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!