World Spay Day

February is recognized as spay/neuter month, and February 27^th is World Spay Day. The purpose of this recognition is to help raise awareness about pet overpopulation, the importance of spaying/neutering your pets and the added benefits it can help provide your pet.  

What is Spaying/Neutering

When you have a pet spayed or neutered you are removing their ability to produce offspring. Spaying is the removal of the female reproductive tract while neutering refers to the removal of the male's testes.

Why Spay/Neuter?

When your pet is spayed/neutered there are a number of added benefits to take into consideration. By helping to prevent the birth of unwanted litters you can help keep the pet population down. Spaying and neutering can also help lower the chances of health issues in the long term along with behavioral problems that can occur.

Other benefits include:

• Reduced risk of cancer
• Reduced aggression
• Reduced roaming
• Reduced spraying & marking
• Increased lifespan (3-5 years)

Spay/Neuter Procedure

When a pet is spay/neutered they will go through a full surgical procedure. This is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by a veterinarian. Your pet will undergo a regular surgical process that includes sterilization and general anesthesia. After completion, your pet will then be prescribed medications to help minimize the pain that may accompany the procedure. For the next few days after it is best to keep your pet as relaxed and calm as possible as this will help allow the incision from surgery to heal.

When it comes to the health and happiness of your pet spaying/neutering is one of the most significant choices you can make. Contact us to schedule an appointment or for any additional information about spaying/neutering your pet.

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