Valentine’s Day can be as much fun for pets as it is for humans, but a little preparation and awareness is necessary in order to keep our furry family members safe on this holiday.  To sum up our advice,

Don’t leave the goodies lying around!

Chocolate
Chocolate (especially dark or baking chocolate) is very dangerous for dogs and cats. Our pets are unable to digest chocolate and their bodies turn the chocolate into a potent toxin.  Signs of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, rapid heart rate, increased thirst, and seizures.

Flowers
Many pet owners are still unaware that ALL species of lily are potentially fatal to cats. So if you are giving or getting a bouquet of Valentines day flowers, try to stay away from Lilies,  pick out any dangerous blooms, or make sure your cat can not get to the tempting arrangement.  Signs of toxic plant ingestion include stomach upset ,vomiting, diarrhea, and behavior change.
Rose thorns are also something to be aware of.  An animal biting down on a thorn or stepping on one can puncture skin and cause pain and infection.

Candy and Sweets
Xylitol (a type of sweetener) can be found in many different types of candies and is poisonous to dogs.  It can cause a sudden, dangerous drop in blood sugar.  Signs include behavior change, dizziness, and seizures. In some cases, xylitol can lead to liver damage.

Candles and Fire
Setting the mood with candles and a roaring fire is very romantic… until a curious pet knocks that candle over or burns themselves.  Keep an eye on your animals and keep them away from open flames.

Wine and Spirits
Due to our pet’s smaller stature, spilled wine, half a glass of champagne, or some leftover liquor can be more than enough alcohol to seriously effect our furry friends.  Alcohol intoxication can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, and even coma.

Gift Wrap
Gather up tape, ribbons, bows, wrapping paper, cellophane and balloons after presents have been opened.  If any of these things are swallowed, they can cause problems such as choking, vomiting, or blockages which require surgery to correct.

         Have a Happy and Pet Safe Valentines Day!

This month, veterinarians will be educating their clients about oral care for their pets.  Your pets teeth are vitally important to their overall wellbeing and should be examined on a regular basis.  Just like us, regular cleanings are necessary to help maintain your pets health and promote an overall good quality of life.

     Here are some fun dental facts about our animal friends:

• Adult dogs have 42 teeth – 20 on top and 22 on the bottom
• Adult cats have 30 permanent teeth – 16 on top and 14 on the bottom
• Pet Rabbits, Hamsters, and mice have teeth that continue to grow their entire life, and must chew on hard surfaces to wear them down
• Mammals have the most developed teeth in the animal kingdom
• Teeth are the hardest part of your body
• Elephant tusks are actually modified teeth
• A male African Elephant’s molars can be more than a foot long, and weigh around 10lbs each
• Sharks constantly grow and lose teeth – up to 20,000 in their lifetime
• Giraffes have the same number of teeth as humans do – 32
• Dolphins have more teeth than any other mammal (some dolphins have over 200), and scientists can tell the age of a dolphin by counting the rings on their teeth

If you haven’t done so yet, call your vet and book a dental check visit today!

Happy Dental Month!

BRUSHING YOUR PETS TEETH
This is one of the most important things you can do for your pet, and is probably one of the least performed activities for our pets.  Ideally, you should brush your pet’s teeth daily, but brushing at least 3 times / week will help prevent problems.  Your vet is a great resource for advice on how to brush teeth!

FOOD AND TREATS
Feeding a high quality diet that promotes healthy teeth will help control plaque and tartar build-up.  Dental treats may also help, but are not a substitute for brushing and regular check-ups.

ORAL CARE PRODUCTS
Chews, dental toys, rinses, and water additives are available as well.  Be careful, not all products are advisable for every animal.  It is best to speak with your veterinarian before using these items.

VETERINARY CHECKS
This will depend on your pet and their individual needs, but as a rule,

Puppy – teeth should be examined at each puppy visit and at 6 months of age
1 – 3 yrs old – annual dental exam
4 – 6 yrs old – teeth should be examined one to two times a year
7+ yrs old – dental exam / health check every 6 months

If you animal is due for a dental check, or you have any concerns with your pet’s mouth – call us today for an oral health check!
(519) 631-0430