Hanson-Meekins Animal Hospital

FEBRUARY 20,2011 IS LOVE YOUR PET DAY

Love your pet day, which any pet owner will say is everyday, is the official day to pamper your pet with a little extra love! They bring a smile to your face when your having a rough day, curl up next to you on the couch when your feeling lonely, and they love you unconditionally no matter what. They certainly deserve a whole day of love and attention!

Pets provide excellent social support, stress relief, and many other health benefits, even more so than people do! Research shows that people experienced less stress when their pets were with them when performing a stressfull task than when a supportive friend or even their spouse was present. So whether you have a cat, dog, hamster, or goldfish, make sure they get lots of extra love from you today!

(from www.punchbowl.com/holidays/2011)

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL PET DENTAL MONTH

 Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease) is the Most Common Disease Occuring in Pet Dogs and Cats

Normal or Diseased?

You make the choice for your pet!

Cause   

The cause of gum disease is the same in cats and dogs as it is in people.

    Gum disease is an infection resulting from build-up of soft dental plaque on the surfaces of the teeth around the gums. The bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gum tissue if plaque is allowed to accumulate, which often leads to infection in the bone surrounding the teeth.

    Hard dental tartar (calculus) consists of calcium salts from saliva deposited on plaque. Tartar starts to form within a few days on a tooth surface that is not kept clean, and provides a rough surface that enhances further plaque accumulation. Once it has begun to grow in thickness, tartar is difficult to remove without dental instruments.

Effects

    Bad breath is the most common effect noted by owners. However, this is often only the tip of the iceberg.

    The gums become irritated, leading to bleeding and oral pain, and your cat or dog may lose its appetite or drop food from its mouth while eating.

    The roots may become so severely affected that some teeth become loose and fall out.

    Bacteria surrounding the roots gain access to the blood stream ("bacteremia"). Studies have shown that dogs with severe

periodontal disease have more severe microscopic damage in their kidneys, heart muscle and liver than do dogs with less severe periodontal disease.

Management

    The key to management of gum disease (for humans or pets!) is prevention. As long as the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned

frequently, the gums will stay healthy.

    Excellent oral health is maintained by daily oral hygiene. The gold standard is brushing. Daily chewing activities can also be

effective in maintaining oral health.

    Daily use of products that have been awarded the VOHC Seal will help to keep your pet’s teeth clean and the gum tissues and bone around the roots healthy.

    VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council)  recommends periodic veterinary examination of the mouth and teeth of your dog or cat. Many pets, particularly middle-aged and older cats and dogs, require periodic professional scaling in addition to on-going plaque control.

.................JUST A REMINDER............... 

WE HAVE A NEW MAIL ORDER SERVICE FOR FLEA AND HEARTWORM MEDICATIONS AVAILABLE BY MAIL.

We know your lives are busy. Sometimes just getting to your veterinarian to pick up flea or heartworm medications is just "another thing you have to get done in your busy day." And with the price of gas rising weekly!  Let us help you save TIME and GAS money, by letting us mail your product to you. Just give us a call (541-269-2415). We're happy to help!