Ridge Lake Animal Hospital / Featured Articles

FEBRUARY IS DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

* Did you know tarter harbors bacteria, into the blood stream and can affect kidneys, liver, and heart?

* Did you know 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of 3 have periodontal disease?

* Did you know periodontal disease is the number one health problem in companion pets?

Prevention is key. Annual dental cleanings are recommended to remove tarter buildup under the gum line. Some pets require a dental exam every 6 months.

BENEFITS OF THE "RESQ" MICROCHIP

Our clinic provides microchipping services for our patients of all ages and sizes. The microchip is a form of permanent identification containing a unique ID which is implanted safely under the skin usually in between the shoulder blades. The sterile chip is about the size of a grain of rice and can easily be implanted while the patient is anesthetized for a routine dental cleaning or other procedure(s). The microchip can also be implanted during a routine visit to our clinic without the need for sedation or anesthesia. It does not require batteries and remains inactive until it is scanned and read.

All pets should have a microchip for several reasons:

ESCAPE: Pets can easily escape from an open or unlocked door, window, or gate. Pets can wriggle out of collars on walks, or the handler may lose grip on the leash allowing the pet to escape. Guests may accidentally leave doors open for extended periods of time, unaware of the pet's curiosity to explore the outside.

MOTHER NATURE: We cannot control Mother Nature; thousands of pets were displaced from their homes and yards when hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Storms can blow over fences, dog houses, or inactivate an electric fence if the electricity is lost.

THOUSANDS OF PETS REUNITED: With a microchip in place, thousands of pets can easily be reunited with their families. RESQ recovery service is available 365 days a year 24 hours a day to aid in recoveries at no additional cost.

Please contact our office for additional information on RESQ Microchip services and receive free online benefits.

WINTER HOLIDAY PET HAZARDS

Here are some tips for keeping your pets out of danger during the holiday season.

AVOID Holiday Food Items That Could Cause Problems For Your Pet

Alcoholic beverages
Chocolate (baker's, semi-sweet, milk chocolate)
Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)
Moldy or spoiled foods
Onions, onion powder
Fatty foods
Salt
Yeast dough

PLANTS

Lilies that may be found in holiday flower arrangements could be deadly to your cat. Many types of lily, such as Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa Blanca, can cause kidney failure in cats.
Poinsettias are generally over-rated in toxicity. If ingested, poinsettias can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, and may cause mild vomiting or nausea.
Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems. However, mistletoe ingestion usually only causes gastrointestinal upset.
Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.

HAZARDS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers, which, if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can be breeding grounds for bacteria, which can also lead to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, if ingested.
Electric cords- Avoid animal exposure to electric cords. If they were chewed, they could electrocute your pet. Cover up or hide electric cords, never let your pet chew on them.
Ribbons or tinsel can get caught up in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction.
Batteries contain corrosives. If ingested they can cause ulceration to the mouth, tongue, and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.
Glass ornaments can cut the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract if ingested.

MEDICATIONS

Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of the reach of your pets, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer, drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages. One

regular-strength ibuprofen tablet (200mg) can cause stomach ulcers in a 10-pound dog. Remind holiday guests to store their medications safely as well.

During the holidays, many veterinary clinics have limited office hours. In some cases, pet owners try to medicate their animals without their veterinarian's advice. Never give your animal any medications unless under the directions of veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. Less than one regular strength acetaminophen tablet (325mg) can be dangerous to a cat weighing 7lbs.

OTHER WINTER HAZARDS

Antifreeze has a pleasant taste. Unfortunately, very small amounts can be lethal. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than four teaspoons can be dangerous to a 10-pound dog. Thoroughly clean up any spills, store antifreeze in tightly closed containers and store in secured cabinets. Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should be stored in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. Propylene glycol is a safer form of antifreeze. Low Tox brand antifreeze contains propylene glycol and is recommended to use in pet households.
If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4-ANI-HELP) right away!
Liquid potpourris are popular household fragrances commonly used during the holiday season. Pets are often exposed to liquid potpourri by direct ingestion from simmer pots or spills, or by rubbing against leaky bottles or simmer pots containing the potpourri, or from spilling the containers upon themselves. Oral exposures result following grooming. Exposure of pets to some types of liquid potpourris can result in severe oral, dermal and ocular damage.
Ice melting products can be irritating to skin and mouth. Depending on the actual ingredient of the ice melt and the quantity, signs of ingestion would include excessive drooling, depression, vomiting or even electrolyte imbalances.
Rat and mouse killers are used more commonly during colder weather. When using rat and mouse bait, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your companion animals.

ALWAYS Be Prepared !!!!

Your animal may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to prevent it. You should keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4 ANI-HELP) in a convenient location. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
1-888-4ANI-HELP
http://www.apcc.aspca.org

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, an operating division of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is a unique, emergency hotline providing 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week telephone assistance to veterinarians and pet owners. The Center's hotline veterinarians can quickly answer questions about toxic substances found in our everyday surroundings that can be dangerous to animals. The Center maintains a wide collection of reference materials and computer databases that help provide toxicological information for various species. Veterinary professionals provide around-the-clock, on-site coverage of the Center. The licensed staff members share over one hundred and ten years of combined call center experience and over seventy-five years of combined toxicology, clinical, and diagnostic experience. The phone number of the Center is 1-888-4-ANI-HELP (1-888-426-4435) and the website is www.apcc.aspca.org.

From: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=463