As valentines day approaches, so does chocolate toxicity season. A 10 pound dog that eats 10 Hershey's kisses is at risk for developing signs of toxicity. Typically dogs will develop restless behavior or tremors within 1 -2 hours of ingesting the chocolate. Bakers chocolate is the worst thing for a pet to eat, as it is highest in the toxin levels of theobromine. If your pet has ingested chocolate, you can call the ASPCA animal poison control center at (888) 426-4435. Or our clinic to see if emergency treatment is warranted.
February is also a time when we think about keeping up with our pet's dental care. For more information about dental disease, please visit our Common Medical Conditions Page.
February is our dental awareness month. Pets need dental care too, and often, this care can be provided at home. Feeding hard treats like raw carrots, denta-bones, CET chews are easy ways to help dogs keep tartar to a minimum. Tartar control cat treats made can help cats, IF they will eat them:) There are also commercially available toothpastes specially formulated for cats and dogs, if you have a compliant pet. Form more information about dental care, visit our Common Medical Illness Page, or the Hills website on Dental care at www.hillspet.com.
DENTAL CARE:
February typically is the month we try to emphasize dental care. Tartar and gingivitis are common medical conditions that are preventable with at home care. Left untreated, your pet could require anesthesia to remove teeth and treat severe dental infections. Bacteria that arise from these infections also have the potential to spread to heart valves and kidneys, causing potentially life threatening conditions that may be difficult to resolve.
Typically, dogs have issues with tartar build up, that leads to gingival disease and tooth loss. Cats more frequently develop caries, which cause the tooth crown and root to erode, leading to stomatitis, a painful condition where ulcers and infection develop along the gums, throat, and pallate.
Many diets and treats are available to help pets keep there teeth clean. Some pets will even be cooperative enough to allow there caretakers to brush their teeth. Special toothpastes for dogs and cats are available that will not cause illness if swallowed. Signs of dental disease include bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, and in severe cases, facial swelling or eye or nose discharges that result from tooth root abscesses. If you think your pet might have a dental issue, please call the clinic to set up an appointment with the veterinarian. Otherwise, your pet's teeth will be evaluated by your veterinarian at his or her wellness exam.