Doctor's Desk

Dental Care for Pets
Parasites: You and Your Pet
Dental Care for Pets
How do I recognize Arthritis in my Pet?
Acupuncture
Skunks!

Parasites: You and Your Pet

Despite the availability of effective treatments, parasites remain a common fact of life for dogs and cats. Most companion animals have the potential for contact with parasites multiple times a day, all year long.

Since some of the parasites that infect your pet may also infect people, you have the opportunity to maintain both the health of your pet and your family by taking simple preventive measures. By following the recommendations of your veterinarian, you can prevent unnecessary suffering for your pet as well as potential health concerns for your family.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) believes that the relationship between humans and animals is a special bond, and that the ongoing responsibilities in caring for our animals are often among life’s most rewarding experiences. CAPC is dedicated to fostering the human-animal relationship by enhancing the pet care you and your veterinarian provide.

CAPC has developed its Web site as an information resource and starting point for your discussions with your veterinarian. To keep your pets healthy and your family safe, talk to your veterinarian about how you can prevent parasites year-round.

Visit the Companion Animal Parasite Council website for additional important information.

E mail us at Central@pawsforward.com for specific recommendations about keeping your 4- legged family member healthy. Or call us at (408) 377-4043.

Dental Care for Pets

Why is dental care important for pets? The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. Besides affecting the mouth, such disease can lead to more serious health problems including heart, lung, and kidney diseases, which makes it all more the important that you provide your pets with proper dental care from the start.

What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth, which takes hold in progressive stages. Initially, bacteria cause tartar which leads to plaque build- up. If unchecked, this build-up can cause infection around the root of the tooth. In the final stages, the tissue around the tooth erodes and the tooth becomes loose. In addition to being a very painful process for your pet, periodontal disease is often a precursor of other serious pet diseases.

What will happen during the dental visit? Depending on the age of the pet, a current exam and blood work will be needed to check for any dangerous heart, kidney or other conditions. A safe anesthetic will be administered so that the teeth can be cleaned thoroughly . The technician will then scale and polish the teeth and, if necessary, perform extractions.

Bonus! Ask for Free Digital Dental X-rays when you schedule your appointment! Dental X- rays allow for the early diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious and painful disease.

Call today and make an appointment at (408) 377-4043. Your pet will be happy you did!

What you should know about "anesthesia-free" teeth cleaning

As a Pet Owner, we understand your concern when anesthesia is required for their pet. However, performing a Non Professional Dental Scaling on your awake pet can be harmful and hurtful for the following reasons:

1. Dental tartar is firmly adhered to the surface of the teeth. Scaling to remove tartar is accomplished using ultrasonic and sonic power scalers, plus hand instruments that must have a sharp working edge to be used effectively. Even slight head movement by your pet could result in injury to the oral tissues.

2. Professional dental scaling at Central Animal Hospital includes scaling the surfaces of the teeth both above and below the gingival margin (gum line), followed by dental polishing. The most critical part of a dental scaling procedure is scaling the tooth surfaces that are within the gingival pocket (the subgingival space between the gum and the root), where periodontal disease is active. Because the patient cooperates, dental scaling of human teeth performed by a professional trained in the procedures can be completed successfully without anesthesia. However, access to the subgingival area of every tooth is impossible in an awake pet. Removal of dental tartar on the visible surfaces of the teeth has little effect on a pet's health, and provides a false sense of accomplishment. The effect is purely cosmetic.

3. Central Animal Hospital uses Inhalation anesthesia and a cuffed breathing tube providing three important advantages – eliminating the stress from a procedure your pet does not understand, elimination of pain resulting from examination and treatment of affected dental tissues during the procedure, and protection of the airway and lungs from accidental aspiration.

4. A complete oral examination, which is an important part of a professional dental scaling procedure, is not possible in an awake pet. The surfaces of the teeth facing the tongue cannot be examined, and areas of disease and discomfort are likely to be missed.

Safe use of an anesthetic or sedative in a dog or cat requires evaluation of the general health and size of the patient to determine the appropriate drug and dose, and continual monitoring of the patient. We as Veterinarians are trained in all of these procedures. Prescribing or administering anesthetic or sedative drugs by a non-veterinarian can be very dangerous, and is illegal.

Although anesthesia will never be 100% risk-free, modern anesthetic and patient evaluation techniques used in veterinary hospitals minimize the risks, and millions of dental scaling procedures are safely performed each year in veterinary hospitals.

To minimize the need for professional dental scaling procedures and to maintain optimal oral health, we recommend daily dental home care from an early age. This should include brushing or use of other effective techniques to retard accumulation of dental plaque, such as dental diets and chew materials. This, combined with periodic examination of the patient by a veterinarian and with dental scaling under anesthesia when indicated, will optimize life-long oral health for dogs and cats.Call us at 408.377.4043. We will do our best to answer your questions and concerns.

How do I recognize Arthritis in my Pet?

Observe your pet closely for any of the following signs:

Decreased activity
Reluctance to walk, run, climb stairs, jump or play
Stiffness
Limping
Difficulty rising from a resting position
Lagging behind on walks
Soreness when touched
Yelping or whimpering in pain
Acting aggressive or withdrawn
Exhibiting other personality changes

If you notice any of these changes, give us a call to schedule a consultation and exam for your pet. If any illness is present, the sooner it is recognized and treated, the sooner your pet will return to good health and normal activity.

Acupuncture

Central Animal Hospital is pleased to offer acupuncture and holistic health care options for our patients. The practice of veterinary acupuncture has been used in China for at least 3000 years to treat a multitude of ailments. In the past 30 years, acupuncture has become recognized worldwide as a valuable tool to treat and/or prevent disease in animals.

Acupuncture is virtually painless for most small animals, and often causes relaxation and sleepiness during a treatment. Without question, acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical therapy when administered by a properly trained veterinarian. It can be used alone or in conjunction with Western medical practices. Pets who may benefit from acupuncture include those suffering from the following:

arthritis
vertebral disc disease
skin problems (allergic dermatitis or lick granulomas)
respiratory problems (asthma)
gastrointestinal problems (inflammatory bowel disease)
selective reproductive problems

Skunks!

How do you eliminate the odor once you have been sprayed by a skunk? Well first of all, know the warning signs: a skunk will give several clear signals before it sprays. If threatened, it will stamp its front feet, arch its back, and shuffle away. If you don't leave right away, it will turn its posterior toward you, raise its tail, and release the smelly musk, a sulfur-alcohol compound, from special glands near the anus. This spray not only stinks, but burns and can cause temporary blindness if it is sprayed directly into the eyes. OH, did your pet forget to read this? Then follow the instructions below.

Skunk Spray – Here is the secret recipe that WORKS. Mix the following:

1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Mix these together and bathe ("shampoo" in or rub down) the sprayed victim thoroughly.
Be sure to use this mixture immediately after it is created, as it is unstable.
Rinse with tap water afterward, and repeat if necessary.
For spray in the eyes, flush with water as soon as possible.

If you can't go to all of the trouble of buying hydrogen peroxide at your local drug store, then a 2% vinegar solution will help a bit. But please, don't bother with the old tomato juice tactic unless you want your pet to smell like skunk + tomato.

Doctor's Desk
Dental Care for Pets Parasites: You and Your Pet Dental Care for Pets How do I recognize Arthritis in my Pet? Acupuncture Skunks!		Parasites: You and Your Pet Despite the availability of effective treatments, parasites remain a common fact of life for dogs and cats. Most companion animals have the potential for contact with parasites multiple times a day, all year long. Since some of the parasites that infect your pet may also infect people, you have the opportunity to maintain both the health of your pet and your family by taking simple preventive measures. By following the recommendations of your veterinarian, you can prevent unnecessary suffering for your pet as well as potential health concerns for your family. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) believes that the relationship between humans and animals is a special bond, and that the ongoing responsibilities in caring for our animals are often among life’s most rewarding experiences. CAPC is dedicated to fostering the human-animal relationship by enhancing the pet care you and your veterinarian provide. CAPC has developed its Web site as an information resource and starting point for your discussions with your veterinarian. To keep your pets healthy and your family safe, talk to your veterinarian about how you can prevent parasites year-round. Visit the Companion Animal Parasite Council website for additional important information. E mail us at Central@pawsforward.com for specific recommendations about keeping your 4- legged family member healthy. Or call us at (408) 377-4043. Dental Care for Pets Why is dental care important for pets? The American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. Besides affecting the mouth, such disease can lead to more serious health problems including heart, lung, and kidney diseases, which makes it all more the important that you provide your pets with proper dental care from the start. What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth, which takes hold in progressive stages. Initially, bacteria cause tartar which leads to plaque build- up. If unchecked, this build-up can cause infection around the root of the tooth. In the final stages, the tissue around the tooth erodes and the tooth becomes loose. In addition to being a very painful process for your pet, periodontal disease is often a precursor of other serious pet diseases. What will happen during the dental visit? Depending on the age of the pet, a current exam and blood work will be needed to check for any dangerous heart, kidney or other conditions. A safe anesthetic will be administered so that the teeth can be cleaned thoroughly . The technician will then scale and polish the teeth and, if necessary, perform extractions. *Bonus!* Ask for Free Digital Dental X-rays when you schedule your appointment! Dental X- rays allow for the early diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious and painful disease. Call today and make an appointment at (408) 377-4043. Your pet will be happy you did! What you should know about "anesthesia-free" teeth cleaning As a Pet Owner, we understand your concern when anesthesia is required for their pet. However, performing a Non Professional Dental Scaling on your awake pet can be harmful and hurtful for the following reasons: 1. Dental tartar is firmly adhered to the surface of the teeth. Scaling to remove tartar is accomplished using ultrasonic and sonic power scalers, plus hand instruments that must have a sharp working edge to be used effectively. Even slight head movement by your pet could result in injury to the oral tissues. 2. Professional dental scaling at Central Animal Hospital includes scaling the surfaces of the teeth both above and below the gingival margin (gum line), followed by dental polishing. The most critical part of a dental scaling procedure is scaling the tooth surfaces that are within the gingival pocket (the subgingival space between the gum and the root), where periodontal disease is active. Because the patient cooperates, dental scaling of human teeth performed by a professional trained in the procedures can be completed successfully without anesthesia. However, access to the subgingival area of every tooth is impossible in an awake pet. Removal of dental tartar on the visible surfaces of the teeth has little effect on a pet's health, and provides a false sense of accomplishment. The effect is purely cosmetic. 3. Central Animal Hospital uses Inhalation anesthesia and a cuffed breathing tube providing three important advantages – eliminating the stress from a procedure your pet does not understand, elimination of pain resulting from examination and treatment of affected dental tissues during the procedure, and protection of the airway and lungs from accidental aspiration. 4. A complete oral examination, which is an important part of a professional dental scaling procedure, is not possible in an awake pet. The surfaces of the teeth facing the tongue cannot be examined, and areas of disease and discomfort are likely to be missed. Safe use of an anesthetic or sedative in a dog or cat requires evaluation of the general health and size of the patient to determine the appropriate drug and dose, and continual monitoring of the patient. We as Veterinarians are trained in all of these procedures. Prescribing or administering anesthetic or sedative drugs by a non-veterinarian can be very dangerous, and is illegal. Although anesthesia will never be 100% risk-free, modern anesthetic and patient evaluation techniques used in veterinary hospitals minimize the risks, and millions of dental scaling procedures are safely performed each year in veterinary hospitals. To minimize the need for professional dental scaling procedures and to maintain optimal oral health, we recommend daily dental home care from an early age. This should include brushing or use of other effective techniques to retard accumulation of dental plaque, such as dental diets and chew materials. This, combined with periodic examination of the patient by a veterinarian and with dental scaling under anesthesia when indicated, will optimize life-long oral health for dogs and cats.Call us at 408.377.4043. We will do our best to answer your questions and concerns. How do I recognize Arthritis in my Pet? Observe your pet closely for any of the following signs: Decreased activity Reluctance to walk, run, climb stairs, jump or play Stiffness Limping Difficulty rising from a resting position Lagging behind on walks Soreness when touched Yelping or whimpering in pain Acting aggressive or withdrawn Exhibiting other personality changes If you notice any of these changes, give us a call to schedule a consultation and exam for your pet. If any illness is present, the sooner it is recognized and treated, the sooner your pet will return to good health and normal activity. Acupuncture Central Animal Hospital is pleased to offer acupuncture and holistic health care options for our patients. The practice of veterinary acupuncture has been used in China for at least 3000 years to treat a multitude of ailments. In the past 30 years, acupuncture has become recognized worldwide as a valuable tool to treat and/or prevent disease in animals. Acupuncture is virtually painless for most small animals, and often causes relaxation and sleepiness during a treatment. Without question, acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical therapy when administered by a properly trained veterinarian. It can be used alone or in conjunction with Western medical practices. Pets who may benefit from acupuncture include those suffering from the following: arthritis vertebral disc disease skin problems (allergic dermatitis or lick granulomas) respiratory problems (asthma) gastrointestinal problems (inflammatory bowel disease) selective reproductive problems Skunks! How do you eliminate the odor once you have been sprayed by a skunk? Well first of all, know the warning signs: a skunk will give several clear signals before it sprays. If threatened, it will stamp its front feet, arch its back, and shuffle away. If you don't leave right away, it will turn its posterior toward you, raise its tail, and release the smelly musk, a sulfur-alcohol compound, from special glands near the anus. This spray not only stinks, but burns and can cause temporary blindness if it is sprayed directly into the eyes. OH, did your pet forget to read this? Then follow the instructions below. Skunk Spray – Here is the secret recipe that WORKS. Mix the following: 1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide 1/4 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) Mix these together and bathe ("shampoo" in or rub down) the sprayed victim thoroughly. Be sure to use this mixture immediately after it is created, as it is unstable. Rinse with tap water afterward, and repeat if necessary. For spray in the eyes, flush with water as soon as possible. If you can't go to all of the trouble of buying hydrogen peroxide at your local drug store, then a 2% vinegar solution will help a bit. But please, don't bother with the old tomato juice tactic unless you want your pet to smell like skunk + tomato.