Tips on Caring for your Pet’s Teeth

sadental 007 300x225 Tips on Caring for your Pets TeethAll of us know about the benefits of routine dental care for ourselves. Daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist, keep our teeth and gums healthy and comfortable. Unfortunately, routine dental care remains an often overlooked aspect of dog and cat’s overall health. Your pets, like yourself, deserve regular dental care.
As your pet ages, tartar starts to build at the junction of his gums and teeth. If this plaque is not removed, it will continue to accumulate and will start to work it’s way beneath  the gums. The tartar is made by a mixture of  bacteria and and saliva which in time can cause an infection. The infected gums cause bad breath and a constant bad  taste and breath for pets. If the tartar is not removed, it will result in more severe gum infection, loosening of teeth, pain when chewing, exposed nerves, abscessed teeth and eventually tooth loss.

Chronic infections of the teeth and gums can lead to problems elsewhere in the body too. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream from the infected teeth and gums causing infections in other organs like the liver, kidneys, heart and joints. Damage to these organs can substantially reduce your pet’s life with early development of kidney failure or heart disease. Good dental care can extend your pets live an average of 2 to 3 years by prevention of such problems.

9016349860467017 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teethplay Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth

Miniature and toy breeds exhibit dental problems more frequently and much earlier in life than the larger breeds. Cats are especially prone to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and cervical line lesions, a type of cavity or erosion of enamel that occurs on the tooth at the junction of the gums which eventually expose the nerves and destroys the tooth. As a result of the constant mouth pain, the cats stop eating and can loose weight .
You can help prevent dental problems in your pet by feeding a dry pet food or a pet food specifically for dental care. Daily brushing your dog or cat’s teeth with a pet toothpaste is the best way to prevent the formation of tartar. It is best to start teaching your pet to get used to the toothbrush when they are puppies or kittens. There are newer products available that can help you with your home dental care. Water additives, such Clenzadent, Enzadent, breathalyzer, Biotene and others have the ingredients to keep plaque from sticking to the teeth. The New CLENZ-a-dent PlaqueOff is a seaweed extract, which if ingested, is excreted through saliva and helps break down the biofilm on the teeth of the pet. I particularly recommend the use Clenz-a-Dent PlaqueOff with Clenz-a-dent water additive if daily brushing is impossible. (you can get these products in the clinic)
As with humans, your pet still needs regular dental exams, cleaning and extractions as needed. Under anesthesia teeth cleaned with an ultrasonic dental scaler is very similar to what your dentist uses, and then polished. Polishing smooths the surface of teeth to prevent future tartar formation. Your pet will also receive a fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth.

Other more advanced procedures such as root canal work, restorations and even braces are also available should your pet ever need them. We recommend you to be concerned about oral health of your pet, and keep in mind that there are effective treatments for dental problems in your dog or cat. Dentistry beyond your pet’s overall health care plan for a longer and happier life.
February is dental month, schedule your pet’s dentistry and receive 10% off.

clenzadd40 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth Clenz-a-dent is a complete line of dental care products for dogs and cats that is easy to use to increase pet owner compliance and offers enhanced efficacy driven by new molecules and delivery systems The active ingredients are RF2 (a member of the polygonaceae family of flowering plants) and PlaqueOff™ (purified seaweed extract, Ascophyllum sp.). Bacteria in the mouth produce a matrix called a bio-film in which they hide and multiply. The bio-film grows to form dental plaque which in turn gets mineralized into calculus. RF2 fights plaque and calculus where they originate by breaking down and destroying the bio-film.

Clenz-a-dent PlaqueOff™ is a highly palatable food additive that is top dressed daily on the pet’s food. Reduces plaque and calculus.

clenzrinse250 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth Clenz A Dent Mouth Rinse / Water Additive (250 ml)

Clenz-a-dent RF2 Mouth Rinse or Water Additive comes in a bottle that has a special nozzle that allows it to be applied directly to the animal’s mouth as a rinse or added to drinking water daily. Provides immediate relief of bad mouth odor.

clenzpastepoul Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
Clenz A Dent Toothpaste w/ Finger Brush – Poultry (70 gm)
 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth

Clenz A Dent RF2 Toothpaste is a palatable for the reduction of plaque and bad breath in dogs and cats. Clenz A Dent RF2 contains a unique patented ingredient. RF2 breaks down the biofilm made by bacteria present in the mouth. Biofilm is the first step to plaque and tartar build-up. Therefore Clenz A Dent RF2 disrupts the formation of biofilm and thus prevents plaque build-up and tartar. RF2 also restores the mouth’s natural bacterial balance. The combined actions of RF2 on tartar build-up and bacterial balance help fight bad breath

clenzchews24sml Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
Clenz A Dent Dental Chew Sticks Small (4 bags x 6 chews)
 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth

CLENZ-A-DENT S RF2 DENTAL STICK Sogeval TASTY DENTAL STICK FOR ORAL HYGIENE – Plaque and Biofilm control – Tartar control – Prevents bad breath – Advanced design RF2 – dental biofilm control 0 – 10 KILOS Composition: Cereals – Polyols – RF2

clenzchewssml Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
Clenz A Dent Dental Chew Sticks Small (6 chews)
 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth

CLENZ-A-DENT S RF2 DENTAL STICK Sogeval TASTY DENTAL STICK FOR ORAL HYGIENE – Plaque and Biofilm control – Tartar control – Prevents bad breath – Advanced design RF2 – dental biofilm control 0 – 10 KILOS Composition: Cereals – Polyols – RF2.

clenzchews24med Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
Clenz A Dent Dental Chew Sticks Medium (4 bags x 6 chews)
 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
clenzchewsmed Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
Clenz A Dent Dental Chew Sticks Medium (6 chews)
 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
clenzchews24lrg Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
Clenz A Dent Dental Chew Sticks Large (4 bags x 6 chews)
 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
clenzwax40 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
Clenz A Dent Dental Protection Wax (40 gm)
 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth

Clenz-a-dent RF2 Wax can then start acting immediately and prevent biofilm and plaque from appearing. If your pet undergoes a professional dental cleaning procedure,your vet can apply a wax containing RF2 at the end of the procedure.

enzadentoral Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
Vet Solutions Enzadent Oral Care Chews for Cats Fish Flavor (24 count)
 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth

Enzadent Oral Care Chews combines enzymes found naturally in your cat’s saliva with the natural abrading action of freeze-dried fish to help remove food debris before it becomes a problem. Remember: your cat depends on you and your veterinarian for all its health care. Ask your veterinarian about the many different home oral care options available to you.

enzadentkitpol Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
Enzadent Poultry Flavor Toothbrush Kit
 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth

The Enzadent Toothbrush kit for Dogs & Cats by Vet Solutions contains: 90g (3.2 oz) tube Enzadent Toothpaste, one Enzadent Fingerbrush and one Enzadent Dual-Ended Toothbrush. This is a great starter kit for your dog or cat.

dentahexrinse Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
Dentahex Oral Rinse by Vet Solutions (8 oz)
 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth

Dentahex Oral Rinse by Vet Solutions (8 oz) with Chlorhexidine 0.12% and Zince, is an antimicrobial oral rinse for reducing plaque and freshening breath in dogs and cats. The unique formulation provides anti-plaque and anti-calculus properties thus aiding in the prevention of tooth and gum disease. Contains: Water, Glycerin, Sorbitol, SD Alcohol 38B, Flavor, Chlorhexidine gluconate, Poloxamer 407, Zinc gluconate, FD&C yellow #5, FD&C blue #1. Directions: Shake well before each use. Rinse daily following each meal or as directed by your veterinarian. Gently lift the upper lip to expose the teeth and gums. Point and squeeze to apply a gentle stream along the gum line. Oral Rinse disperses rapidly and completely covers the entire oral cavity, even difficult to reach areas. Avoid touching the gums with the applicator tip to avoid any injury in case of movement of your pet.

corhykitforc Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit for Cats
 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth

The C.E.T Oral Hygiene Kit by Virbac for Cats includes toothpaste and a soft fingerbrush. Brushing your cats teeth is essential to help keep their teeth healthy and clean.

cetaquadent16 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth
C.E.T. AquaDent (16.9 fl.oz)
 Tips on Caring for your Pets Teeth

C.E.T AquaDent is formulated by veterinary dental specialists to help freshen your pet’s breath and prevent plaque accumulation when used in conjunction with a regular home dental care program. simply add C.E.T. AquaDent to your pet’s drinking water to provide clinically tested dental care every time your pet drinks.

Worms and Parasites in Dogs

parasites Worms and Parasites in Dogsplay Worms and Parasites in Dogs

Worms%20and%20Internal%20Problems Worms and Parasites in DogsThe Parasite Problem
Parasites are organisms that live in or on your dog, causing harm. Minimizing parasites is an important part of keeping your pet healthy. Some pet parasites can cause problems for people too, so keeping them out of your home is also good for you and your family.

The most common internal parasites of dogs live in the gastrointestinal tract. You may see some of these organisms in your pets feces, but a fecal analysis by your veterinarian is more reliable. Some parasites live in the bloodstream or other parts of the body. Blood tests may be required to detect these. Most internal parasites can be treated with medication available from your veterinarian.

Roundworms Almost all puppies acquire roundworms from their mothers. The worms look like curly pieces of spaghetti and may be several inches long. Heavy infestation with roundworms may cause a dull hair coat and pot-bellied appearance. Roundworms can also cause disease in children, so all puppies should be routinely tested and treated. The treatment is a simple oral medication, but it must be repeated two or more times. It is important to follow label directions exactly. You can help prevent the spread of roundworms by cleaning up animal feces as soon as possible, especially in your yard.

Tapeworms Tapeworms are one type of worm you may very likely see in your pets stool. The worms are long and flat (like a narrow piece of tape), but you will rarely see the entire worm. Small segments, resembling grains of rice or sesame seeds, break off periodically and appear in the feces or on the hair around your pets anus. Tapeworms are spread when your pet swallows an infected flea while grooming himself, or when he eats an infected animal, such as a mouse. Tapeworms may cause anal irritation, and some types can cause problems in children. You can prevent your pet from being exposed to tapeworms by controlling fleas and discouraging hunting. Your dog can be treated for tapeworms with an oral or injectable medication.

Hookworms Hookworms look similar to roundworms, but are smaller. Hookworms live in the small intestine where they feed on blood. They can cause severe anemia and even death in puppies. Hookworm larvae live in the soil, especially in warm, humid areas. They can cause skin infections in humans. Hookworms can be treated with an oral medication. Picking up animal feces immediately can also help with prevention.

Whipworms Whipworms get their name because part of the worm is short and thick, like the handle of a whip, while the rest is long and slender, like the lash. They are common in dogs. Whipworms can cause diarrhea and colitis. Treatment and prevention are similar to that for roundworms and hookworms.

Protozoa Protozoan parasites of the intestine include Giardia and Coccidia. All are microscopic. Giardia and Coccidia often cause diarrhea in puppies. Giardia can be spread to humans as well. Oral medications are available to treat for these organisms.

Heartworm Heartworms are worms that look very similar 213266 f520 Worms and Parasites in Dogsto roundworms, but live in the heart. Their microscopic larvae circulate in the blood and are spread by mosquitoes. Heartworms are common in dogs. Without treatment, heartworm infection causes damage to the heart and lungs and is often fatal. Therefore, prevention is crucial. A variety of convenient preventive medications are available from your veterinarian. Routine blood tests are recommended annually or more often if preventive treatment has been interrupted. Once infected, dogs can be successfully treated for heartworms, but the treatment is much more involved than that for intestinal worms.

Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

Chocolate%20Poisoning Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

Like people, most pet dogs find chocolate highly palatable. Unfortunately, chocolate contains stimulants that are toxic in high doses. Small dogs are at highest risk, since a relatively small amount of chocolate may contain more stimulant than they can handle.

How Chocolate is Harmful
Chocolate contains theobromine, a powerful stimulant related to theophylline (a respiratory medication) and caffeine. Chocolate also contains caffeine, but in much smaller quantities. Dark, unsweetened, and bakers chocolate have the highest concentration of theobromine. Milk chocolate, white chocolate, and confections that contain small amount of cocoa (such as cakes, cookies, and chocolate-coated candies) also contain the stimulant in lower levels.

Theobromine stimulates the central nervous system and the heart, increases blood pressure, and causes digestive upset. Signs of chocolate toxicity include excitement, agitation, or nervousness, thirst, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe poisoning can result in loss of coordination, seizures, coma and death.

Diagnosis of Chocolate Poisoning
If you know that your dog has consumed chocolate, tell your veterinarian the quantity and the type of chocolate. The amount required to be toxic depends on the type of chocolate and the size of the dog. If your dog has consumed a dangerous amount, prompt treatment can reduce the likelihood of serious illness. Unfortunately, dogs sometimes get into chocolate and other poisons without their owners knowing. This can make accurate diagnosis much more difficult.

cutepuppy Chocolate Poisoning in Dogsplay Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

 

german shepard Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

Treatment
If your pet can get to the veterinarian within 4-8 hours of eating the chocolate, it may be possible to prevent absorption of the toxin into the bloodstream. Emetics cause vomiting, which is removing the chocolate from the body when administered within four hours of exposure. A special absorbent medicine containing charcoal can be given up to eight hours after exposure. The charcoal binds to the chocolate in the intestine, preventing it from being absorbed and allowing it to be excreted in the feces. There is no specific antidote for theobromine, but animals that have already absorbed the toxin can benefit from IV fluids, heart medications, and anti-seizure drugs.

Preventing Chocolate Toxicity
Be sure to keep chocolate and all other potential poisons well out of reach of pets. Remember that unsweetened bakers chocolate is the most hazardous. Even though one or two M&Ms are not likely to be deadly, avoid the habit of feeding any amount of chocolate to your dog.

debragarrison Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

Dr. Debra Garrison

Worms and Internal Parasites in Cats

Worms and Internal Problems Worms and Internal Parasites in Cats

The Parasite Problem
Parasites are organisms that live in or on your cat, causing harm. Minimizing parasites is an important part of keeping your pet healthy. Some pet parasites can cause problems for people too, so keeping them out of your home is also good for you and your family.

The most common internal parasites of cats live in the gastrointestinal tract. You may see some of these organisms in your pets feces, but a fecal analysis by your veterinarian is more reliable. Some parasites live in the bloodstream or other parts of the body. Blood tests may be required to detect these. Most internal parasites can be treated with medication available from your veterinarian.19329501735046506 Worms and Internal Parasites in Catsplay Worms and Internal Parasites in Cats

Roundworms Almost all kittens acquire roundworms from their mothers. The worms look like curly pieces of spaghetti and may be several inches long. Heavy infestation with roundworms may cause a dull hair coat and pot-bellied appearance. Roundworms can also cause disease in children, so all kittens should be routinely tested and treated. The treatment is a simple oral medication, but it must be repeated two or more times. It is important to follow label directions exactly. You can help prevent the spread of roundworms by cleaning up animal feces as soon as possible, especially in your yard.

tapeworm infection 1 Worms and Internal Parasites in CatsTapeworms Tapeworms are one type of worm you may very likely see in your pets stool. The worms are long and flat (like a narrow piece of tape), but you will rarely see the entire worm. Small segments, resembling grains of rice or sesame seeds, break off periodically and appear in the feces or on the hair around your pets anus. Tapeworms are spread when your pet swallows an infected flea while grooming himself, or when he eats an infected animal, such as a mouse. Tapeworms may cause anal irritation, and some types can cause problems in children. You can prevent your pet from being exposed to tapeworms by controlling fleas and discouraging hunting. Your cat can be treated for tapeworms with an oral or injectable medication.

Hookworms Hookworms look similar to roundworms, but are smaller. Hookworms live in the small intestine where they feed on blood. They can cause severe anemia and even death in kittens. Hookworm larvae live in the soil, especially in warm, humid areas. They can cause skin infections in humans. Hookworms can be treated with an oral medication. Picking up animal feces immediately can also help with prevention.

Whipworms Whipworms get their name because part of the worm is short and thick, like the handle of a whip, while the rest is long and slender, like the lash. They are rare in cats. Whipworms can cause diarrhea and colitis. Treatment and prevention are similar to that for roundworms and hookworms.

Protozoa Protozoan parasites of the intestine include Giardia and Coccidia. All are microscopic. Giardia and Coccidia often cause diarrhea in kittens. Giardia can be spread to humans as well. Oral medications are available to treat for these organisms.heartworms Worms and Internal Parasites in Cats

Heartworm Heartworms are worms that look very similar to roundworms, but live in the heart. Their microscopic larvae circulate in the blood and are spread by mosquitoes. Heartworms are seen infrequently in cats. Without treatment, heartworm infection causes damage to the heart and lungs and is often fatal. Therefore, prevention is crucial. A variety of convenient preventive medications are available from your veterinarian. Routine blood tests are recommended annually or more often if preventive treatment has been interrupted.

debragarrison Worms and Internal Parasites in Cats
Dr. Debra Garrison

Switch to our mobile site