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?

Quick Nutrition Facts

The next time you offer your pet "people" food think about these facts:

• Only 1 ounce of cheddar cheese for a 20 pound dog has the same number of calories as 2 1/2 hamburgers or 1 1/2 chocolate bars do for a person
• Do you know that for a 10 pound cat, 1 cup of milk has the same number of calories as 4 1/2 hamburgers or 5 chocolate bars do for a person?
• For a 20 pound dog, eating just 1 hot dog is the same as a person consuming 3 entire hamburgers or 2 whole chocolate bars.
• If a 10 pound cat ate just 1 ounce of cheddar cheese it would be the same as if a person ate 3 1/2 hamburgers or 4 whole chocolate bars.

There are "people" food treats you can give your pet without having to worry about making your pet overweight:

• Apples
• Carrots
• Bananas
• Green Beans
• Rice Cakes
• Deli Meat (small pieces, turkey or chicken)

Help Us Keep Your Pet Safe

If your pet is on prescription medication you might be wondering why periodic blood work and/or monitoring has to occur. Monitoring helps ensure lasting effectiveness and safety. We can catch adverse reactions sooner. Regular monitoring can guide us as we evaluate your pet for any side effects, potential complications and/or interactions with other drugs. If needed, we can make adjustments to keep your pet comfortable and to properly treat his/her condition. It may help us unmask hidden diseases. By testing your pet, we may uncover a hidden ailment or condition that requires attention or alters our recommended course of treatment. We can establish a baseline picture of your pet's health. When we know what's "normal" for your pet, we can determine when changes in your pet indicate areas of concern. This helps us evaluate the treatment plan and make adjustments as necessary. It can help us keep an eye on your pet's pre-existing conditions. Pets with certain conditions may respond differently to medications. By monitoring a pet with a chronic or notable health condition, we can watch for implications of the new medication and make adjustments if necessary. It helps us prescribe the proper medication. Every pet is different and may react differently to medications. We want to make sure your pet's medication is right for its age, size, breed and physical condition.

Hidden Health Problems-We may screen for some of the following conditions in determining your pet's health status.

Liver
Tests can indicate:

• Liver disease
• Cushing's syndrome
• Abnormalities resulting from long-term medications

Kidney
Tests can indicate:

• Kidney disease
• Renal failure
• Abnormalities resulting from long-term medications

Urinalysis and urine protein:creatinine ratio are used to better evaluate:

• Kidney function
• Kidney infection

Pancreas
Tests can indicate:

• Pancreatitis
• Diabetes mellitus
• Abnormalities resulting from long-term medications

Blood
CBC/Hematocrit are used to screen for:

• Infection
• Leukemia
• Anemia (low red blood cells)

Teeth
Dental exams uncover mouth infections, which can cause problems with vital organs.

Thyroid
Tests can indicate hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Heart
Tests can indicate heartworm disease.

Generally, if your pet is on medications for any of the following conditions monitoring is required:

• Arthritis
• Heart Disease
• Allergies
• Epilepsy/Seizure
• Hypothyroid/Hyperthyroid
  

Your Cat May Be At Risk

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FELV) are leading causes of illness and death in cats. FIV is the feline form of HIV. FIV only infects cats and is not transmissible to people. Both viruses affect cats in similar ways, and both can be deadly. Simply put, all cats are at risk. Even "indoor" cats should be tested to rule out the possibility of infection.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) urges all cat owners to have their cats tested for FIV and FELV, especially at-risk cats, sick cats and kittens. Early detection of infection will enable you to manage the disease, maintain the health of your cat, and will also help prevent the spread of infection to other cats.

What are the dangers of FIV and FELV?

• Found in every region of the United States
• Highly contagious
• Transmitted from cat to cat
• Can be fatal
• Few outward signs, and no "sure" signs
• Associated with illness and death of more cats that any other disease
• Weaken a cat's immune system

What are the risk factors?

• Fighting
• Time outdoors
• Contact with other cats (boarding, screen windows open in summer time)
• Newly adopted
• Sickness

Without testing, there is no way to know whether your cat is infected. Without a diagnosis, your cat cannot be treated properly. If you do not know the status of your cat, it may carry and possibly spread the disease to other cats.

What are the signs?
There are no "sure" signs of either disease. In some cats, signs don't appear for weeks, months or even years after they are infected.

Infected cats can show any of these signs

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Bite wounds
• Infected wounds
• Not drinking water
• Fever
• Bleeding or pale gums
• Behavioral changes
• Grooming changes
• Dull or matted coat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Mouth sores

What if my cat does have these diseases?
You and your veterinarian will have to carefully assess the health of the cat and develop a management plan to keep the infection down.

31 million cats are at risk for FIV each year and only 11% of cats at risk for FIV/FELV are tested.

If you answer yes to any of the below questions, consider having your cat tested:

• Has your cat had a bite wound?
• Has your cat been outside for even a brief period of time?
• Has your cat been exposed to any other cat whose status is unknown?

Cats are tested for FIV/FELV with a simple blood test that takes 20 minutes to run.

Pets Age Faster Than People

Does your pet act its age? Pets age seven times faster, on average, than people. Most dogs and cats reach adulthood by age two. By age four, many pets are entering middle age. And by age seven, most dogs, particularly large breeds, are entering their senior years. Because dogs and cats age so rapidly, major health changes can occur in a short amount of time. The risk of dental disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis and cancer all increase with age. Many of these diseases and conditions can worsen within a matter of weeks. Even pets that appear normal can have an underlying problem that may only be detected during an examination by your veterinarian. Because dogs and cats age so rapidly, they should receive an annual wellness exam.

Important information for cat owners:
There are more than 90 million cats in the U.S., or about 20 percent more cats than dogs. However, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats are brought to the veterinarian only about half as often as dogs. Some veterinarians believe cats hide illness better than dogs, and many times owners may not realize there is a problem. Behavioral changes can be early signs of illness in both cats and dogs. These changes are often less obvious in cats. Cat owners may not notice subtle changes in appetite, elimination or other behavior until an illness is advanced. The risk of cancer, periodontal disease, obesity, kidney disease, thyroid disease and diabetes increases with age in cats. In addition to bringing your cat to the veterinarian for a wellness exam, pay close attention to changes in you pet's weight, food and water consumption, elimination, grooming and other behavior. Your ability to perceive and respond to subtle changes can make a big difference in the life and health of your cat.

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