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.

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?

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!

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.

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!

No more lives torn apart – Families wouldn’t have to make the choice of keeping their pet or giving them away, due to lack of resources or finances.

That wars would never start – Our heroic military animals wouldn’t have to make the sacrifices they make on a daily basis to protect us.

And time would heal all hearts – People grieving the loss of their furry family member would find peace.

Every man would have a friend – Shelter pets would find homes as faithful companions.

That right would always win – Animal abuse and neglect would be a thing of the past.

And love would never end – That one is pretty much already fulfilled, since our pets love us unconditionally.

This is my grown-up Christmas list.

Love songs are a staple of every type of music.  Such deep affection inspires artists like no other emotion.  The connection between man and his best friend is universal and unmatched.  Some musicians have written songs about their dogs to put that feeling to a melody.  Rock and roll has a lot of songs written by people about their closest companions.

One of the best-known songs about a dog is the Beatles song Martha My Dear, which appears on the White Album.  Paul McCartney wrote the song about his Old English Sheepdog, and he is the only Beatle who sings or plays on the song.  In it he asks Martha not to forget him though he doesn’t give her his full attention, and he says that they were meant for each other.  He calls her his inspiration.  McCartney has admitted that it may also be an allusion to his former fiance, Jane Asher.

Pink Floyd also has a song about a dog called Seamus, who belonged to Steve Marriott of Small Faces and Humble Pie fame.  The tune also includes Seamus himself performing.  The hound howls melodically and makes the song both moving and unique.

My favorite inclusion of a dog in music is Led Zeppelin’s Bron-Y-Aur Stomp.  It talks about roaming country lanes and calling his dog to him, saying that there “ain’t no companion like a blue-eyed merle.”  The lyrics also tell about the endurance of affection between Robert Plant and his dog, when other loves have failed.  In live performances, he would yell “Strider!” at the end of the song – Strider was his blue-eyed merle.

When someone sings about their pet, you know that must be an extraordinary friend.  Feeling the love a musician has for their dog is a wonderful thing.  What are your favorite songs about dogs?

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.

Through no fault of their own, these little loves seem less desirable.  When someone is surfing the adoptees on web sites or walking past them at the shelter, the cute kittens or affectionate puppies overshadow the others.  With so many looking for homes, it’s easy to see the cuter ones and forget the ones who need us more.

Blind pets, FIV-positive cats, kittens with cerebellar hyperplasia, animals with mobility problems, older pets, and those with other disorders may take a bit more work than those without.  Often owners say that caring for these pets is more fulfilling.  Knowing that they are really and truly needed can give people a sense of purpose.  And the love that a cat or dog who is dependent on you not just for food and shelter but for smaller day-to-day tasks can feel deeper.

Two of my cats would be considered less-adoptable.  My black cat is one of the sweetest cats I know and is more like a dog in the personality department.  Our three-leg freaks out the neighborhood kids and others who come over to visit, but he’s beautiful and looks like a Ragdoll.  They both add interesting elements to our family:  Panther is the man of the house, but is also a lapcat.  He keeps the others in line.  Bunny is unaware of his missing leg and often tries to get toys or swat the other cats with it.  He also attacks the water in his dish with his one front leg.  Our house would be a lot different if they didn’t live in it, and it would be to our detriment.

We had a patient named Figaro.  He was an older cat, blind in one eye, missing a few front toes, and had kidney failure.  He also wasn’t a fan of coming in to the clinic for his fluid treatment.  I grew attached to him, and each time he came for his treatment they would let me know my buddy was in.  His spunk was endearing.  I tried to give him extra attention when he boarded once, and found out that he *loved* catnip.  It didn’t make him wild and crazy though; he got super affectionate.  His dad told me they’d never given it to him, but they did after that.  When his time came, I was in the room with the owners and the doctor, and I cried with them.  Figaro was their special guy, and I know they miss him.  He’d found a special spot in my heart in the years I knew him, too.

This week, and throughout the year, if you’re looking to adopt a pet, think about bringing home someone who will appreciate you more than you can imagine.  Adopt a cat with special needs, or a dog with black fur.  If you can give them what they need, they will certainly give you all the love they have.

Courtesy of petfinder.com

Companion animals may have a different way of sensing vibes in the air.  Since they aren’t in the wild, existing as a pack with other animals who are constantly on the lookout for threats, they pick up on our moods and body language.  Sometimes it seems that they know how we feel without us (knowingly) showing any outward signs.

When I was a kid, my mom’s cat didn’t like me.  That was fine, because I liked the dogs better anyway.  If I sat next to her on the couch, she’d get up, turn her back to me, and lay back down.  She also had her kittens under my bed – yuck.  But on nights when I had trouble sleeping, she would curl up behind my knees and purr.  It always made me go right to sleep.  One of our cats now always knows when I’m sad.  Even if I’ve gone to another room, she’ll come find me and demand that I pet her.  She’s very persistent about it.  My mom’s dog always curled up in my lap during thunderstorms, though I think it was more to comfort herself than me.

Some therapy dogs are trained to tune in to small signs of stress, fear, or agitation.  They can help soldiers with PTSD when they have a panic attack coming on.  Courthouse dogs comfort witnesses testifying who may be under extreme pressure.  Rosie is such a dog:  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/09/nyregion/dog-helps-rape-victim-15-testify.html?pagewanted=all.

Animals are being recognized more and more for their help in comforting humans when nothing else can.  Is it because they think we’re members of their pack that they comfort us?  Or is it out of pure love?  What have your pets done to make you feel happy when you’re down?