Do you brush your teeth every day? Well, I hope you do. Do you brush your pet’s teeth even weekly? Monthly? Ever? It’s recommended you brush your pet’s teeth two to three times a week, but many owners don’t. February is Pet Dental Health Month, which is designed to bring awareness to a big problem: dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. We think dental health is something that pet people should pay attention to all year round, but this gives us a chance to educate those who may not know how important it is!
By the age of 3, 80% of pets have some form of periodontal disease. When plaque begins to build up it is soft, but over time it becomes calcified and makes it easier for more plaque to accumulate. The bacteria and tartar eat away at the teeth and gums, causing lesions, infections, and even bone loss. Plaque then begins to build under the gum line, eroding the tooth root and other support structures. This can lead to tooth loss and abscesses which go unseen, but cause acute pain to your pet. Bacteria is swallowed and enters the bloodstream through the damaged gums, making its way to the heart and other organs. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to kidney and liver disease, and heart problems.
Symptoms of severe dental problems in your pet can include excessive drooling or licking, red or bleeding gums, pawing at the mouth, trouble chewing food, loose teeth, tumors on the gums, facial swelling (especially under the eyes), and bad breath. Your veterinarian will examine your dog or cat’s mouth and look for any problems at their regular wellness exam, but if you notice any of these signs at other times, it’s best to set an appointment to have them evaluated.
When we prepare your pet for a dental cleaning, blood tests are done to evaluate all the systems that may be affected by dental disease and to assess your pet’s suitability for anesthesia. Your veterinarian will do a full physical exam. Once sedated, all teeth are scaled and polished to prevent future plaque buildup and the dental technician charts the appearance of all teeth for future reference. Pockets in the gum, where it has separated from the tooth, are measured and we examine the teeth under the gum thoroughly, where most problems are. Dental x-rays are done to check for abscesses, bone loss, and other problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye. If any teeth need to be extracted, the veterinarian removes them and assesses the site. The vet will communicate with you and let you know of any serious findings. We also take before and after pictures, to show the severity of the problem and the improvement from cleaning.
After a dental, your pet’s doctor will advise you what aftercare you will need to provide. This may include antibiotics, anti-plaque rinses, regular brushing, a prescription diet, special treats or chews, and regular brushing. While gingivitis and infection can be reversed, bone loss and pockets cannot. Make sure to maintain your pet’s healthy teeth once they have been cleaned to avoid pain and tooth loss. Regular exams and yearly dental cleanings will keep their mouth in its best possible shape.
Here is a great video from the AVMA with Dr. Sheldon Rubin demonstrating how to brush your pet’s teeth.
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Before a dental cleaning
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After a dental cleaning
Tags: Animal Health, Atlanta pets, Briarcliff Animal Clinic, cat, dental health, diabetes in pets, dog, Pet ownership, pet tips, Physical Exam
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Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
They do exist, and they’re menacing. Our 20-lb. Panther is the alpha cat, and he doesn’t allow dogs in the house. He always wins fights amongst the cats, but he doesn’t hurt anyone. I’m pretty convinced he’d try to kill a dog if we let him.
When I was a kid, our cat had kittens. A Rottweiler got into our yard while she had them outside with her. Annie chased that dog out of the yard and down the block, and he never came back. I’m sure that was because she was being protective of her kittens, but Panther takes things to a new level. One of our old apartments had a sliding glass door to the back porch. He would attack the door any time he saw a dog walking by.
After a growth removal next to his ear several years ago, Panther had to wear an E-collar (the infamous cone of shame) while it healed. Our neighbors brought their basset hound over, and Panther proceeded to chase him around the house growling and swatting his behind, cone and all. The hound’s baying was heard three counties over.
Recently another friend stopped by while walking his lab/pit bull mix, and we invited him in. Panther scared that poor boy so much he did a back flip into our dining table.
He’s never met a dog he likes, or one he thinks he can’t take. Funny enough, the dogs only want to be his friend. I’m guessing if he met a cat-aggressive dog he may stop being so belligerent. I don’t know what he would do if we tried to introduce a dog into our household, but I don’t know what we could do to end the hostilities.
Have you ever met a cat who attacks dogs without provocation? What did you do?
Tags: Animal Health, Atlanta pets, Briarcliff Animal Clinic, cat, dog, Pet ownership
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Monday, January 9th, 2012
Winter has finally arrived! Just in time for us not to have a nice long holiday to look forward to. How do you keep your pets active and engaged when it’s so cold?
Playing fetch and taking your dog for long walks isn’t appealing when the wind chill is 9°, but the right clothing can make a huge difference. Get him a nice warm coat (that covers his underside, too!) or even booties for those who have trouble walking on the hard, cold ground. And the more active you and your dog are, the warmer you’ll both be. Off-leash play time helps get their heart rates up, but be careful if there is snow or ice on the ground – it’s harder for them to find their scent and subsequently their way back.
Indoor cats are used to being cooped up, but dogs can get into trouble if they don’t have something to do. You can play hide and seek with your dog in a couple of ways: have your dog stay and go hide with your pockets full of treats, or hide his toys with just a piece sticking out so he can find it. This is more mental stimulation than physical exercise, but it will keep him busy and happy! Playing tug-of-war with a sturdy toy is another good play option. If that’s just not cutting it for your companion, some places offer indoor training classes. (Our puppy kindergarten classes on Sunday mornings are inside!)
Having a feather toy or laser pointer is a good way to entertain your cats. You can also get puzzle toys for both canine and feline friends. You hide a treat in the toy and they work out how to get to it. This engages her both mentally and physically, giving her a nice reward for solving the puzzle. Make her earn those treats!
Above all, make sure your pet is safe. After spending time outside, wipe any snow, salt, or antifreeze off of their clothes or fur, and make sure you haven’t tracked any in on your shoes. The first two can irritate their coat and skin, and antifreeze can be deadly. Animals who spend more time out in the cold will need more calories to keep themselves warm, but don’t overdo it. Don’t leave your pet in your car in the cold weather, just as you wouldn’t in the heat. Bang on the top of your hood before starting your car – outdoor cats curl up in the warm space for heat, but they can be severely injured if you turn on the engine with them inside. Make sure your pets have a nice warm bed to curl up in for naps or at bedtime. They need their rest, and being cozy is just as important to them as it is to us!
Tags: Animal Health, Atlanta pets, Briarcliff Animal Clinic, cat, dog, Pet ownership, pet tips
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Wednesday, January 4th, 2012
Have you made any new year’s resolutions? Do they involve being more active? Eating healthier? Spending more time with your family? They usually start out with the best of intentions, but quickly fall by the wayside. We lead busy lives and it’s hard to find time for the important things, like taking care of ourselves and our loved ones.
On January 1st, there is always an upswing in gym memberships. People are gung-ho in the beginning about how well they’ll do this year – not like last year. We went for a hike up to Amicalola Falls and it was crowded, with so many people walking their dogs on the trails. Fresh air and sunshine is always good, but it’s easier to come by when the weather is beautiful.
One thing to keep in mind: no matter your physical state or amount of free time, be thankful for what you do have. There are many in the world who have less, human and animal. Shelter pets long to have a home of their own. Homeless animals wander the streets, just trying to survive. Other creatures are subjected to pain and suffering, the likes of which we will fortunately never know.
If you can, be generous and give to those who are in need. Donate to your local shelter, or support another cause that is close to your heart. Briarcliff Animal Foundation works year round to ensure that pets who are in need of medical treatment, whether homeless or in a home that is short on funds, get the care that is so essential. If you can’t donate, volunteer your time. If you don’t have time, just send up a prayer or a loving thought for the animals who need love.
Above all, be thankful for your blessings, and try to contribute to the well-being of others. That is what will make it a Happy New Year.
*To donate to B.A.F., please see our firstgiving site.
Tags: adoptions, animal abuse, Animal Health, Atlanta pets, Briarcliff Animal Clinic, cat, dog, Pet ownership
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Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
Getting a new puppy or kitten as a gift is a common wish. You see it in movies and on TV shows frequently. Unfortunately, it can be a short-lived joy.
If you plan to give your child a pet for Christmas, you need to make sure they are prepared to care for one. It’s not just a cuddly gift – it’s a living being that comes with lots of responsibility. If you want to get a pet to teach your children responsibility, you may want to start small. Hamsters and mice are less responsibility and can teach your child how to feed and clean up after an animal. Dogs and cats, however, are much more work.
Dogs, especially puppies, require lots of time and affection. House training, several daily walks, and veterinary care aren’t things that can be put aside until a more convenient time. Cats aren’t quite as much work, but they still need to be taught where their litter box is, what surfaces they’re allowed to scratch, and when breakfast or dinner time is. If you don’t provide exercise and love for them, both can act out with bad behavior.
The holidays can be hectic too. With travel and adjusting to different schedules pets can be overwhelmed. When your child returns to school from the holiday, they may not have time to devote to their new pet. Try getting one in the summer, when kids need something to fill their time. The companionship will be welcomed by both parties.
As for giving a pet to someone other than your child, make sure that they really want one. A good way to gift a companion animal is by writing a nice card offering to pay the adoption fee at your local shelter, and going with them to pick out a good match. Wrapping up a food bowl, pet bed or other item they would need can also be helpful.
Make sure that you have a plan and budget for a pet before you commit to one. Many pets are turned in to shelters once people realize that they don’t have the time or resources to care for them. And if you do decide to welcome a furry friend into your house, remember – there are many dogs and cats who are in shelters that want nothing more than a home for the holidays!
Tags: adoptions, Animal Health, Atlanta pets, Briarcliff Animal Clinic, cat, dog, Pet ownership, pet tips
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Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
Today’s technology and the availability of information at our fingertips is both a blessing and a curse. Answering a burning question in a matter of seconds is fantastic, but always being connected can be exasperating. The fact that anyone can put misinformation on the web is one of the big problems of the internet age. Unfortunately, that can include advice about veterinary care that is less than correct.
A common bit of advice is to use an over-the-counter medicine for pain in dogs and cats. Unfortunately, aspirin, ibuprofen/advil, and acetaminophen/tylenol can cause stomach ulcers, and kidney or liver disease. Never give any medication to your pet unless your veterinarian advises it. Even if given in doses correct for their weight, medicine that isn’t approved for pets can make them very ill. Their anatomy is much different than ours and doesn’t handle things like our bodies do.
Urinary problems are commonly dismissed as being due to age. If your pet is drinking or urinating more frequently, it can be a symptom of a number of problems. If your cat or dog is having accidents when they’ve always been great with their house-training, they may be trying to let you know there is a problem. Diabetes, kidney issues, urinary tract infections and bladder crystals are all underlying diseases that can present with such symptoms. The only way to tell what is really going on is to have your vet examine, test and diagnose the cause.
Weight loss or gain is another thing that shouldn’t be ignored. It isn’t a symptom of just getting older. My own cat who has a voracious appetite began losing weight, even though she was still eating normally. She was also pestering us a lot, getting in our faces and mewing. I had her bloodwork checked, and she is hyperthyroid. She is doing well on medication, but if I hadn’t had her checked we wouldn’t know what was going on. Diabetes, dental disease, dietary problems, and thyroid issues can cause weight fluctuations and all need to be treated as early as it can be detected.
Most of all, you know your pet. If they are acting differently or having symptoms that are out of the ordinary, speak with your vet. It’s best to catch any problems as soon as possible so that you can begin treatment. Many times they will try to let us know when something is going on, whether it’s by urinating in the wrong spot or by being extra needy. Listen to them.
Tags: Animal Health, Atlanta pets, Briarcliff Animal Clinic, diabetes in pets, Pet ownership, pet tips, Physical Exam
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Tuesday, October 11th, 2011
Now that temps have dropped and some leaves are starting to change we can relax and know that summer has bid us adieu. Having a respite from the heat is nice, but we should keep in mind our furry friends. Though they have coats on all the time, they still need consideration in colder weather.
Pets who like to nap on cool surfaces in the summer may not enjoy it so much now. Make sure there is bedding available for your buddy to snuggle on when he’s tired. Make sure that if he gets wet, he is dried quickly. He will still need plenty of water to drink. Just because it’s not hot, it doesn’t mean he’s not thirsty!
Antifreeze is a big danger this time of year. Dogs and cats both think it’s a tasty treat, but it is extremely toxic. Keep an eye on your pet when outdoors, and make sure she doesn’t drink anything from the ground that looks suspicious. Antifreeze is a bright green color and pools where cars have parked and leaked it from their engines. Symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning include nausea or vomiting, increased thirst, tremors or twitching, and wobbly or uncoordinated movement. Portable heaters are also a hazard – never leave a pet unsupervised in a room with a space heater, and keep an eye on them around fireplaces too.
When the holidays come around, there is a whole new list of things to worry about! Alcohol and chocolate are abundant, but make sure they’re all accounted for so that your best four-legged friend doesn’t regret overindulging. Many plants are poisonous. Poinsettias are rumored to be toxic, but aren’t as bad as they’ve been made out. They won’t kill your plant-chewing cat, but they can cause an upset stomach. The best rule is to keep all vegetation out of reach, so that even if they’re not poisonous you’re not cleaning up half-digested plant bits from all corners of the house. Even when not fatal many greens cause vomiting and diarrhea, and that’s never fun for any of us. For cats who like grass, there is cat grass and catnip which are both fine for them to nibble in moderation. These can both be found in pet stores.
Decorations can be hazardous too. Electric cords, candles, and glass trinkets or ornaments all bring out the mischievous side of our pets. Tinsel can be especially bad for cats who like strings. If eaten, it can become tangled in the stomach or intestine and require surgery to be safely removed. Tree-climbing cats should be kept away from Christmas trees, or there could be a very large mess to clean up!
Fall and winter are great seasons. Just keep a few things in mind, and your and your pets can enjoy them with fewer troubles.
Tags: Animal Health, Atlanta pets, Briarcliff Animal Clinic, cat, dog, Pet ownership, pet tips
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