Including Your Pet in Your New Year's Resolutions

It's New Year's Eve a time to look back on the year in review and to look forward to 2014.  If you are like many people and making resolutions for yourself try including your pets!

Commit to More Exercise: An easy way to bump up physical activity is to commit to daily dog walks. It’s less easy to skip daily activity when that sweet pup is expecting his evening walk.  Also, Wichita offers a few dog parks that you and your pooch and visit for a game of fetch.  If you have a cat, invest in a laser pointer or cat nip toys in get them moving.

Shed Those Extra Pounds: Weight loss is a popular goal this time of year, but being overweight isn’t just a problem for people. For pet parents with an overweight canine or feline companion, getting rid of those extra pounds is a great resolution. Owners can help their pet achieve a healthy weight by encouraging activity, giving out fewer treats and following their vet’s weight loss advice.

Resolve Not to Skip the Vet: Annual Veterinary exams contribute to the overall wellness of a pet. An annual checkup makes it possible for health conditions to be addressed early on, ensures that a pet’s vaccinations always remain up-to-date, and provides an excellent opportunity for owners to speak with a vet about any questions or concerns they have regarding their pet’s health.

Help Animals in Need: People can experience a big boost in their own mood from doing something good for others. Volunteering or donating at a local animal shelter such as the Kansas Humane Society is a great way for animal lovers to feel better about themselves in 2014.

If Quitting Smoking Isn't One of Your Resolutions, Resolve to Smoke Outside:  Everyone is aware of the dangers of second-hand smoke for people but did you know that it is just as harmful to your pet?  In addtion to respiratory problems, second-hand smoke can increase your pet's chances of getting cancer.

WE AT KUTTER PET CARE CENTER WISH EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY 2014!

-Amanda Ward, R.V.T
Kutter Pet Care Center

Does my pet really need a teeth cleaning?

So your Veterinarian recommended a dental cleaning.  Naturally, you're a little curious and apprehensive.  We understand!  Hopefully this post can answer some of your questions.  In the human world, teeth cleanings are recommended every 6 months and that's with us brushing and flossing twice daily.  Imagine not ever brushing your teeth and never having a professional cleaning...yuck!  Teeth cleanings, otherwise known in the Veterinary world simply as dentals, are medical procedures done under general anesthesia. During this procedure the teeth and mouth are thoroughly examined, the teeth are ultrasonically and hand scaled to remove plaque and then polished.  Also loose and infected teeth can be extracted.

Dentals are not just cosmetic!  While your pet will get whiter teeth and fresher breath, there are so many more benefits.  Removing bacteria-laden plague will prevent or slow down the 4 stages of periodontal disease which can cause pain and tooth loss.  Also, if your pet has a loose or infected tooth, removing it will eliminate any pain.   Additionally, plaque, when left unchecked can cause serious heart and kidney damage.

Anesthesia is a must!  In order to safely scale and polish your pet's teeth, they must be under anesthesia.     Many pet owners are afraid to have their pet's teeth cleaned because of this.  While any kind of anesthetic procedure has risks, complications are few and far between and we do everything we can to make it as safe as possible.  While they are under, your pet with be intubated to prevent aspiration of fluids and have access to the airway in case of emergency.  Also monitoring equipment is used to ensure safety. 

Some groomers will advertise anesthesia-free cleanings but a bit of advice:  Don't do it!  They use sharp hand-scaling instruments that can cut or cause injury to the gums.  Also this procedure only removes the plaque that is above the gum line; it's the plaque that's below the gum line that causes the periodontal disease.  Also, by scaling without polishing they create microgrooves on the tooth surface that allow plaque to build faster than before. Because of this many states have already banned this dangerous procedure.

Dental cleanings are great for prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.  If your veterinarian has recommended this procedure, they have your pet's best interest in mind.

-Amanda Ward, R.V.T
Kutter Pet Care Center 

Why does cold weather cause my pet's joints to be stiff?

Chilly temperatures can cause aging pets to be stiff in the joints and discourage them from normal activities that they enjoy.  If your pet seems slow getting up, limps, is sleeping more, or eating less a trip to the Veterinarian could be in order.  During your pet's exam the doctor will determine the cause and discuss treatment plans with you.  

Osteoarthritis is the most commonly diagnosed cause of cold weather stiffness.  We offer several treatment options including:

• Supplements- Glucosamine is one of the most commonly used.  We offer Joint Flex chews- a tasty supplement that your dog will think is a treat
• Anti-inflammatories- Over the counter pain medications for humans are NOT safe for pets.  Your Veterinarian can prescribe a pet-safe medication. 
• Dietary-  Hill's Prescription diet J/D is a food that contains high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, a natural anti-inflammatory to alleviate pain
• Laser Therapy-  Using a special type of laser light, it decreases inflammation and encourages the healing process
• Chondroprotec Injections:  A series of injections to stimulate regeneration of cartilage tissues.

How can you help your pet at home?

• Make sure your pet is at a healthy weight.  Even slightly overweight pets can suffer greater chances of joint pain.  Our staff can help you determine a weight loss plan that works for your pet. 
• Keep your pet warm.  Allow older pets to be indoors when the temperature drops.
• Provide soft, warm bedding.
• Slick floors are hard for your older pets to get around on.  Provide mats and area rugs to help them get traction.

TOGETHER WITH HELP FROM YOUR VETERINARIAN YOU CAN HELP MAKE YOUR DOG'S WINTER SEASON ENJOYABLE AND PAIN-FREE!

Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Cats and Other Holiday Quandries

The Holidays are fast approaching and many folks have already begun celebrating.  This can be a stressful and sometimes dangerous time for your pets.   Suddenly our homes are filled with strange new objects and visitors.  There are many new sights and smells that a curious pet can get into trouble with.  When making your holiday plans, be sure to keep your pet in mind.

• Yuletide plants such as Holly and Poinsettias, while not toxic, can still occasionally cause mild G.I. upset if ingested.  The best rule of thumb is to try to keep them out of reach to curious nibblers.
• Having guests over for parties or relatives over to stay can be stressful.  Make sure that your pet has a place to retreat if frightened.  Also keeping pets in a kennel or small room away from the activity can prevent accidents like escaping from a frequently opened door.
• Cats sometimes can't resist chewing on cords which can lead to possible electrocution.  Make sure to keep cords covered and/or out or reach.
• The Holidays are a time to indulge in all sorts of yummy treats but make sure they are out of your pet's reach.  Every December Veterinary clinics have an increase in pets that come in for things like chocolate ingestion and pancreatitis.  Don't let your pet be one of them! 
• When wrapping gifts make sure your kitty cannot get into the ribbons!  Due to the barbs in a cat's tongue they cannot help but to swallow string when they chew on it which can cause serious bowel obstructions. 
  

The Staff at Kutter Pet Care wish you a safe and Happy Holidays!

-Amanda Ward, R.V.T.

Kutter Pet Care Center 

Can pets get fleas in the winter?

It is a common misconception that pets cannot get fleas in the winter time and therefore, many pet owners are taking their pets off of their monthly flea preventatives.  Here in the Midwest, it is especially important to keep you pet on year-round parasite prevention.

• Treating fleas only in the Summer makes it difficult to prevent initial infestations.  Once fleas are noted, they have already produced thousands of eggs in your home.  These eggs will hatch out in the months to come and your pet will need a preventative to kill these new fleas.
• Due to changing climatic conditions, flea and tick "season" also is changing.   Milder winters means thriving flea and tick populations.  
• Fleas can live inside homes no matter how cold it is outside! 
• Many of our staff and clients reported seeing ticks and mosquitoes in January of last year!!!  

Be sure to purchase a your flea preventatives from your veterinarian.  They will be able to recommend the right product for your pet and unlike stores, they will have manufacturer guarantees. 

-Amanda Ward, R.V.T.

Kutter Pet Care Center 

What are those white worms in my pet's poop?

                                                                                                                                                                      

WHAT ARE THOSE WHITE WORMS IN

MY PET'S POOP??????????

  

They’re creepy, they’re gross, and they are coming from your beloved pet!  If you see worms in your pet’s stool, or around his bottom it could be:

TAPEWORMS:  The most common sighting.  They look like either dried pieces of rice stuck to the fur around the anus or small (less than 1 inch) worms that change shape (either rounded or elongated).  These are actually segments of the tapeworm called proglottids that break off and get passed in the stool.  The causes of tapeworms are either from flea infestation or by ingestion of infected rodents.  They are diagnosed by observation and treatment is by prescription.  To prevent re-infestation, keep your pet on a veterinary flea preventative.

Tapeworm proglottids

MAGGOTS:  If you are seeing small white worms only on the stool outside during the summer, they are most likely maggots.  Flies lay their eggs on the feces and they hatch out into maggots within a day’s time.  While tapeworms are smooth and solid in color, you can see black ends and segmented bodies in maggots. Your pet does not require treatment but it might be helpful to make sure stool is picked up daily in the summer. 

ROUNDWORMS:  If you see long, spaghetti-like worms in your pet’s feces, they could be roundworms.  These are diagnosed by observation or by a microscopic fecal test.  Treatment is available by prescription.  To prevent re-infestation keep your pet on a year-round heartworm preventative that includes intestinal parasite control. 

Roundworms

It’s never pleasant to describe or discuss finding these parasites but it’s important to get your pet checked by its Veterinarian.  While intestinal parasites are easy to treat, they can cause serious health problems if left unchecked. 

 -Amanda Ward, R.V.T.

Kutter Pet Care Center

How To Tell If Your Cat Is Sick

Cats by instinct hide their illnesses so even subtle changes in their behavior can be cause for alarm.   So how do you know if your cat is sick?  In addition to the obvious such as vomiting, sneezing, and diarrhea, watch closely for any of these signs:

1.      Not using the litter box:  Whether it’s urine or feces, a cat that stops using its litter box could be suffering from physical or psychological discomfort. 

2.       Your cat just isn’t acting like itself:  Even slight changes in the way your cat interacts with you or other pets can signal pain or distress. 

3.       Changes in activity levels: Decreases and increases alike can both be signs of illness

4.       Changes in eating habits:  This could mean eating more or eating less than usual.  Please note- if your cat hasn't eaten in 2 days bring them to your veterinarian ASAP!  Cats can develop a life threatening condition from just a few days of starvation.

5.       Unexplained weight loss or gain:  Does your cat feel lighter/heavier or do bones protrude more noticeably?

6.       Excessive grooming or lack of grooming:  Has your cat been licking obsessively or to the point of hair loss?  Is the coat matted or appear unkempt?

7.       Increased or changed vocalization:  Has she started meowing at night or does her meow sound different or more frequent than it used to?

8.       Bad breath:  Stinky kitty breath is not normal.  It could mean painful periodontal disease as well at many other conditions

9.       Hiding or sleeping in unusual places:  Has he began disappearing for long stretches of time or do you find him sleeping in a closet that he never used to sleep in?  Cats that don’t feel well will do this in an effort to hide it.

10.   She’s just getting older:  Old age isn’t a disease!  Many symptoms that owners chalk up to old age can, when caught early, be treatable which can help your pet’s quality of life. 

Many times cats are sick for several days before their caregiver notices.  Paying attention to your cat’s routine and personality can help you catch an illness early and potentially save its life!   

-Amanda Ward, R.V.T.
Kutter Pet Care Center 

What to do if your dog gets skunked

It's that time of year again when skunks are making their rounds.  Did you know that in addition to being smelly, skunks can pose a danger to your pets?  Skunks are notorious carriers of the deadly Rabies virus and have been known to habituate urban areas so it is extremely important that your pet is up to date on it's Rabies vaccination. 





So what do you do if you dog is sprayed by a skunk?  The best idea is to keep a bottle of Nature's Miracle Skunk Odor Remover on hand.  This is a product that we carry that you apply to your pet and let dry without bathing.  If you do not have a bottle on hand, you can easily mix up a batch of skunk odor remover with common household items.  Here is the recipe:

Skunk Odor Removal Formula 

- 1 quart fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide

- 1/4 cup baking soda

- 1-2 tsp. of liquid dish soap 

For large dogs, add one quart of tepid water to ensure coverage. 

Mix the above ingredients together.  Bathe animal outdoors if possible.  Apply the formula to the pet working deeply into the fur and allow it to set for five minutes.  Be careful not to get into pet's eyes.  Rinse well and repeat if necessary.   

Hints

-The mixture must be used promptly and will not work if stored for any length of time.

-Do not store in a closed container

-The pet's fur, as well as clothing, towels, and carpeting may be bleached by the formula.

-For maximum effectiveness, do not bathe pet with any other soap beforehand.

-Amanda Ward, R.V.T.

Kutter Pet Care Center