There are several ways in which you can provide the dental care needed to keep your pet healthy at home. One way would be to start a daily teeth brushing regimen, but there are also special pet foods, treats, and even chew toys that can help care for your pet’s teeth while he or she eats and plays. Here is a video to help get you started.

For more information on Pet Dental Health month or pet dental health in general, visit www.PetDental.com.

Did you know? Peridontal (gum) disease is the number one diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. By the age of two, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease. How many of us would go our entire life without seeing a dentist? Yet two-thirds of pet owners do not perform the essential dental care that we veterinarians recommend.

More Than Bad Breath

We’ve all made jokes about “doggy breath.” But bad breath is a symptom of something far more serious going on. Yes, your pet’s mouth is full of bacteria. When the bacteria mixes with food debris and saliva, it can cause plaque formations that accumulate on the tooth. When the bacteria die, the calcium found in saliva causes the bacteria to harden on the tooth, forming tartar. The tartar encourages more plaque to form, making the problem worse.

Inflammation and Infection Can Lead to Serious Complications

Once plaque has spread, it causes gingivitis, or gum inflammation. Left unchecked, infection can set in. Serious infections can lead to tooth loss and major health problems, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, emphysema, liver disease, osteoporosis, pregnancy problems and diabetes. No wonder pet dental disease is known as “the silent killer.”

Prevention is Key!

Step 1:

Schedule a routine physical for your pet that includes a dental exam. Your vet will help you learn the signs of a healthy mouth and teeth, so you can spot early warning signs. A basic oral exam can generally be done right there in the examination room. (For complete dental examinations and cleanings, general anesthesia is necessary.)

Step 2:

Start Brushing! Getting kittens and puppies used to brushing is best, but you can teach old pets new
tricks—especially when you use yummy-flavored toothpaste like liver or chicken. Never use human toothpaste. (And don’t share your toothbrush!)

Ask about specially formulated foods with proven benefits in plaque and tartar removal.

Step 3:

Schedule annual dental cleanings with your veterinarian.

We follow the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) guidelines for all our dental cleaning procedures. Proper surgical protocol and standards are very important to ensure the health and safety of your pet.

Pre-anesthetic exam — Whenever anesthesia is needed, special considerations are taken to help ensure the safety of your pet. We do a thorough exam to to make sure your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. Depending on your pet’s age and general physical condition, blood, urine, electrocardiograph, and x-ray tests may be advised 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.

Dental radiographs — Radiographs (x-rays) of the teeth are needed periodically in order to completely evaluate your pet’s oral health. X-rays aid the veterinarian greatly in detecting abnormalities that cannot be detected under examination alone. In some cases, x-rays can confirm the need for extraction of teeth that are loose or badly infected.

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.

More than half of the millions of lost pets that end up at shelters don’t have an ID tag or collar to help identify them or find their owners. The cost to handle the animals, and in many cases, to euthanize these lost pets, is nearly $1 billion a year. And then there’s the emotional cost to the families of worrying and wondering about the missing pets. The good news is that there is a way to help locate your lost pet: Microchipping.

Microchips are tiny transponders, about the size of a grain of rice, that use radio frequency waves (RFID) to transmit information about your pet. They’re implanted just under the skin—usually right between the shoulder blades—using a small syringe, much like a vaccination. It’s a simple, safe, and routine procedure.

Each chip has a unique 10-digit ID code that, once registered, becomes part of a national database. Microchips can be read by a universal scanning device; more than 12,000 shelters and veterinarians can read the code. A call to the database can determine the name, address, and medical history of the lost pet. And just like in the case of Willow and Petunia, one call can lead to that happy homecoming story.

Please consider microchipping. It’s a priceless gift for your family, and your pet. We’re offering $5.00 off microchipping until 12/31/11. Bring in a copy of this newsletter to receive your discount. Call to schedule an appointment today!

Pets that eat table food can wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea, or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. Rich holiday food that causes intestinal distress is bad enough. But it’s also important to remind guest how dangerous it is for dogs to ingest chocolate!

The cocoa tree contains two naturally occurring substances – theobromine and caffeine—both of which are toxic to dogs. Dogs metabolize theobromine very slowly, so it can stay in their bloodstream for up to 20 hours. In your dog’s system, theobromine interferes with their central nervous system, and can affect the heart and kidneys. Depending on the size and condition of your dog, and how much and what kind of chocolate he/she eats, it can be fatal. So please be careful. (Read the full story on toxic foods for pets in our January newsletter.)

It’s a good idea to have your pet’s favorite treats on hand in an easily accessible bowl so guests can give them a safe treat instead of table food. We also recommend that you feed your pet their regular diet and keep up their exercise routine throughout the busy holiday season. (Hmmm- excellent advice for humans as well!) I for one, however, am not giving up chocolate.

Double Microchip Miracle: Two Lost Dogs Found After Four Years

Hobo and Tedo were playing in the back yard of Victor Garcia’s home in April 2007 when they suddenly disappeared.

The North Long Beach dog owner said it appeared that someone had set them loose. “I figured they were outside playing in the weeds, but I went looking for them and they weren’t there,” he said. “The gate was open and the chain was cut and they were gone.”

Garcia searched for the dogs for some time before losing hope. After more than a year had passed he resigned himself to the fact that he would never see them again. He adopted a female German Shepherd named Hazel. Then life took a funny turn.

Long Beach Animal Services called Garcia last year. Tedo had been turned into the shelter and a microchip scan revealed Garcia’s contact information. Garcia said he nearly dropped dead from shock when that call came.

“I barely recognized her when she came home because she had gained a little weight,” Garcia, 58, said. “She didn’t recognize me until she got home and saw her doggy door. That’s when she got excited.”

Last month the phone rang again. Garcia said he nearly fell out of his chair when he heard that Hobo had also been recovered. “It was a total shock both times,” the dog owner said. “My German shepherd took it all in stride, but when Hobo and Tedo met again they went berserk for about half an hour because they remembered each other.”

It should come as no surprise that Garcia is a big proponent of microchipping. The retiree said he never planned on having three dogs, but is loving life with his expanded family, noting that all three have become close friends. “If you plan on keeping your dog, it is worth it to microchip,” he said while scratching two of the pooches behind the ears. “I know a lot of people who love their dogs like I do, and it really is worth it.”

Article borrowed from www.lifewithdogs.tv.

What are microchips?

Microchips are tiny transponders, about the size of a grain of rice, that use radio frequency waves (RFID) to transmit information about your pet. They’re implanted just under the skin—usually right between the shoulder blades using a small syringe, much like a vaccination. It’s a simple, safe, and routine procedure.

How do they work?

Each microchip contains a unique registration number and the phone number of the registry for the particular brand of chip. A handheld microchip reader reads the radio frequency of the chip and displays this information. The animal shelter, humane shelter, or vet clinic that finds your pet can contact the registry to get your name and phone number.

Do only dogs need to get microchips?

Inside cats can easily escape from an open door or window, and just about any pet can get lost or stolen. Call and let us know what kind of pet you have, and we’ll tell you whether or not whether micro chipping is a good idea.

Can a microchip get lost inside my pet? Is it safe?

Your pet’s subcutaneous tissue usually bonds to the chip within 24 hours, preventing it from moving, although there’s a small chance that the chip could migrate. But it can’t actually get lost inside your pet. The risks of implanted microchips are very minimal compared to the risk of your pet becoming lost.

How long do microchips last?

Microchips are designed to work for 25 years. Unlike an ID collar or tag, they can’t be lost or damaged.

How do I register my pet?

Complete the paperwork that comes with the chip and send it to the registry, or do it online if that option is available. You’ll also receive a tag for your pet’s collar with the chip number and registry phone number.

What if I move?

You need to contact the company that registers the chip to update your information; otherwise, the chip will be useless. You may be charged a small fee to process the update.

Can I get my pet microchipped at the Delavan Lake Veterinary Clinic?

You sure can! We love being able to help our clients guard against losing a beloved family pet. Call (262) 728-8622 to make an appointment. We use HomeAgain.com microchips, one of the leading providers in the industry. Their Pet Recovery Process has a nationwide recovery network to help mobilize local resources as soon as you notify them of your missing pet.

Does it really work?

You bet it does! Check out this amazing story of Willow the cat: Five Years, 1800 Miles, and One Micro Chip Later. Luckily, most found pets don’t have quite that kind of incredible journey. But what a happy ending to that lost pet story!

Special Offer! $5.00 off microchipping until 12/31/11.  You must bring in a copy of this newsletter to receive discount.

The number of insured pets in this country is still very small compared to the millions of pets in our homes. However, as veterinary science has advanced, treatments that were once only available to people—like radiation therapy, MRI’s, hip replacements, and kidney transplants—are now offered in full-service vet clinics and hospitals. Suddenly having pet insurance may be a good investment.

Pet insurance works in much the same way as health insurance for humans. You can choose from a range of plans, including major medical and wellness plans. You have monthly premiums, deductibles, and those pesky pre-existing conditions. The older your pet is, the more expensive the insurance rates. For certain breeds, known hereditary problems and pre-existing conditions may be excluded from coverage.

However, an insurance policy can be a lifesaver, literally, if your pet has a serious accident or life-threatening illness. The cost of diagnostic tools, surgery, specialists, and medicine can be very daunting. Getting an insurance plan when your pet is young allows you to have affordable coverage during emergencies and chronic illness situations, sparing you the pain of having to make difficult decisions in an emotional situation based on cost alone.

At Delavan Lakes Veterinary Clinic, we offer Veterinary Pet Insurance, the oldest and largest pet insurance company in the United States. In addition to dog and cat pet insurance, they offer coverage for birds, lizards, and other exotic pets.

Pet insurance is not for every pet or every pet owner. Sit down with your vet during your next appointment and talk about whether or not it makes sense for your pet. Or give us a call at (262) 728-8622.

We’re seeing more and more cats in our clinic, and that’s great news. We can help you keep your feline purr-fectly happy and healthy! And speaking of happy cats—did you know it is Happy Cat Month?

In honor of Happy Cat Month, the CATalyst Council, a national initiative comprised of animal health and welfare organizations working on behalf of cats, has released a list of the top 10 ways cat owners can keep their pets happy:

1. Visit the veterinarian. Healthy cats are happy cats. While some owners may dread a trip to the veterinarian with their cat, many veterinary practices are cat friendly or have doctors who specialize in cats and will gladly show leery owners how pleasant a trip to the veterinarian can be. If a cat has not yet been spayed or neutered, this is an important step to keeping a cat healthy since it will help prevent aggression and decrease the risk of cancer.
2. Microchip your cat. In addition to a collar and identification tag, owners should ask their veterinarian about microchipping their feline friend. If a cat ever escapes or gets lost, having this type of permanent ID will make a reunion between cat and owner much more likely.
3. Go outside (appropriately). Yes! There are ways owners can safely take their cats outside to allow them to broaden their horizons. Cats can be walked on a leash with a harness or confined in a special outdoor area—always under supervision, of course—so they can periodically and safely experience the world outside their windows.
4. Scratch the surface. Cats should have places they are allowed to stretch and care for their claws. Scratching is an important aspect of feline behavior. Providing a long and sturdy scratching post in a vertical, horizontal or angled position is a good way to keep your cat happy … and your sofa, too!
5. Provide preventive medications. No one likes fleas, ticks, mites or heartworms, especially your cat. Even if an owner’s cat is strictly indoors, they can still be attacked by these little creepy creatures. Owners should speak with their veterinarians about the best preventive plan for their cats. A parasite-free cat is a happy cat—and will keep your family healthier, too.
6. Train together. Cats are smart and can be trained to do fun tricks just like dogs, and the mental and physical stimulation is great for felines. Teaching your cat to sit, for example, is easy, and training your cat to sit on stools instead of counters will make you and your cat much happier. An added bonus is that training will strengthen the relationship between owner and cat, which will certainly make a cat happy.
7. Work for food. Feline obesity is a huge problem in this country, and one way to combat it is for owners to make their cats work for their food. Food toys are available to channel a cat’s natural hunting drive and release kibble in small amounts. Another option is to hide a cat’s food in different places so that they have to find it. Working for food makes a cat happy because it’s great physical and mental exercise.
8. Get your cat acclimated to the carrier. Many cat owners find that the worst part about taking their cats anywhere is getting cats into their carriers. Owners should work with their cat on making their carrier a safe, secure, and inviting place to be prior to veterinary visits or family vacations. When the time comes, the cat will be happy to get into the carrier and go off on an adventure. Visit www.catalystcouncil.org to view Cats and Carriers: Friends not Foes for tips on how to get cats to love their carriers.
9. Provide prey toys. One of the easiest ways to make a cat happy is with a new prey toy. Cats are natural hunters and love chasing, pouncing, leaping, swatting and stalking prey, even when it’s not the real thing. There are many types of prey toys available on the market; with a little creativity, owners can even make their own out of common household items.
10. Think about getting another cat. Cats are social animals, and owners should consider getting another cat to keep their current kitty company. Cats love to play, and a playmate will make them happy—provided they are properly introduced and have the right places to eat, hide, play and go the bathroom. Visit your community animal shelter and see what feline friends they have to offer.

CATalyst Council is a national initiative comprised of animal health and welfare organizations and corporations to champion the cat in light of troubling statistics released by the American Veterinary Medical Association that show an increase in the cat population coupled with a decline in veterinary visits for cats. More information about the CATalyst Council is available at www.catalystcouncil.org.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including humans. This virus is typically spread via the saliva of infected animals through bite wounds or by saliva or infected tissue that contacts open wounds and the oral cavity.

Worldwide rabies kills more than 55,000 people yearly. In the United States, the number of human deaths from rabies is 2-3 per year, although 20,000-30,000 people in the U.S. receive post-exposure rabies vaccination yearly. The majority of human cases of rabies in the world are due to contact with a rabid companion animal. Vaccination is the key component to controlling this fatal and untreatable disease.

Is rabies present in Wisconsin?

Yes. In Wisconsin, skunks and bats are the most likely animals to carry the rabies virus, although rabies also can occur in dogs, cats, foxes, raccoons and livestock.

Is rabies treatable?

No. Once symptoms of the rabies virus are present, there is no treatment. The infected person or animal will die.

Is there a test for rabies?

Testing of brain tissue can be done on a deceased animal. There is no test for rabies that can be done on live animals or people.

How can my pet be exposed?

There are many ways for our pets to come into contact with rabid wildlife. When a bat is infected with rabies it is more easily preyed upon and often seen during the day (which is not typical for healthy bats). Curious cats may see a struggling bat as an easy prey. Saliva from the bat may enter the cat through a bite from the bat or directly into the cat’s mouth. Dogs may come across a rabid bat or skunk while outdoors, on trails, near caves, or even in their own back yard.

But my cat never leaves the house.

I know of multiple “indoor-only” cats with exposure to a rabid bat that entered their home through a chimney flue, open window, or open door. Even indoor-only cats should be vaccinated against rabies.

Are horses and livestock affected?

Yes. Yearly vaccination against rabies is recommended for horses and livestock.

How do I protect my pet from rabies?

Consult with your veterinarian to vaccinate your pet(s) against rabies and be sure to follow recommendations regarding appropriate and timely re-vaccination. Your pet will need multiple rabies vaccinations throughout his or her life.

My pet had contact with a bat (skunk, sick raccoon, etc.) What should I do?

Do not touch the wild animal. Keep people, children, and other pets from being able to access the wild animal. If possible, try to safely contain the animal (place a box or net over the animal, confine it to a room, etc.).

Do not release the wild animal if at all possible. Call your local animal control and local health department. They will likely want to collect the wild animal to test it for rabies.

Call your veterinarian to determine your pet’s rabies vaccination status. A booster rabies vaccination will likely be recommended. Depending on how many rabies vaccines your pet has had and if the most recent vaccination is up to date will determine quarantine protocol as determined by the health department.

My pet’s rabies vaccine is not current. What happens if he is exposed to a sick bat?

If your pet had direct contact and the rabies status of the bat can’t be determined (i.e. the bat was released after the pet’s exposure), your pet will need to be quarantined for 180 days. The first 90 days of this quarantine will be required to occur in an approved facility (not your home) and you will be responsible for all expenses incurred. If this quarantine can’t be accomplished, the health department may require your pet to be euthanized.

What if I am exposed to a sick wild animal?

If possible, safely contain the wild animal so that it can be submitted for post mortem rabies testing. Post exposure vaccination in humans is successful in preventing rabies (as long as the vaccines are started soon after exposure). Immediately consult local animal control, local health department and your physician to determine the course of action depending on your situation.

Rabies is a fatal illness and a serious public health issue. Through regular vaccination against rabies for our companion animals we can protect them and ourselves from this deadly virus. Please do not ignore your veterinarian’s rabies vaccine reminder. By allowing your pet’s rabies vaccination to lapse, you place your pet (and yourself) at risk. Lengthy quarantine (or euthanasia) or death from rabies is easily avoided by keeping your pet current on his or her vaccination.