Heat Stroke

As the weather begins to heat up, we want to remind you of the risks of overheating to your pet. Everyone knows not to leave a dog in a parked car with the windows up, but did you know that running with your dog or leaving your cat in a hot apartment without water can also lead to heat stroke? Animals that are most at risk include short-faced dog breeds like pugs and bulldogs, older animals, and overweight animals, but any dog or cat can succumb to the heat if it is severe enough. Signs to look for include excessive panting and collapse. The most important first step is to get your animal’s temperature down with tepid or cool (not ice) water and direct a fan on them for evaporative cooling. At the same time, make arrangements to get your pet to the nearest veterinarian. Heat stroke can lead to kidney failure, heart problems, seizures, muscle injury, and death, and for these reasons it is important to have your pet treated medically as soon as possible.

Dental Hygiene

 Cats & Dogs seldom develop tooth cavities, as do humans.  However the dog and cat are not without a major dental problem!  In fact, the most common dental problem that we find in pets is considered far worse than cavities!  It is called “PERIODONTAL DISEASE.”  This disease affects the gums and other tissues around the teeth, instead of the teeth themselves.

About 75% of all dental problems serious enough to be seen by a veterinarian, (and almost all teeth lost), are the result of periodontal disease.  It is the cause of 95% of all cases of “bad breath.”  In advanced cases, it results in infected, foul-smelling, loosened teeth; with a massive, unsightly accumulation of tartar.  Often there is a loss of appetite due to painful gums.  Even signs such as diarrhea, vomiting and irritability may be the result of this disease.

 Food material, bacteria, and saliva accumulate and adhere to the tooth surface, forming a soft “plaque.”  This material can be easily removed at this point.  However, if buildup is allowed to continue, it becomes hard and “chalk-like” from its mineral content.  The tartar buildup causes erosion of the gums, with subsequent inflammation and infection of the tooth socket.  The teeth then become loose, and may even fall out. The gums become reddened, swollen, and bleed easily.  Pets often salivate excessively from the associated pain.

The buildup of this material allows bacteria to constantly grow in the infected mouth tissue. These bacteria may enter the bloodstream through the bleeding gums; and cause such problems as:  heart valve infections (endocarditic) and kidney infections (nephritis).

This condition becomes very painful for your pet, as well as causing it to be unpleasant due to the bad mouth odor.

Rapid buildup of tartar is PRIMARILY due to ACIDITY of the saliva--not what your pet eats! The more acid the saliva (‘spit’)--the quicker the buildup of plaque.

Follow these tips for good oral hygiene:

    Feed at least some hard food, which will provide a cleaning action.  Prescription Diet t/d is available for both dogs and cats and can be used as a treat every day. 

 Have teeth examined at least once every year for tartar buildup.  Pets vary considerably in the amount of tartar that accumulates.

Brush your pet’s teeth on a regular basis.  We will be happy to recommend what is best for your pet.  CET Chews are available for both dogs and cats.  Pet toothpaste is available.  Human toothpaste should not be used since it can be toxic if swallowed by your pet.

Leptospirosis

We are starting to vaccinate dogs for Leptospirosis. This is a deadly disease, transmitted by wildlife, which can also infect people. An increase is being seen in the number of cases in the Midwest and in Omaha. This vaccine will protect your pet best when it is given at a different time than other vaccines. You should be getting a reminder to have your pet vaccinated sometime during this year, at which time we invite you to call right away to schedule an appointment for this important vaccine.

If you have further questions about Leptospirosis, a great website that should have many answers is: http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/noel/