Does My Pet Need Their Teeth Cleaned?

When is the last time you went to the dentist? How about the last time you brushed your teeth? You probably have a dental check up at least once a year, if not twice. And I’ll be you brush your teeth twice a day! But when was the last time your pet had their teeth checked, or brushed?

We know, brushing dog’s and cat’s teeth can be challenging, time consuming, and frustrating. We definitely recommend that you get in the habit of brushing your pet’s teeth, but we understand that it often is difficult to build brushing into your already busy daily routine.

Since your pets probably aren’t brushing their own teeth, they’ll need the occasional dental cleaning! Without regular brushing, plaque and tartar build up on teeth – that’s that yellow or brown stuff you see on your pet’s teeth. That plaque and tartar hold a lot of bacteria, which makes your pet’s breath smell bad, and can cause swelling, irritation, and pain in your pet’s gums. Left untreated, this can cause severe dental disease, including rotten teeth. Untreated dental disease can even cause other health problems like heart disease and kidney disease.

So how can you tell if your dogs and cats need their teeth cleaned? Look for these signs:

• Stinky breath, more than just “doggy breath” or “kitty breath”

• Yellow or brown tartar build up on teeth, especially on outer surface of the back teeth

• Dropping food or only chewing on one side of the mouth

• Looking hungry, but not wanting to eat

• Refusing crunchy kibble or treats, but being interested in softer foods

If you see any of these signs in your pets, or anything else that makes you think that your pet might have a sore mouth or need their teeth cleaned, come in for an examination and dental check up. The Princeton Veterinary Hospital is always here when you need us, even during our construction! Call the Princeton Veterinary Hospital at 812-385-2733 with any questions, or come in during our regular business hours to see our veterinarians, no appointment needed.

Donation Drive for GC AnimalServices

All Schools at NGSC are holding a Donation Drive for the Gibson County Animal Services from February 8-17. Any community member wishing to help out the Animal Shelter by making a donation may drop it off at any of the school offices. If a receipt is needed please attach your name and address to your donation. For a list of needed items please visit the Animal Shelter website at https://www.gcasonline.org/donate or contact Mrs. Bloebaum at sbloebaum@ngsc.k12.in.us or 812385-2020. All donations are GREATLY appreciated.

We are always accepting new patients!

Winter Wish List

It must be mid-winter, because our mailboxes are full of vegetable & flower catalogs. Let’s see. Oh my goodness, everything looks so pretty. I’ll have one of these, one of those and oh look at this! Go ahead, make the list. Now, set it aside!

Mid-winter is a great time to go outside to review your current landscape and garden. Maybe it looks somewhat bare right now. Are there blank spaces in the landscaping? Decisions, decisions. Shall I fill those spots with annuals that I plant each year, or do I invest in perennials that undoubtedly cost more initially, but will return each year? Imagine how you want it to look. Remember when landscaping to consider size, blooming time, color, texture, hardiness and water requirements. Not all plants shown in catalogs will thrive in our weather zone.

Once you have decided on annuals vs perennials, now draw a plan, even if you cannot draw. Or take pictures so you can actually see what can be done. One of the biggest mistakes a gardener can make is not putting a little thought or planning into their gardens. The second biggest mistake is to wait too late to make a plan. Some plants require early spring planting while others do not do well in the early spring. There is no better time to put your plan together than on a cold blustery day. It’s also a good time to check your tools.

If planning a vegetable garden, a good plan starts with creating a list of everything you want to grow in your garden that your family will actually eat. Yes, those strange vegetables in the catalogs look interesting, but think, can I grow them in my garden and will I enjoy eating them or end up giving them to friends and relatives who may not want them either?

Can you place your order yet? Well you can, but you also can put the second Saturday in May on your calendar right now. The Gibson County Master Gardeners will be hosting a plant sale at the Senior Center in Princeton. Here you will find quality homegrown flowers, vegetables and houseplants to beautify your homes and yards. As a not-forprofit organization, proceeds from this event go right back into our community projects. Hope to see you there to support our work.

Taking Orders for Valentines Day!

Dipped Fruit

Specialty Chocolates

Coffee Beans

Flower Arrangements

Want to know more about the many aspects of gardening? You are welcome to meet with the Master Gardeners on the third Monday, March through November, at the Senior Center at 6:30 p.m. Although we encourage you to become a member, you can attend these educational events for free with no pressure. 4467 W 525 S Owensville, IN 5 miles from Hwy. 41 off 168