Kids and Healthy Pets

WWW.PetDental.Com is a website with tools to teach kids that dental care is important not only for their pets, but also for themselves!

Play this video for your kids that highlights the importance of dental care for their pets.

Click here to play

Healthy Teeth = Healthy Pets!!

Most people to not realize it, but oral disease is the number 1 most common health problem for pets. Over 75% of cats and dogs have developed periodontal disease by age 3. Periodontal disease that goes untreated can lead to tooth decay or tooth loss. The presence of bacteria in the mouth can spread through the bloodstream to the heart, kidneys and liver causing secondary problems. The good news is that dental disease is easily identified and treated and can be prevented by working with your veterinarian.

Plaque accumulates on your pet's teeth over time. If this is not removed manually, the plaque forms tartar. Tartar below the gum line causes inflammation of the gingiva and around the root of the tooth.

Signs you may see include: Yellow to brown discoloration of the teeth, red or bleeding gums, bad breath, drooling, swellings around the mouth or below the eyes, difficulty eating, missing teeth or a decrease in appetite.

Prevention is important!

Routine brushing at home make a significant difference in preventing tartar build up. Work with your veterinarian to develop a schedule of how often and with what types of tooth brushes and tooth pastes you should use at home. Over the counter human products are NOT OK to use on your pets.

Yearly dental exams by your veterinarian are important for preventing dental disease. Routine cleaning and scaling done under general anesthesia by your veterinarian may be necessary to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and under the gum line where bacteria may be present.

Your pet is never too old to start dental care prevention. Talk to your veterinarian to help you and your pet develop the best dental care routine!

Pet vs. Partner

See this link from the Boxer show for some interesting stats about when faced with the question...

It's me or the dog

Onion Toxicity and more

Last week a small dog came in after the owners called and said the dog had ingested an onion. At first I didn't believe them, thinking about how much I hate raw onions. The owners said they found the dog with half an onion in his mouth standing at the top of the stairs so we told him to bring the dog into the clinic as soon as possible. The dog was stable during the initial exam and was given an eye drop medication to induce vomiting. After about 10 minutes he vomited 2 large piles of raw onion. The smell was so strong, it almost brought tears to my eyes!

Here are some common toxicities that can occur from ingestion of household items and the complications if medical treatment is not pursued. Anytime your pet ingests something that might be toxic, please call your veterinarian. Often times, waiting to see how the dog does can lead to a crisis situation.

1. Onions: Causes severe anemia and gastrointestinal irritation

2. Marijuana: Causes depression, hypothermia, slow heartbeat, vomiting and diarrhea, seizures and possible coma

3. Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol): Causes acute kidney failure leading to death, owners may notice drunken behavior after ingestion

4. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Causes anemia and lethargy, liver damage or failure, collapse, vomiting or diarrhea, facial or paw swelling, fast respiratory rate, shock

5. Pseudoephedrine (Decongestants): Causes increased heart rates, hyperthermia, pupil dilation and possible seizures. Owners may notice restlessness, pacing and agitation.

6. Human NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Naproxen): Causes GI ulceration or irritation, kidney damage, possible seizures and hemorrhagic shock. Owners often notice anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea, with or without blood present, weakness, and abdominal pain.

7. Nicotine/Tobacco (Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, Nicotine patches or gum): Causes increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, agitation, tremors, increased heart rate and respiratory rate and dilated pupils.

8. Bread dough (unbaked bread, pizza dough, or rolls): As the yeast rises it produces ethanol gas and once ingested begins to "bake" in the stomach. This causes bloat which can result in life-threatening Gastrodilation and volvulus (Think Marley and Me). Also may cause retching, vomiting, behavior changes, depression, weakness, and shock.

9. Chocolate and Caffeine: Your veterinarian should have information about the amount of chocolate and caffeine for the size of your pet. After any ingestion, call your veterinarian immediately and tell them how much was ingested. Ingestion may result in weakness, diarrhea, and increased heart rate. Death may occur due to respiratory failure, uncontrollable seizures or cardiac arrhythmias.

10. Grapes and Raisins: At this time, there does not seem to be a relation between severity of toxicity and dose of raisins ingested meaning that some dogs may not show any signs of ingestion. In some dogs, ingestion can lead to kidney failure, decreased to no urine production, vomiting, diarrhea and death.

11. Macadamia Nuts: Ingestion may cause vomiting, weakness, tremors, depression, joint pain and lameness and abdominal pain.

12. Xylitol (in Sugarless candies and gums): Ingestion can cause kidney disease, vomiting, weakness, seizures, bleeding disorders and possibly death.

13. Batteries (Lithium and Dry Cell): The 2 types of batteries act in different ways once ingested but both can cause ulcerations and necrosis of the tissue of the mouth, esophagus, stomach and small intestines. Perforation is also possible. Pets may drool excessively, not want to eat or paw at the face after ingestion.

14. Paint balls: Ingestion is generally non-toxic but can cause severe GI upset including vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and tremors.

15. Fluoride: Ingestion can cause GI upset, vomiting, pancreatitis and secondary metabolic changes can result in cardiac arrhythmias resulting in respiratory muscle paralysis (the animal is unable to breath). Owners may notice anorexia, vomiting, excess salivation, coughing and weakness.

There are many more household products that may be harmful if ingested. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian with questions. Other great websites to reference include the following:

ASPCA

Pet Poison Helpline

American Association of Poison Control Centers

Peek-a-boo

Maggie isn't a fan of this cold weather.

Products to help your pets this winter

Here are some great products that will help you and your pet make it through the winter healthy!


PawPro All Natural "De-icer", made to protect paws from the ice and cold conditions

http://cozywinters.com/shop/pawpro.html?utm_source=base&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=merchantadv&zmam=61752597&zmas=1&zmac=2&zmap=PawPro

Ruff Wear Grip Trex Boots help protect the pads from harsh road and grass conditions

http://www.rei.com/product/747456?preferredSku=7474560120&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-7474560120&mr:trackingCode=BB804FFE-FB85-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

Reflective Safety Dog Jackets keep dogs warm and are also safer when it's dark outside
http://www.kooldawgtees.com/K-9Reflective_Safety_Dog_Vest.html

Protect your pet this winter

Here are some tips to help protect your dog or cat this winter:

1. If the snow is deeper than the height to your dog's knees and elbows, shovel out an area for them to go to the bathroom. If the snow is higher than this, they will have a difficult time walking and may hurt themselves or stop going outside and start inappropriately eliminating in the house.

2. If your pet has long hair between the toes, keep it clipped short. Ice can form little cubes between them and this may be very painful for the pet. When returning from a walk, make sure to wipe of the pets paws to remove any chemicals, salt or ice.

3. When purchasing substances to prevent ice formation on your sidewalks and driveways, read the labels carefully. Be sure to not buy any products that are harmful to pets. Many will say "pet safe" on the label that is easy to read. Large pieces of salt can cut the pads of their feet.

4. Keep dogs on a leash during ice or snow. The colder weather affects their senses and often times pets can get lost and wander away. More pets are reported missing in the winter months for this reason.

5. If your cat has access to the outside, make sure there is a water supply available that is not frozen. In the winter storms, it becomes hard for cats to find the small rodents they usually eat so a fresh food supply should also be provided at all times. Access to barns or garages also makes surviving the winter months better for outside pets.

6. Never leave antifreeze, windshield fluid or coolants within reach of cats or dogs. Ethylene glycol is the main ingredient which is toxic and lethal to pets. These products also taste good to the pets, so do not let them drink from any puddles.

7. Cats like to curl up in warm places during the cold winter, including under your car and car engines. Always check under the car and tapping on the hood or honking the horn to be sure there isn't a cat under you car before you start it up.

Some other helpful links are below:

First Aid Techniques and First Aid Kit Supplies:
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_FirstAid.php

Companion animals kept outdoors or in other inhumane conditions:
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_HelpingAbusedAnimals.php

Backyard Dog, Outdoor Dog: Facts, Guidance, Solutions
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_BackyardDogs.php

Those are my thoughts!