Firehall 4 Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions:
Heartworms
Fleas and Ticks
Scooting and Anal Glands
Arthritis in older pets
Spaying and Neutering
Dietary
Body Condition Score
Microchipping your pet
Changes with Age
Dental Care
Vaccination Importance
Bathing your pet
Online Prescriptions
What is Heartworm disease?
Heartworm disease (dirofilariasis) is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs. It is caused by a worm called Dirofilaria immitis.
Heartworms are found in the heart and large adjacent vessels of infected dogs. The female worm is 6 to 14 inches (2.3 to 5.5 cm) long and 1/8 inch (5 mm) wide; the male is about half the size of the female. One dog may have as many as 300 worms.
How do pets get Heartworms?
Adult heartworms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected dogs. They have been found in other areas of the body, but this is unusual. They survive up to 5 years and, during this time, the female produces millions of young (microfilaria). These microfilaria live in the bloodstream, mainly in the small blood vessels. The immature heartworms cannot complete the entire life cycle in the dog; the mosquito is required for some stages of the heartworm life cycle. The microfilaria are therefore not infective (cannot grow to adulthood) in the dog, although they do cause problems.
As many as 30 species of mosquitoes can transmit heartworms. The female mosquito bites the infected dog and ingests the microfilariae during a blood meal. The microfilariae develop further for 10 to 30 days in the mosquito and then enter the mouth parts of the mosquito. The microfilariae are now called infective larvae because at this stage of development, they will grow to adulthood when they enter a dog. The mosquito bites the dog where the haircoat is thinnest. However, having long hair does not prevent a dog from getting heartworms.
When fully developed, the infective larvae enter the bloodstream and move to the heart and adjacent vessels, where they grow to maturity in 2 to 3 months and start reproducing, thereby completing the full life cycle.
What do veterinarians recommend for prevention?
There are several products to choose from that our veterinarians recommend. Since heartworms are transmitted by mosquito, all pets can get them…including cats.
Heartgard
Interceptor/Sentinel
Revolution
When can I get my pet tested for Heartworms?
If you are unsure of your pet’s heartworm preventative history, we recommend that you get your pet tested immediately. Once your pet is six months old, they can be tested for heartworms. If they are tested before six months of age, the test could possibly come back negative but the pet could still have heartworms due to the life cyle time line of the worms.
When do I start my puppy on Heartworm prevention?
Puppies can be put on heartworm preventative as soon as they come in for their first set of vaccinations at 6 weeks. The heartworm preventatives that we recommend also prevent against intestinal parasites as well as heartworms. Since heartworms are very prevalent in this region of the country, it is imperative that you give your pets heartworm preventative.
What products do veterinarians recommend for flea and tick prevention?
There are several products to choose from that are recommended by our veterinarians. Flea and tick products only kill the parasite once they have taken a blood meal from your pet. You have to remember that these products are intended to be used on a monthly basis for best results. The following are our recommended products: (Please click on link for product detail)
Frontline
Advantage
AdvanTix ( NOT FOR USE ON CATS)
Revolution
My pet has a flea infestation, is there anything to get rid of the fleas immediately?
More than likely, if your pet has an infestation, it is due to a flea problem in your pets immediate environment. Once a flea population has been established in your house hold there is no quick fix to the problem. First things first, get rid of the fleas ON your pet. The veterinarians here can prescribe a one time medication (Capstar) that will kill most of the fleas that are on your pet, but it only lasts 4-6 hours. After administering the medication, have your pet bathed with a flea shampoo to get rid of any remaining fleas. While your pet is away being bathed, wash everything that your pet uses (bedding, pillows, blankets, stuffed toys, etc. ) The fleas lay eggs not only on your pet, but on their surroundings as well. Vacuum A LOT, the vibrations from the vacuum stimulate the pupae to come out of their sacs which are impermeable to most flea sprays. Also have an exterminator come to your home and SPECIFICALLY spray for fleas (only use an exterminator that guarantees their service, this way they will come out and spray again if the fleas return). After the exterminator leaves your home, vacuum again once the spray has dried.
I have seen little white worms in my pets stool sample, what are they and what can I do about it?
The worms that you are seeing are more than likely tapeworms and pets get them from ingesting fleas or eating dead rodents. Tapeworms are parasitic flatworms that are in the class Cestoda. All tapeworms spend the adult phase of their lives as parasites in the gut of a vertebrate animal (called the primary host). Most tapeworms spend part of their life cycle in the tissues of one or more other animals (called intermediate hosts), which are usually fleas but can be other vertebrates. When your pet or your home has a flea problem the chances of your pet ingesting a flea become very great. If you see these worms, please bring in a fecal sample to your veterinarian so we can insure that the worms you are seeing are tapeworms and that your pet does not have any other intestinal parasites that we should be concerned about. The veterinarian does not need to see your pet for this, a fecal sample will suffice. We will be able to give your pet a medication to kill the tapeworm and recommend a flea control product for your pet.
How do I apply the flea prevention?
Small pets
Large Dogs
Make sure that you spread the hair on the back of the neck or in between the shoulder blades so that you can see the skin before applying. Then squeeze the liquid from the tube as shown above.
My pet has recently started “scooting”, what does this mean?
Anal Glands
Typically scooting or dragging their rear end across the floor means that it is time for your pet’s anal glands to be expressed. Anal sacs are located near the end of the rectum and are usually expressed when a pet has a bowel movement. However, loose stools or diarrhea (which can be caused by a change in diet) can cause the sacs to become impacted. This impaction is quite uncomfortable for your pet and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. It could be possible that your pet would need to have their anal gland expressed on a regular basis i.e. once every two weeks to once a month.
Tapeworms
Pets get tapeworms from ingesting fleas. If you notice small white worms in your pets stool, or small pieces that look like "rice" you pet more than likely has tapeworms. It is important, before prescribing medications for this, to make sure that tapeworms are the only worms that you pet has. However, it is very important to get the flea population under control. If your home or your pets environment has a flea infestation the chances of them contracting the worms again is very likely. To control the flea population use a recommended flea prevention such as frontline, advantage, advantix, revolution or sentinel.
What are general signs of arthritis?
The signs may be hard to spot at first: your gray-in-the-muzzle Labrador retriever takes a little longer to get up in the morning, or your fuzzy Persian doesn't jump as high as she used to. As time goes on, it becomes more and more clear that your pet is having a hard time moving, and soon you realize that she is in pain whenever she walks, jumps, or even sits up. It can be a hard moment for a pet owner—learning that the animal you love has arthritis. Arthritis is a condition in which an animal's joints become inflamed. It is accompanied by pain, heat, and swelling in the joints, and it usually results in increasing stiffness and immobility. It doesn't have to mean a poor quality of life for your pet, however. There are medications, therapies, and ways you can accommodate your home to help your pet be more comfortable and enjoy her life with you.
Step One—Your Veterinarian
The first step in caring for your pet with arthritis is making sure the disease is diagnosed correctly. The symptoms of arthritis can be hard to distinguish—animals can't complain about their aching joints, so all that pet "parents" see is a response to pain. Animals with arthritis might avoid the activities they used to enjoy, stop jumping onto the furniture, or they might nip or seem upset when touched. Some animals may become depressed or change their eating habits; others may simply seem grumpier than usual. These symptoms can also indicate very serious problems, however, such as hypokalemia (low blood potassium) in cats, cognitive dysfunction, or certain cancers. To be sure your pet is healthy, it's important that you take you pet to the veterinarian if you suspect she has arthritis.
Your veterinarian can also help your pet by finding out what kind of arthritis she has, using a combination of a medical history, physical exams, X rays, blood tests, and occasionally tests on the fluid inside the joint or MRI imaging. Though it is relatively uncommon, sometimes arthritis can be caused by a bacterial infection inside a joint or an autoimmune disorder. These are treated with different medications than the more common osteoarthritis. Arthritis caused by hip or elbow dysplasia can sometimes be treated surgically. Your veterinarian needs to rule out these options before you move on to treating your pet's arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis in animals as well as in humans. Most elderly dogs and cats suffer from osteoarthritis to some degree. Over time, the cartilage that cushions joints wears down and bones start rubbing against each other. As the condition progresses, the friction can wear down and damage the bones themselves. This kind of arthritis can occur anywhere there is a joint, though it is most common and causes the most pain in the weight-bearing joints like the shoulders, hips, elbows, knees, and ankles. It can be easily seen in large-breed dogs, because their frames have to carry the most weight, but cats and smaller dogs are affected as well. Though there is no cure for osteoarthritis, it can be managed well through medical treatment, environmental adaptation, and diet and exercise.
How to treat arthritis?
After diagnosing your pet's arthritis and determining the severity of the disease, your veterinarian will decide which treatment will be most effective in treating her. In recent years, many new medications have made the treatment of arthritis much more promising. Your veterinarian might prescribe steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs to decrease the swelling in joints and make movement easier. Some veterinarians also recommend dietary supplements, which fortify the cartilage in damaged joints. It is very important that you not try to medicate your pet's arthritis on your own, however, as human anti-inflammatories and supplements can be dangerous for animals. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is toxic to cats, for example, and cats metabolize aspirin extremely slowly and are easy to overdose.
Surgery is also an option for some animals with arthritis, particularly younger animals. Veterinary surgeons can try to reconstruct joints to give them more stability, or they may perform an arthroscopy to remove chips of damaged bone. In some large and medium breed dogs, veterinarians will chose to replace the entire hip joint. In cats and smaller breeds, they may recommend removing the top of the femoral (upper leg) bone—the leg muscles are able to compensate for the loss. In some extreme cases, where joints are very painful, unstable, and immobile, a veterinarian may perform arthrodesis—"fusing" the joint together. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you how viable surgery is for your animal—depending on your pet's age and general health and the progression of the arthritis, surgery may or may not be an option.
What are the medications the Firehall 4 Animal Hospital Veterinarians recommend?
How can I modify their environment to make their life easier?
Even with treatment, arthritis makes animals less able to deal with the physical challenges of their world, whether it be slick floors, steep steps, or cold drafts. As your pet's human "parent," however, you have the ability to take some of those challenges away and make it easier for your furry friend to cope. A few alterations around the house can help your arthritic pet to move around more easily and confidently.
- Keep litter boxes and food and water dishes at a comfortable height, easily accessible, and on a non-slip surface such as a rubber bath mat or a piece of indoor-outdoor carpet. In a multi-level house, keep them on every floor.
- Supply a padded surface to cushion your pet's joints while she sits and sleeps. Pet store dog and cat beds will work, as will bean bag chairs and old mattresses. Place the padding in a warm, draft-free spot.
- Make slippery surfaces like wood or linoleum floors safer with non-skid runners, available at most home improvement and hardware stores.
- If your cat's litter box has high sides, cut a cat-sized opening in one side to let him step in and out easily, leaving one to two inches at the bottom to keep litter from spilling out.
- Ramps can help animals make it up and down stairs, on and off the porch, on and off the couch, and anywhere else where the jump may be too far for their sore joints. You can construct your own ramp with a sheet of heavy plywood covered in indoor-outdoor carpeting. Just make sure that both ends are completely secure when your pet is on the ramp, and be sure that the angle is not too steep.
- Some pets that are too stiff to use the stairs will try to use them regardless, possibly falling and hurting themselves in the process. Supervise your pet when she is using the stairs, and use a baby gate or sheet of plywood to keep the steps off limits the rest of the time.
- If you have large dog, a homemade sling can help you support a little of her weight as she tries to move around. Slip a long, wide strap made of leather, canvas, or a thick, durable fabric under her chest and hold one end in each hand. You can pull up on the ends to help her stand up and get her balance; you can also use the sling to help your dog into the car and up the stairs.
- A little warmth can help a sore animal get through a long night. Consider wrapping a hot water bottle in towels or tucking a microwaveable heating pad into your pet's bed.
- If your pet is used to spending time alone in the yard, be sure you have a clear view to keep an eye on her. Pets with arthritis are vulnerable to attacks from other animals, they can fall and injure themselves easily, and they can become very stiff in cold or damp weather. Stay by the window and watch them when they're outside; even better, sit outside with them.
- Groom your pet regularly. As animals lose flexibility in their joints, they can't reach around to scratch or groom themselves the way they used to. Cats, particularly, may develop matted or dirty fur—very upsetting to a finicky feline! Regular brushing will help your pet feel comfortable and allow you to spend some quiet, affectionate time with her.
There are other ways you can help your pet at home. Think about how she spends her day, what she likes to do, and where she has to go. Think about what you can do to make each activity less strenuous and safer. If she has a favorite place to sleep, consider how you can help her get there. If she wants to climb upstairs with you to watch TV, try watching TV downstairs. You have the best awareness of your pet's specific needs, and you may be inspired with some creative solutions!
Is Moderate exercise okay?
Once you have modified your pet's environment, you can modify her lifestyle as well. A little exercise can go a long way toward making your pet more comfortable. Light activity helps strengthen muscles, keeps ligaments and tendons flexible, prevents obesity and helps blood circulate to stiff joints. Many arthritic animals move more easily and with less pain after they "warm up" with a minute or two of walking or gentle playing. Your pet may be reluctant to move at first—it can be hard to convince animals to get up when their joints are aching. You may have to provide an incentive—trail Kitty's favorite feather toy across the floor or fill a Kong ball with food for your pup and make him chase after it. Make the exercise as positive an experience as possible by including lots of petting and affection before and after, or perhaps a healthy treat afterward.
Exercise has a flip side for arthritis patients, however. While a little moderate exercise is vital to your pet's health, exercise that is too strenuous can cause damage to their joints. You may have to keep a close eye on your pet to prevent her from overexerting and injuring herself, particularly if she has always been used to a lot of activity. Monitor her while she's exercising—watch for signs of exhaustion or pain, and stop the activity if you notice any discomfort.
Your pet will also benefit from a healthy diet and weight management. Obesity makes arthritis hard to manage. It increases the stress on an animal's joints and makes it harder for them to move. Arthritis patients do well on high quality diets, fed in controlled portions, which maintain their weight at a healthy level. If you can't feel your pet's ribs easily, consult your veterinarian about dietary and exercise management to bring her weight down to normal.
Is there any routine bloodwork that should be done?
We recommend running routine lab work on your pet if they are put on an anti-inflammatory to make sure that enzymatic activity in vital organs stay at appropriate levels. This should be done on a bi-annual basis.
The pet population problem
Every year, millions of unwanted dogs and cats, including puppies and kittens, are needlessly destroyed. The good news is that every pet owner can make a difference. By having your dog or cat surgically sterilized, you will do your part to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens and you will enhance your pet's health and quality of life.
Pet behavior and pet reproduction
Contrary to what some people believe, getting pregnant — even once — does not improve the behavior of female dogs and cats. In fact, the mating instinct may lead to undesirable behaviors and result in undue stress on both the owner and the animal. Also, while some pet-owners may have good intentions, few are prepared for the work involved in monitoring their pet's pregnancy, caring for the newborns and locating good homes for all the offspring.
What is surgical altering?
During surgical altering, a veterinarian removes certain reproductive organs. If your cat or dog is a female, the veterinarian will usually remove her ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. The medical name for this operation is an ovariohysterectomy, although it is commonly called "spaying." If your pet is a male, the testicles are removed and the operation is called an orchiectomy, commonly referred to as castration or simply "neutering."
While both spaying and neutering are major surgical procedures, they are also the most common surgeries performed by veterinarians on cats and dogs. Before the operation, your pet will be given a thorough physical examination to ensure that your pet is in good health. General anesthesia will be administered before the surgery making the procedure non-painful. You will be asked to keep your pet calm and quiet for a few days afterwards until the incision begins to heal.
What are the benefits of spaying and neutering?
Both operations lead to improved long-term health, prevent unwanted litters, and eliminate many behavior problems associated with the mating instinct.
Benefits to your female pet
Female dogs experience a "heat" cycle approximately every six months, depending upon the breed. A female dog's heat cycle can last as long as 21 days, during which your dog will leave blood stains in the house and may become anxious, short-tempered and actively seek a mate.
Female cats can come into heat every two weeks during breeding season until they become pregnant. During this time they may engage in behaviors such as frequent yowling and urination in unacceptable places.
Both female dogs and cats benefit from spaying, which eliminates their heat cycles and generally reduces the negative behaviors that may lead to owner frustration and, ultimately, a decision to relinquish the pet to a shelter. Most importantly, early spaying of female dogs and cats helps protect them from serious health problems later in life such as uterine infections and breast cancer.
Benefits to your male pet
At maturity (on average, 6-9 months of age), male dogs and cats are capable of breeding. Both male dogs and cats are likely to begin "marking" their territories by spraying strong-smelling urine on your furniture, curtains, and in virtually any part of the house. Also, given the slightest chance, males may attempt to escape from home in search of a mate. Dogs seeking a female in heat can become aggressive and may injure themselves and people by engaging in fights.
Neutering male dogs and cats reduces the need to breed and can have a calming effect that makes them less inclined to roam and more content to stay at home. Neutering your male pet also improves his health by reducing the risk of prostate disease, testicular cancer and infections.
What is the best age to spay or neuter my pet?
A dog or cat can be surgically altered at almost any age. Your veterinarian can advise you on the most appropriate time for your particular pet based upon its breed, age and physical condition.
Will the surgery affect my pet's disposition or metabolism?
The procedure has no effect on a pet's intelligence or ability to learn, play, work or hunt. Most pets tend to be better behaved following the operation, making them more desirable companions. Contrary to popular belief, the surgery will not make your pet fat. A balanced diet and exercise will keep your pet from experiencing the health risks associated with obesity. Ask your veterinarian to advise you on the best diet and exercise plan for your pet for each stage of its life.
Is the expense for the surgery really worth it?
Yes! This is a one-time expense that can dramatically improve your pet's quality of life. If you are still uncertain whether or not to proceed with the surgery, consider the expense to society of collecting and caring for all the unwanted, abused, or abandoned animals being housed in shelters — most with little chance of finding permanent homes.
Having your pet spayed or neutered is a part of responsible pet ownership and an important investment in your pet's long-term good health.
How fast do pets age?
Your pet ages seven times faster than you do; consequently, the potential for age-related
disease also progresses seven times as fast. At the age of seven (when your pet is about 50 in people years), we suggest biannual visits with your veterinarian. That may seem like a lot, but if you think of it in terms of how fast your pet is aging, it would be like a person going for an annual physical every 3 to 4 years. Also realize that large dogs age faster than smaller dogs.
The attached tables shows how old your pets really are and how fast they are aging.
Dog's Age |
up to 20 pounds |
21-50 pounds |
51-90 pounds |
over 90 pounds |
6 |
40 |
42 |
45 |
49 |
8 |
48 |
51 |
55 |
4 |
10 |
56 |
60 |
66 |
78 |
12 |
64 |
69 |
77 |
93 |
14 |
72 |
78 |
88 |
108 |
16 |
80 |
87 |
99 |
123 |
18 |
88 |
96 |
109 |
|
20 |
96 |
105 |
120 |
|
Cat's Age |
Human Years |
6 |
37 |
8 |
45 |
10 |
53 |
12 |
61 |
14 |
69 |
16 |
77 |
18 |
85 |
20 |
94 |
During biannual visits, ask your veterinarian to do a lab analyses-complete blood count,
urinalysis, fecal exams, and chemistry profiles. Having these tests done twice a year helps
veterinarians detect any age-related disease that your pet may be developing before the
disease progresses too far.
As your pet ages, the chances of its developing a life-threatening disease such as kidney
failure and cardiac disease increase. Prevention and early detection of these diseases are
imperative to extend the life of your beloved companion. Taking a preventive approach to
your dog's senior status could increase the amount of time you get to spend with your
companion.
Part of prevention includes controlling your pet's weight. This decreases the rate that your
pet ages and definitely decreases susceptibility to serious diseases. Older dogs naturally
decrease their activity and thus have reduced energy needs. It's not necessary to feed your
11-year-old Dalmatian, Johnny, as much as the 2-year-old Sparky. Ask your veterinarian
what diet and amount of food is best for your dog's age and activity level.
Besides increased veterinary visits and weight watching, be sure to monitor your pet's
behavior. Behavioral changes are some of the earliest signs of disease. Changes that may indicate a problem include confusion, decreased interaction with family members, inconsistent sleeping pattern, or loss of house training. You know your pet's behavior best, so trust your judgment.
Other behavioral changes are associated with specific diseases. As in humans, arthritis may
become a problem in senior pets. Watch for stiffness, lameness, reluctance to climb steps
or jump up, and perhaps difficulty rising after lying down. Dermatologic problems may also
increase with age because of metabolic changes. Increased water intake, increased
urination, increased weight loss, and decreased appetite may indicate developing kidney
disease.
Dental problems increase with age as well. Your pet may not need a full set of dentures like your
Great Aunt, but watch for increased salivation, bleeding, and inflammation, which may result in serious infection and loss of appetite.
Veterinarians understand that your pet is part of the family and they are willing to assist you
with your health care decisions as your companion ages. Your local veterinarian can help
you give your senior pet the best quality of life for as long as possible
Go ahead and take a peek inside your pet’s mouth. What do their teeth look like?
Mild Gingivitis
Margin of attached gingiva (gum) is inflamed and swollen. Plaque covering teeth. Treatment can reverse condition.
Moderate Gingivitis
Entire attached gingiva (gum) is inflamed and swollen. Mouth is painful and odor begins to be noticeable. Professional treatment and home dental care can prevent this from becoming irreversible.
Severe Gingivitis
Cherry red and bleeding attached gingiva (gum), gingiva is becoming destroyed by infection and calculus (tartar), sore mouth affects eating and behaviour, bad breath is present,
beginning of periodontal disease, may become irreversible.
Periodontal Disease
Chronic bacterial infection is destroying the gum, tooth and bone. Bacteria are spreading throughout the body via the blood stream and may damage the kidneys, liver and heart.
If you begin to see signs of gingivitis, contact your pet's veterinarian as soon as possible. There are several preventative measures that you can take help with this problem.
Why Dental Care?
Dental care of dogs and cats is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of pet health care. In fact, a recent AAHA study showed that approximately two-thirds of pet owners do not provide the dental care that is recommended as essential by veterinarians. What’s more, the American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three.
Dental disease doesn’t affect just the mouth. It can lead to more serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease, which makes it all the more important that you provide your pets with proper dental care from the start.
Periodontal Disease
Your dog breath and cat’s tuna breath aren’t something to be ignored – they could be indicative of an oral problem, and the sooner you have it treated by your veterinarian (and learn to care for it yourself), the sooner you and your pet can smile proudly.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth that takes hold in progressive stages. It starts out as a bacterial film called plaque. The bacteria attach to the teeth. When the bacteria die they can be calcified by calcium in saliva. This forms a hard, rough substance called tartar or calculus which allows more plaque to accumulate. Initially, plaque is soft and brushing or chewing hard food and toys can dislodge it. If left to spread, plaque can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, causing them to become red and swollen and to bleed easily.
As plaque and calculus develop below the gum line, professional cleaning will be needed to help manage it. If the plaque and tartar buildup continues unchecked, infection can form around the root of the tooth.
In the final stages of periodontal disease, the tissues surrounding the tooth are destroyed, the bony socket holding the tooth in erodes and the tooth becomes loose. This is a very painful process for your four-legged friend, but these problems can be averted before they even start.
What will be done when my pet has a dental cleaning?
It is recommended that regular oral examinations and dental cleanings, under general anesthesia, for all adult dogs and cats. We recommend these procedures at least annually starting at one year of age for cats and small-breed dogs, and at two years of age for large-breed dogs.
Pre-anesthetic exam — Whenever anesthesia is needed, special considerations are taken to help ensure the safety of your pet. Your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet to make sure she’s healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. Depending on your pet’s age and general physical condition, your veterinarian may also run blood, urine, and x-ray tests to check for any dangerous heart, kidney, or other conditions. Though there is some risk associated with any medical procedure, modern anesthesia is usually safe, even for older pets.
Anesthesia monitoring — During anesthesia, the monitoring and recording of your pet’s vital signs (such as body temperature, heart rate, and respiration, as well as other important factors) is important. This helps ensure the safety of your pet while undergoing anesthesia.
Scaling & Polishing — Veterinarians are advised to use similar instruments as human dentists to remove plaque and calculus from your pet’s teeth. To smooth out any scratches in the tooth enamel, polishing with a special paste is also recommended.
Fluoride/sealants — The application of an anti-plaque substance, such as a fluoride treatment and/or a barrier sealant is also advised. This can help strengthen and desensitize teeth as well as decrease future plaque.
Home Dental Care
Your pet’s dental care doesn’t rest with your veterinarian alone. As a pet owner, you play a pivotal role in helping ensure your pet’s dental health through regular teeth brushing. For more information on getting started, read our teeth brushing article.
Remember… pets can live longer, healthier lives if oral health care is managed and maintained throughout their lives. In fact, proper dental care can add as much as five years to your pet's life! Talk to your veterinarian about developing a dental care plan for your furry friend.
How should I go about brushing my pet's teeth?
Use the following process to clean the inside surfaces of your pet's teeth:
- Place your hand over your pet's muzzle from the top
- Gently squeeze and push his lips on one side between the back teeth (to keep his mouth open)
- Pull his head back gently so his mouth opens
- Brush his teeth on the opposite side
- Repeat this process for the other side
The entire process should only take a minute or two. If your dog or cat continues to resist, try gently wrapping him in a large bath towel with only his head sticking out. Above all, avoid overstraining and keep sessions short and positive. With plenty of praise and reassurance, your dental sessions can bring the two of you closer---a closeness that won't be marred by the perils of dog breath.
Home care can be improved by feeding your pet an unmoistened dry pet food and offering him hard biscuits after each meal. Both dry food and hard biscuits produce abrasion to help keep plaque to a minimum on the crown of each tooth.
Why is it a good idea to microchip pets?
Having a microchip ID implanted is one of the safest forms of pet identification! One in three pets will get lost during their lifetime. Without ID, 90% of pets are not returned to their owners. Collars and tags are a great way to identify lost pets, but they can easily come off or be removed. Microchipping is permanent, completely unalterable and does not change or harm the appearance of the animal in any way. The procedure is safe, inexpensive, fast and virtually painless for your pet. Microchips are not electric and cannot shock or harm your pet. Around the United States there are about 20,000 microchip scanners currently in use by shelters and veterinary clinics, so if your pet is ever lost, it can be scanned and identified.
What are the costs involved with microchipping?
To have your pet microchipped here at Firehall 4 Animal Hospital with the Home Again Microchip is $45.00. The procedure will only take a few minutes. Once implanted your pet, the chip can instantly be scanned by the Microchip reader. There is also a lifetime registration fee of $17.50 that is mailed directly to Home Again Pet Recovery Service along with the registration form you will receive when your pet has been microchipped.
For more information about the Home Again Microchip, please visit www.homeagainid.com
It is our policy at Firehall 4 Animal Hospital that we no longer engage directly with these companies because of legal and ethical concerns. We will, however, give you a written prescription free of charge at our office. It has also been brought to our attention from our drug representatives that no drug company in the U.S. will sell products to these companies because they are not licensed veterinarians. Therefore, we are not certain from where their medications are coming. You have the right to purchase your medications from whomever you choose, but we cannot be held responsible for any adverse drug reaction or illness caused by incorrect or expired medication. If you do purchase medications from online pharmacies we recommend that you verify that the appropriate medication was sent and that the medication has not expired. Your pet’s health is our primary concern. Thank you for your understanding in this matter and please contact us with any questions or concerns.
For more information visit:
Florida Board of Pharmacy disciplines PetMed:
http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/jun02/s020601a.asp
Novartis Animal Health Files Suit Against PetMed:
www.lvma.org/novartis_animal_health_files_sui.htm
Article is from Veterinary Economics: September 2003
Coming Soon: