A: According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, oral disease is the number one pet health problem, which can lead to serious, even life-threatening diseases.  Nearly 80 percent of dogs and cats show signs of oral disease by age three, which can be easily prevented just by routinely brushing their teeth! Although all dogs (and cats) develop plaque, we generally see that smaller breeds—such as Chihuahuas, Yorkies and Pomeranians—start showing signs of periodontal disease at a much earlier age than other large-breed dogs. Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily to remove plaque before it has time to mineralize.

Q: Is it safe to exercise after having lap band surgery? Is there anything I should be worried about? 

A: Exercise is not only safe but also encouraged after lap band surgery. The lap band is positioned internally around the stomach to control hunger and portion sizes. The system is adjusted by adding fluid to a small port, which is implanted deep under the skin and secured to the abdominal wall muscle. There is no risk of band dislocation or damage—even with high-impact exercise or vigorous sports. At times, the port may become transiently tender, especially if doing core exercises, but it should be mild and resolve quickly (similar to how a sore muscle recovers after exercise). I have seen many patients excel with their health transformations after lap band surgery and actively run marathons, participate in extreme sports, and even compete in fitness competitions.