Want to save money on your veterinary bills?

​​During Pet Dental Health Month, the AVMA reminds pet owners that preventive dental care is always less expensive than oral catastrophes 

 

(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) January 30, 2013—It’s an integral part of your morning routine. Still half asleep, you step up to your bathroom sink and pick up your toothbrush. Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t make it a habit of providing good dental hygiene for their pets, too. Pet Dental Health Month, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), is reminding pet owners that brushing their pet’s teeth can result in long-term savings.

"Good pet owners are concerned about their pets’ health and are careful to keep their vaccinations up to date, but may forget about the importance of oral health. Great owners know that this is a big mistake, as periodontal disease is the most common health problem that veterinarians find in pets,” explains Dr. Douglas Aspros, president of the AVMA. “Dental health problems are extremely common, and many are very painful and can lead to serious systemic conditions. I remind pet owners that an untreated dental infection can spread to the heart, kidneys and other organs, and suddenly become life threatening. Practicing good dental hygiene at home in addition to regular cleanings by your veterinarian is the most efficient and cost-effective way to extend your pet’s life, while keeping them comfortable and pain-free.”

 “Correcting dental health problems can be expensive. If your veterinarian diagnoses your pet with tooth or gum disease, they may recommend that your pet’s teeth be professionally cleaned, x-rays may be called for, and it’s possible that a tooth or even multiple teeth may need to be extracted,” explains Dr. Brook A. Niemiec, a board certified veterinary dentist and president of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry.  “Unfortunately, only about 1 percent of pet owners brush their pet’s teeth. Not only do more pet owners need to brush their pet’s teeth, but they should also use chew toys, treats and rawhides to help keep their pet’s teeth clean. There are a number of inexpensive and highly effective products available that can help keep your pet’s teeth clean between professional cleanings. If you have questions about the right products to use, consult your veterinarian.” 

A list of Veterinary Oral Health Council approved products is available atwww.VOHC.org.

While regular dental checkups are essential to help maintain your pet’s dental health, there are a number of signs that dental disease has already started. If you notice any of the symptoms below, take your pet into your veterinarian as soon as possible:

*Bad breath—Most pets have breath that is less than fresh, but if it becomes truly repugnant, that’s a sign that periodontal disease has already started.

*Frequent pawing or rubbing at the face and/or mouth.

*Reluctance to eat hard foods.

*Red swollen gums and brownish teeth.

Dental Health: How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth

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Happy Birthday!

7 Homemade Dog Food Recipes

We all love our furry friends, but they can really be expensive! If you're looking to save some money on dog food and treats, or just want to take comfort in knowing what is in their dish, try making your own with these seven recipes.

From: Homemade

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NextPhoto: Thinkstock

Doggie Birthday Cake

Here's an extra special cake that you can feel good about offering your dog.

Ingredients:

⅓ cup (50 g) flour
⅓ cup (50 g) polenta (cornmeal), bran or rolled oats1½ teaspoons baking powder½ teaspoon garlic powder500 g minced chicken30 ml honey1 large egg¼ cup (60 g) live-culture plain yogurt4 teaspoons vegetable oil1 container (125 g) spreadable cream cheeseDelectable Dog Biscuits, as needed to decorate cake 

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). In a medium bowl, stir together the dry ingredients. Make a well in the centre and add the chicken, honey, egg, yogurt and oil. Stir just until mixed.

2. Pour into a greased cake tin and bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is done and a toothpick inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean.

3. Turn out onto a cake rack to cool.

4. Ice the cake with cream cheese (thin cheese, if needed, with a little milk) and decorate with the dog biscuits. Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 1 week.

Makes 1 cake with 4 to 6 servings

Is Your Pet In Pain?

Clues to Detecting Fluffy and Fido’s Painful Secrets

To protect themselves from predators, animals naturally hide their pain. Your pet may be suffering even though he isn’t showing obvious signs. Advancements in veterinary science have decoded subtle telltale signs of animal distress. Observing your pet’s behavior is vital to managing his or her pain. How well do you know your pet? Use these five clues from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) to help you understand your pet’s body language.

Clue 1: Abnormal chewing habits

If your pet is showing abnormal chewing habits, such as dropping its food or chewing on one side of the mouth, it may have a dental disorder or a mouth tumor. Additional signs may include weight loss, bad breath or excessive face rubbing. Routine dental checkups are important to prevent and treat dental disorders and related pain.

Clue 2: Drastic weight gain or loss

Pain directly influences your pet’s weight and eating habits. Animals carrying excess weight have an increased chance of tearing ligaments and damaging joints. Pets with arthritis or muscle soreness may not want to access their food because bending over is uncomfortable. Arthritis pain may also cause pets to gain weight while their eating habits remain the same due to lack of exercise. Pain can also cause animals to loose their appetites which will lead to weight loss.

Clue 3: Avoids affection or handling

Did Fluffy used to be active and energetic, but now sits quietly around the house? Avoiding affection or handling may be a sign of a progressive disease such as osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc disease. Although your pet may appear to be normal before petting or handling it, the added pressure applied to its body may expose sensitive and painful areas. Hiding is also a sign of pain. Because the animal is hurting, she will hide to avoid a vulnerable position (this allows the pet to prevent painful interactions).

Clue 4: Decreased movement and exercise

Osteoarthritis or joint disease is the most common cause of pain. Pets that limp may be reluctant to go up or down stairs, exercise, or play. Weight and joint injuries can also go hand-in-hand. Losing unnecessary pounds will help overweight pets decrease pressure on sore joints and reduce pain. Consult your veterinarian about exercises, diets and medical therapies that can help improve your pet’s health.

Clue 5: “Accidents”

Pet owners often believe that “accidents” are a result of behavioral issues. Although behavioral issues may cause unwanted surprises, going to the bathroom in inappropriate places may be caused by pain. Pets with sore joints or arthritis may not make it to a convenient location due to painful obstacles like stairs.
Urinary tract infections also may cause a messy situation. In addition to having “accidents,” symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include, lethargy, fever, tender lower abdomen and difficulty urinating. Even after the urinary tract infection is dealt with it may be necessary to get a new litter box because the cat makes painful associations with the old litter box.
The lack of verbal expression does not mean that your pet is not experiencing pain. Minor behavioral change can be cause for alarm. Being aware of your pet’s habits can help you and your veterinarian assess and treat your pet’s pain. Pain management has become an integral part of your pet’s overall healthcare. Diagnosing and managing pain is among the 900 standards an animal hospital is evaluated on in order to become accredited through AAHA. For more information about the advancement of pain management, check out the AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Feel free to download a handout that help detects cat and dog pain courtesy of AAHA Trends online.

The Importance of a Yearly Physical Exam for your Cat

National Dog Day is August 26th!

National Dog Day is August 26th

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Dogs perform a great service in our society as companions, guide dogs and even emergency responders. Once a year we get a chance to observe their amazing contributions to our lives.  This happens on August 26^th with National Dog Day.  National Dog Day was established by animal behaviorist Colleen Paige, known for her contribution to the Animal Miracle Network, in order to help us remember to “paws” and celebrate dogs.

The aim of the day is not just to generate sales of dog treats for pups, or bumper stickers to proclaim our passion.  Although those are fun ways to show we care, the purpose of the day is to highlight the respect we should be showing dogs by participating in actions that point out the value of a dog’s “work” and actions that will help the cause of needy animals. Some of the best ways to support the cause include donating time, money and your voice.

Celebrate our canine companions with National Dog Day on August 26th!

Stumped for ideas on how you can help?

Here are six easy ways to show your support for National Dog Day:

1. Opt-to-Adopt: If you are looking for a new dog, check your local shelter or breed-specific rescue organization first!  Whether you want a pup or an old-hound, you’ll be able to find the perfect companion without purchasing from a pet store, back-yard breeder, or questionable Internet and classified ad sellers.
2. Donate: Animal rescues are always in need of funds to support their work. Even $5.00 helps their cause.  Some rescues also need blankets, toys and other supplies. Ask around and check with your local rescue to see what they need.
3. Get Educated: Learn from the Humane Society how misconceptions and breed-specific bans hurt dogs and communities.
4. Walk: Assist an elderly or disabled neighbor by walking their dog.
5. Share: Post your support and ideas for National Dog Day on your blog, Facebook or Twitter. (Link back to this article for a quick & easy post.)
6. Pamper: Don’t forget the pooch in your own home!  Give your dog a special bath with herbal therapy, a good brushing and a massage!

- See more at: http://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/blog/2012/08/02/national-dog-day-is-august-26th/#sthash.PhN5eB66.dpuf