Say Cheese!

Pet dental cleanings don't work quite the same as our own.

We understand that the mild discomfort that may happen during a visit to the dentist is for our own good, and we are able to avoid squirming or shifting due to that discomfort (usually). Your pet, though, doesn't.

Initial exams are typically done while your pet is awake (depending on temperament), but a full dental exam and cleaning are done while your pet is under anesthesia. We don't use anesthesia lightly, but doing so allows us to fully inspect and clean your pet's mouth without the risk of accidentally harming your pet if he jerks or moves.

Once your pet is under, we can conduct a more thorough exam and use tools - such as a scaler (the metal hook tool your dentist uses is a scaler, although ours are made specifically for our patients' mouths) to remove plaque that could lead to periodontal disease, without troubling your pet.

Contact us today to schedule your pet's dental visit!

Grin and Bear It?

Your kitty may be selective with her grin, but that should be because of temperament, not because her mouth hurts. Keep an eye out for these signs of dental issues before they become a problem for your cat.

Smell

There's cat breath, and then there's BAD cat breath. Smellier than normal breath is often the first sign of a problem.

Sight

Eventually, your cat's mouth will begin to look unhealthy. Teeth become discolored. Your cat may drool. (No, it's not true that dogs drool and cats rule! At least, not when it comes to periodontal disease.) Gums look red, and they may even bleed.

Behavior

Your cat may have a hard time eating and may drop food from her mouth.

Facial Symptoms

Periodontal disease can cause symptoms in places other than the mouth. Facial swelling or discharge from the nose can be symptoms of periodontal disease.

If you notice any of these signs of poor dental health, contact us today to schedule your cat's dental visit. And remember, in honor of National Pet Dental Health Month, we're offering complimentary dental exams and 20% off dental cleanings during the month of February. Schedule an appointment today!

Killer Kitty Breath

Good dental hygiene isn't something we automatically think of for our pets. After all, cats aren't supposed to have minty fresh breath! But, just as poor dental health can lead to bigger problems in the two-legged members of your family, it can have serious consequences for your pet, too.

Poor dental health can lead to periodontal disease, which begins with a familiar culprit: plaque buildup. If not removed, that plaque buildup can lead to inflamed gums (gingivitis), infections around the tooth root, and even tooth loss and destruction of the bone and supportive tissues around the teeth.

According to the American Veterinary Dental College, by the age of three, most cats already suffer from periodontal disease. Painful gums and tooth loss can make eating painful, which can significantly reduce the nutritional health of your pet. Some breeds (Siamese, for example) seem to be particularly susceptible to the disease.

To celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month, we're offering a complimentary dental exam AND 20% off dental cleanings all month long! Contact us today to make an appointment!

New Year's Resolution #4: Run & Play

The life of an indoor cat is typically much easier than that of an outdoor cat, and that truth can sometimes work against the well-being of your indoor kitty. While outdoor cats typically get enough exercise during their day, your indoor cat probably doesn't. Fortunately, you can help your cat get the exercise he needs.

Cats are instinctive hungers, and toys that allow them to exercise that instinct (and their bodies!) are good investments. Teaser toys that let you kitty pounce, chase and attack to his heart's content on good options. A catnip toy is usually a good way to get your kitty moving, too. Regardless of the toy, your cat needs to "catch" it occasionally to avoid getting bored or frustrated.

Another option is creating a kitty wonderland of all the bags, boxes and tunnels that your cat loves to explore. This wonderland can be rearranged from day to day so kitty doesn't get bored, and it's easily fixed or replaced if acrobatic play introduces a few rips and dings.

New Year's Resolution #3: Fit Feasting

Feeding your pet a healthy diet is one of the best ways to support lifelong health and well-being. If you've ever scratched your head over a nutritional label, though, you know how hard putting together a nutritionally balanced diet can be.

Your pet needs the right mix of vitamins, fats, carbs and minerals - and that mix depends on breed, age, and activity level. If you've opted to feed your pet homemade food, getting that mix right can be even harder. The days of one-size-fits-all pet foods are behind us.

As part of your pet's well visit, we'll analyze nutritional needs and make recommendations that address your pet's individual requirements.

Make sure your pet is getting the necessary nutrients to live a long and healthy life. Contact our office today to schedule a well visit appointment!

Remember: you can get 15% off a New Year's Wellness Exam if you scheduled by January 31, 2014!

New Year's Resolution #2: A Pill-Popping Pet

Remembering your pet's medication can be a chore. Sometimes that chore is daily, sometimes monthly. For some regimens - such as insulin treatment for diabetes - the effects of missed doses are easily and readily apparent. For other regimens - like heartworm prevention treatments (yes, cats and dogs both need it!) - the effects of a missed dose are not so obvious. Just because we can't easily see those effects, however, doesn't mean they aren't there.

Start your pet's year on the right paw. Resolve this year to consistently remember your pet's pills.

Then, contact us about setting up a well visit for your cat or dog to review any current or necessary medications. There are many new products on the market that might even make your life a little easier!

Remember: you can get 15% off a New Year's Wellness Exam if you scheduled by January 31, 2014!

New Year's Resolution #1: Well Visits for Well Pets

Our pets depend on us to protect their well-being. They can't tell us when their tummies hurt, they can't tell us when their joints start bothering them, and they can't tell us when their blood sugar is out of whack.

Paying attention to the behavior of our furry family members can help our pets stay healthy.

Attentiveness isn't the only tool we have to preserve and protect the health of our pets: regular wellness exams are another. These exams allow us to discover potential health issues before your pet beings showing symptoms - and before any issue becomes life threatening.

This year, resolve to keep your pet healthy and happy. Contact our office TODAY to schedule a routine wellness visit. Schedule before January 31, 2014, and get 15% off a New Year's Wellness Exam!