Dental Care: The Root of Your Pet's Health

Dental Care: The Root of Your Pet's Health

            Who doesn’t love getting kisses from their better half?  No I don’t mean your partner, your dog of course!  It is all fun games until your dog has a mouth that could clear out a room while you are watching the Packers-Bears game with friends.  But again, who wants Bear fans in their home?! (Yes I’m a Packer fan).

How Common is Dental Disease?

            According to the American Veterinary Dental College, periodontal disease is the MOST COMMON clinical condition occurring in adult dogs and cats, and worse yet it is ENTIRELY preventable.  How common you might wonder?  Several studies have shown that in dogs by age 2 or 3, about 85-90% of them have some form of periodontal disease.  This number mirrors what I see in my daily practice.  Other than bad breath, there are unfortunately very few signs of periodontal disease.  As a result, a dental treatment comes often too late for many of these patients and leads to many teeth needing to be removed.

What can you do to prevent dental disease in your pet?

            The good news though, is that a lot of the disease that I see can be prevented with at home care.  This includes brushing of the teeth, chewing on bones, dental prescription diets, and dental chew products.  Before choosing a dental product, talk to your veterinarian of where to find products that are scientifically proven to help reduce dental disease.  He or She will likely talk about the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC.org).  This council will validate manufacturer’s claims of decreasing dental disease.  You can go to this council’s website and look for products that you

can try.  My favorite products to use are “dental diets”.  I look at this as us brushing our teeth once or twice a day depending on how often you feed your dog.  It is easy and dogs love these products.

            

The goal of at home care is the same goal with your own dental health; a beautiful pain-free, functional mouth.  Dental cleanings will still be recommended by your veterinarian, just like we see our dentists regularly.  By doing more frequent cleaning treatments, anesthesia time will be less, there will be less teeth extracted over the course of the life of the dog, and there will be less risk of systemic disease as a result of chronic dental disease.

In closing, I want your dogs to be among your friends watching the game due to the fact that he/she has a healthy mouth.  The more Packers fans the better during a Packers-Bears game!  Please look at the following websites for more information and talk to your veterinarian as well regarding dental cleaning treatments.  

By: 

Nick Juleen, DVM
Companion Animal Hospital Kenosha

Websites:  The American Veterinary Dental College, www.avdc.org and The Veterinary Oral Health Council, www.vohc.org. 

Fleas and Ticks in the Winter: Frozen or Flourishing?

Fleas and Ticks in the Winter: Frozen or Flourishing?

After the first frost of the season, it may be tempting to skip Fluffy’s dose of flea and tick prevention, but contrary to popular belief, fleas and ticks can still be a threat in the winter.

Although near-freezing temperatures will kill adult fleas living outdoors, not all fleas will die in the winter. Fleas can survive outdoors in temperatures as low as 33 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 5 days, long enough to latch onto your dog, enter your home, and find a warm place to hide out for the winter. Without a proper dose of flea and tick prevention, that flea can go on to continue its life cycle in your home.

In fact, one single adult female can lay as many as 50 eggs per day. As your dog shakes, scratches, or lies down throughout your home or yard, those eggs disperse and hatch into larvae that can hide in your furniture before finally maturing to adults and leaving your dog (or even you) scratching uncontrollably.

Unlike fleas, however, ticks can actually survive freezing temperatures. Most ticks will find shelter in leaf litter and lie dormant during the winter months. However, certain species of ticks such as the deer tick (the tick that most commonly transmits Lyme disease) are actually at their most active stage from October to February. Skipping flea and tick prevention for the winter gives those ticks opportunity to transmit potentially fatal diseases to both you and your pet.

So while it may be tempting to forego Fluffy’s flea and tick prevention this winter, it is in your pet’s best interest to continue flea and tick prevention year around and with many different flea and tick preventatives on the market, it is easier than ever.

By Megan Murray, D.V.M.

Companion Animal Hospital of Norridge

The Importance of Spaying & Neutering

Why Spay? Why Neuter?

It’s a topic that comes up with all puppy and kitten visits.  Pets do not leave a shelter until they have been altered.  Game show hosts have told us it was the right thing to do.  But, what is it and why?  

The most common spay procedure includes removal of both ovaries and the uterus of the female dog or cat.  A neuter procedure removes both testicles of the male dog or cat.  In our practice, both of these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis.  The pet will return to your home the same day.  As with all procedures, pre-anesthetic lab work ensures that the pet is healthy for anesthesia.  The anesthetized pets’ vital statistics are monitored throughout the procedure.  Medication for pain is administered during the procedure and sent home for the days to come.  

One of the most common reasons cited for spaying and neutering is to reduce pet overpopulation.  From pet owners to humane organizations, everyone plays a role in this crucial issue.  While controlling the pet population is of significant importance, there are many other reasons to consider.

Health reasons-- Spaying female dogs and cats can help to prevent life threatening mammary (breast) cancers and uterine infections later in life.  Males benefit from reduced prostate and testicular issues.  

• Over a quarter of intact female dogs will develop mammary tumors.  In dogs, spaying before their first heat cycle reduces the chance of mammary tumors (50% of which are malignant) to 0.5%.  That risk increases to 8% after the first heat and 26% after the second heat.  
• Cats spayed before 6 months of age have a 7-times reduced risk of mammary cancer.  Benefits of reducing mammary cancer risk continue for cats spayed at any age.  In cats, 85% of mammary tumors are malignant and often very aggressive.  
• Uterine infection (pyometra) occur in approximately 25% of un-spayed female dogs before they are 10 years of age.  Pyometra affects cats as well.  This severe infection is treated by spaying, however surgical risk and cost is greatly increased in this very sick patient.
• Neutering males reduces issues associated with prostate enlargement, tumors around the anus, and testicular cancers.  By the age of 9, nearly 100% of intact males will have an enlarged prostate, which can lead to bloody discharge and prostate infection.  

Hassles of heat cycle-- Female cats are very vocal and may even urine mark around the house when in heat.   Cats will cycle multiple times during the breeding season.  Female dogs will have a bloody discharge that can be messy to contain.  A female in heat shouldn’t be allowed outside unsupervised or an inadvertent breeding is likely to occur.  

Roaming-- Males will travel long distances to visit a female that is in heat.  This puts the pet at risk for injury or death from automobiles, fighting with other roaming pets, or wild animals.  If you have the female that is in heat, visitors may be at your door waiting for a chance to meet her.

Life span-- Multiple studies demonstrate that spayed or neutered pets live longer.  Cats live an average of 3 – 5 years longer and dogs an average of 1 – 3 years longer.  

Spaying and neutering is not a perfect solution.  There are some diseases and conditions that have an increase in frequency in altered pets.  

Female dogs have a higher tendency to become incontinent later in life.  Studies suggest that spaying prior to 3 months of age greatly increases this risk, though all spayed females are at risk.  Incontinence can be controlled with medication.  

Obesity increases in altered pets.  Altered pets often do not need as many calories as their un-altered counterparts.  Adjusting diet and treats will limit this issue.  

Some breeds predisposed to hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament injury (knee) show an increased tendency for those orthopedic problems when altered before 6 months of age.  This relationship has not been extensively studied.   

There is documentation that certain cancers occur more frequently in spayed or neutered dogs.  Thus far, these have been less common cancers such as vascular cancer (spleen, heart), bone cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer.  Limited studies to explore the relationship between spaying/neutering and cancer exist and are limited to a single breed at times.  

Discussing the benefits and drawbacks of spaying and neutering with your veterinarian is important.  In nearly all instances, benefits far outweigh the risks associated with the procedure.  

Sources:    

American Veterinary Medical Association, www.avma.org
American College of Veterinary Surgeons, www.acvs.org
ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org
http://www.petmd.com

article written by:

Laura Rau-Holl, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Kenosha

What your pet can (& can't) eat this Thanksgiving

What your pet can (& can't) eat this Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving this week, many of us are feeling extra grateful and are looking forward to sharing memories and food with family & friends - for most of us, this includes our furry family members as well! It may be hard to turn your pet down, especially with

all the yummy smells floating around the house. But don't worry - while there are a handful of foods that you should keep away from your pet, there are some items that are perfectly healthy to share! If you do want to provide your furry family member with their own Thanksgiving feast, it is important that the foods listed as safe to share are only safe when given to your pet in their pure, raw, unseasoned form. 

Here is a look at some things you can (& can't) give your pet: 

Safe to feed your pets: 

• Turkey Meat (no bone or skin)
• Plain Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
• Plain cooked Pumpkin
• Plain Peas
• Apples
• Carrots
• Green Beans

DO NOT Feed:

• Turkey Skin
• Turkey Bones
• Turkey Stuffing
• Turkey Gravy
• Candy and Gum (may contain Xylitol)
• Mashed Potatoes
• Creamed Peas
• Sweet Potatoes and Yams with added ingredients
• Pumpkin Pie (may contain Xylitol)
• Chocolate Desserts
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Salads with Raisins or Grapes
• Onions
• Scallions

To learn more about what is and isn't safe for your pet this holiday season, visit https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/vets-corner/can-dogs-eat-thanksgiving-turkey/. 

If you are worried that your pet may have ingested something they shouldn't have, please call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. 

Written By: Morgan Rhyner, Marketing Manager 

Companion Animal Hospital Partners, LLC

Sources: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/vets-corner/can-dogs-eat-thanksgiving-turkey/

https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/blog/2015/11/26/7-thanksgiving-foods-dogs-can-eat

What to Expect When You’re Expecting…a Fur Baby!

What to Expect When You’re Expecting…a Fur Baby!

               The excitement of bringing home a new puppy is unrivaled to most, but there can be a lot of uncertainty and questions for new pet parents or if it has been awhile since a new four legged fur baby has been in your home!

               Puppies and kittens make frequent veterinary trips in the first few months of their life to ensure lifelong health. Booster shots, food nutrition, learning about safety precautions and training are all things that new pet owners should understand, and talking to your veterinarian is the best place to start.

               It can be scary for your new fur baby their first few nights at home, and in order to make them feel safe it is important to give them their own space in a quiet, warm area to relax. It is also important to get them in for their first exam within the first week of adoption. We will break down the different core vaccines for both puppies and kittens as well as other simple treatments to guarantee pet health.

Puppies:

• Bordetella
•  Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacterial agent responsible for kennel cough in dogs.  This vaccine is required for boarding but is highly recommended for all dogs.  This vaccine is given one time after 8 weeks of age and some clinics will booster it 3 weeks later.
• Distemper (DHPP)
• This vaccine integrates multiple defenses against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. Vaccine is a series of 3 boosters, each given 3-4 weeks apart.
• Leptospirosis
• Lepto is bacteria that is spread through stagnant water where small rodents, wildlife will live and urinate. This can be lethal to dogs and should be given especially when living in cities or by  forestry preserves. This vaccine is a series of 2 boosters, given 3-4 weeks apart.
• Rabies
• This vaccine is mandated by law! This is a one-time vaccine that is given is on or after your pet is 16 weeks old and is good for 1 year.
• Influenza
• Yes, dogs can get the flu like humans. Although this is not considered a “core” vaccine it is better to be safe than sorry if your pets daycare, boarding facility, groomer (etc) were to have a flu outbreak. Vaccine is a series of 2 boosters, given 3-4 weeks apart.
• Lyme
• The prevalence of ticks in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate. In addition to flea/tick preventatives, this vaccine is an extra defense mechanism. And yes, it should be given even if you live in a city. Ticks can travel from wooded areas to alley ways on the bodies of little critters! Vaccine is a series of 2 boosters, given 3-4 weeks apart.
• Fecal Test
• This is done once a year to check if your puppy has any intestinal parasites. But before you get nervous, they are very common and easily treated! It is best to get this done once a year, or if you notice your pet having loose stool.
• Heartworm Test
• This is a simple blood test done to check if your puppy has been exposed to heartworm. If positive, you and your vet will talk about treatments for your pet. If negative, ask your vet about heartworm preventatives that might fit your pet and lifestyle the best.

 Kittens:

• FVRCP
• This vaccine protects against the 5 most common cat viruses that they can be exposed to. Vaccine is boostered 3 times, each given 3-4 weeks apart.
• FELV
• Protects against feline leukemia. Vaccine is boostered 2 times, 3-4 weeks apart.
• FELV/FIV Test
• This is a simple blood test that will be run on your kittens first vet visit to see if they are negative for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.  
• Fecal Test
• This is done once a year to check if your kitten has any intestinal parasites. But before you get nervous, they are very common and easily treated.

That was a lot of information, but once these boosters are done your pet should only have to come in for their annual exam and annual vaccines! It is important to educate yourself on what your pet needs to stay healthy and keep track of when the boosters for each vaccine are due. In addition to these core vaccines, there are some preventatives for fleas and ticks as well as heartworm so that your pet is not at risk of contracting heartworm or lyme disease from infected mosquitos or a flea wrecking havoc on your pet’s skin.

It may seem like a lot for a tiny four legged animal, but if you start out your pet’s health journey on the right foot, you will have many happy years with your new pet!

Written By: Dr. Megan Moser, Companion Animal Hospital Wicker Park

Companion discusses pet allergies & factors on CBS Chicago

Our very own Dr. Amanda Schnitker at Companion Animal Hospital River North was featured on CBS Chicago! Watch the video to learn more about pet allergies and what do do if your pet has a serious allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis.
Severity of allergies in pets can vary, just like in humans, and can be due to a long list of factors such as medications, pollen, dander, shampoo, dust, and food. Often times, minor allergies produce symptoms such as:
- Excessive paw-licking
- Itchiness
- Scratching and butt-scooting
- Hair loss, either an all-over thinning or bald spots
- Coughing, sneezing, or asthma
- Tummy trouble like vomiting and diarrhea (for food allergies)
However, anaphylaxis is serious and can be fatal as it can affect major organ systems such as the gastrointestinal tract, the circulatory system and the lungs. Action should be taken immediately if your dog shows any of the following symptoms:
- Swollen muzzle and/or eyes
- Sudden gasping and trouble breathing
- Rapid-onset diarrhea or vomiting
- Weakness
- Collapsing
Please reach out to your nearest Companion location with any questions or concerns!

Written By: Morgan Rhyner, Companion Animal Hospital Marketing Manager
Sources: http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/my-dog-just-came-inside-and-her-eyelids-and-muzzle-are-swollen-whats-going-on - https://www.rover.com/blog/dogs-allergic-reaction-signs/

Know the Signs: Heatstroke in Dogs

The summer heat is officially here!

While that means lots of fun activities outdoors, be sure to be extra careful when including your canine companions. Dogs can quickly suffer from “heat stroke” or extremely high body temperatures. A dog’s normal temperature is between 99-103 degrees; heat stroke occurs when body temperatures are at or above 106 degrees. When the dog overheats, the blood vessels dilate in attempt to cool the body and the heart beats faster. This leads to low blood pressure, shock, and then death of organ tissues. Treatment can be costly and may not be effective, depending on extent of damage. In one study, 50% of dogs with heat stroke did not survive despite treatment. We want to avoid this becoming an issue for your pet, so below are some tips on how to enjoy the heat safely!

1. Don’t leave your pet outside during the day for extended periods of times. It is especially important that when your pet is outside that they have access to water and shade. Remember, dogs do not have the same type of sweat glands that we do, so they can only pant so much to compensate for the heat
2. Don’t leave your pet confined in the sun. Many heatstroke deaths occur due to dogs being left in hot cars. It can get incredibly hot inside a car on a sunny day very quickly. It is best to leave your dog at home in the AC if you will be running errands that require you to leave them in the car.
3. Be extra cautious if your animal is a breed at increased risk of heat stroke. Some breeds have a harder time panting properly to compensate for the heat. These breeds have short snouts (“brachycephalic”) and include shih tzus, bull dogs, pugs, and boxers.
4. Exercise with caution! Even if your dog is usually a great running mate, try to limit exercise to cooler times of the day. Dawn and dusk are good times to consider a walk or run in the summer. The other perk is that the concrete or asphalt is not as hot at these times- remember that dogs can burn their pads when the ground is too hot!
5. Dogs can get heatstroke even when swimming or playing on the beach. It’s great if your pet enjoys playing in the water, just be sure to limit their play time and give them a break in the shade or AC!
6. Consider the age and health of your pet. Very young pets and senior pets may not be able to tolerate the heat as well as healthy adult dogs might. Dogs with heart or lung disease will have a harder time in the heat as well. 

If you think your pet might have heat stroke, do not delay in contacting your vet! Your vet will be your best resource for helping you decide appropriate next steps if your dog is suffering from heat stroke.  Some signs that may indicate your pet is suffering from heat stroke include: 

• Heavy/ excessive panting
• Lethargy
• Unresponsive
• Dark red gums
• Rapid heart beat

If you have specific questions on your pets and their exposure to heat this summer, please contact your vet. We hope you have a happy and safe summer with your pets!

If you have specific questions on your pets and their exposure to heat this summer, please contact your vet. We hope you have a happy and safe summer with your pets!

Reference:

Bruchim Y, Klement E, Saragusty J, et al: Heat stroke in dogs: A retrospective study of 54 cases (1999-2004) and analysis of risk factors for death. J Vet Intern Med 2006 Vol 20 (1) pp. 38-46.

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_heat_stroke

article written by:

Erin Walsh, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect