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February 2001 Issue
Happy Valentines Day
For this valentines day, why not spend a little extra time with the ones that love you unconditionally? Although they can't give a paper valentine, a box of chocolates (they
might eat them first!) or a dozen red roses, our pets give us love 365 days a year. Take your dog for a refreshing walk in the snow or let the cat love you by laying on the newspaper that probably just has bad news anyway. We can learn so much from our pets that can make our lives more meaningful. Take a nap. Don't be afraid to show affection. Be excited to see someone when they get home. Delight in the simple joys of a long walk or a new toy. Our pets can help us relieve stress at the end of the day, lower our blood pressure by just patting them and entertain us by doing simple little tricks. Be their valentine this February!
Health Check
This winter has been one of the coldest in the last few years. Don't let that keep you and your pet inside! With a few tips, both of you can stay in shape and keep those extra winter pounds off. Dress in layers and even put a coat on the dog if very cold outside and if they are short haired. Plan your route to be on shoveled pathways or at one of the many parks and playgrounds that have a lot of traffic to pack down the snow. Make sure paws are cleaned on return. Another winter safety
tip is to keep all antifreeze products away from pets as it is fatal to pets that drink it unless treated immediately.
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Training Tip of the Month
Crate training is an invaluable tool for a dog of the 21st century. It provides the dog with a safe place to go to as well as to keep it out of trouble when the owner is not able to watch the pet. It is best to start puppies in crates as soon as possible. They should be placed in
the crate not only when you are not home but also times when you are home but doing things like laundry, preparing dinner, etc. That way, the dog does not associate the crate with only your absence. The crate should be just large enough to have the puppy be able to lay down. It
should not be bigger as you are trying to mimic a den. If you have a large breed puppy, you can purchase or make a divider to adjust the crate size. The dog can continue to use the crate as the grow up and make it "their room."
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Pet Dental Health Month
February is pet dental health month so it is a special time to increase your awareness about the
importance of caring for your pet's teeth.
All puppies and kittens loose their baby teeth by their six month birthday. Depending on the breed, animal's mouths can be very different. Compare a Pug to a German Shepard. Due to size and variation, certain breeds may be more prone to dental problems or periodontal disease. Tartar accumulation (brown build up on teeth) and gingivitis (red gums) are the most common problems we see. Both can contribute to halitosis (bad breath) as well as discomfort and pain.
Some animals, especially cats, may have problems such as severe gingivitis even at a young age. This can be due to inherited traits and not just diet. Dry food may help but not in all cases. The best diet for good teeth is a natural diet without a lot of sugars and preservatives.
Dogs may like to chew on large fresh raw bones or specially made "plaque attackers" can decrease their risk of periodontal disease. The bones should be larger than the dog's mouth to prevent any choking. Cooked bones can splinter and should not be given. Be sure to make sure your pet is monitored when chewing a bone.
Tooth brushing can be very helpful. It does take a little getting used to for both the pet and the owner. There are specially flavored dental pastes (you don't want to share) that have special enzymatic action to help decrease gingivitis and plaque. You don't have to open the pet's mouth to brush, instead you can gently slide the brush or cloth against the teeth just inside the pet's cheeks.
For challenging cats, dental specialists say you can just put some paste on their food and it will help. Here at the office, we are able to provide dental care including routine cleanings as well as tooth extraction for when the tooth is damaged beyond repair. We have a high speed dental drill which cuts down on anesthesia time as well as improves recovery time for the pets.
Dental specialists are available in the area to provide laser treatment for gingivitis in cats
as well as root canals and other orthodontic procedures. So this month, go ahead and peek
inside your pet's mouth. Take a look and a whiff and see how healthy their mouth looks. Any
brown tartar or red line along the gums can be a warning sign of periodontal disease.
Please call the office if you have any questions about keeping your pet's mouth healthy or would like to schedule a procedure. A healthy mouth is an asset to everyone!
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In Memory
Mim Clark
Dexter Corio
Max Dickson
Jonesy Donnellan
McKinley Febiger
Jack Flynn
Klinka Fraizer
Sammy Lipkowitz
Heidi LoGrasso
Mitsu Lucantonio
Cuddles Newton
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Nikita Nolan
Puff Nolan
Charlie Pelletier
Guinness Phillips
Samantha Rizzo
Roxann Russell
Gizmo Silvonic
Katy Steele
Conan Sullivan
Snuggles Weiner
Calvin Wight
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