1:00 – 2:00 will be the small breeds that need to be examined on a table
2:15 – 3:30 will be the larger breed dogs that do not require being examined on a table
Sunday, February 5th
Sunday, February 12th
Sunday, February 19th
Sunday, February 26th
Holiday Kids and Family Dog Training Class
This was our second year offering a kids and family oriented dog training class on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and this year we combined it with a Service Dog Training class. Lots of children and parents took the opportunity to work the family pet in a fun, upbeat setting with many distractions and lots of games. Everyone had a good time and we can't wait to do it again next year!
Be sure to visit our Facebook page to see all the pictures from the event.
Online and Retail Sales!
February is national Pet Dental Health month, and in celebration we are marking all of our Tropiclean Dental Health products down 10%.
#1 Puppy Problem: Inappropriate Play-Biting
While we're focusing on your pups dental health, let's take a moment to remember that those teeth don't just need cleaned, they need trained too! Here is an excerpt from our Puppy Orientation concerning Inappropriate Play-Biting and how to curb your dog's need to put it's teeth on you.
Bite Inhibition
Your dog should have a soft mouth by 18 weeks, or approximately 4 ½ months.
“After Your Get Your Puppy” by Dr. Ian Dunbar 5th Developmental Deadline: Teaching Bite Inhibition
Your Most Important Priority is that your puppy learns to inhibit the force of its bites and develop a “soft mouth” before it is eighteen weeks old. Whenever a dog bites a person or fights with another dog, the single most important prognostic factor is the degree of bite inhibition and hence, the likelihood and seriousness of injury. Accidents happen. Someone may tread on the dog’s paw, or a child may trip over the dog while it’s gnawing a bone. A dog may snap and lunge at a person when hurt or frightened, but if the dog has well-established bite inhibition, it is unlikely the dog’s teeth will puncture, or even touch the skin.
We must remember that dogs don’t have hands and that their natural instinct is to sometimes use their teeth, therefore; we need to make sure they have good bite inhibition and realize what is “too hard” when using their teeth.
Interactive Toys
We recommend getting a variety of interactive toys and other types of chewable products, such as soup or beef bones. It is not enough, however, to merely get the toys, you have to use them properly and manage the puppy’s usage of the toys so that they don’t get bored with them, which are why you want a variety and not just one or two, or even ten of the same one. Start with a Soup Bone and let them work on that for a couple of days if their interest lasts that long, then go to the Classic Kong and then move to, an Everlasting Funball, or maybe a Treatball, then go to a Bob-A-Lot, and so on.
If you provide your puppy entertaining and stimulating toys that keep him busy, he is less likely to find inappropriate things to chew on.
Talking Teeth
by Dr. Nancy Kay, DVM.
Is your dog’s bad breath sabotaging your cuddle time? Is your kitty drooling while nibbling her kibble? If so, your four-legged family member likely has dental disease. A recent study of Banfield Pet Hospital’s 770-hospital network identified dental disease as the most common malady among pets, affecting 68 percent of cats and 78 percent of dogs over three years of age.
Most dental diseases, including halitosis (bad breath) and gingivitis (gum disease) are caused by tartar accumulation. All cats and dogs can develop dental tartar, but small breed dogs are particularly predisposed. Toy Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Pomeranians and Shetland Sheepdogs are at greatest risk, according to the Banfield study.
Be sure to inspect your pet’s teeth and gums on a regular basis just as you would his or her skin and hair. Here’s the key to getting a good look- don’t try to pry your pet’s jaws open lest you desire to engage in a wrestling match. Rather, with the mouth remaining closed, simply pull those flabby lips up, down, and then back (as if he is smiling) to get a good view of the gums and teeth. Look for tartar accumulation (brown colored material that’s adhered to the teeth) redness or swelling of the gums, and broken or loose teeth.
If your pet does develop significant tartar and gingivitis, he’ll need a thorough dental cleaning. Dental X-rays may be recommended to detect abscesses or bone loss. Should such significant abnormalities be found, your vet will discuss antibiotic therapy and the pros and cons of removing the affected teeth versus a root canal procedure.
The best way to prevent tartar buildup is to brush your pet’s teeth (including those way in the back) at least two to three times a week. Ask your vet or members of the clinic staff to share their secrets for success when it comes to brushing. Have them observe and provide critique as you demonstrate how you brush those canines (in cats they should be called “felines”), incisors, and molars.
What can you do besides brushing? Dental chews, additives to your pet’s water, products applied to the teeth and gums, and specially formulated dry foods that have received the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance can help prevent tartar buildup. However, nothing beats regular brushing (sorry!).
Part of your pet’s annual physical examination performed by your veterinarian should include careful inspection of the teeth and gums. Early identification and treatment of dental disease goes a long way in preventing serious consequences.
For more articles on dental health written by Dr. Nancy Kay, please visit her website/blog at www.SpeakingForSpot.com
If you are interested in products to help maintain your dog's teeth and over-all dental health, visit our online store and see our selection of Tropiclean Dental Health products, which are 10% Off for the entire month of February.
Therapy Dog Visits
Once your dog has passed their Therapy Dog International certification, it's time for the fun to begin. These places are always looking for registered therapy dogs to brighten the day of the patients and residents:
Allegheny General Hospital
Jennifer Kopar: 412-359-3067
jkopar@wpahs.org
"The golden gift is this: Intimately connected with his own emotions, the dog cannot lie. What he feels, he expresses. What he shows in his body posture is true, without guile, completely and utterly honest. Distanced from our own feelings, bound by our fears, we treasure and are amazed by this quality of complete truth in our dogs."
Is your dog’s bad breath sabotaging your cuddle time? Is your kitty drooling while nibbling her kibble? If so, your four-legged family member likely has dental disease. A recent study of Banfield Pet Hospital’s 770-hospital network identified dental disease as the most common malady among pets, affecting 68 percent of cats and 78 percent of dogs over three years of age.
