The Dentist
A Dalek is an alien creature from the Dr. Who science fiction series shown on British television. Its voice has a synthesized electronic sound.
This is probably a bit of a silly question. How many of you look forward to a visit to the Dentist?
Now I am sure that dentists, in general, are nice people, make good neighbours and are kind to old people and animals.
Mine is Manos, he is in Sitia on the island of Crete and he is an excellent fellow.
We start with the waiting room which has comfortable soft leather sofas. Relaxing music plays through a state-of-the-art music system. A large fish tank contains a number of brightly coloured specimens who all move effortlessly creating a calming atmosphere before we enter the room which contains the dentist’s chair. The room has all the latest gadgetry designed to ensure that the patients’ visit passes as smoothly as possible. Two delightful ladies are on hand to tie the disposable bib around your neck, pass you tissues and mop your fevered brow. My man is so good that people who come regularly on holiday actually book an appointment to see Manos. Let’s face it that is a hell of a recommendation!! On top of all this, he is as pain-free as it is possible to be and his fees are incredibly reasonable.
There is of course the standard peculiarity that is associated with all members of this profession.
Like all dentists, he asks questions while he has your mouth wide open. There he is doing whatever dentists do with that strange array of instruments that they place on a table that always appears to be in your direct eye line and asks things like.
“Are you enjoying the good sunny weather?”
Or
“Have you been anywhere interesting for lunch recently?”
And I attempt to reply, only end up sounding like a Dalek with a speech impediment.
As I understand it this strange behaviour from dentists is a worldwide phenomenon and I can only assume they all receive special training as they appear to understand our every word. There must be a special exam that they have to pass in order to qualify as a bona fide dentist.
So why do I still approach my visits with a degree of trepidation?
This is because I am conditioned to expect a degree of pain, not all dentists are as pain-free as mine and over the years there have been some very unpleasant moments.
Why are we discussing dentists? Well because there is a direct correlation between your trepidation on entering the dentist’s waiting room and your dog’s reaction to a visit to the veterinary surgeon.
Think about it. The dogs first visit to the vet requires the puppy to travel in a car, enter a strange building where the pups very sensitive nose is assailed by multiple strange smells, being intimately examined in the most delicate and personal places, having a worm dose put in its mouth and forced to swallow, a thermometer is pushed into the rectum and finally a needle is stuck in puppies neck. All this is done by a perfect stranger. Not a warm fuzzy experience the first time but a couple of weeks later puppy gets to do it all over again!!
Wow, is it any wonder that your normally well-behaved, brave, roughy toughy dog views a visit to the veterinary surgeon with the same horror that you view visits to the dentist.
Stories abound of dogs approaching the veterinary clinic, taking one look, doing a rapid 360-degree turn, and attempting a lightening fast departure in the opposite direction.
I am pleased to say that enlightened veterinary surgeons now offer puppies treats to make the visit more acceptable in the same way that Doctors sometimes give a sweet to a child when they attend. I have even been told of dentists who give sweets to children – sugar-free of course!!
Memories last a long time, particularly the bad ones, and our canine companions are no exception.
Next time this happens instead of the usual display of mirth and hilarity a more sympathetic approach is needed. Obviously, regular readers will know not to cuddle or reassure verbally. See. (To cuddle or not to cuddle.) Generally, a much appreciated special treat, the use of a favoured toy, a firm, authoritative but gentle command with a little coaxing will probably be enough.
Those with serious problems will need professional assistance.
Whilst we are on the subject please don’t forget your pet’s oral hygiene. NEVER use human toothpaste. Special flavoured toothpaste is available alongside scientifically designed brushes.
Please be aware that continual bad breath should not be ignored.
Apart from the unpleasant smell, it can be an early sign of a problem best dealt with quickly.
Among the most common will be Kidney problems which can smell like ammonia (similar to urine.) Diabetes can produce a sweet-smelling aroma and if your dog has dental issues like a build-up of tartar, bad teeth, or gum disease then brushing won’t help and will only cause pain. Even a small piece of rotting food caught between the teeth can also create a disagreeable smell. If you are in any doubt, a visit to the veterinary surgeon is a high priority.
Let’s always remember that for all of us toothache is just awful and for our pet it’s just as painful.
“If you feel sad I will be your smile,
If you cry I will be your comfort,
If someone breaks your heart we can use mine,
I will always be by your side.
I am not just a dog, I am your best friend”Anon