Unleash The Springtime

Spring is in the air and we're all looking forward to  a fresh start after a long winter!  Showers will fall, flowers will bloom, and spring cleaning will commence.  OK, so maybe some of us won't necessarily get all excited about that last one!  Nevertheless, as pet parents, there are certain things we should keep in mind as the weather warms up and we begin to enjoy the great outdoors with our furry friends. 

 

1. Get up-to-date on preventive medications.  Spring is the perfect time to make sure your dog is protected against everything they can come in contact with while exploring the great outdoors.  This means protecting your dog using flea and tick prevention and protecting against heartworm disease, which is spread to canines through mosquitos.  It’s easy to forget about these dangers during the winter months when these pests are dormant, but it is all-too-important when spring does finally roll around.

 

2. Check for ticks.  Even though you use flea and tick  prevention, your dog can still carry ticks.  Lyme disease can be transmitted to your dog within just a few hours of a tick bite, so check your dog frequently for ticks.  Doing so will also avoid bringing those nasty little ticks into your home.

 

3. Be mindful of pet allergies.  Just like humans, animals can react to pollen and other springtime allergens.  Pay attention to whether your pet is experiencing allergy symptoms such as itching or sneezing, and contact your veterinarian with any concerns.

 

4. Practice safe car travel.  Spring is ideal for taking your dog to parks or on hikes, and this often requires car travel.  Keeping your dog in a crate or restrained in the seat is best to avoid any injuries while on the road.  Remember that, although dogs love to stick their heads out the car window, doing so can be dangerous as debris can enter their eyes and possibly cause infection.

 

5. Have your dog microchipped.  With more time spent outdoors in the spring, a microchip will help locate your dog if they wriggle out of their collar or manage to escape from the yard.  If you are still training your pup, a microchip will be especially helpful and will ease your worry if they do happen to get away from you.

 

6. Choose pet-friendly products for your spring cleaning.  You may want to engage in a thorough spring cleaning in your home, but keep in mind that your pets share this space too.  Be aware  of which chemicals are harmful to pets and aim for pet-safe products whenever possible.  Also, be sure to store any potentially dangerous products in a place that curious dogs and cats cannot easily access.

 

7. Ease into exercise.  Personally, I have no problem with this tip but, after a long winter of limited exercise, your pooch will likely be eager to get outside.  Before embarking on a long hike or a jog in the park right off the bat, slowly work up to an exercise regimen with your pet to help them shed any winter weight and avoid injury.

 

8.  Beware of standing water from spring showers and sprinklers.  Spring showers bring may flowers but they also bring lots of puddles which can be filled with bacteria.  As the weather warms up, your pets may be tempted to drink from standing water but the bacteria in it can cause an upset stomach or other serious issues.  It’s best to steer your pets away from any tempting puddles.  Instead, carry a portable dish and water bottle with you whenever you and your four-legged companion are outside. 

 

9. Keep pets away from mulch, fertilizers and weed killers.  Many popular mulches are toxic to dogs and cats.  Fertilizers and weed killers can also be extremely dangerous for animals.  If unsure whether a product is safe for pets, ask a professional or check with your vet.

 

10.  Beware of toxic springtime plants.  Growing a garden in the spring is a great idea; however, there are certain plants that are known to be toxic to animals.  These include azaleas, day lilies, Easter lilies, ferns, irises, lily of the valley, rhododendrons, and tulips among others.  If you suspect that your dog or cat has already eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately.

 

While it's important to remember these safety tips when out and about, our beloved pets have been patiently waiting for some new outdoor adventures all winter, so let's get them out there and unleash some springtime fun! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!

Keeping Your Pet's Healthy Smile!

Does your dog or cat have stinky breath?  Ever wonder what might be the cause?  It could be a sign of a serious health risk with the potential to damage your pet's teeth, gums, and possibly even internal organs if not addressed.  To raise awareness of the significance of oral health care for pets, the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February. 

 

Although cavities are less common in pets than in people, they can lead to many of the same dental problems that people develop.  Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats and will worsen as your pet grows older if effective preventive measures aren’t taken.  Early detection and treatment are critical because advanced periodontal disease can cause severe problems and pain for your pet.  Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth; other health problems associated with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes. 

 

It all starts with plaque that hardens into tartar.  This plaque and tartar formation is damaging and sets the stage for infection to the oral structures which can then spread internally.  The treatment of periodontal disease involves a thorough dental cleaning and x-rays may be needed to determine the severity of the disease.  Periodontal disease is graded on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (severe).  Your veterinarian can make recommendations based on your pets overall health as well as their dental health.         

 

Why is the use of anesthesia necessary for pet dental procedures?  When you go to the dentist, you know that what’s being done will help you and keep your mouth healthy.  Your dentist uses techniques to minimize pain and can ask you how you are feeling, so you accept the procedures and do your best to keep still.  Unfortunately, your pets do not understand the benefits of dental care, and he or she may react by moving, trying to escape, or even biting.  Therefore, the use of anesthesia for pet dental procedures makes it possible to perform such procedures with less stress and pain for the animals.  In addition, anesthesia allows for a better cleaning because your pets are not moving around and risking injury from the dental equipment.  If x-rays are needed, your pets need to be very still in order to get good images and this is unlikely without heavy sedation or anesthesia.  Although anesthesia will always have risks, it’s safer now than ever and continues to improve, so the risks are minimal and far outweigh the benefits.  Most pets can go home the same day of the procedure, although they might be a little groggy for the rest of the day.

 

So, how much do you know about pet dental health?  Let's find out...and no peaking ahead for the answers! 

  

1.  True or False:  Most dental disease occurs below the gum line where it can't be seen. 

 

2.  What's the single most important thing you can do to maintain your pet's dental health in between professional cleanings?
A.  Floss.
B.  Brush their teeth.
C.  Use pet safe mouthwash to control stinky breath.
D.  Give them treats that claim to keep their teeth clean.
E.  All of the above.  

 

3.  What percentage of dogs and cats have periodontal disease by the age of 3?
A.  Less than 10%.
B.  20-30%.
C.  50-60%.
D.  70-80%.
E.  90-100%.

 

4.  What are the warning signs of possible dental disease in animals?
A.  Redness of the gums.
B.  Bad breath.
C.  Loose teeth.
D.  Discolored teeth.
E.  Broken teeth.
F.  Tenderness around the mouth and/or teeth.
G.  Drooling or dropping food.
H.  Bleeding from the mouth.
I.  Loss of appetite or poor appetite.
J.  Weight loss.
K.  All of the above.

 

5.  True or False:  Your pet should have a professional dental checkup/cleaning once a year. 

 

Answers: 

 

1.  True.  Most dental disease occurs beneath the gum line where you can't see it, and bacteria that you can't see can damage the tissues connecting the teeth and jaw. 

 

2.  B.  Regularly brushing your pets teeth is the single most effective thing you can do between professional cleanings.  Daily brushing is ideal but since that's not always realistic, if you can brush their  teeth a few times a week, you'd be doing a great job!

 

3.  D.  About 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease by the time they're 3 years old.

 

4.  K.  All of these are indicators of possible dental disease in animals.  If you observe any of these problems with your pet, contact your vet.   

 

5.  True.  Annual dental care is key to maintaining your pet's dental health and recognizing any potential problems in the mouth. 

 

Well, hopefully you now know a little more about the importance of regular dental care for animals and how it can help them live a longer, healthier, and happier life.  So, what are you waiting for...call Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic or your own local vet today and get your furry friends scheduled for a dental checkup/cleaning so they can keep giving you that happy, healthy smile!

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!