Novartis
recently released Deramaxx for the management of pain in dogs. It is much
safer than the pain relievers currently on the veterinary market and is less
likely to cause digestive upsets and liver toxicity. It is dosed once daily
making it easier on clients to give. Our experience with this new product has
been great and we are glad to have yet another tool to manage your dog’s pain.
Science
Diet has introduced a new line of pet foods called “Nature’s Best.”
As the name implies it is a line of pet foods specifically designed to meet the
needs of clients who prefer feeding their pets an all-natural food. They provide
choices for puppies, kittens and adult pets, along with a variety of naturally
great-tasting formulas that appeal to the most finicky pet. It has a superior
antioxidant formula with higher levels of vitamin E, plus vitamin C,
beta-carotene and selenium to keep cells healthy and help maintain a healthy
immune system. We will be happy to special order any of these foods for our
clients…just let us know.
Puppies
usually jump up to greet their owners and at other exciting times (food bowl,
ball). Behaviorists generally believe it is an instinctive response since
puppies lick the muzzles of adult dogs to get food. Some behaviorists believe
the instinct to jump begins as a desire to get the breath scent of a person. If
jumping is rewarded by petting and rubbing the dog when it jumps up, it becomes
a learned response that is more difficult to stop. What is cute as a puppy
behavior can be annoying and dangerous as an adult behavior. Never allow your
puppy to jump on you. If they do, tell him or her “off!” in a stern voice,
then have them sit on command (every puppy should know how to sit on command).
After they sit, reward them and greet them. If it continues to jump up, turn
your back on your dog so it can’t see your face and ignore it. After a few
minutes, command it to a sit and reward it when it does. Greet your dog only if
it is sitting. Persistence and consistence are the key. Everyone in the house
must agree to not let the puppy or dog jump up and must correct them or ignore
them when they do.
FEBRUARY
IS DENTAL MONTH!
Your
pet’s dental health is very important to the health of its entire body.
Studies have proven that dogs that receive routine dental care live longer
than those that do not receive regular dental care.
There
are many ways to keep your pets teeth clean. Brushing is best, but there are
also oral rinses and beef hide impregnated with enzymatic toothpaste they can
chew on. Just like us, even with care, a thorough dental scaling, polishing
and antibacterial treatment is needed for most pets on a yearly basis after
age 6-8 years old. Let our health care team streamline a dental plan that will
suit you and your pet.
February
has been set aside by the American Academy of Veterinary Dentists and the
American Veterinary Medical Association as the month for increasing client
awareness and education on the importance of dental health in their pet. We
encourage you to enjoy your pet more years through regular dental examinations
and professional guidance.
WHY KEEP MY CAT INDOORS?
It
is difficult to keep your cat in a fenced area outside because of their jumping
and squeezing abilities. We recommend keeping all cats inside at all times
because we see the results of cats roaming. Included in these dangers are:
Ø
Automobiles…a
cat is no match for a car or truck. Hit-by-car accidents are one of our most
common emergencies and often end in severe injuries or even death.
Ø
Other
animals…included in this are the injuries we see from fighting with other
cats, attacks by dogs or wild animals and becoming prey for birds such as hawks
and owls, or even coyotes.
Ø
Disease…fatal
diseases such as the feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses are
common in outdoor cats. These viruses are transmitted by contact with other cats
that are carriers of these diseases. Cats are territorial and will fight with
other cats that enter their area, which easily leads to the transmission of
these diseases.
Ø
Poisons…antifreeze,
rodent bait and decaying meat are all potentially fatal to cats. All of these
taste good to cats and they readily eat them.
Ø
Parasites…fleas,
ticks and worms are only a few of the potentially troublesome bugs to infect
your cat. These parasites transmit other diseases such as tapeworms and
Cytauxzoon, some of which can prove fatal to your cat.
Ø
Becoming
lost…not all of us have a great sense of direction and the same is true for
cats. In addition there is the possibility of your cat getting trapped in a
garage or storage shed or even inadvertently getting into the frame of an
automobile that is going beyond it’s territory.
New computer software and hardware is our story of the
quarter. In November we replaced all of our computer equipment and changed
software. It was quite an adjustment but we have definitely benefited from
this. We will be able to provide you with faster service and more thorough
medical records.
Our web site is undergoing major changes and updates!
These should be done by the end of January. Our client education section has
new and improved information. We plan on adding to the site monthly with cases
and photos to share with you.
We added
a new veterinarian to our team! Kyle Shaw, DVM, joined our staff January 1,
2003. He is a 2000 graduate of Louisiana State University College of
Veterinary Medicine and moved to our area from Ft. Smith. He is deeply
committed to providing exceptional care of your pets. He has a special
interest in ophthalmology and endocrinology. We have enjoyed his enthusiasm
and knowledge.
Sadly, we
are losing Dr. Deedee Moore from our staff. As of February 1, 2003 she will
become the Fayetteville Humane Society staff veterinarian. Her heart is in
rescue and this will be an excellent opportunity for her. She will be missed
incredibly by our staff and clients, but our loss is the strays gain.
NEW
HOPE BOARDING AND GROOMING NEWS: NEW GROOMER ON STAFF!
Karrie Gendron joined the grooming staff next door in
December. She moved to NW Arkansas from St. Louis. She has six years of grooming
experience and does an excellent job of puffing and primping your pet. Call for
an appointment and keep your pet clean and comfortable all year!
New
Hope Boarding and Grooming is also the center of our day care facility.
They’ll pamper and play with your pet while you are taking care of business.
And it’s a lot of fun for your puppy or dog to have company all day! Then at
the end of your long day, your pet is as tired as you are!
Puppy
parties and socialization classes are back on schedule as well. They are offered
on Monday evenings and provide you and your puppy a chance to socialize and
learn basic manners. In addition, basic obedience classes are also being offered
now after the puppy parties on Monday night. These classes are held at the Monte
Ne Fire Station on 94E. We all know a well-socialized and well-mannered dog
makes dog-ownership even more of a joy, so please enroll your puppy today!
FYI
(For Your Information)
An elderly Retriever mix in
Illinois has been infected with and died from the West Nile Virus (WNV). As of
October 2002 all but seven states have detected the WNV in birds, but this is
the first confirmed report of it in a dog. There is no vaccine available for
dogs (there is only an equine vaccine available). Since primarily mosquitoes
spread WNV, we must all try to keep mosquito populations under control by
decreasing their breeding grounds (standing water). We should keep our pets
inside during peak mosquito hours (early morning and late afternoon and
evening). Spraying for mosquitoes is an important measure that can be taken.
We must all be more alert and aware of this threat to our furry friends.
Studies have now proven that children raised with dogs have significantly less risk of developing allergies than those raised with no pets or outdoor pets. Those kids raised with pets had fewer positive reactions to common allergens such as dust mites, grass, ragweed, and of course, animal dander. These studies prove again that animals are good medicine!
The Northwest Arkansas Kennel Club now has a building and will be offering obedience and conformation classes. The location is 661 N. 40th St in Springdale (just off 540 on the Elm Springs Exit). These initial classes will be in the evening and include clicker classes. For more information call Donna at (479) 643-3662.