Does Your Pet Have A Healthy Smile?

Everyone smiles when they are happy; it's one of the easiest ways to read someone's emotions. When our pets are happy, it's a little harder to tell but we can usually read their body language or behavior. While many people will endlessly debate over the act of an animal smiling, one thing every pet parent really needs to invest time in is their pets' oral health. Whether or not they can smile, one thing is for sure, their oral health can play a vital role in their overall well-being. With that said, February is Pet Dental Care Awareness Month and it's the perfect time to brush up on your pets' oral health.

It may come to as a surprise to you but the American Veterinary Medical Association says that 70% of cats and 80% of dogs show signs of oral disease by three years old and that can lead to serious health threats like infections in vital organs that can result in death. Some common signs and symptoms of an oral health problem include bad breath, teeth covered in tartar, loose or discolored teeth, your pet is uncomfortable chewing or being touched around the mouth and they may excessively droll or continuously drop food out of their mouth.

Now that you know the seriousness of pet oral health, here are some great tips you should follow!

Schedule A Cleaning

While many of us can just head to the dentist for a dental cleaning every six months, your pet should be treated no different. You should schedule a dental cleaning for your pet at least once a year at the veterinarian's office. Your vet will perform a full dental exam to check for oral disease and other dental dilemmas as well as properly clean their teeth and gums. They will remove any tartar or plaque buildup on the teeth as well as rid of any food debris.

Brush Up

In-between dental cleanings at the vet, you should begin an in-home brushing routine for your pet. In fact, you can pick up pet-specific toothbrushes and pastes that can help you clean their teeth and gums. You might not be able to get as thorough of a clean as the vet can, but it's a lot better than not doing it at all. Be sure to add toothbrushes and pastes to your pet supplies for optimal dental care.   

Plaque Fighting Treats

Did you know you can buy treats that help control tartar and plaque buildup? Not only can you reward your pet with a tasty treat, but it'll serve as an oral health benefit!

Pet Food With Oral Care

Alongside the plaque fighting treats, consider buying pet food with oral care benefits. Some pet food brands have specifically marked food products that have specially designed kibbles and bits that reduce plaque and tartar.

For more dental care tips, talk with your veterinarian as they can suggest even more tips! 

Three Things You Need Before You Bring Your Dog Home

There’s nothing more exciting than getting a new dog.  You’ve given careful thought to the kind of pet you want, have gone to countless shelters, and are now finally ready to bring your new friend to their forever home.  You have all of the adoption paperwork in order and have pet food, but that doesn’t mean that you’re ready to properly care for your pup.  Dogs require more than a leash and some food; they require a lot of care.  Before you bring your new pet home, make sure you have these things ready.

A quiet corner

If you think that you’re excited to get your new pet home, just wait until you see how your dog reacts to their new house.  New homes means new people, new routines, and a new life, and while exciting, that can get very tiring and even stressful for your new dog.  That’s why it’s important for you to make sure that your dog will have a quiet area to retreat to when they get too excited.  If you plan on crating your dog, their quiet area could be where their crate will be.  Make it comfortable for them, and maybe have a few toys and a calming blanket for them to snuggle.

A dog proof dwelling

Bringing home a new baby isn’t the only reason people should make sure that their home is safe for new arrivals.  Dogs (especially puppies) can get into things rather easily, so you’re going to want to make sure that your home is safe for them.  Tape loose electrical cords to baseboards to make sure they don’t trip or chew on them.  Have all of your cleaning supplies locked up, and make sure that you have latches on locks for any cabinets your dog could get into.  Move your breakables to high shelves, and remove plants and rugs.

The first vet appointment scheduled

Your dog was most likely checked out at the shelter, but you should still let their regular vet examine them after they’re officially adopted.  It isn’t just important to get your dog used to their vet, it’s also essential for their health.  Ticks and fleas are common in shelters along with other parasites and diseases, and it’s possible that animal doctor at the shelter missed a few things.  Also be sure to talk to your vet about what they recommend for preventative care.  Flea, heartworm, and tick prevention for dogs is a must, along with regular vaccinations.

Medical Supplies Every Cat Owner Should Have

People love their cats, and most pet owners will do whatever they can to make sure that their feline friend is well taken care of.  You’ll only buy them the best food available, give them tons of toys, and shower them with attention.  Some of your friends joke that you treat your cat like a human, and you couldn’t tell them that they’re wrong.  After all, sometimes the best way to care for a pet is to think about the needs you have, and how your pet may have similar requirements. 

You need food and water just like your pets do, and you also sometimes need a little medical help.  Our cats can get bumps and scrapes like we do, and sometimes a first aid kit can come in handy.  You have a medicine cabinet full of things for you, so why shouldn’t your cat have one?  Keep in mind that you should always take your cat to the vet if you’re concerned about their health, but there are things you can do at home to help them.  If you want to make sure that you have something available in case your cat is having a medical problem, make sure that you have these things around your home.

Bandages

Cuts and scrapes happen, and with the right tools on hand you can care for any of your cat’s minor injuries.  You don’t need anything elaborate for bandaging material.  Gauze squares and rolls are essential for applying pressure to a wound.  A flexible wrap can also help apply needed pressure to the wound.

Muzzle or towel

Sometimes when a cat is injured, they may get a little agitated and difficult to control.  Remember, you need to keep yourself safe so that you can help your cat.   A towel can easily be used to hold the cat in place in case they start scratching you.

Eyedropper

If you need to administer medication to your cat, an eyedropper will be very helpful.  Getting a cat to take a pill in regular circumstances is difficult enough, but trying to do it while they’re sick or scared is going to be impossible.  Try to get a liquid form of the medicine for cats that you’re administering. 

Eyewash

Cats can get into dirt and dander, and some have a tendency to get things in their eyes.  Eyewash can help flush out any irritants easily.  Make sure that you don’t get anything that’s harsh or could make irritation worse.  The only ingredients should be purified water or saline.

When Should You Give Your Cat Vitamins?

Cat lovers are taking ever more interest in providing their feline friends with the absolute best diet, health and life. This is a good thing, and the fact that vitamins for cats are now readily available means that it’s easier than ever before. These vitamins are designed to be easy (and enjoyable) for your cat to take and meet specific nutritional needs that cats commonly have. But how important are they?

The answer is, it depends. Many cat food brands already enhance their food with vitamins for cats. The amount that a manufacturer puts in, however, varies widely from one brand to another. That means it’s important to check your standard cat food and see what vitamins and supplements are added, and in what quantities. Premium brands of food will usually have the full amount your cat needs. Additionally, you should make sure you’re buying the right kind of food for your cat’s age—kittens, adult cats and older cats have different nutritional needs. 

If you’re doing all that, you may not needs vitamins for your cat unless your veterinarian recommends them. But there are three situations where vitamins are a good idea:

1. If your cat has not been fed a premium diet

When you adopt a new cat, ask the owner what food they usually use. If it’s not a premium brand, check the packaging on the food and see if it has the vitamins they need. If not, or if you’re not sure, consider adding a vitamin supplement for your cat to help make up for any deficiency. 

2. If you don’t know what your cat has been fed

Sometimes the dietary history of a cat is unclear. This can be true with both adoptions and bringing in strays. With all stray cats, you should assume their diet has been poor unless you know otherwise. With these cats, it’s wise to get them on vitamins at least for a while. You do not have to continue them indefinitely if you switch to a high quality food. 

3. For specific medical conditions

Some conditions can be helped by supplements. These include:

·         Allergic dermatitis, dry skin or poor hair. Omega fatty acid supplements may help with this.

·         Gastrointestinal problems. Probiotics and digestive enzymes may both have a positive effect.

·         Arthritis. Just like in humans, a combined glucosamine/chondroitin supplement is recommended for arthritis.

If your cat has a specific health condition, ask your vet what supplements they recommend.

Does Your Pet Have Diabetes?

Every pet parent should know that his or her beloved animal are also susceptible to common health conditions like diabetes and during the month of November, it is time you learn about the disease. Diabetes is a prevalent condition that's diagnosed in over 30 million adults and children in the United States, with over 86 million Americans being at risk for developing it. Originally, National Diabetes Month was aimed to raise awareness of this growing health concern, but it has been expanded, as November is also National Pet Diabetes Month.

Since pet diabetes causes a great concern as the rates of the disease are on the rise, it's important to understand the condition as it could affect the health of your pet. In fact, Merck Animal Health reports that 1 in 200 cars and 1 in 500 dogs can develop diabetes due to certain lifestyle factors and some breeds are more prone to the condition than others are. For instance, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Pugs, Burmese cats and a few other breeds have observed higher rates of diabetes onset. Nonetheless, cats and dogs of any breed are at risk but you can help your furry friend by learning more about the condition.

Types of Pet Diabetes

Pet diabetes comes in two different forms and the first one is referred to as type 1, which means that your pet cannot produce insulin. The second form of diabetes is type 2, which means your pet can produce diabetes but the body is not properly processing it. In short, both types revolve around the production and usage of insulin that is a naturally forming hormone made in the pancreas. When there is a problem with insulin production or glucose absorption, the cells in the body cannot use the glucose they need for nutrients, which typically provides them with the energy they require to function properly. When this happens, the cells are starved of nutrition and blood sugar levels rise to dangerously heights.

Type 2 diabetes is more common of the two forms, but they both result in similar symptoms. Your pet may be excessively thirsty or hungry, they may frequently urinate, they might be constantly tired or lethargic and they could develop poor skin like oily coats or dandruff. On top of that, some pets may lose weight suddenly even if they are eating more often. Also, keep in mind that female pets are more likely to develop diabetes than males. Additionally, onset of diabetes generally occurs in cats around 8 to 13 years old and dogs may develop it between the ages of 7 to 9 years old.

It's important that you know the signs and symptoms of pet diabetes because the sooner you can point it out, the sooner your vet can develop a plan to treat it. It may come in the form of cat or dog medications, new diet restrictions and other treatment regimens to help you manage their condition. Additionally, obesity is a big risk factor when it comes to diabetes and if you can get control of your pets' weight now, you can help decrease the chances of onset. Keep this information in mind and spread the news of National Pet Diabetes Month to other pet parents!

3 Things to Do for Responsible Dog Ownership Month

Did you know that September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month? This month aims to educate people on how they can be effective, caring, and responsible dog owners. This includes ensuring their overall health and wellbeing, keeping them safe, and more. Are you wondering what you can do to take responsibility for your favorite pooch? Here are four things to help you get started:

1.  Make sure your dog is easy to track

Dogs are curious little critters. Unfortunately, that means that they can wander off and get lost from time to time. Even if your dog is not known to wander, they're not immune from being lost or worse yet, stolen. This is why it's crucial to ensure that your dog can be easily found if he or she goes missing. One of the best ways to do this is to have your pet microchipped. Microchipping can be performed by your vet, and will assign your dog a unique identification number. This number will be associated with a tracker that is inserted the same way a vaccination would be administered. If your dog gets lost and someone returns brings it to a vet, they can scan it and track it back to you.

In addition to having your dog microchipped, you should also make sure they are always wearing a collar with an ID tag that clearly states their name and your address and phone number. This way, your dog can be easily identified and returned to you if he or she is lost. The use of microchipping and ID tags are some of the best known ways to protect your dog and ensure that they are never lost for long.

2.  Prevent fleas and ticks

Tolkien said "Not all who wander are lost," and this quote is more than a little true when it comes to dogs. Sometimes, your dog may just want to wander off in your yard or the woods, and there's nothing wrong with letting your dog play in those places – provided that you can keep them from getting fleas and ticks. Any place that has high grass and lots of low-lying shrubs is going to be a haven for fleas and ticks, so if you're going to let your dog run around in those areas, it'll be worth it to invest in preventative medication.

Flea and tick prevention for dogs can help avoid parasite-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and others. Some of these conditions, if left untreated, could not only cause discomfort and harm, but even an untimely death! And even if your dog contracts no diseases from fleas and ticks, they could be allergic to their bites, get skin infections, and experience a host of other complications. Be a responsible dog owner this month and take preventative action before it's too late.

3.  Take steps to ensure the health of your dog

Making sure your dog is in good health goes beyond just preventing flea and ticks. When was the last time you took your dog to the vet? If it's been a while, make a quick appointment for a checkup. Your dog may need shot updates or a heartworm medication renewal. Also, assess your dog's health; if there's anything that seems off or that you have a question about, write it down and ask the vet while you are there.

You can also keep your dog in good health by ensuring that they get proper exercise and a well-balanced diet. Take your dog for a short walk around the block anytime you can, and a more extensive one at least once a day (twice if you can). This will keep your dog in good shape and help fight obesity. A well-balanced diet will also give your dog the nutrients they need to stay healthy and energized.

How do you plan to take responsibility for your dog during dog ownership month? Remember, the way you treat your dog can be an example for others, as well. When they see how well you care for your dog, they will want to adopt the behavior that will make life a bit better for their favorite furry friends.

4 Generous Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day

Did you know that August 26^th is National Dog Day? This is a great holiday for any dog lover to celebrate! There are countless ways to celebrate and spoil your favorite little furry critters. However, our favorite way to celebrate is by doing so in a way that gives back to dogs and the community! Here are four generous ways to celebrate National Dog Day.

1.       Adopt a shelter dog. If you don’t already own a dog (or if you simply want another one to serve as a brother or sister to any others you already have), what better day is there to adopt than on National Dog Day? The best way to get a new dog is by adopting one from a shelter. This way, you can be saving their life especially if they are currently living at an over-crowded shelter. Also, when you adopt from a shelter instead of buying one from a puppy mill, you are helping to fight against immoral breeding practices and animal cruelty. 

2.       Volunteer at your local shelter. If you can’t afford to adopt or are unable to care for a new dog of your own, there’s still plenty of other ways to help out. Why not offer to volunteer a couple hours of your time helping out at your local shelter? There is always plenty of work to be done including feeding, cleaning, and general caring for dogs. Plus, you’ll get plenty of time to play with and cuddle up to your favorite furry friends! 

3.       Donate supplies to your local shelter. Not everyone can make time in their busy schedules to volunteer to care for dogs at their local shelter. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to help. One of the easiest and most generous ways to celebrate National Dog Day is by donating supplies to your local shelter. Shelters are always in need of food, bowls, leashes, and more advanced items such as Heartgard Plus 51 – 100. No matter what you choose to donate, you can rest assured your donation will help some dogs in need and be very much appreciated by your local shelter.

4.       Spoil your dog. If you have a dog, then National Dog Day may very well be your favorite holiday. Chances are you already spoil your dog on a regular basis. However, now you have an excuse to spoil your dog even more! Some of the best ways to spoil your dog include buying it special treats such as dog biscuits from a special dog bakery, taking him or her to your local dog park to play, and having him or her professionally groomed at a doggy spa. Oh, and who can forget cuddling with your favorite pooch? Your dog will likely thank you with many slobbery kisses, but we know you won’t mind!

How do you plan to celebrate this year’s National Dog Day? Leave a comment letting us know your favorite or most creative ideas!