The Importance of Dental Care for Your Pet
Doggy Day Care: What You Need to Know to Find the Right One
What to Know About Dog Parks and Safety Tips

The Importance of Dental Care for Your Pet

It’s important to take good care of your teeth. If you don’t, it can bring on other health issues. The same is true for your family pets.
“Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems,” according to the article, “Pet dental care” at American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). To keep your pet’s teeth and gums in good shape, have your veterinarian check him once a year, the article said.
If you see any of the following signs, the AVMA article suggests you bring your pet to the veterinarian before his yearly dental checkup:
• Bad breath
• Loose or broken teeth
• Discolored teeth or teeth with tartar
• Pain in/around the mouth
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Swelling in the mouth area
Pets can experience similar dental problems as humans, the AVMA article said, including:
• Broken teeth and roots
• Periodontal disease
• Tumors or cysts in the mouth
Since February is Pet Dental Health Month, it’s a great time to get your pet’s teeth checked. “According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), after they reach the age of three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will manifest some form of dental disease,” according to the article, “Get Amped for Pet Dental Health Month – February” at I Love Veterinary. “Pet Dental Health Month is an important annual event that helps pet owners learn about the importance of pet oral hygiene.”
It’s the perfect time for pet parents to learn about their pet’s dental health and help keep their pet’s teeth and gums healthy, including brushing your pet’s teeth and scheduling cleanings with your vet. “Good oral hygiene is essential for pet health, as pet dental problems can lead to serious health issues,” the I Love Veterinary article said.

Doggy Day Care: What You Need to Know to Find the Right One

Doggy Day Care centers are all the rage these days. They have become very important over the years for pet parents who work or need to let their dogs socialize and expend some energy. With so many facilities out there, how do you choose the right one?
“The dog daycare and boarding industry is under-regulated, so it’s important you find a daycare where your dog will be safe, happy, and well cared for,” according to the article, “Choosing the Best Daycare for Your Dog” at Preventive Vet. Consider the following when checking out doggy day cares including “the style of daycare, staff-to-dog ratio, staff experience and training, cleaning procedures, dog handling and training methods,” the article said.
The Preventive Vet article suggests the following when choosing a doggy day care;
• Ensure staff is transparent and discusses their protocols and gives a tour of the facility.
• Choose the type of facility, from dog park style, separated play area style, and home style.
• Ask questions including vaccination requirements, spay/neuter requirements, daycare trial process, ratio of staff to dogs, how many dogs in each group, fencing/safety features, any certifications and training they have at the day care.
It’s very important that staff watch dogs as they play together as you never know what might happen. “A good doggy day care should always have at least one or two staff members on duty in each play area to intervene if necessary,” according to the article, “What to Look for in a Doggy Day Care” at Vetstreet.com. “Fights can occur even among well-socialized dogs, and trained staff should be on duty to break up disputes or attend to medical needs in an emergency.”
A doggy day care should inform pet parents on their dog’s day and how they did with the other dogs.

What to Know About Dog Parks and Safety Tips

If you’re thinking of taking your dog to a dog park, make sure to do some important research before you go. Not all dog parks are created equal. And not all dogs are made for dog parks.
First be sure your dog is safe at all times. Check out any dog park you are interested in to see if you like what you see, according to the article, “Dog Park Safety: What to Know Before You Go,” at Fetch by WebMD. If you see aggressive dogs and owners who are not minding their dogs, that is probably not the place for you and your dog.
“Understand too that dog parks are meant for pets that are well-socialized,” the Fetch by WebMD article said. “If your buddy is aggressive or has issues that could make him hostile toward another dog playing with a ball or Frisbee, the dog park is not the place to teach him to make friends or share his toys.”
According to the article, “10 Dog Park Safety Tips” at PetHub, there are some safety precautions to take before heading to that dog park, including:
• Ensure your dog is vaccinated.
• Be sure to open and close the gate to the park.
• Know your dog and his personality. Leave him home if he’s aggressive or fearful.
• Make sure your dog is healthy and feels OK to play with other dogs.
• Your dog should always wear ID tags as dogs can escape or get lost.
• Have your cellphone and make sure it’s charged. Accidents sometimes happen, so be prepared.
• Always watch your dog and be responsible
• “Pick up your pooch’s poo,” the PetHub article said.
If you follow the rules and your instincts, your dog can have lots of fun. Just keep a watchful eye on him at all times.

How to Thank Your Veterinarian for All the Care They Provide
Thinking About Getting a Pet for the Holidays? Rescue Instead of Buying
Your veterinarian is always there for you and your pet. No matter the issues, whether it’s a checkup for your dog or a procedure on your cat, you can always count on your vet.

The holidays are here. If you decide to get a pet, will you buy or rescue? There are so many reasons to adopt a rescue pet. It’s not only good for the animal but good for you as well.

“Every year, approximately 6.5 million pets enter animal shelters nationwide, and 1.5 million become euthanized,” according to the article, “5 Reasons to Adopt, Not Shop,” at Greater Good Charities. By adopting a pet, you’re actually helping animals. And you’re helping yourself as pets help “reduce stress levels and improve blood pressure” the article said.

Here are other ways adopting a rescue pet is a great idea, according to the Greater Good Charities article:

• When you adopt, you save a life. Many times, shelters are so overcrowded that animals are euthanized for space. Adoption makes room for another pet to be saved.
• It helps stop puppy mills, which “are factory-style breeding facilities that often prioritize profit over animal welfare,” the article said.
• Adoption is more affordable and typically includes spay/neuter, first vaccines, and a microchip.

According to the article, “Top reasons to adopt a pet,” at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), other reasons to adopt a rescue include:

• Shelters across the country are filled with amazing pets just waiting to be adopted into a new home. “Most shelter pets wound up there because of a human problem like a move or a divorce, not because the animals did anything wrong,” the HSUS article said.
• It’s easy to adopt. Stop in your local shelter or rescue and bring home an amazing pet during the holidays, or any time of year!
• You’ll change a homeless animal’s life and world.

Your holidays will be filled with extra love if you adopt a rescue pet. Everyone will win and smiles will abound.

Adopt An Older Pet During Adopt a Senior Pet Month
How to Care for Your Pet with Diabetes
Show Thanks to Your Pet Without Foods that Are Unsafe for Them

Adopt An Older Pet During Adopt a Senior Pet Month

Senior pets are special. There are times they get the raw end of the deal. Sometimes they are surrendered at shelters or discarded. With age comes ailments and sickness, and some people are unable to deal with the issues. So, these seniors need good, loving homes to spend their last years and even last months or days.

Since November is Adopt a Senior Pet month, there’s no better time to step up for these precious animals.

“For an old dog or cat, the cruelest fate is dying in an animal shelter without love, comfort or warmth,” according to the article, “Adopting an Older Pet: An Expert Guide to Senior Pet Adoptions” at Petful.com. No matter if a pet ended up at the shelter because their human died or couldn’t afford them, it leaves the pet “confused and often depressed,” the article said.

Older pets are more likely to be overlooked at shelters and rescues. “Older animals with longer stays are often the least likely to be adopted and the most likely to be euthanized,” the article said.

According to the article, older pets are surrendered because of relocation or death, financial hardship, lifestyle change, or the animal is “too much trouble”.

However, there are great reasons to adopt a senior pet, according to the article, “National Adopt a Senior Pet month helps older pets find new homes,” at PetsforPatriots.org.

Some of those reasons from the Pets for Patriots article are:

• Older pets usually know the rules.
• Senior pets are most likely housebroken.
• A dog who had a previous owner usually is leash-trained. And most cats already know how to use the litter box.
• Senior pets are typically less destructive.

Remember that senior pets are a great addition to the family. And, if anything, they are forever grateful.

How to Care for Your Pet with Diabetes

Just as with people, pets are susceptible to diabetes, which can happen in cats and dogs of any age.

According to the article, “Diabetes in Pets” at American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), diabetic dogs are typically 4 to 14 years old and most cats with diabetes are more than 6 years old. Female dogs get diabetes twice as often as male dogs.

“Noticing the early signs of diabetes is the most important step in taking care of your pet,” the article said. “If you see any of the following signs, your pet should be examined by a veterinarian.”

• Increased urination, excessive water drinking
• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Cloudy eyes (more prominent in dogs)
• Recurring or chronic infections

According to the article, “8 Things You Need to Know About AAHA’s Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats” at American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), “Managing diabetes in pets requires a high level of commitment.” Pets will need daily insulin injections regularly during the day. “When diabetes is left untreated, poisonous compounds called ketones can make a diabetic pet very sick and may even cause death,” the article said.

Some tips from the AAHA article include:

1. Keep it under control and your vet team will develop a management plan to keep your pet’s glucose levels in a safe range.
2. “Your team will tailor a care plan based on the severity of the disease.”
3. Do your homework on caring for your pet.
4. Keep your pet at a good weight.
5. Home monitor blood glucose to prevent hypoglycemia.
6. Be dedicated to help keep your pet healthy and safe.
7. Communicate with your vet and staff if you have any questions or concerns.

Make sure to stay on top of things with your veterinarian about your pet’s diabetes management.

Show Thanks to Your Pet Without Foods that Are Unsafe for Them

Thanksgiving is a holiday we’ve all been waiting for all year. It’s the delicious food, desserts, and the family coming together. It’s also important to remember that most of the holiday foods are bad for your pets. While we all want to give thanks to our beloved pets, it’s important not to give them food that is dangerous to them.

“Overindulging in the family feast can be unhealthy for humans, but even worse for pets,” according to the article , “Thanksgiving pet safety” at American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). For instance, fatty foods are not easy for animals to digest and “Poultry bones can damage your pet’s digestive tract.”

According to the AVMA article, watch out for these poison risks:

• Keep Thanksgiving food on the table, including turkey and its skin which can be unsafe for pets.
• Desserts can be dangerous including chocolate and xylitol, an artificial sweetener.
• Yeast dough can also be dangerous.
• Keep trash far away from pets.
• Ensure flowers and decorative plants are away from pets as some are toxic to them.
• If you feel your pet has eaten anything poisonous call your veterinarian, local emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). “Signs of pet distress include: sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, vomiting, or diarrhea,” the AVMA article said.

There are many reasons to be thankful for your pet, according to the article, “Thanksgiving Pet Appreciation: 5 Reasons to Be Thankful for Your Pets” at be.chewy.com. They are:

• Our pets are always there for us.
• You can always be silly with your pet.
• Your pet showers you with cuddles.
• With your pet you are part of the pack.
• Your pet is thankful for you!

Never forget to give thanks to your best friend any time of the year.