Category Archives: Pet Health

Removing Ticks

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Have you ever had to remove a tick from your dog or cat? If you are anything like me, you squirm at the thought of it. I really dislike feeling these creatures with my fingers, even with the protection of a tissue. The Whole Dog Journal recently did a review of some tools you can (and should!) use. I hope this information will help you as much as it did me!
Also, check out this very informative and helpful article from the American Kennel Club. Note: they say NOT to use your fingers, as this can squeeze infectious material into your dog or cat.

https://www.akc.org/expert-a…/…/how-to-remove-tick-from-dog/

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

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Brushing your dog’s teeth can make a huge difference in your dog’s health – and your wallet!

If you take it slowly, and get your dog used to the process (over several short sessions) this will be a breeze to do.

To get started, watch this helpful video:
https://youtu.be/nbi2Fsj95Ik

Getting the enzymatic toothpaste onto your dog’s teeth – even if you are not yet able to brush – is really important and it will start breaking down the plaque. DO NOT USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE.

I have brushed my dog’s teeth since she was a puppy, and look at the pearly whites she has! She will be 6 years old this year. I am not brushing her teeth every day, maybe once a week. And it only takes a minute each time. Well worth it for her health, and not having to pay hundreds/thousands for multiple dental cleanings over her lifetime. I use the C.E.T enzymatic toothpaste (Virbac) and one tube goes a long way. I use a regular (human) soft toothbrush, but careful not to brush too hard. You can buy a doggy toothbrush, and they have softer bristles.

Don’t despair if your dog’s teeth look bad already – you will see a big improvement and your dog’s breath will be so much better. Just take it slowly and carefully in the beginning, as the gums are sore.

In event of severe periodontal disease, see your veterinarian This condition is very painful for your dog, and adversely affects his overall health, including organ function, so definitely see a veterinarian!

February is Spay and Neuter Awareness Month!

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Help your pets live longer and happier lives by spaying and neutering them.

Spaying completely eliminates pyometra – a serious and potentially deadly infection of the uterus – and it greatly reduced the chance of breast tumors (50% of dogs with mammary tumors have cancer, and 90% of cats). Neutering males eliminates the chance of testicular cancer and enlarged prostate.

Spaying and neutering also curbs the undesirable behaviors associated with mating such as howling, roaming, aggression, urine marking and spraying.

Spaying and neutering are the most humane means to control the pet population and eliminate the suffering caused by pet homelessness.

Won’t neutering my dog or cat make him “less of a man”?

No! The ideas of masculinity and virility are based in human cultures and is something your dog or cat is simply not aware of.  Your best friend is still going to be the same dog and he is still going to care about the same wonderful things in life: play, belly rubs, treats and squirrels!

Make the best decision you can for your pet: Spay and Neuter!

The Animal Welfare Center is working on a program to provide access to affordable S/N services. Until we have this program up and running, please seek help from these other available resources:

PetFix (in Euclid)

Ashtabula Low Cost Spay Neuter:  440-789-9423 for dogs, 440-536-1926 for cats

Sources: 

American Veterinary Medical Association

American Humane Society

ASPCA

The Humane Society of the United States