Wesley the Pup Shows off New Braces After Trip to the Dentist
A photograph shared by an animal hospital in America has become an internet sensation. A picture of Wesley the six month old puppy wearing his new braces has now been shared more than 270,000 times.
Wesley, a golden retriever puppy, was treated at Harborfront Hospital for Animals in Spring Lake. The Michigan-based hospital posted the photograph on Facebook as part of its celebration of Pet Dental Health Month.
The puppy is owned by Molly, daughter of Dr James Moore, one of the clinic’s resident vets and in this case, the ‘doggy dentist’. Dr Moore decided to treat Wesley after he noticed that he’d stopped playing with his toys and eating because he couldn’t close his mouth properly. He lost weight because he wasn’t eating much and he was clearly in pain. The braces were fitted on the 19th of February and are due to be removed in the coming week.
Dr Moore said he often comes across “unique” cases at the clinic and has treated a few dogs with orthodontic problems. Wesley is coping well with his braces and hopefully, after treatment, he will be able to eat and play with no pain at all.
Speaking to ABC news, a spokeswoman for the American Veterinary Medical Association said that dogs can experience orthodontic issues in the same way as humans and dental treatment can help to prevent pain and reduce the risk of oral diseases such as gum disease.
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