January is Walk Your Pet Month

January 7th, 2012 by admin

What a great way to start the year!  Exercise is very important in helping your pet live a healthy and long life, and walking your dog can actually help you to meet your own fitness goals.  A recent study from the University of Missouri found that people who walk with dogs are more consistent in their exercise routine than those who walk with a human — what could be a better way to burn off those holiday calories?

Benefits of exercise:

  • Improves strength, fitness, flexibility and movement
  • Increases energy levels
  • Helps decrease stress and can help improve you and your pets mood
  • Improves sleep
  • Prevents boredom
  • Decreases bad behavior
  • Improves the bond between you and your pet
  • Prevents obesity

The type and amount of exercise needed can differ greatly with breed, age and energy level.  It is important to choose the right type of exercise for your pet with the help of your veterinarian.  Low energy dogs like Bulldogs or dogs over seven years of age only need about 30 minutes of exercise a day and this is usually in the form of slow, short walks or swimming.  Medium-energy dogs, like German shepherds or Maltese terriers, need about 2 hours of exercise a day in the form of medium-paced walks or agility.  High-energy dogs like Border collies or Dalmatians need about three hours of exercise a day.

Cats too need daily exercise and setting aside 15-20 minutes a day will help keep your cat happy and healthy.  Cats are nocturnal animals which means they are at their most active at night.  Training them to exercise during the day will help you and your cat sleep at night.  Cats enjoy exercise like stalking, pouncing, climbing and hiding.

It’s always important to exercise safely with your pet.  Check with your veterinarian to choose which exercise is right for your pet.

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November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

November 12th, 2011 by admin

Cancer is the #1 disease related killer of pets.  Fortunately, with an increase in pet cancer awareness and newly available treatment options, more pets are surviving this life-threatening disease than ever before. 

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month.  Be aware of these early pet cancer warning signs:

  • Abnormal swellings that persist and grow
  • Sores that do not heal
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bleeding or discharge from a body opening
  • Offensive odor
  • Difficulty eating or swallowing
  • Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
  • Persistent lameness or stiffness
  • Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Make sure to contact your veterinarian if your pet exhibits any of these symptoms. 

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Rabies: A Fatal Disease That Affects People Too

September 19th, 2011 by AMH-Charlotte

Rabies is a generally fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can infect all warm-blooded animals, including humans.  The virus lives in the saliva, and animals can contract rabies from a bite from an infected animal.  In Europe, foxes are the main reservoir while in North America the skunk, fox, raccoon and bat are important sources of infection.  In Asia, Africa and Latin America the main reservoir is not wildlife but stray dogs, and in these areas human infection and fatalities are more common.  Rabies occurs in every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Most countries are affected with the exception of a few island countries such as Great Britain, Ireland, Japan and Hawaii. Norway, Sweden and the Iberian Peninsula are also free of rabies.

There is no treatment for an animal with rabies.  If rabies is suspected, the pet has to be kept in isolation and prevented from escaping or injuring someone. Your veterinarian is required by law to notify the local and state or provincial animal disease regulatory authorities.  These authorities will determine the steps necessary to properly protect the public.

All dogs, cats and ferrets should be vaccinated against this deadly disease.  THIS VACCINE IS REQUIRED BY LAW, and must be given by a licensed veterinarian.   Vaccination promotes the production of antibodies but is only effective if given before the virus enters the nervous system.  Rabies vaccines for dogs, cats, horses and ferrets are extremely safe and effective.

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Spaying & Neutering

April 13th, 2011 by admin

So your puppy or kitten is getting older…what is next in providing the best care for them? When your pet is about 5-6 months old, we recommend having them spayed or neutered. This is an important decision for pet owners. There are several reasons for this recommendation:

Good for Your Pet

  • Spaying and neutering helps pets live longer, healthier lives.
  • It can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.
  • For your female pet, spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle.
  • Neutering your male pet eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.

Good for You

  • Makes pets better, more affectionate companions.  
  • Spaying your pet eliminates her heat cycle.
  • Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered.
  • Can make pets less likely to bite.
  • Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.

Good for the Community

  • Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted animals. 
  • Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals.
  • Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs.
  • Some stray animals also scare away or kill birds and wildlife. 

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Vaccinating Your Puppy or Kitten

March 7th, 2011 by admin

If you are about to add a new puppy or kitten to your household make sure to acquire documentation of vaccination status and previous veterinary care so that you may continue your pet’s care seamlessly.  Potentially dangerous, disease-causing organisms are part of your new addition’s environment.  Puppies and kittens are at the highest risk for exposure to infection because their immune system is not fully developed.  Puppies and kittens start their vaccinations between 6-8 weeks of age, and then continue them throughout their life.  Most of the viruses your pet will be vaccinated against cause infections that are fatal such as Rabies and feline leukemia virus for kittens, and Rabies, Distemper virus, and Parvoviral enteritis for puppies.  In addition, taking your pet to “get its shots” on a regular basis is one of the easiest, most important ways you can protect your pet’s good health, because it also ensures that your veterinarian has the chance to examine your pet regularly to detect any problems before they become serious threats.

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Dental Care at Home

February 22nd, 2011 by admin

At some point, most pets do need to go under anesthesia for a thorough dental cleaning. By taking some simple steps at home, however, you may be able to decrease the frequency these cleanings are needed and help prevent problems that result in more extensive dental work.

  • Brush your pet’s teeth! Even if you can’t brush every day, developing a routine with your pet is one of the most effective ways of stopping plaque and tartar buildup.
    • Introduce your pet to tooth brushing slowly using lots of praise. Start by introducing your finger into the mouth (dipping it in something tasty like broth or tuna helps!)
    • Keep sessions short and positive!
    • Once your pet tolerates your finger, you can slowly introduce a soft, wet toothbrush.
    • Once your pet tolerates brushing you can introduce him to a special veterinary toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste for your pet.
    • Don’t force it. Some pets do not allow their teeth to be brushed.  If your pet becomes irritated or aggressive, don’t push the issue.
  • Utilize products advocated by your veterinarian to help prevent plaque and tartar. Certain treats and foods have been shown to help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. These are particularly helpful for pets that do not tolerate brushing.  We would be happy to assist you in selecting products appropriate for your pet.
  • Avoid table scraps! These increase the speed at which plaque and tartar accumulate, as well as causing other problems.
  • See your vet. Your pet’s semi-annual wellness appointments are the best time to discuss your pet’s dental health and what further steps should be taken.

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Tuna Breath

February 15th, 2011 by admin

Dental cleaning is important for all of our furry friends.  But did you know that cats are predisposed to several conditions besides periodontal disease that dogs do not experience?  These make dental examinations and cleanings even more important for our feline companions.

Feline gingivostomatitis is a condition in which the cat’s body becomes allergic to the plaque around the teeth.   Affected cats develop very painful swellings in the mouth that can cause difficulty eating and even grooming.  Many treatments exist may be tried, however often the most effective treatment is removal of all or most of the teeth.

Over half of kitties over the age of six will experience feline oral resorptive lesions.  This painful condition results when normal cells in the tooth called odontoblasts create holes in the tooth near the gumline similar to a cavity.  As these progress they can become infected and excruciatingly painful. The underlying cause for feline tooth resorption is unknown at this time.  Cats with this problem may show pain, exhibit drooling, bleeding from the mouth, or have difficulty eating. Treatment may include removing all or part of the affected teeth.

By allowing your veterinarian to perform recommended dental procedures these problems can be addressed early, allowing your cat to spend more time thinking about his catnip mouse and less time about a painful tooth.

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Behind Closed Doors…

February 8th, 2011 by admin

Despite the best of efforts, most pets can benefit from having a dentistry performed at some point in their life.  In fact, you should plan for your pet to require a dental cleaning every 1-2 years after 3 years of age (this may vary between animals).  But what really happens when you drop your furry friend off for this procedure?

1. General anesthesia
In order for your veterinarian to provide the best care for your pet full anesthesia is required.  An awake animal will not tolerate a thorough cleaning and full examination of the mouth.  The veterinarian customizes a safe anesthetic protocol for each individual pet.  Anyone who claims to be able to perform this procedure without anesthesia likely does not have your pet’s best interest at heart.
2. Thorough oral exam and charting
The mouth and each tooth are extensively examined, a procedure that is impossible to fully do in a conscious animal.  Dental radiographs (x-rays) are often taken in order to identify problems with teeth that may appear normal on the surface.  Periodontal probing helps to identify disease.  Any concerns are noted on your animal’s dental chart and diseased tissues or teeth addressed.
4. Extractions and Surgical Treatments
Any diseased teeth or tissues identified during the examination and dental x-ray process will be addressed.  This may involve removing teeth that cannot be saved or that are causing your pet problems.
3. Scaling
Plaque and tartar is removed from above and below the gumline.  Cleaning the subgingival tooth (below the gumline) is vital to remove disease-causing bacteria.
4. Polishing
Scaling the teeth creates a slightly rough surface where plaque and calculus can accumulate.  Polishing smooths the tooth surface in order to make the effects of your pet’s dental cleaning last longer.
5. Additional treatments
Your veterinarian will apply a fluoride treatment in order to help keep your pet’s teeth healthy longer.  Other treatments such as the application of a barrier sealant may also be performed if deemed appropriate for your pet.

Most dental procedures are outpatient procedures.  Your veterinarian will provide instructions regarding home dental care and future recommendations. Once you bring your pet home you may be instructed to feed softer food for several days or administer medication for pain or infection at home.  Your pet may be a little groggy from the anesthesia for 24 hours or so, but should be back to normal fairly quickly.  It is natural to be a little nervous about any medical procedure, but understanding the process helps to make it a little less scary.  By allowing dentistry to be performed you can improve the quality and length of your pet’s life.

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February is Veterinary Dental Health Month!

February 1st, 2011 by admin

Dental care is possibly one of the most overlooked aspects of caring for a pet.  We brush our teeth several times a day, visit the dentist a few times a year, and most of us still end up having an issue or two during our lifetime.  Pets are no different, yet some of them go their entire life without any dental care at all.  According to a study done by the American Veterinary Dental Association 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease by the age of three!

Bacteria combine with saliva and food on the teeth and gums, causing plaque to form.  Eventually this becomes a hard substance called tartar.  The accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth can lead to inflammation and destruction of the tissues that support the teeth, resulting in periodontal disease.  Untreated this can lead to oral pain as well as the eventual loss of teeth.  Perhaps even more devastating is the damage that can be caused to other organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys secondary to inflammation and infection.

Signs of oral disease include bad breath, changes in eating habits, and pawing at the face.  Some pets never show signs of a problem until it is too late, however.  Wellness checkups are the most effective means of detecting problems early and resolving them before permanent damage results. Make sure to ask your vet if it’s time for a dental check-up. Your pet will be glad you did!

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Ain’t Getting Any Younger

January 24th, 2011 by admin

Our pets are living longer than ever before thanks to advancements in care and medicine.  With this increased lifespan, however, comes increased susceptibility to disease.  By recognizing that our pets age more quickly than we do and taking appropriate precautions and actions, we can ensure that their golden years are quality years.

It is easy to forget that at around the early age of seven, our pets are considered to be senior citizens.  As a general rule, smaller breeds of dogs live longer than larger breeds.  Cats may even live longer.  Because they are aging at such a fast rate compared to humans, yearly exams may not be enough.  One year may be equivalent to 5-7 human years!  It is recommended that senior pets have a wellness exam performed every six months.  This exam may include all or some of the following:

  • A comprehensive physical exam:  The pet’s body systems are carefully examined in order to detect any signs of problems.
  • Complete blood count:  This test measures your pet’s red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets and may help diagnose things such as infection, anemia, and leukemia.
  • Blood chemistry:  These panels help your veterinarian determine how major organs, such as the kidneys, pancreas, and liver, are functioning.
  • Thyroid check:  The thyroid gland can be a problem, particularly in cats.  Blood tests can help to identify any problems.
  • Urinalysis:  Analysis of the urine may be used to detect the presence of protein, sugar, white blood cells or blood.  The ability of the kidneys to concentrate the urine is also observed.  Urinalysis can help to diagnose of urinary tract infections, diabetes, dehydration, kidney problems, and more.
  • Other tests or procedures based on physical exam or laboratory findings may be recommended.

Establishing baseline values can be valuable for even a seemingly healthy pet.  Many times subtle changes in lab work are the first sign of illness, and early detection almost always yields a better outcome.  The semi-annual checkup is also a great time to discuss difficulties and changes in your pet’s life such as behavior changes, differences in nutritional and exercise requirements, and pain.  This is a simple, effective way to help make sure your pet has many more quality years to come!

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