Prevention

Heartworm prevention should be given all year long to our pets.  Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal problem that can be prevented.  Mosquitoes spread the disease, and we definitely have plenty of those bugs!  We need to perform a heartworm test and then get your dog started on preventative as soon as possible.  There are several choices available so let our team help you find the best one for your dog or cat.  Doesn’t your best friend deserve the best?

Heartworm disease in cats

This disease often affects the cat's lungs rather than the heart and may cause injury that could leave your cat with permanent respiratory problems.  Both treatment and non-treatment are risky for cats, because there is currently no approved product for treating adult Heartworms.  The onset of clinical signs is impossible to predict in cats that are left untreated.  Even if the disease is treated, your cat may experience severe complications or even death when the worms die.

Prevention is the best course of action. Just as dogs are given medication to prevent Heartworm disease year round, there are monthly preventatives for cats. By giving heartworm prevention, you may give your feline friend the best shot at living long and healthy nine lives.

Heartworm disease

is transmitted by mosquitoes, and can be found in most areas of the country.  When a mosquito bites an infected animal, the heartworm larvae are ingested along with the blood.  Larvae mature to the infective stage within the body of the mosquito, then are transmitted to a dog or cat through a subsequent mosquito bite.  Once inside the host animal, heartworms travel to the lungs and the right side of the heart, where they can grow and mate for several years.  Adult heartworms reside in the pulmonary arteries, or right heart if large amount of worms are present and can grow to a length of 5-12 inches in dogs and 5-8 inches in cats.

Regular dental checkups

Your pet needs dental care -regular professional care from your veterinarian - as well as care at home from you. Scheduling regular veterinary checkups is essential in helping us monitor the progress of your best friend’s dental health. Please do not wait until the annual checkup if you suspect a problem!

There are many products available that are proven to work over time, such as water additives, treats, etc. We do not recommend hard treats such as real bones, hard plastic bones, or cow hooves as they can actually break the teeth. Please contact us to schedule a thorough dental examination. Prevention of periodontal disease will do more to lengthen your best friend’s life, make it more enjoyable, and they will love you even more!

Poor oral health in dogs and cats...

can cause serious health problems in addition to painful tooth loss or gum disease.  The buildup of plaque and tartar in a pet’s mouth can cause periodontal disease, an infection that affects nearly 80% of all dogs and cats by age three. Foul breath and yellow-brown teeth are not only unappealing, they could indicate a serious gum disease. Periodontal disease starts as bacteria and plaque on teeth and progresses into a disease that can cause tooth decay, bleeding gums, tooth loss, and even damage to the heart and other internal organs.

Have you kissed your pet lately?

 

Did you get a good whiff?

If you enjoy a kiss or two from your pet on a regular basis, you should make sure his/her mouth is taken care of well.  The bacteria that lurk in a pet’s mouth may be the cause of bad breath and much more!  If we don’t brush our teeth daily to remove the plaque, harmful bacteria can build up under the gum line destroying the bone that surrounds our teeth.  Our four legged friends cannot brush their own teeth!  If we don’t help them with their oral health care, the bacteria cannot only destroy the bone, but enter the bloodstream and lead to more serious conditions such as heart, liver or kidney disease.

National Train Your Dog Month

The holidays are a common time for families to add a new pet to their home. This makes January a perfect time to start training the pets properly. Taking the time to train them correctly in the beginning - whether they are a puppy or kitten, or a rescue new to your home - will make a difference in the long run. Training is not just a great way to spend time together, it also improves the bond you have with your furry friend. Many pets love having a "task" to perform, which can keep them out of mischief!
There are many fun tricks most dogs - and yes even cats - can learn. Back up, Take a bow, Wave, Shake, Play dead, Roll over, Spin and Give a kiss are just a few! They key to teaching is in the repetition and the praise. If your pet accomplishes these fairly easily consider Agility, Obedience or even Herding classes. There are several locations in the Orlando area.
Another option is to train your dog for the Canine Good Citizen Test. Dogs have to pass 10 tests, including accepting a friendly stranger and reacting well to distractions. This would be the first step in having your dog trained for therapy. Many hospitals, nursing homes, schools and hospice centers utilize dogs to provide attention and comfort to the patients. They can also be used for those with learning difficulties and very stressful situations, such as after Hurricane Sandy or in Newtown Connecticut.
While training your dog may take awhile, there are so many benefits! Please contact one of our staff members at 407-366-4486  if you have any questions or would like further assistance.