Tale of two dogs and their mouths!

Below are two different cases that we saw the other week.   They each demonstrate the importance of dental care in your pets but two different extremes.

First is Lindsey.  She is a thirteen year old silky terrier.  Mom requested that we put her picture up because she is VERY proud of her!   First of all, I will tell you that most dogs her size (including Chihuahuas, Yorkies, pugs, Schnauzers, etc) tend to me highly predisposed to periodontal disease.   What does that mean….well they almost always need extractions starting at a fairly young age (3-7 years) and you almost NEVER see one with ALL of their original teeth in double-digit years!

She has had her teeth cleaned almost every year and mom brushes her teeth every day!   She still has all of her teeth to this day because of the care her mom provides for her!   Here is a picture of her mouth before and after her cleaning

Should I have an “anesthetic free” or “sedated” dental cleaning on my pet?

 The simple truth to the answer is no, because there is no such thing that is of benefit to your pet!  If anyone ever tells you they can clean your pets teeth without full anesthesia, then you should turn around and walk (if not run) somewhere else.  It is impossible to properly clean and treat (read our 12 step dental process) your pets teeth and subgingiva (the space under the gums where most of the disease is) without being under anesthesia.   

Here is a great video that summarizes

How to get your pets mouth healthy so you can start a good home care plan…

February is Pet Dental Health month so we are going to start our dental education this month.  We will have many upcoming blogs about dental disease and how to prevent it in your pets. 

In the mean time, if your pet doesn’t already have a clean and healthy mouth, then please do the following:

1)      Go to the nearest phone

2)      Dial 303-840-6300

3)      Ask to speak to the receptionist

4)      Tell them it has been over a year since your pet was in our office for a dental exam and cleaning

5)      Tell them the time and day that is best for you

6)      Hang up the phone

7)      Go to your pet and look them in the face

8)      Lift their lip up so they are smiling

9)      Say “Who has their teeth and wants to keep them all?”

See you soon!

The staff at Advanced Pet Care of Parker

Pet Dental Health Month

February is Pet Dental Health Month.  Our blog will be focusing on your pets dental health issues over the next few months.   The posts will discuss some of the dental diseases and problems that frequently occur in our dogs and cats along with recommendations for home care.   You can play a major role in your pets dental health and thus minimize how often they need to have their teeth cleaned and thus also minimize the amount of extractions they need over their lifespan.   All of this will help you save money and your pet keep their teeth!  Only you can help prevent periodontal disease in your pet!

We will also be having a Dental Health Month special on our COHATS (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) during this month.   Due to the extremely high demand we experienced last year for this service during February we will be extending the promotion into January and March but in order to get this special all cleanings must be booked by the end of February.   Anyone making an appointment on or after March 1st will not receive this special so book now to guarantee your spot!

We change our dental month special every year.  This years dental month special will include

Microchipping your pet

 

Microchipping Could Save your Pet’s Life

A microchip  is a small chip about the size of a grain of rice that emits a signal to a unique scanner indicating the unique identification number of the chip.  This small item could safe your pet’s life by reuniting you with a lost pet.   It can also serve as proof of ownership or even mean the difference between euthanasia and medical care in an emergency.

Microchip Implantation:

The microchip is small enough to pass through a very large needle made for this purpose.  We ideally recommend waiting until the pet is being spayed or neutered so they don’t feel the rather large needle but waiting runs the risk of the pet escaping unidentified so it is a good idea to consider implanting the chip as soon as possible. The chip can be inserted in a completely awake dog as surgery is not part of the procedure, but it is more uncomfortable due to the size of the needle.

Mircochip application device and identification numbers

How does a microchip work?

Merry Christmas!

We hope everyone and their four-legged (and those few three legged) pets have a Merry Christmas!  We hope you remembered to get your pets a gift too!!!

Finding a good pet sitter…

Are you going out-of-town and need to find a good pet sitter?  

Just like trying to find a good baby sitter for your two-legged kids you need to do some research before just hiring anyone to watch your four-legged kids!  You should consider the below recommendations when searching for a pet sitter to care for your pets and home in your absence.

Before scheduling Meet & Greets with potential pet sitters make sure you

Finding a good boarding facility (or day care) for your pet…

Most people are familiar with boarding facilities because almost everyone (or their parents) has used one at some point in time.   They come in handy when you need to leave town on an emergency, for vacation, holidays, or just a weekend get-away!   However, you want to make sure that the boarding facility you select is a good choice for your pet and that boarding is the right fit for your pet.  

Is boarding the right thing to do with your pet?

Most pets handle boarding facilities very well but others

Traveling with your pets

Are you planning on traveling with your pets this holiday? 

If so, there are many things you need to consider before traveling. Traveling in the car or via plane can be stressful and cause illness especially if your pet is already ill, has an injury, an elder senior pet, or has anxiety issues.  If any of these are the case then you should consider either a pet sitter or a boarding facility.  

If you elect to go ahead and travel with your pet then consider the following:

Rat bait – Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)

There are many different types of rat baits available on the market:  anticoagulant, bromethalin, and cholecalciferol are the three common ingredients.  Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) rat baits are not the most common but they are still very dangerous and difficult to treat.  The most common brand names include: Quintox Rat and Mouse Bait, Rampage Rat and Mouse Bait, Ortho Rat-B-Gone, Ortho Mouse-B-Gone, Quintox Mouse Seed, and Ceva True Grit Rampage.

How it works:
Vitamin D3 toxicity can be caused by many different medications/toxins including  ingesting too much vitamin D. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) will result in excessive calcium being in the blood.  This will results in