Keep Your Pet Healthy And Happy

This is a great article about how to keep your pet healthy and important tips to remember throughout your pets life. Check it out: Keep Your Pet Healthy And Happy

Protect Your Dog From a Common Respiratory Disease

Infectious tracheobronchitis (ITB) is the medical term for "canine cough." The most prevalent upper respiratory infection of dogs of all ages, ITB is recognized by a persistent, hacking or honking, gagging, sometimes spasmodic cough. ITB can last for days or weeks if left untreated. It is also extremely contagious.

What causes ITB? ITB can be caused by various viruses and bacteria acting alone or in combination. These include:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica, the bacteria most often isolated in dogs with ITB
• Canine parainfluenza virus
• Canine adenovirus-2

Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria are widely present in dogs. Whooping cough in humans is caused by a closely related organism.

Is your dog at risk?

• ITB is easily transmitted when dogs cough or come in contact with each other or with contaminated premises.
• Most dogs have not been vaccinated for Bordetella and could potentially be carriers of ITB.
• Puppies are at a greater risk of Bordetella infection because they have not been vaccinated or previously exposed.

Risk of ITB is increased if any of the following risk factors apply:

• Dog lives in a multi-dog household (introduce new dog or friends/relatives bring dogs over to visit)
  
• Free access to unmonitored outdoor activity (ITB often gets passed from "neighbor dogs")
• Visits to dog parks
• Often kenneled for boarding or grooming, or commercially transported (airplane, etc)
• Chronic heart or lung disease
• Attending dog training classes
  

Why protection from ITB is important:

• Severe ITB can lead to prolonged or chronic bronchial disease and pneumonia
• Even after recovery from ITB, dogs take weeks or even months to clear Bordetella organisms from their respiratory tracts
• Dogs with ITB may experience spasmodic coughing
• ITB is a disease of inconvenience that deprives dogs (and owners) of sleep, limits activity and may require treatment with antibiotics and cough-suppressant drugs

Protecting your dog from ITB:

• If your dog is at risk of ITB (see risk factors above) then we recommend administering the Bordetella vaccine
• If you have any questions about whether or not your dog is at risk please call our office

ITB is preventable as long as you keep your dog protected on a yearly basis with routine vaccinations.

February is Dental Awareness Month: Pets Need Dental Care Too

Dental Prevention Month

February is dental prevention month. Stop by and pick up your sample dental kit!!!

You can also enter to win a free dental kit! We will draw 2 names a week to win a free dental kit ($30 value).

Dental kits contain: CET toothpaste, CET dental chews or Tartar Control treats for cats and Biotene plaque removing drinking water additive (odorless & tasteless).

All of the above products are easy to use and require minimal work. The best part is, you don't even have to brush your pet's teeth!

Dental kits are available for purchase. The cost of a Dental Kit is $30.00. Those who purchase Dental Kits will receive a free one after 10 purchases! Even better, Willoughby Pet Clinic will donate a portion of the Dental Kit proceeds to local animal welfare organizations.

The kit should last a month to two months depending on how often the products are used.

Dental disease affects both dogs and cats! The good news is, dental disease is preventable. If gone untreated dental disease can result in tooth loss, jaw bone damage, gum disease, organ damage and infection throughout the body.

For a DOLLAR a day you can prevent dental disease in your furry friend! Ask us how...we are here to help.

Also, anyone who schedules a dental in the month of February will automatically be entered into a drawing to win 20% off a ROUTINE CLEANING!

If you are not sure if your pet needs a dental cleaning please call and ask. We would be happy to help you.

Please note, if you cancel/reschedule your dental after it is scheduled you forfeit your opportunity to win 20% off.

Our goal for 2010 is to get more of our clients preventing dental disease in their pets!

We want all of our patients free of dental disease. After all it is preventable!

Are Pets Supposed to Have Bad Breath?

The answer is no. One of the most common problems we see with pets is gingivitis. Just like humans, pets can get gingivitis, which leads to tooth decay. Bad breath is more than just a nuisance to you. It's an indication that your pet's teeth need attention. As tartar builds, it irritates the gums and leads to bad breath. It could also be a sign of periodontal disease---a condition that has been linked to heart, kidney and liver problems. Ultimately a shorter lifespan for your pet.

Important Terms to Know:

Periodontium
The structures that support the tooth.

Gingiva (gums)
Soft tissues that cover the bones surrounding the teeth.

Cementum
Tissue that attaches the tooth root to the periodontal ligament.

Plaque
A film of bacteria that forms on teeth daily, leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Calculus (tartar)
Mineralized, crusty deposits that irritate gums when plaque is not removed.

Periodontal Disease
Painful oral disease that can lead to tooth loss and organ disease.

Gingivitis
Inflammation of the gingiva.

Periodontitis
Inflammation and disease of the tooth support tissues.

Facts
85% of all dogs over one year of age have some degree of periodontal disease, but only 3% get treated.

72% of all cats older than five years have at least one painful FORL (feline ondoclastic resorptive lesions). They can be likened to a cavity and are extremely painful.

Dogs are diagnosed with dental disease more than any other affliction.

Studies show that 70 percent of cats show signs of gum disease (gingivitis) by age three. Symptoms include yellow and brown build-up of tartar along the gum line, red inflammed gums and persistent bad breath.

Signs & Symptoms of Poor Oral Health

• Persistent bad breath
• Sensitivity around the mouth
• Pawing at the mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Plaque
• Bleeding, inflamed, or receded gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• Difficulty eating and chewing food
• Chronic licking

What can you do?

Brush your pet's teeth daily with approved pet toothpaste. If using a toothbrush is too difficult simply apply the toothpaste on their teeth with your finger. You can also put the toothpaste inside a kong or on a bone. The important part to remember is getting the toothpaste on their teeth and gums.

Use a plaque removing drinking water additive. This can be added to their water and consumed daily. It helps to reduce plaque and provides an easy way to keep their teeth healthy.

Provide dental chews and bones for your pet. CET chews are a great product. They are made for dogs and cats. CET chews are infused with enzymes that reduce tartar and plaque buildup.

OraVet plaque prevention gel can be applied to your pets gum line weekly. Typically this is applied after your pet has had OraVet applied as a sealant during a dental. OraVet works to reduce bacteria that can cause bad breath and help extend the time between cleanings. Applying OraVet takes less than 60 seconds. OraVet is completely odorless, tasteless and invisible once applied.

Routine dental cleanings will also make a dramatic difference in your pet's oral health. Typically between the age of 3 to 5 years pets will need their first dental cleaning. This can be established at the time of their yearly physical exam. Some pets will need routine cleanings once a year; some needs it every 6 months. Establishing a routine of consistent cleanings will make a huge difference down the road! We have found that owners who routinely have their pet's teeth cleaned from an early age on, are less likely to need tooth extractions due to severe periodontal disease. Ultimately, without all the plaque, calculus and bacteria build up your pet will experience fewer complications of the liver, kidneys and heart as they age. This means a longer, healthier lifespan for your furry companion!

If you have any questions about providing oral hygiene for your pet please let us know!

We do carry pet safe toothpaste, drinking water additives and dental chews! Of course we have Dental Kits!

Will you protect your pet's mouth?