Posted by Debbie Breitstein on Sat, Feb 04, 2012 @ 07:12 PM
Regular brushing and professional pet dental cleanings are just as important for dogs and cats as they are for their humans. Too often we overlook the need for home and professional dental care for our pets. Untreated teeth and dental infections can cause serious health risks for our pets.
Periodontal disease is the number one problem in dogs, and in cats the problem is doubly overlooked because the disease often occurs under the gum line. As in people dental disease, abscessed teeth and infection can affect other parts of the body. In dogs and cats, periodontal disease can cause heart and kidney disease.
A regular veterinary dental check up and cleaning under a short-lasting anesthetic is important to your pet's good health. Equally important is home dental care, such as daily tooth brushing and using a dental diet such as Hill's Science Diet T/D or HA both formulations are made slightly larger in kibble size either for dogs or cats and act to "scrub" the teeth as the pet chews it's food. There are also water additives and chew treats such as Greenies and C.E.T VeggieDents which are all available to help keep those choppers clean and healthy!
To introduce your pet to tooth brushing, wrap a small gauze or washcloth around your finger and use it like a toothbrush on your pet's teeth; you can even start by rubbing pet specfic toothpaste directly onto the teeth and let your pet get use to the taste and texture. You must use pet specific pastes that are not for human use: after all our pets are not expected to spit or rinse out the paste as we do!
Gradually you can work up to a soft toothbrush or a specially made finger toothbrush which is sized for your pet's mouth. The most important teeth to start brushing are the back chewing teeth and the fangs: these are the largest surface area teeth in the mouth with large surface area: this is where most of the dental problems seem to start!
Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth and adult cats have 30 teeth. Puppies have 28 "baby" or deciduous teeth and kittens have 26 that fall out usually between 5-7 months of age (time for the tooth fairy anyone?)
We encourage our pet parents to regularly flip those lips and smell that breath to detect early signs of periodontal disease. At Animal Health Care of Marlboro, our veterinary health care team uses a blue wavelength light source to identify problem areas in the mouth as they highlight as hot pink! For more informatrion and advice on dental disease call your pet's vet to schedule your pet's dental evaluation: we'll be glad to help you and your pets to have a healthy start.
Looking forward to great "pugs" and kisses from your pets...drdeb
Posted by Debbie Breitstein on Mon, Jan 30, 2012 @ 06:41 PM
Give chocolate to your loved ones's on Valentine's day and you could end up poisoning them; that is the loved ones are your pets! Even small amounts of theobromine, the active ingredient in chocolate, can cause vomiting, hyperactivity, and accelerated fatal heart rhythms in pets. Larger doses can be fatal.
While most pet parents would expect an upset stomach after any dietary indiscretion, few realize the toxic potential of chocolate. The lethal dose of theobromine depends on the size of the dog and the type of chocolate. Ounce for ounce, baking chocolate has 6-9 times the amount of the substance as milk chocolate.
Estimates of the smallest amounts that can be fatal are:
~4-10 ounces of milk chocolate or 1/2-1 ounce of baking chocolate for small dogs such as Chihuahuas and toy breeds.
~1-1/2 pounds of milk chocolate or 2-3 ounces of baking chocolate for medium sized dogs, like cocker spaniels and dachshunds.
~2-4 1/2 pounds of milk chocolate or 4-8 ounces of baking chocolate for large dogs, including collies and Labrador retrievers.
Cats and smaller mammals have different eating habits and therefore are much less likely to be poisoned by chocolate ingestion.
While a very small amount of chocolate may not harm some pets, it's best and safest to avoid giving it to them at all! If an accidental ingestion does occur consult your veterinarian immediately. Treatment is time sensitive and may include induction of vomiting, stabilizing the animal's heartbeat and respiration, controlling seizures, and slowing the absorption of theobromine. If the animal is already comatose otehr emergency intervention may be necessary to save your pet's life.
What should you do if you think your pet has ingested chocolate or any other potential poison and if you cannot reach your pet's vet or a local veterinary emergency hospital keep the following number handy 888-426-4435 for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and the website www.aspca.org.
Posted by Debbie Breitstein on Wed, Jan 25, 2012 @ 02:31 PM
With temperatures dropping during winter, the veterinary health care team of Animal Health Care of Marlboro advises pet owners to be aware of precautions and animal care tips to keep pets happy,healthy, warm, and safe!
There are a variety of dangers associated with cold weather for our pets, according to Dr. Steven Tepper. And, he suggests pet owners take a few simple steps to ensure that their pet braves and successfully survives the cold winter months.
- Keep pets inside whenever possible or provide appropriate shelter, water, bedding if the pet must be left outdoors for any length of time during inclement weather. Those pets with specific illnesses and health conditions like diabetes, heart and kidney disease, respiratory conditions, and hormonal imbalances which stress the immune system should receive even more consideration. Younger and older animals also have compromised abillities to regulate body heat and should have limited outdoor time as well.
- Cats are attracted to the wamth of car engines. Check beneath and around cars before starting the engine. A cat curled up under the hood could be seriously, if not fatally injured if the car is started and we are unaware that they were sleeping there!
- Pet foot pads often collect rock salt and ice. Prevent irritation by checking and wiping pads with warm wash cloth after every trip outdoors.
- If clean, unfrozen water isn't readily available, pets may drink out of puddles or gutters. This activity can predispose toward risk of poisoning from antifreeze, household chemicals, and other pollutants that end up on the street.
- Pet owners may dress thier pets in sweaters and outerwear in an attempt to keep them warm, but remember pets lose most of their body heat through their pad on the feet, through their ears, and respiratory tract.
In addition to dropping temperatures, cold weather dangers for pets include precipitation of all kinds and wind. Just as their pet parents can, pets can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia during the winter months. We all know not to leave pets in cars during the hot summer months but it is just as dangerous to leave them in cars during old weather, too! When is doubt about the weather conditions, it's best to leave pets protected indoors.
Protect and prepare for the winter months for the health and well being of your pets. Ask your pet's veterinarian for suggestions and special situations. And, as always comments and suggestions are welcome: we won't bark or bite!
Posted by Debbie Breitstein on Sun, Jan 22, 2012 @ 05:17 PM
No matter what, most dogs need to go outdoors for potty walks and exercise, regardless of the weather. And those of us at the other end of the leash may also find some challenges as the weather gets colder and the walks get slippery! With our first snow of the season it's important to remember some safety tips to make the winter more enjoyable for us and our pets. Ready, set, go for more chilly months ahead!
Protect those paws:
Ever wonder why our dogs don't seem to mind walking bare-paw on the frozen ground? Well, they do feel cold and imagine having frozen ice between your toes let alone salt from the ice melter we use on our walkways? We need to be mindful of the hazards on icy walks. Keep the hair trimmed between and under the paws to prevent ice balls from forming as your dog walks or plays in the snow. Some dogs are intolerant of the cold and will hold their paws up or may be reluctant to even walk on the snow or uneven surfaces of melting and refrozen ice. I was reminded of this today as I walked my dog, Mia who was having trouble navigating partially plowed sidewalks and melting puddles as the temperature hovered around freezing. It was almost as though she was actually lame! Once we came inside, I inspected her paws for cuts and scrapes from ice and wiped inbetween her toes to ensure no salt was stuck so that there would be no burns. Even with my guiding her around most hazards she probably will need some pain management as she has arthritis and the cold weather makes it harder for her. Tomorrow she gets her turn in the heated under water treadmill to soothe those joints and keep her comfortable.
Bundle up:
If the weather is too cold for you when properly dressed, it's probably too cold for your dog. Walks should be shorter and perhaps more frequent to avoid problems. Yes, our dogs have a fur coat, but that may not be enough on some days. Those short coated dogs probably need protection with a coat -and we're not just talking fashion statement! And, boots? well there is some advantage to covering the paws: if they stay on!!! ... but haven't found any that do. If you know of a style or type that does: please let me know. There are some waxes made for the paws of dogs that help prevent snow and ice from sticking: try Musher's Secret. Also, those groomed breeds may need protection right after a hair cut. Our groomer, Christine was really busy yesterday despite the sleet, snow, hail, and rain that alternated throughout the day. No sacrificing that day of beauty: and I know that well--it would probably take alot more than the weather for me to miss my hair appointment, either!
4 on the floor beats 2 every time: avoid slips and falls:
You need proper footwear for walking your dog, too. Prevent slipping and falling which may cause you to drop the leash and have your dog run off (another good reason to microchip your pet) or holding on for dear life and being pulled down resulting in injury or broken bones: no more walks until you're healed. Bad for you and bad for your dog!! Use a proper fitting leash and collar or even a harness for more control. And, always have your dog on a leash unless you're in a fenced area. Venturing out onto a frozen pond or river may have terrible consequences if they (and you) fall into frozen water.
Just a reminder, too, don't forget flea and tick prevention: fleas generally will be a indoor problem once we've had a week of below freezing weather- they'll spend the winter as your uninvited indoor pests but ticks don't care: they're a nuisance indoor and out even with below zero temperatures. And , if the temperatures get above 50-60 degrees as forecasted, then mosquitoes carrying heartworm can infect your dogs and cats. So keep up with heartworm prevention: easier to prevent this disease than to treat the life threatening problems related to this parasite.
Remember, some days are really just too problematic even with the best planning and preparation. You may have to shovel and create an elimination area in the yard and /or use an elimination pad or station in the house or garage for smaller pets. And, don't forget that dogs will also get "cabin fever "so give some thoughts to indoor activities for exercise and environmental enrichment. For those dogs who miss their exercise, we can help at Animal Health Care with our under water treadmill with warmed water and gentle exercises to keep those joints limber and flexible until the spring weather returns. As always, ask your pet's vet for advice: our animal health care team is only too happy to help: we're just a phone call, email, follow or tweet away.
Posted by Debbie Breitstein on Sun, Jan 08, 2012 @ 07:05 PM
With a new year just started, many of us make resolutions to adjust our diets and start an exercise program. It's the most common pledge people make but do you realize that our many of our pets need you to make weight loss and exercise a priority for them, too?
The "buddy" system is a great motivator. If you are one of the many people who are going to follow through with a responsible diet and exercise program, consider iincluding your faithful pet!
A recent survey indicates that more than 80 percent of pet owners think their pets are the right weight or underweight. But veterinarians report at least 25 percent of the pets we examine in our private companion animal pet practice are overweight. Think in percentages: 3 extra pounds on a cat can be 30% extra weight and 8 extra pounds on a 40 pound dog is 20% too heavy.
Do you think your cushy tabby cat is just right? Most cats should weigh between 8-10 pounds. Think your dog's wide silhouette is due to fluffy hair? A good rule to follow is that you should be able to feel your pet's ribs with slight fingertip pressure. Looking down from above there should be definition at the waist and when looking from the side there should be an obvious tummy tuck. Maybe a little jiggle in their wiggle but definitely no sway as they walk away!
Just as you should ask your physician before starting a weight loss program, you should also consult your pet's veterinarian. We can suggest food formulations, portion and calorie conrol, snacks and treats that can be used to reach ideal body weight. Once a thorough physical examination eliminates diseases which can predispose to obesity such as thyroid disease and other hormonal imbalances we can work towards our set goal with diet, exercise, and realistic expectations.
Extra weight places extra demands on all of the body's organs. Some of the serious complications of obesity in pets are damage to joints, difficulty breathing, increase stress on heart function, lack of stamina, sugar diabetes, increase risk of joint and muscle injuries, and an overall decreased in the quality and length of your pet's life.
The veterinary health care team at Animal Health Care of Marlboro will recommend a nutrition plan that is tailored to your pet's needs and your schedule. We will advise you on exercises and level or exertion your pet can tolerate. For pets, exercise can be fun time spent with you. Cats and dogs often can use food puzzles to help with portion control and exercise. Multiple sessions of play time and exercise will help ensure a healthier pet. Let us help you and your pet have many happy healthy, active years ahead.
Posted by Debbie Breitstein on Sun, Jan 01, 2012 @ 07:46 PM
Pet Portals are an exciting new way we, your veterinary health care team, can help provide great pet health care at your convenience. For every pet registered on our home website page www.ahcmarlboro.com you have secure access to your pet's information at any time of day or night, and you can connect to a comprehensive online pet health library, pharmacy, email services, online store and more. And best of all it's absolutely FREE!
We can inform pet parents quickly and easily about important medical news such as product or food recalls. The animal hospital can also keep you up to date on hospital services and special offers and we can send reminders about medication dosing and routine health care. Pet parents can ask questions, request appointments and prescription refills, and shop in the PetPortal online store.
Now you can manage your pet's health care online-
PetPortals are private, secure websites that contain you pet's health information available now and FREE from your Animal Health Care of Marlboro team. You can now use your PetPortal to conveniently manage your pet's health online, anytime!
Use your PetPortal to
- Remind yourself with an email when to give that heartworm or flea preventative medication--Medication minders make it easy!
- Order refills of prescriptions and special diets-even when we're not open and you've just used your last dose or at the bottom of the bag of food!
- Request an appointment, boarding reservation or grooming day of beauty.
- Print your pet's vaccination history and record. If you ever need proof of vaccination for travel or licensing just print your pet's vaccination record from your PetPortal.
- Use PetNotes to easily create and print health care instructions for pet sitters and dog walkers or kennel team when you're out of town.
- Shop on the convenient online store
Ask questions or communicate your concerns via PetMAil-an easy to use messaging system only from your PetPortal. Our team monitors PetMail each day that we're open for business and will make sure your questions and requests are answered quickly.
Don't have a PetPortal yet? No problem! Just give us your email address and we'll send you a password. To get your PetPortal, simply:
- Visit our website and click the PetPortal login button. Just follow the instructions you'll find under the "Want a PetPortal?" header.
- Give us your email address when you visit us at Animal Health Care
- Give us your email address when you next speak to us on the telephone.
Don't delay-start managing your pet's care with your PetPortal today!
Posted by Debbie Breitstein on Sun, Jan 01, 2012 @ 06:27 PM
Don't overlook your pet's needs when making your own New Year's Resolutions! As a responsible pet lover and owner, you can make a few simple promises to yourself and to your pet that will go a long way towards keeping your pet healthy and happy. The veterinarians of Animal Health Care of Marlboro suggest a few practical resolutions that can ensure a bright future for your pet.
1. Make sure your pet receives at least one yearly health exam. "The annual physical exam is the most overlooked pet health need today," says Dr. Steven Tepper, a staff veterinarian of Animal Health Care of Marlboro. Most people only take their pets to the vet when a health problem already exists or for routine vaccinations. Preventive vaccinations and early detection of diseases are the keys to successfully treating pets. Veterinarians conduct comprehensive exams that often includes lab testing, diet discussion, behavior concerns, parasite check, and dental exam as part of this important health exam.
2. Discuss your pet's diet, environment and exercise/activity. Obesity leads to serious dog and cat health problems such as heart disease and joint pain. Exercise is important, but a pet will only exercise if there is incentive to do so! Dr. Breitstein warns, " don't play 'weekend warrior' with them: daily exercise is better than trying to get it all done on the weekends!" We will consider the age and life stage of your pet, the time you have to commit to being their personal trainers and of course the time of year before outlining a specific recommendation or plan. And if the weather is too severe to be outdoors, we have our in- hospital underwater treadmill and exercise options for indoor exercise and environmental enrichment.
3. Make your home a safe environment. Unfortunately, making your home pet-safe is a job often overlooked. Pet proofing your home can lower the risk of a serious pet accident occurring. Poisons in the home that can kill or seriously injure your pet include some kinds of house plants (dieffenbachia, philodendron, poinsettia, lilly plants, and hyacinth), antifreeze, sugar free gum and medications. Electrical cords are hazardous when chewed. Keep harmful objects out of pet's reach including overflowing garbage cans.
A little prevention goes a long way to having a happy, healthy 2012!
Posted by Debbie Breitstein on Sun, Dec 11, 2011 @ 07:21 PM
Many problems associated with owning a pet can be avoided if the pet owner does a little homework. Consult your veterinarian, take stock of what you have to offer: time, energy, commitment and get some background information from reputable pet health sites like www.healthypet.com and www.vetstreet.com and take a quiz on sites such as www.quizrocket.com/what-pet-quiz or www.dogster.com so you can choose the right cat or dog for your household.
Veterinarians offer advice as well as medical care and if you invest some time before taking an animal home you are more likely to have a good match and experience. With more than 170 breeds and varieties of cats and dogs, prospective pet parents can get information from veterinarians,breeders, pet shows, other pet owners and reference books and websites.
Once your choices are narrowed to a few breeds or mixed breeds (which by the way can be healthier due to something called hybrid vigor) set up a consultation with your prospective veterinarian for more detailed information on pet care, pet behavior, inherited medical problems, and physical characteristics of the breed(s).
Making a selection involves consideration as to purebreed vs mixed breed,puppy or adult, kitten or cat, male or female, short hair or long hair, and adopt vs. shop: meaning breeder, private home, pet store or humane associations. The internet site such as www.petfinder.com provides a wealth of information and will direct you to an AAHA: American Animal Hospital Association accredited veterinary hospital by local zip code.
Mostly, don't ever buy a pet on impulse! There is even a law in NY that prevents someone from buying a pet if they're intoxicated. And, even though there are consumer protection laws known as "pet lemon laws" problems can easily be prevented with some planning. Otherwise you're just setting up for a situation that could be problematic!
The veterinarians of Animal Health Care of Marlboro are members of the American Animal Hospital Association, an organization of more than 10,000 veterinarians who treat companion animals such as dogs and cats. The association is well-known among veterinarians and the pet owning public for its high standards for hospitals and pet health care and the material in this post comes from material in a previously published press release.
Posted by Debbie Breitstein on Wed, Dec 07, 2011 @ 08:06 PM
Want your pet to have SEO mojo or rank high in the search engines of internet marketing? Well, not exactly but your pet can now have his or her own website through Vetstreet Pet Portal your #1 online resource for all things animal. Your pet's veterinary records, appointments as well as prescription refills of medication your pet currently takes, upload pictures for all their friends to see and share....
The veterinarians and health care team of Animal Health Care of Marlboro are excited about this new and detailed way for pet parents to have the information they need wherever and whenever they may want it 24/7! We'll be going live in the next few days and we'll have the information you need to create your pet's own website with a secure log in and password for your (and their) eyes only!
Interesting isn't it? You will have a secure access to a website which is all about your pet through your veterinarian. Your pet. Your vet. Pet portals coming soon to a veterinarian near you: yourpetsvet at ahcmarlboro! Keep posted for more information or check posts on www.facebook.com on our animal health care page or www.twitter.com @yourpetsvet.
Posted by Debbie Breitstein on Sun, Dec 04, 2011 @ 07:04 PM
Picture the adorable puppy or kitten under the X-mas tree or under the Chanukah bush with a big ,red bow around its neck. It's picture perfect now, but have you considered the long term commitment? It takes a dedicated owner to keep the new family addition healthy and happy. Owning a pet is a responsibility that must be taken seriously so understand the importance before you give or get a pet as a present.
Puppies and kittens require approximately 4-5 visits to the veterinarian during their first four months to get them appropriately immunized and dewormed. As they get older, both puppies and kittens need a visit to the vet for a health exams, vaccinations, and parasite protection/prevention at least 2 times yearly.That's just for preventative care. Don't forget that they get sick, too: tummy trouble, itchy,rashy skin, sometimes they even sustain a broken leg or have a tooth ache! Plus, they will need warm, comfortable places to sleep, regular feedings with proper nutrition based on their life stage and acitvity level, exercise and environmental enhancement and stimulation to play with their loving families. Other costs to consider include grooming,spaying and neutering (at least this surgery in a once in a lifetime procedure), licensing fees, and pet sitter or boarding or play date activities.
The size of the owner's yard or whether building regulations allow pets also must be considered. Large dogs (check the breed for anticipated weight/height expectations) will need plenty of room to exercise, so smaller dogs or cats may be a better choice for an owner with a small home and a yard or an apartment.
In addition, new puppies and kittens need several hours of attention each day and puppies need obedience training and leash walks to ensure a well behaved pet. Kittens may not require as much supervision but they do tend to scratch and play on furniture and drapes.
If you do decide to add a new pet into the family, first speak with your veterinarian who can provide you with specific information about the care and costs of specific breeds. At Animal Health Care we have new pet owner kits to distribute free to new pet parents. Many pedigreed breeds require special care and grooming and may be subject to certain genetic problems which can add additional costs,treatment, and care. Also, certain breeds do better in specific situations and with certain family types.
Whether you adopt a pet from a local shelter or purchase from a breeder, take note of how the pup or kitten, cat or dog acts toward you and all other family members. Be sure to choose a bright-eyed and playful animal and avoid those who look lethargic or obviously ill or act scared or aggressive. Plan on making an appointment with your veterinarian within the first 3-5 days of introducing them into your home. You may need to prepare to introduce new pets to resident pets. Also, older pets who need a new home may be looking for their forever home with you: avoiding housetrainingand chewing as well as some of the other challenges found in a younger pet training. Seriously consider adopting rather than shopping if you are not set on a specific breed; although many pure breeds can be found in shelter situations.
Pets make wonderful companions and playmates. But unless you or the new owner is ready for the long-term responsibilityand commitment of pet ownership, consider a fluffy stuffed aimal instead or until you can agree on all of the needs for your new pet.