic short haired tabby male, 8 months N.V. SPCA Dr. G: Most general practitioners, as we are, routinely clean teeth and extract diseased teeth. Several veterinarians specialize in thel. field of veterinary dentistry and provide a wider variety of services. Simple accumulations of tartar (bacteria and minerals) lead to more serious problems such as gingivitis (gum inflammation) and tooth abscesses. Pets suffer from bad breath and mouth pain. As well, the bacteria in tartar can spread to the heart valves and kidneys, caus- ing life-threatening conditions. Routine teeth cleaning and polishing is highly recommended to prevent the development and/or progression of these other problems. \f teeth are diseased, most veterinarians will extract them. In circumstances where saving the tooth is important, pets can be referred to specialists. Pet dentists are able to fill cavities, perform root canals, apply braces, and do crown work. Specialists charge approximately the same amount as human dentists. Tooth crowns average $400 to $600. ginger, male neutered, 8 yrs. Joy Purser spayed W.V. SPCA short haired tabby, male neutered, 6 yrs. Joy Purser domestic short haired W.V. SPCA OA Hurry in for your Hill's Science Diet* Bonus Pack today! © 50 pounds of Canine Maintenance® for the price of only 42 © 25 pounds of Canine Maintenance tor the price of only 20 © Special limited time uifer only while supplies last. You'll find Hill’s Science Diet Bonus Packs at the following locations: BOSLEY’S HAVE 21 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! West Vancouver 2477 Marine Dr. 926-8841 North Vancouver 133 East 14th St. 984-7133 A better life through nutrient precision™ dalmatian neutered, 1 yr., deaf N.V. SPCA MacLennen domestic short haired torti. spayed, 2 yrs. W.V. SPCA 2 yrs.