Veterinarians know that bad breath in dogs and cats isn’t something to be ignored. Bad breath can be a sign of dental problems and might also signify other serious health risks, with the potential to damage not only a pet’s teeth and gums, but also internal organs including the heart, liver and kidneys.
 
Regular check-ups for our furry friends are necessary to maintain good dental hygiene and protect their overall health.
 By the age of just three, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of periodontal disease.
 
Routine cleanings not only can help prevent periodontal disease and save money in the long run, but also allow for a complete oral examination that can detect hidden health problems. Brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective way to maintain dental health between professional dental cleanings. If you’re not sure how to brush your pet’s teeth, ask your veterinarian for advice or a demonstration.
 
Your veterinarian also can advise you how often your pet should have a dental cleaning. But you also should keep an eye on your pet’s teeth to check for any signs that dental disease has already started. If you notice any of the following symptoms, take your pet in to see your veterinarian immediately:
·         Red swollen gums
·         Bad breath (similar to the smell of a rotten egg)
·         Teeth that are broken, loose, discolored or covered in tartar
·         Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
·         Bleeding from the mouth
·         Shying away from you when you touch the mouth area
·         Frequent pawing or rubbing at the face and/or mouth
·         Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
·         Weight loss
 
For more information about National Pet Dental Health Month, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) website at www.avma.org/PetDental. The AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February and has a variety of materials on how you can improve the dental (and overall) health of your pets.

The overwhelming majority of companion animals’ lives end with euthanasia in a veterinarian’s office. While some pets are quite relaxed in a hospital setting, most are stressed. Many of these animals have mobility impairment that makes travel difficult or even painful. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the euthanasia experience could be as stress-free as possible for pets and as meaningful as possible for their caregivers?​

In-home euthanasia can provide a relaxed and personalized experience for animals & families during their final moments together. It is Dr. Davis' belief that we can humanely end an animal’s life without pain, emotional distress or fear, with the goal to make the final goodbye as calm and compassionate as possible. Euthanasia should be a gentle time – un-rushed, peaceful and respectful. The life of an animal is honored when it ends with dignity.

As back to school time is here its good to remember its not just an adjustment on kids but also on our pets.  This article talks about some things we can do to help ease back into a routine that will keep everyone happy!  We hope you all have a great start to your school year!!
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Meet our adorable Great Pyrenees puppy friends, Champ and Chase, are true working dogs in training. They are livestock guardians, and their family wanted us to “Bring the Clinic to Them” to start them on their vaccines to protect them from any diseases they may encounter. These infectious diseases are not only transmitted from direct contact with other dogs, they can be found in the air, as the result of infected animals’ coughing and sneezing. Even on surfaces where other dogs have been or shared water and food bowls. Some can be brought in on our clothes and shoes. Wildlife, like coyotes and raccoons that may visit our property, can pass along certain diseases that our domestic babies can pick up. 


​Sounds like there are threats from everywhere just waiting to harm our little ones!  The problem is that puppies don't have the immunity to fight off these encountered pathogens. They may have some acquired immunity from their mom, but that is gone by a certain age (which varies by the individual). So, we vaccinate! However, immunity from mom may block our vaccines, rendering them ineffective. This is why we do a vaccine series, because we never fully know where mom's immunity drops off, and our vaccines can start doing their jobs. Nothing is more heartbreaking than watching a puppy or adult dog suffer with a disease that we know could have been prevented from a simple vaccine. 

Champ and Chase are learning their jobs as well as gearing up for the possibility of encountering disease causing microorganisms. Big aspirations for these little guys, thanks to their loving family! We were talking today about our fluffy canines, but the same is also true for our friendly felines too. To find out more about a vaccine schedule for your pet, give our office a call!
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The number one problem I see dogs (and to a lesser extent in cats) is itching! I hear, "Doc, she is scratching all night long; it is driving me nuts" or "he licks his feet constantly". Itching is most commonly a sign of allergies. Other causes can include mange, fleas, a foreign body like a foxtail or thorn, a bug bite, etc. But skin allergies are VERY common. It's difficult to simplify allergies, but in general they fall into a few categories:
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1. Environmental--this is due to pollen and dust that either gets inhaled or
​touches your pet's skin. It doesn't have to be plants just in your backyard. The pollen can be from trees and plants blooming miles away that blows in on the wind. Even if you keep your windows shut all the time, you yourself still walks outside from time to time and can carry in allergens.

2. Fleas/Ticks/Mosquitoes--a true flea allergy is an animal that is allergic to the saliva of the flea bite. So it only takes one bite to set off an allergic reaction. See the picture below for an example of flea "dirt" and a dog with a typical presentation for a flea bite allergy. Flea "dirt" is actually the feces from the flea. When you dab it with a bit of water on a white paper towel, you will see it turn red because the flea's feces is basically dried blood. For some reason, fleas really like the base of the tail, in the armpits and in the groin areas. For this reason, most dogs and cats will chew the heck out of their lower back and sides when they have a flea allergy. ​

3. Food Allergies--This is a slow brewing process where dogs and cats have an allergy to one or more ingredients in their food. It is not like a child with a peanut allergy that is very sudden and life-threatening. Food allergies tend to cause excessive gas, soft stools or diarrhea, scooting or "carpet surfing". Carpet surfing is when a dog rubs its face along the floor or a couch, especially after he/she eats food. That can indicate his/her face is very itchy. Food allergies can and do contribute to skin allergies overall, but it is not as common as people seem to think. Allergies from something in the environment and fleas are by far the most common causes. That being said, I will always recommend trying to reduce potential food allergens to eliminate them as a contributing factor. 

4. Bacteria and Yeast--Bacteria and yeast are always present on our pets' skin in healthy numbers. When an animal has allergies, they often traumatize the skin by scratching it creating small breaks in the skin. Allergies also cause changes in the pH of their skin. The pH change and the tiny breaks in the skin allow bacteria and/or yeast grow in excessive numbers. This leads to stinky, smelly, super itchy dogs and cats. To make matters worse, some animals are allergic to the very bacteria and yeast that grow on their skin. Most animals with allergies have some type of bacterial or yeast overgrowth, which is why we have to use medicated shampoos and oral antibiotics or anti-fungals to treat the secondary infections that have developed. Below shows a slide image of yeast (the large "footprints") and bacteria (the smaller purple dots). There is relief, however! There are many options that can help your dog or cat who suffers from allergies. Two newer medications such as Apoquel and Cytopoint are doing absolute wonders for my canine patients. Check out www.itchcycle.com to understand the biology behind allergies. If your animal is suffering from an itch that never stops, please give us a call so we can find the right solution for your pet!
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If you see your dog shaking his head vigorously or scratching at his ear, or a swelling between the toes, or sneezing hard all of a sudden...these are good reasons to give us a call! 
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