Since February is pet dental month, I thought I’d take the opportunity to address the perception among many clients that dental issues really aren’t a big deal and are optional to treat. Each week this month, I’ll be debunking some common myths surrounding dental disease. 

Myth #1- My parents never had their dog’s teeth cleaned and he lived to a ripe old age. This whole thing has been blown out of proportion. 

In the veterinary profession, there is a joke that about 20 years ago we discovered that dogs have teeth, and about 10 years ago we discovered that cats also have teeth.  Decades ago, dental care wasn’t emphasized and the risks were not appreciated. Medical understanding evolves over time, and what we know now may not have been a generation ago. Vets who practiced 40 years ago weren’t taught much (if anything) about periodontal disease. I graduated from vet school 15 years ago, and I had one lab and maybe a couple of lectures on dental disorders. Over the last few decades our knowledge of disease processes in general has expanded, and this includes things in the mouth. Just because something wasn’t done in our parents’ generation doesn’t mean that there isn’t valid reason to do it today.

 Check back next week when I discuss another common pet dental myth. You can also find additional information about pet dental care on the Banfield website.

I have two amazing and adorable dogs, Jules the pit bull mix and Lucas the St. Bernard. Every dog owner out there thinks that their dog is the cutest, most loveable dog alive, and I am no exception as Jules and Lucas give me such unconditional love, affection and devotion, that I would do just about anything to make sure that they are taken care of.

The commitment that I have made to Jules and Lucas, by bringing them home and into my family, has most definitely been tried (4 times to be exact) as I have had to surgically correct both of Jules’ knees and Lucas, at not even two years old, has had two major hip surgeries to correct his hip dysplasia. For these 4 procedures alone, I have paid upwards of $16,000 and that is not including post-operative and annual re-checks and x-rays. Did I have the money for these surgeries saved up? No. But I am strong believer in the saying “when there is a will, there is a way” and I was bound and determined to help my dogs, so I got creative. I picked up a second job waiting tables, I had a garage sale and sold a lot of “stuff” and with some help from some amazing friends and co-workers, we organized some different auctions and fundraisers. In doing all of these things, it greatly helped to alleviate a lot of that initial “sticker shock” of the surgeries and I realized that I could find a way to pay for the opportunity for both of my dogs to have a 2^nd chance at a pain-free life.

Ensuring that my dogs were pain free required a lot of money, effort, time and “commitment” on my part and I have received a lot of criticism for it, as many people just can’t comprehend spending all that money, working all those extra hours and making lifestyle changes just for “a dog.” But if I had to go back and do it all again, I would, in a heartbeat, without a single hesitation, as everything that I have sacrificed for my dogs, they have repaid me ten-fold in simply being able to now watch them run, chase and play with each other and without a limp, hobble or whimper! And not to mention being able to take them on hikes, go to the beach and have them be a part of our everyday life without any physical restrictions or unneeded pain.

The last several years has definitely not been easy, in fact, I am still working two jobs to pay off the most recent surgery. But every morning when the alarm clock starts going off, I am awakened by cold noses and wet licks and when I finally roll out of bed, I am greeted by 2 pairs of appreciative brown eyes that day after day, engulf me with their love and gratitude before dashing downstairs in anticipation of their early morning walk and breakfast.  These brief moments alone, make all the sacrifice worth it.

• All pets need twice yearly physical examinations, including fecal examinations
• All pets need year-round internal and external parasite control
• Clean up pet feces immediately, especially in areas where children play
• Wear gloves while gardening and wash hands well after working in the yard
• Pregnant women and those with diminished immune systems should not clean litter boxes
• Wash all fruit and vegetables from your garden thoroughly before consuming
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Wear shoes when walking outside
• Keep your pet’s environment clean- both inside and outside
• Cover sandboxes when not in use to keep pets and wild animals from soiling them
• Do not allow children to put dirt in their mouths

Pets greatly enhance our lives so keep them and your family healthy by following the above advice to prevent parasites. Talk to your veterinary medical team about keeping your pet parasite free.

1. If you have a question about a condition (including surgery) your pet is recovering from, medications your pet is receiving or if you are unclear or unsure about something your vet has told you, call the vet. He/she knows you, your pet and has access to medical history and therefore is the appropriate person to be following up with.
2. If you are questioning a treatment or recommendation and are looking for a second opinion, you should schedule an appointment with another veterinarian and your pet and get a copy of the medical records. It is inappropriate and possibly dangerous for another veterinarian to comment on treatment your pet has received or is receiving without having reviewed the medical record and examined the pet.
3. If you think your pet is experiencing an emergency, take him/her to an emergency clinic and don’t wait for a reply from “Ask the Vet”. In a true emergency (often unknown until the pet is examined), waiting could be the difference between a good and tragic outcome. Also, please note that we aim to answer questions within 2 business days, which is too long to wait for emergency situations.
4. If you have concerns about something you think you or a family member may have gotten from a pet, consult your own physician. A veterinarian is not a human physician and cannot diagnose an illness or prescribe treatment for a person. The same can be said for a human physician making a diagnosis or treatment recommendations for your pet.
5. Puppies and kittens should have their first veterinary examination between 7 and 8 weeks of age or earlier if they are sick, lethargic or not eating. Having a relationship with a veterinarian and making sure your puppy or kitten gets everything they need to lead a healthy happy life is the best thing you can do for your pet and your family. Consider the cost of food, toys, grooming, flea and heartworm prevention and veterinary care when deciding to get a puppy or kitten. There are costs associated with having pets and keeping them healthy.
6. Make sure you have time to give your new pet plenty of love and attention as well as making sure he/she gets enough exercise. All puppies benefit from obedience classes and training. Pets who have good manners and follow basic commands are much more likely to be included in family outing and events. Having a pet and taking care of it is a privilege–he/she will depend on you for everything he/she needs, including how to be a good pet and family member. Be sure you are prepared to take on this responsibility not just in the present but for the life of the pet. Consider the needs of the pet as an adult, not just as a youngster. Too many people get puppies and get rid of them when they grow to their adult size.
7. Please don’t use “he’s just getting old” as an excuse not to seek care for geriatric pets. Pets should have a chance to live out their lives in the best health and comfort you and your veterinarian can provide.
8. Realize the tremendous benefit pets bring to our lives and society in terms of physical, emotional and mental health. Give them everything you can in return.

• Make sure Gidget has a sitter that will give her plenty of attention. Gidget acts anxious right before and right after I leave for a trip. She tends to crowd and follow me around the house more as I’m packing before a trip. This is why I want to make sure that the pet sitter gives plenty of attention to Gidget, resulting in her being less anxious when I return. When anxious, Gidget will tend to crowd the door when I get back from work. She will follow me around the house and meow for longer periods of time when she’s about to be fed.
• Clean out the litter box and put in fresh litter. I’ve discovered that Gidget tends to be better about cleaning herself and covering her urine and feces when fresh litter is in the box.
• Explain any feeding quirks. Gidget eats at pretty regimented times and if more food is given to her at any point of time, she will overeat and not be able to digest her food properly. However, I’m now considering a timed feeder in the hopes that Gidget will still get her routine without the pet sitter having to be drop-in so many times during the day.
• Replace the comforter on the bed with a blanket that is easy to wash. Gidget is used to sleeping on the bed at night and tends to spend a lot of her time on the bed during the day. Since our comforter isn’t easily washable, I swap out it out for a fleece blanket that can easily fit in the laundry machine. This makes cleaning any accidents much, much easier.
• Have a couple extra sources of water. While Gidget never drinks all her water, I always make sure she has a couple extra sources in case she tips something over or prefers one place to drink water or another.

I would love to hear what other people do to prepare for leaving their pets behind. Every pet is unique and often has other routines they prefer.

1. There is no benefit to letting a dog or cat go through her first heat or pregnancy prior to having her spayed. For dogs, spaying prior to 2 years of age is protective against mammary cancer. Spaying early also prevents unwanted pregnancies, costly c-sections, potentially life-threatening uterine infections (which require spaying to resolve) and litters of unwanted puppies and kittens. Young cats can go into heat as early as 4 months of age and become pregnant again when the first litter is only 4 weeks old and still nursing.
2. Puppies and kittens should begin vaccinations between 6 and 8 weeks of age. If the mother has been well vaccinated and the puppies/kittens nurse well soon after birth, they will be protected against those diseases for the first few weeks of life. Kittens and puppies born to mothers who have received no vaccinations are not protected.
3. Fleas can kill young kittens and small puppies so flea control on the mothers (preferably prior to birth) and other household pets is a must. Fleas bite to feed on blood which they require to lay eggs and produce more fleas. In very young/small pets, fleas can cause anemia (not enough red blood cells) which weakens the babies and prevents them from being able to nurse and keep themselves warm resulting in death.
4. All puppies and kittens should be assumed to have intestinal parasites. Even when mothers are free of worms living in their intestines they may be able to pass worms to their offspring either before or after birth. This occurs when worms migrate from the intestines of the mothers at some previous time and while they cause no problems, they are able to infect the young. As the mother cat or dog cleans her babies, she then also becomes infected with the intestinal form which is spread most commonly through oral contact with infected feces.
5. Before deciding to get a dog consider:
   • What the dog was originally bred for and if you can provide the appropriate amount of exercise and mental stimulation. For example, although a Jack Russell is a small dog they are smart, energetic and busy. They are not generally suited for spending long periods of time alone with nothing to do and little exercise. In other words, they aren’t good stay-at-home lap dogs 
   • Is the breed considered to be good with other pets including cats and children?
   • Is the breed suitable for the household (quiet and calm vs. noisy and active)
   •  Are you committed to the dog for his/her entire lifetime?
   • Can you afford and are you willing to provide regular veterinary care for the pet, including the possibility of unforseen illness or injury
6. Tick control products for dogs cannot be used on cats. Permethrins, the most common ingredient in tick products cannot be metabolized by cats and causes neurologic signs-tremors, seizures and death if not treated. Cats can be successfully treated and recover completely. With so many flea/tick products on the market the best recommendations for which product is best for your pet and environment will come from your veterinarian.
7. Common age-related diseases in cats include diabetes (elevated blood sugar), renal (kidney disease) and elevated thyroid function (hyperthyroidism). All of these diseases can be managed and the earlier a diagnosis is made the better. Diagnosis is made by blood and urine tests. The signs may be similar and multiple but commonly  include weight loss over time (even though appetite may be increased), excessive water consumption and increased urination. Remember that a one-pound weight loss in a ten-pound cat is the same at 15 pounds pounds in a 150-pound person. Any weight loss in a cat should result in a trip to the veterinarian.
8. The most common medical problems in exotic pets including snakes, lizards and  turtles/tortoises are related to improper habitat and diet which can lead to severe, sometimes irreversible disease. Before taking on one of these pets, make sure you have done adequate research to be sure you are providing a proper environment.
9. Rabbits make great pets and can be adopted from many shelters and humane societies. Rabbits do not require vaccinations but should be spayed and neutered. Rabbits can be litter-box trained. Rabbits have very sensitive digestive tracts so be sure you understand their dietary needs prior to acquiring one. Sick rabbits are very fragile and should see a veterinarian right away.

Matilda, my other cat, is a bit feistier and not as cooperative with my examinations at home, but I was fairly confident that I wouldn’t find anything during her cleaning more than a bit of calculus on a few teeth. When I began Matilda’s dental cleaning, I was surprised to immediately find tooth resorption.

Tooth resorption can simply be described as the loss of the tooth structure. Tooth resorption can be extremely painful and the exact cause is unknown, though it is estimated that a large percentage of cats suffer with tooth resorption at some point during their lives. Resorption can begin on the outside of the tooth or the inside structures of the tooth, above or below the gumline. Dental x-rays are recommended to fully evaluate the internal tooth structures and the tooth root(s). Often cats with tooth resorption will have lesions on multiple teeth so full mouth x-rays are recommended.

After completing radiographs of the right side of Matilda’s mouth, I started on the left side and immediately found another lesion- this one much worse. Luckily, the rest of her teeth looked healthy (minus the calculus I had expected) and no further abnormalities were found on the radiographs.

Due to the roots of the affected teeth being intact, complete extraction of both teeth was the treatment. Local nerve blocks and pain injections helped ensure a smooth, pain-free recovery. I still feel horrible that Matilda suffered with these painful teeth because I had not detected the tooth resorption sooner. But cats commonly mask their pain so she was not displaying any signs of being uncomfortable or in pain. Examining her mouth frequently at home, bi-annual examinations at the hospital, annual dental cleaning and as well as home care (teeth brushing, dental treats, etc) will help keep her mouth healthy and detect disease early.

I am happy to report that Matilda has fully recovered from the extractions and is now acting like a kitten again, despite the fact that she is a senior.

• Safety Tips for Every Season: Here are tips for general awareness as the weather warms up.
• Preparing Your Yard for Your Pet: Our partner, Pet Poison Helpline, discusses what to keep out of your pet’s reach when he or she is in the yard.
• Swimming Safety Tips: If your pet likes swimming, here are some precautions you should take.
• Understanding Heatstroke: As the weather warms up, your pet could be at risk for heatstroke.
• Spring and Summer Exercise: If you plan on taking your pet out, make sure he or she is adjusted to increased activity.
• Keeping Your Pet Hydrated: Avoid dehydration in your pet when you’re at home or when you take your pet out.
• Summer Travel Precautions: If you plan to take your pet on a roadtrip or by plane, here are some safety tips for your trip.

Brushing your pet’s teeth can seem daunting, but with time and patience, many pets will eventually allow at least minimal brushing. The best time to brush your pet’s teeth is when he/she is relaxed. Start slowly to allow your pet to get accustomed to this new procedure. You may need to spend the first few days just getting your pet used to you touching his/her mouth. Focus on making the experience pleasurable by talking to your pet and offering praise for a job well done. You may need to start with your finger before using a toothbrush. A toothbrush, fingerbrush or gauze can be used with the pet toothpaste. It is important to only use toothpaste made for pets and not to use human products as these are harmful for pets. Pet toothpaste is made in flavors that are usually very palatable to pets, such as poultry and tuna fish.

Although brushing your pet’s teeth daily is one of the best ways to keep your pet’s mouth healthy, there are some pets that will not allow their teeth to be brushed. Fortunately there are several other options such as oral rinses that kill bacteria, dental treats with enzymes that breakdown plaque, and dental diets that reduce tartar that will help prevent periodontal disease. Using these options in combination can even better help prevent periodontal disease.

A dental prophylaxis is also recommended. The general recommendation is a yearly dental prophylaxis however many pets may need the procedure more often. During this procedure, the plaque and calculus will be removed from your pet’s teeth. If you haven’t already been brushing your pet’s teeth, after a dental prophylaxis is the perfect time to start.

From the beginning, Emerson brought me many reasons to be thankful. His constant need to stop and smell each and every plant and flower has caused me to pay closer attention to small things in my environment—things I might not otherwise have noticed. On the morning when the leaves first showed their hint of orange hue, would I have noticed? Chances are, I might not have, if Emerson hadn’t cajoled me into lingering by his favorite patch of grass. One of my favorite memories of Emerson is the night he woke me up on the hour because he was obsessed with the dried mango treats in the kitchen. Who knew one could lose a full night’s sleep to a bag of mango strips? Every evening, when he first sees me, he acts like we have been apart for months. He trembles with excitement and talks to me in his special, high-pitched rhapsody. When I meet other Pet owners, I have a constant source of commonality and camaraderie with them. No matter what background from which we originate, we share something: stories, tips and laughter—over our Pets. The irony of Pets is that, though they are far from humans genetically, they teach us how to be more human.

This Thanksgiving, you might have out-of-town friends or family who bring along their four-legged pals. I know this is sometimes deemed an inconvenience. While that is an understandable sentiment, remember to show appreciation for the important role Pets play in the lives of your loved ones. By loving someone’s Pet, you are also showing love, respect and gratitude for his or owner.

And after all, isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about?