Dental Health and Your Pet

Dental health is not only important for humans, but pets as well. A pet should have its teeth and gums checked annually to ensure a healthy mouth and help detect any problems early. Dental problems if left untreated may cause health issues for your pet. Some of the most common dental problems are very similar to people’s and include cavities, tissue inflammation and gum disease.

Brushing your pet’s teeth

Brushing your pet’s teeth may not be easy, but is a great way to help ensure the health of their teeth, gums and mouth. Regular brushings can help prevent many of the common oral issues a pet will encounter. This in turn could also help reduce trips to the vet down the road for dental problems. Not only does brushing help keep a pet’s teeth healthy, but the proper diet (more dry food, less wet) and treats formulated to help with dental health are also very beneficial.   

Health

It is important to have your pet’s teeth checked annually. This allows for early detection of a possible problem along with keeping your pet healthy.  Your pet should have its teeth checked sooner if you notice problems such as:

·      Bad breath

·      Discoloring of teeth, or excessive tartar

·      Pain around the mouth area

·      Bleeding from mouth

·      Broken/loose teeth

·      Extra teeth

·      Unusual chewing, drooling or mouth drooping

·      Refusing to eat, or reduced appetite

·      Swelling around mouth area

Veterinarian Dental Exam

When you take your pet to the veterinarian for their dental exam, it will begin with an oral examination of the pet’s teeth and gums. If needed, x-rays may be taken to help further evaluate the tooth structure unable to be seen. A thorough cleaning will then take place, and this is generally done under anesthesia to help minimize stress and ensure the safety of the pet and veterinarian. The cleaning includes similar procedures a person would experience including scaling (scraping off of tartar) followed up by polishing of the teeth.  

If you are unsure on the proper way to take care of your pet’s teeth, talk with your veterinarian. They can help instruct you on how to properly brush your pet’s teeth along with offering recommendations on dental products, foods and treats. Happy Brushing!

Protecting Your Pet From The Weather

These last few years we have seen drastic and unseasonably warm and cold weather. As these weather trends continue to happen, now would be a great time to refresh on how to best keep your furry friend safe and protected with the ever-changing weather conditions. 

First and foremost, your pet should have their wellness exam. It is recommended to have a yearly checkup. This will help ensure their continued good health through the seasons.

Many people believe because of their fur that pets are more tolerant of the cold, this is untrue. Pets are just as susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite as their human counterparts are.  This is why it is important to understand your pet’s ability to tolerate the cold. Pets with shorter hair and thinner coats will feel the cold much quicker, whereas pets with longer and thicker coats may be able to tolerate the cold better, but they too can still be affected. A jacket/coat is a great option for pets as well. Depending on your local climate you may want to consider shortening the length of the walks you take with your pet too.

Summer heat can be just as dangerous, as pets can suffer heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms include panting heavily, lethargy, drooling, vomiting and collapse. If you plan to take them outdoors try to walk them early morning or in the evening. Avoid hot sidewalks and blacktop to keep their paws from burning. Utilize shade when you can to help them stay out of direct sunlight and stay cooler. Ensure they stay hydrated too by having water with you during your walks. 

As weather can greatly vary depending on your geographic location, so will your approach to protecting your pet. We want to help ensure the safety of your furry friends and hope you find these tips useful!

Protecting Your Pet

Have you recently added, or are considering adding a new furry friend to your family? If so then you will want to take the proper and necessary steps to help ensure their safety just like any other family member. Even with the best precautions accidents can happen. A possibility exists that your furry friend could make an escape. If they have their collar on then you stand a great chance of getting them back. But what if the collar comes off?

Thanks to technology you can help to further increase the chance of a happy reunion, this can be done through the utilization of an identification microchip. These devices are basically tiny transponders that are roughly the size of a grain of rice. These chips are implanted under your pet’s skin by your veterinarian or often times by the shelter if you got your pet from there.

The microchip is read by a handheld RF scanner, and the information it will relay when read includes a registration number and phone number. The chip is generally implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades using a needle. During the next 24 hrs. after placement, the pet’s skin will bond with the chip keeping it in place. The microchip lifespan is approximately 25 years. Data can also be updated if you move, simply contact the chip company and give them your new information.

Help ensure your furry friend’s safety in case of an accidental separation by keeping their tags on them and having them microchipped. This will help to ensure a safe and happy reunion with your furry friend!

Calming tips

New Year’s Eve is approaching, and with that comes celebration, fun times and fireworks. While all these things can mean a great time for you, it may not be so much fun for your furry friend. Loud noises like fireworks can easily frighten pets, and if your pet falls into that easily frightened category you can take some steps to help prepare them for the noises that are to come. Here are some tips on how you can help your dog with their anxiety when it comes to loud noises.

1. Stay with your dog. If it is possible, stay home with them. They are likely to be less frightened if you are there than if they were alone. This can be especially important if they are a young dog, as it will allow you to see how they handle the situation. 
2. Bring them Inside. This will help to keep them at ease, and also can help to avoid them escaping their yard and getting loose in the neighborhood. If you are unable to bring them inside, ensure they have their tags on them to help properly identify them.
3. Turn the radio or TV on. Try to drown out the sound of what is happening outside. This is also another means of distraction for them. 
4. Put a shirt or blanket on them. A cover, especially one with a familiar odor can often times help calm them down. It can give them a sense of protection. 
5. Tire them out. Take them out earlier in the day for a long walk or to the park so they can have some extensive play time. The more tired the dog, the less likely they are to get riled up during the event. 

These are just some simple tips to consider when you are trying to keep your dog calm for the New Year’s celebrations. We hope you find these tips for your dog helpful. Wishing a safe and Happy New Year’s to you and your furry friend(s)!

Dangerous Holiday Plants

The tree is up, the stockings and mistletoe are hung and the Poinsettias adorn the entry way. The holidays are off to their usual start, but did you know if you have pets that some of those traditionally used plants for decorating can be toxic? As beautiful as they are to have, care should be taken if you have pets to ensure they do not chew upon or consume them. If your furry friend tends to have a gnawing or chewing habit, here is a short list of plants and what can occur if they get ahold of them.

1. Mistletoe. Can cause vomiting and depression after eating.
2. Jerusalem Cherry. Leaves and fruit are poisonous.  Can cause vomiting and nausea depending on amount consumed along with seizures. 
3. Poinsettia. With dogs can cause vomiting and diarrhea, in cats excessive drooling.
4. Christmas Cactus. Can cause mild vomiting and diarrhea if eaten.
5.  Lilies and Daffodils. Can cause stomach issues, convulsions and arrhythmia.
6.  Christmas tree. The oils can be irritating to mouth and stomach causing excess drooling and vomiting. Needles can cause stomach problems, obstructions and puncture. In addition, the water used for the tree can also be harmful as it can hold fertilizer, bacteria and mold causing extreme sickness.

Remember that symptoms can vary depending on the size of your pet and the amount they have consumed.  While it is great to decorate with these items, be careful with the locations you choose and the accessibility to them, especially if you have cats. If you found your furry friend has consumed any of these, contact your Vet immediately to see what you can do to minimize damage!

ASPCA Poison Control Center

How To Teach Your Dog To Stop Begging For Food

Food is an essential part of life, and to a dog food is life. But that does not mean they need to beg for it. As great as it is to share with your dog, especially when at the dinner table, it can create undesired results. Here are some tips to help with managing a dog’s food expectations and begging for food.

When you are eating, avoid giving attention to your dog or making eye contact with them. This will then help to not encourage them to expect anything.

Also avoid handing food off to the dog during meal times. This practice should not only occur at the dinner table either, avoid handing them food when you’re on the couch, chair, in bed or while at your desk. Encourage all members of the household to abide by this rule of thumb.

When you sit down to eat, get your dog into a stay position and find a means of attraction such as a Kong toy with a treat in it.

If you do desire to share your food with your dog, and to avoid creating any unwanted behaviors consider this approach. Take the food you wish to share and place it in his food bowl with his food, and give it to him during his meal time. This way it acts more as a meal treat for him.

It may be difficult and take time, but with the proper diligence your dog will come to understand that begging does not work. This will allow for a more pleasant meal time for both you and your dog.

Top 5 Places In America To Hike With Your Dog

Lace up those hiking boots, grab your furry friend’s leash and get ready for a journey into nature to enjoy some great outdoor time. Finding locations that allow not only you, but your best friend to hike too can be a challenge, so we’re using this blog to help you with some great hiking destinations to consider for your next outdoor excursion!

1.      Raleigh, North Carolina

For those just introducing their furry friend to hiking, a great location to start is in Raleigh, N.C. at the William B. Ulmstead State Park. They offer the Inspiration Trail which is less than 1 mile offering a great introduction to hikers and their furry friends.

2.      Bar Harbor, Maine

Acadia National Park in Maine is another great spot to hike with your furry companion. It boasts over 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads. If you plan to stay and camp consider the Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds as they all permit pets.

3.      Los Angeles, California

Finding a place to hike in the city can be difficult, but Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles offers a variety of trails, is pet friendly and offers great views of the city too. They offer a 90 acre off leash area for your furry friend in addition to the pet friendly trails.

4.      Skykomish, Washington

If you’re in the Pacific northwest a great hiking location to consider would be Lake Dorothy in Washington. With a vast amount of trails and scenic spots to take in the view you and your hiking partner won’t be disappointed.

5.      Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rounding out the group is Fairmount Park located in Pennsylvania. This park offers over 9,200 acres of woodland, trails and waterfront to go exploring in. You can enjoy a nice hike along the water then grab a spot to picnic and take a break.

Always remember to follow the rules and regulations for these parks to help ensure a safe and pleasant experience while out hiking with your furry companion!