“Lucky” may need to watch what he eats.

While the Brookhaven Police Department’s narcotics dog mightfind drug dealers and other suspects tasty, training for theirapprehension gave the eight-year-old canine a big toothache.

So Lucky wouldn’t have “gum” any suspects in the future,Brookhaven dentist Dr. Don Doty, who normally see human patients,was called in Friday to assist veterinarian Dr. Greg Howell. Howellsaid the enamel on the dog’s teeth was broken down and Doty’s helpand equipment were needed to fill cavities to improve the teeth’scondition.

K-9 Officer Clint Earls, Lucky’s handler, attributed the decayto bite work and other training the dog has to undergo.

“Over the course of time, the teeth wore down and the doctor hadto build them back up,” Earls said.

Doty said Lucky was the first canine patient he had seen.

“This is fun,” Doty said after watching and helping Howell withdental procedures.

Lucky also needed to have a tooth extracted during his dentist’svisit.

Saying he is working to learn about dental care for animals,Howell encouraged dog owners to be more conscious about caring fortheir pet’s teeth.

“A lot of people aren’t aware of the importance of dental carein the veterinary area,” Howell said.

Howell said local veterinarians can provide tips on care andmaintenance of a dog’s dental health.