Pet Health & Safety Tips Archives - Langley Animal Clinic http://langleyanimalclinic.ca/category/pet-health-safety-tips/ Veterinary Clinic and Animal Hospital Thu, 25 Apr 2024 21:18:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.4 Pet Dental Care: Preventing & Treating Cavities in Pets http://langleyanimalclinic.ca/pet-dental-care-preventing-treating-cavities-in-pets/ Thu, 25 Apr 2024 21:12:18 +0000 http://langleyanimalclinic.ca/?p=11788 Comprehensive Guide to Preventing and Treating Cavities in Pets Table of Contents Importance of Dental Health in Pets Brief Overview of Cavities and Tooth Decay What Causes Cavities in Pets? Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay The Impact of Dental Disease on Overall Health Prevention Strategies Treatment Options When to See a Vet for Dental […]

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Comprehensive Guide to Preventing and Treating Cavities in Pets

The dental health of your pets is a vital part of their well-being, but it is something that is sometimes overlooked. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and various health issues.

To help keep your pet happy and healthy, this guide will explore the importance of pet dental care, the causes and symptoms of cavities and tooth decay, preventative measures, and more.

Importance of Dental Health in Pets

Your pet’s overall health and quality of life rely in part on proper oral care. Dental issues can lead to significant pain and discomfort that often results in difficulty eating and can lead to other issues such as heart and kidney disease. Poor dental health can significantly impact your pet’s vitality and longevity. Discover more about pet dental care services we provide.

Brief Overview of Cavities and Tooth Decay

Cavities are localized areas of tooth decay. In pets, they typically occur on the surface of the tooth where plaque accumulates. Just as with humans, leaving cavities untreated will allow them to progress, resulting in pain, infection, and possible tooth loss.

What Causes Cavities in Pets?

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the surface of teeth. When it combines with minerals and proteins in the mouth, it forms tartar, which can erode the protective enamel of the teeth causing cavities.

Poor dental hygiene, an inappropriate diet, and genetic factors can all contribute to the formation of cavities in your pet.

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Some signs that can indicate tooth decay in your pet include swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, reluctance to eat, and visible decay or discolouration of the teeth.

Regular checkups at your veterinarian are crucial for early detection of problems, allowing for timely intervention.

The Impact of Dental Disease on Overall Health

Dental issues affect more than just your pet’s oral health; bacteria from dental infections can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. Good dental health, therefore, can help prevent several other serious health problems.

Prevention Strategies

Here are some of the ways that you can help maintain your pet’s oral health:

Daily Dental Care Routines: You can help prevent cavities and tooth decay by establishing a good dental care routine. Brushing your pet’s teeth with a pet-specific toothbrush and approved toothpaste is your most effective means of removing plaque and preventing the buildup of tartar.

Your pet may be resistant at first so start slowly, introducing them to toothbrushing gradually. They will become comfortable with it in time, especially if you make it a pleasant experience for them.

Professional Dental Cleanings and Assessments: An essential part of maintaining your pet’s oral health involves regularly scheduled professional cleanings and assessments with your veterinarian. These visits involve a thorough examination and cleaning of the teeth and can help detect issues before they advance into more serious problems.

The exact frequency of visits may vary depending on the individual needs of your pet and any risk factors unique to them. Learn about our procedure pricing.

Professional Dental Cleanings and Assessments: An essential part of maintaining your pet’s oral health involves regularly scheduled professional cleanings and assessments with your veterinarian. These visits involve a thorough examination and cleaning of the teeth and can help detect issues before they advance into more serious problems.

The exact frequency of visits may vary depending on the individual needs of your pet and any risk factors unique to them.

Dental Products and Toys: Many dental products are available that can help to maintain your pet’s dental health, cleaning the teeth as your pet chews. You may also want to consider water additives that can help to reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar between checkups.

Consult your veterinarian to see which products are suitable for your pet.

Treatment Options

The options available for treating your pet will vary depending on their specific needs and the severity of their dental issues.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments may include dental scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatments (scale and polish treatments are only done under general anesthesia). Together, these can remove plaque and tartar, and strengthen tooth enamel to make the teeth more resistant to decay.
 
Antibiotics and pain medication may be prescribed if your pet is suffering from infection or enduring pain or discomfort.

Surgical Treatments

In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Treatments include tooth extraction, root canal, or periodontal surgery to address infection, advanced decay, or periodontal disease. For your pet’s safety and comfort, these procedures will be performed under anesthesia. Read about our advanced dental treatments.

Following dental treatments, your pet will require the appropriate aftercare to aid in their recovery. Your veterinarian will provide instructions that may include administering medications, limiting activity, and providing soft foods. You will have a follow-up appointment to address any concerns and monitor progress in healing.

 

When to See a Vet for Dental Issues

Any time you notice the warning signs of dental issues, such as bad breath, excessive drooling, pain, or swollen, bleeding gums, it is important to seek medical attention. You should also schedule regular checkups to detect and address dental issues in their earliest stages.

What to Expect During a Dental Checkup

During your visit, the veterinarian will check your pet’s teeth and gums. Diagnostic tests such as X-rays may be recommended to assess the extent of dental disease, if present. You will also be given guidance for ongoing care at home.

Home Pet Care Tips

Brushing your pet’s teeth is as important as brushing your own and should be a part of their daily care. Use a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to gently brush their teething a circular motion. Be patient if they are nervous or resistant, offering praise and appropriate treats to help make the experience more enjoyable for them.

Proper dental care products must be used for your pet. Human toothpaste, for example, is toxic to them. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with information about the appropriate products that suit your pet’s needs.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Some pet owners unfortunately believe that dental care is not necessary for pets because they can chew on bones, which scrape their teeth clean and stimulate their gums. In reality, however, bones can pose a choking hazard and may also cause dental fractures. Another popular myth is that if a pet’s breath is not offensive, their oral health is fine, but issues may be present even without a noticeable odour.

We all want to provide our pets with the best possible care. It’s important to remember that this includes proper dental care. Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations at home and schedule regular appointments to ensure not only good oral health but better health overall.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact us today!

The best defence against cavities is a combination of daily dental care at home and regular dental checkups, along with a balanced diet that promotes dental health. Brush your pet’s teeth daily, offer dental-friendly treats, and schedule regular dental checkups with your veterinarian.

Your pet should have a minimum of one checkup per year, though the frequency will vary based on breed, age, their overall dental health, and other factors.

Yes. Left untreated, cavities can lead to systemic infection, organ damage, and choric pain. Good oral care protects much more than just your pet’s dental health.

Dental disease can affect any breed of pet, but some are more predisposed to dental issues. Check with your veterinarian to learn about any special needs specific to your pet.

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How To Ensure A Healthy Puppy Or Kitten After Adoption http://langleyanimalclinic.ca/healthy-puppy-kitten-adoption/ Mon, 30 Jan 2023 17:46:30 +0000 https://langleyanimalclinic.ca/?p=10231 You’ve found the puppy or kitten of your dreams! That cute little bundle of fur is going to be the perfect addition to your family. However, bringing home a fuzzy family member also presents its challenges. To make sure your new pet grows up to be healthy and happy, there are a few key things […]

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You’ve found the puppy or kitten of your dreams! That cute little bundle of fur is going to be the perfect addition to your family. However, bringing home a fuzzy family member also presents its challenges. To make sure your new pet grows up to be healthy and happy, there are a few key things you should do.

Veterinary care

It’s important to get your new pet checked out by a veterinarian as soon as you can. The vet will be able to make sure your pet is healthy and up to date on all necessary vaccinations. They can also advise you on any special care your pet may need, such as a specific diet or medication.

Also, make sure that you keep up with regular vet appointments for your pet throughout its life. This will help keep your pet’s vaccinations current and prevent illnesses from developing later.

Vaccines

Vaccinations are very important to keep your new puppy or kitten healthy. Puppies and kittens need several rounds of vaccines to protect them from diseases like distemper and rabies.

Puppies and kittens receive their first set of vaccines when they’re young. These are usually given around 8 weeks old, depending on the vaccine and the manufacturer’s recommendations. The second set is given around 12 weeks old, again depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian after bringing your pet home so the vaccinations can begin as soon as possible.

Basic care

Feeding

Pet adoption dog vet services Langley animal Clinic

Your new puppy or kitten should be eating good quality food from the start. Look for foods that list meat or meat meal as the first ingredient. Avoid products with corn, wheat, or soy as the main ingredients.  Transitioning to adult food, puppies and kittens should be on a developmental diet for the first 10-12 months and then transition to an adult diet. This is important because it gives their digestive system time to adjust to a new diet.

Training

Puppies and kittens need training just like kids do! Encourage good behavior by rewarding them with treats when they do something right—such as sitting politely at the door when you come home—and appropriately addressing bad behavior like chewing on furniture until they learn what’s acceptable. Be consistent with your training so they know what’s expected of them in every situation. Trainers can offer the guidance and support you need, as it’s almost more important to train the human how to work with their animals.

Exercise

Puppies and kittens need exercise every day to stay fit and release tension and excess energy. They love playing with toys, going for walks on a leash (if they’re old enough), or romping around in their yard with other dogs/cats who live nearby (but make sure they get lots of breaks too!).

Deworming and parasite prevention

Deworming is a routine part of owning a pet, but it’s especially important when you adopt a puppy or kitten from a shelter or rescue. Shelter pets are often exposed to parasites, and they can pass these on to their new owners. Speak to your vet about the best treatments.

Deworming medications are used to kill intestinal parasites in animals. These parasites cause digestive problems, diarrhea, and vomiting. The frequency of deworming depends on the type of parasite being treated, but dogs are generally dewormed every month and cats every 3 months.

Spay/neuter your pet

To ensure that your pet stays healthy throughout its life, it’s important to spay or neuter them before they reach sexual maturity at about six months old for cats and nine months old for dogs. Spaying or neutering helps prevent unwanted litters as well as decreases the risk of certain cancers in both cats and dogs, including mammary cancer and testicular cancer.

In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies and decreasing cancer risks, spaying or neutering also helps prevent behavioural problems like aggression and marking territory.

Permanent ID

kitten vet services Langley animal clinic

Get your pet microchipped (and make sure it’s registered). Microchips are tiny devices implanted into dogs and cats that allow owners to find their pets if they’re lost or stolen. They work by emitting radio signals that can be detected by universal scanners that veterinarians use.

Pets are like family—and they deserve to be protected. Make sure your new best friend has a microchip and collar tag so they can be properly identified and returned to you if they go missing.

With proper care and regular vet visits, you can build a foundation for a long, happy, healthy relationship with your pet.

Schedule an appointment today!

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An Owner’s Guide to Pet Health and Wellness at Home http://langleyanimalclinic.ca/an-owners-guide-to-pet-health-and-wellness-at-home/ Sat, 03 Dec 2022 13:01:34 +0000 https://langleyanimalclinic.ca/?p=10224 You love your pet, so you want to do what’s best for them. From food and treats to toys and beds, there are many ways to show your pet that you care. And when it comes to your pet health and wellness, you can make a difference with some simple changes in your home. Here […]

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You love your pet, so you want to do what’s best for them. From food and treats to toys and beds, there are many ways to show your pet that you care. And when it comes to your pet health and wellness, you can make a difference with some simple changes in your home. Here are some things you can do to keep your fur baby healthy and happy.

GOOD NUTRITION

Pet Health and Wellness

Providing your pet with a nutritious diet is one of the most important things you can do to promote good health. A high-quality diet will provide the nutrients needed for growth, development, tissue repair, and maintenance of body systems. It will also help ensure that any excess or deficient nutrients are provided in an appropriate balance.

Here are Our Favourite Pet Food Brands and Why I Recommend Them.

Make sure you’re feeding them high-quality food from a reputable store or pet supply store—not just anything that’s cheap! You want something that’s nutritious for them and won’t make them sick over time.

EXERCISE

Exercise is an important part of a pet’s health and wellness. It can help your pet maintain a healthy weight and strengthen muscles, bones, and joints. Exercise also gives your pet more energy, improves their mental well-being, and helps them sleep better at night.

You can take your dog for a walk or run, play fetch, or take him to the dog park to play with other dogs. Your cat may enjoy playing with interactive toys that encourage movement such as laser pointers or balls on strings, and this all will help to keep your pet health and wellness.

DENTAL CARE

Pet Health and Wellness

By taking the time to brush your pet’s teeth on a regular basis, you can reduce the risk of dental disease and improve their overall health. It is important to visit a vet every 6 months and learn more about dental care.

Brushing your pet’s teeth is one of the most important things you can do for them, especially if they are prone to gum disease or tooth decay. Regular brushing removes plaque before it has a chance to harden into tartar and form dental calculus (tartar). Brushing also helps remove any food particles that may be stuck in their teeth.

GOOD GROOMING

Grooming helps keep your pet clean and healthy, and it’s also a great opportunity to bond with your furry friend.

Grooming your dog or cat can be as simple as brushing its coat or clipping its nails. Other tasks, such as bathing, trimming fur, and ear cleaning, may require more time and effort.

You can groom a dog or cat by yourself or with help from a friend or family member. If you are unsure about what to do, ask your veterinarian for assistance.

KEEP YOUR HOME CLEAN

Pet Health and Wellness

A clean home is a happy home for your pets. Regularly cleaning up after your cat or dog helps prevent illnesses and injuries from occurring in the first place. Make sure you’re doing all these things:

Put away food bowls – Food and water bowls should be cleaned every day and food bowls put away when not in use so that they don’t become breeding grounds for germs.

If you have any questions about the proper diet for your dog or cat, please contact us and we will be happy to answer your questions.

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Puppy’s First Vet Visit: What to Expect, Checklist, & Tips http://langleyanimalclinic.ca/puppy-first-vet-visit/ Fri, 13 May 2022 16:24:31 +0000 https://langleyanimalclinic.ca/?p=9060 Here's everything you need to know about your new furry friend's first visit to your veterinarian in Langley. Langley Animal Clinic.

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Taking your puppy to the vet for the first time can be a stressful ordeal. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to prepare yourself and your pet for this first trip. With a little preparation and planning, you can greatly reduce your stress and ensure that your puppy has a smooth first vet visit.

Here’s everything you need to know about your new furry friend’s first visit to the veterinarian.

Why Should You Take Your Puppy to the Vet?

First off, it’s important to remember why taking your puppy to the vet is so important. The answer is simple: because they need it! Your puppy needs regular checkups with a veterinarian so you can be sure they’re healthy. Regular visits are important to ensure that any issues will be caught early on before they become major problems.

First visit vet kitty cat langley animal clinic

What To Bring to the Veterinarian’s Office?

Puppies can be a lot of work, but they’re also a lot of fun. The first few weeks are especially important in helping your puppy get off to a healthy start.

Here’s a checklist of things to bring to your puppy’s first vet visit:

Proof of vaccinations.

Make sure to bring proof of the vaccinations, if any, that were given at the breeder or shelter. If you have not yet taken your puppy in for its first round of shots, be sure to schedule an appointment with your local veterinarian as soon as possible.

Medical records.

If you acquired your dog from a breeder, they should have provided you with a copy of his/her medical history. If it was from a rescue organization or shelter, they will provide you with a copy as well.

Medications.

You’ll also want to bring any medications or supplements your pup is taking, including flea and tick preventatives and heartworm medication. If it’s been a while since your puppy last took these medications, double check with your vet to make sure they’re up-to-date and that there aren’t any new requirements (like giving them more frequent doses).

A stool sample (if asked by the veterinarian) – A stool sample can help your vet diagnose any potential parasites, viruses, or bacteria that may be affecting your puppy’s health. It also helps them rule out certain conditions like parvovirus which could kill young puppies if left untreated.

Lots of treats.

If you have a nervous or anxious puppy, bringing treats can help make your pet more comfortable during the exam.

Chew toys.

Having distractions like a favourite toy can make it easier for your veterinarian and staff to examine your puppy.

puppy vet langley animal clinic visitjpg

What To Expect at Your Puppy’s First Wellness Exam?

The doctor will ask about your dog’s diet and exercise habits. They’ll also ask about any health issues you might have noticed with your new puppy. If there are any concerns, they’ll likely recommend further testing or treatment options.

Your puppy will get a full physical checkup. This includes looking at their ears and eyes, checking their teeth and gums, feeling their joints and spine, listening to their heart and lungs, checking their abdomen for any abnormalities or lumps, and more. Your puppy might need vaccines or other shots as well.

Your vet may also do blood tests on your pup to make sure everything looks good from an internal perspective as well. All these tests are important because they can help identify any health problems early on or catch them before they become serious issues later on in life.

A puppy’s first visit to the vet should be a positive experience—it’s step one in building a strong relationship between your pet and your veterinarian. By arming yourself with the right information beforehand, you can ensure your new puppy will get off on the right paw.

For more information please contact Langley Animal Clinic.

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How to Choose the Right Food for Your Dog http://langleyanimalclinic.ca/how-to-choose-the-right-food-for-your-dog/ Tue, 28 Jul 2020 08:38:17 +0000 http://sw-themes.com/porto_dummy/?p=168 A tasty way to incorporate more veggies into your diet!

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A tasty way to incorporate more veggies into your diet!

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