Pets and Travel

Posted on June 7, 2017 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

Traveling with your pet this summer? Here are some helpful tips

Know the area you are traveling to and the health risks that might be present. For example, Lyme disease is endemic in some states.

Make sure you pet is current on any necessary vaccines. Allow enough time between vaccinations.

If you don’t already have your dog on heartworm prevention, get them tested and start prophylactic medication. Heartworms, which are spread by mosquitoes, are most prevalent in southern, mid- western and coastal states.

Make sure your pet is protected against fleas and ticks via an oral or topical preventative. The last thing anyone wants to bring back from vacation is a flea infestation.

Keep a copy of your pet’s vaccination and medical records with you when traveling.

Allow enough time to get a health certificate if necessary and check airline and destination regulations.

Make sure you have an adequate supply of your pet’s food and any medications it might need.

Talk with your veterinarian about having medication on hand, if your pet suffers from travel anxiety, or transient stress diarrhea or vomiting.

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Lyme Disease in Hot Springs?

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

Do I need to worry about Lyme Disease in Hot Springs?

According to local and national disease prevalence maps, this area of South Dakota is not currently infested with the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis or deer tick). These are the ticks that transmit lyme disease. Black-legged ticks congregate more around coastal California, the Great Lakes area, the eastern US, and in the more humid southern states.

Dogs that travel to South Dakota from these areas can be bitten by a deer tick in another state and then be diagnosed with Lyme Disease in South Dakota thus giving the perception that it is found here. However, Brown Dog ticks and American Dog ticks are found throughout South Dakota. These ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia.

Topical or oral applications of flea and tick medications can greatly reduce the chance of your pet getting infested with ticks.

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What is Brucella canis?

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

What is Brucella canis?

B. canis is a bacteria that can cause reproductive problems (notably abortions and stillbirths) in dogs. It is a similar organism to the Brucella abortus bacteria that causes Brucellosis in cattle, bison, and elk in the Yellowstone area.

The bacteria can be found in highest concentrations in reproductive fluids and to a lesser extent in urine, milk, blood, saliva, nasal and ocular secretions, and feces. It can be shed intermittently for months to years after the dog is infected and can survive in the environment for extended periods of time.

Although rare, humans can also contract the disease via open wounds or mucosal surfaces (inside of the eye, nose, etc.) that come into contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals. Dogs are diagnosed by a blood test.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for the disease and euthanasia of the infected animal is currently recommended to stop the spread.

To learn more, you can download this pdf file from Iowa State University http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/brucellosis_canis.pdf

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Spring Pet Checklist

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

Spring is in the air, bringing with it the creepy crawlies and visions of summer vacations. Don’t let your pet(s) go unprepared for the warmer season!

SPRING PET CHECKLIST

Heartworm testing and preventative medication
Flea and tick prevention
Rattlesnake vaccination for at risk dogs
Current I/D tags and/or microchipping
Current vaccinations including kennel cough (bordatella)
Fecal parasite check and /or preventative medication.
Schedule appointment for a summer shave, if needed.

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Easter Holiday Hazards for pets

Posted on March 29, 2017 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

We hope this pup doesn’t find that basket of goodies!

Like most holidays celebrated in America, Easter brings food and fun for us and potential toxins and hazards for our pets.

Chocolate, macadamia nuts, xylitol sweetener, and Easter lilies are all toxic to pets if consumed.

Plastic Easter Grass can be especially appealing to cats and as with any linear item can cause life threatening obstructions in the intestinal track.

Large dogs are capable of obstructing their GI tracts by swallowing plastic Easter Eggs whole.

Stuffed animals given to the kids are often mistaken by the family dog as their play toy. The stuffing and plastic eye balls can also cause GI upset or obstruction.

Most pets are curious about new objects in the house so decorations, candles, Easter Baskets, toys and plastic/foil wrappers should be kept out of a pets reach.

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Designer Dogs Need Care Labels

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

Many small dogs have mouths with crowded teeth or retained baby teeth necessitating the need for more frequent dental cleanings and care.

Beware! Designer dogs need to come with extra care labels.

Small dogs are cute and they don’t eat as much as a large dog, but they usually come with a multitude of other health issues.

Before selecting a small dog check into any potential disease issues that breed might have and get certified dogs when possible.

Plan on setting aside money for yearly dental work. Many small dogs have mouths with crowded teeth or retained baby teeth necessitating the need for more frequent dental cleanings and care.

Small long- backed dogs like dachshunds often develop intervertebral disk disease and any short- legged dog with misshapen legs can have yet another set of developmental orthopedic issues.

Extra wrinkles tend to come with a milieu of dermatologic problems and cute smushy faced critters have breathing issues as well.

So, do your research and set up a savings account.

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Dental Cleaning and Gunky Teeth

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

cat brushing its own teeth with text that says "cavities...I fights them"

Unfortunately, dogs and cats can’t brush their own teeth. They need our help to maintain those pearly whites.

My pet just had a dental cleaning done and I’m seeing gunk on his teeth already.

Congratulations for completing the first step in dental care for your pet!

Unfortunately, the care doesn’t end there. Home care is just as important as the cleanings.

Plaque begins to develop within 24 hours, tartar within 72 hours (3 days), and gingivitis can set in again as early as 2 weeks after a cleaning.

Brushing your pet’s teeth is the best way to disrupt the bacterial biofilm that is responsible for the plaque development.

Even getting your pet accustomed to simply having your finger run across the teeth with some pet safe tooth paste is helpful. Consult your veterinarian for proper brushing technique.

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Dental Treats

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

Look for the VOHC stamp of approval on dental home care products.

When choosing a dental treat for my pet, what should I look for?

Remember that dental treats are just a part of your pet’s dental health. As humans we brush and floss multiple times a day and still need to go into the dentist for regular exams and cleanings. The same is true of your cat or dog. Dental treats are an enjoyable way for your pet to get some chewing exercise and teeth scrubbing.

First, on any dental product you buy look for the VOHC seal of approval. VOHC or the Veterinary Oral Health Council is a non-regulatory group that approves dental treats and oral health products for dogs and cats. The VOHC Seal of Acceptance means that the product has met or exceeded the preset standards of the Veterinary Oral Health Council for reducing plaque and or tartar in dogs and cats in controlled, randomized and blinded trials. You can learn more at http://www.vohc.org

Secondly, look for the correct size for your pet and use the item as directed on the package label.

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Pet Dental Month

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

“Trust me, I’m a dentist”

February is dental month for pets!

Don’t be fooled.

Pets that are overweight and pets that still appear to be eating well can have terrible dental disease. Gently flip up your pets lip to check the teeth on a regular basis.

Keep in mind that some pets that resist this procedure may have inflammation of their gums and touching their mouth may be painful.

Signs of dental disease in cats and dogs include:

Yellow or brown crust (tartar) on teeth
Bleeding gums (or inflammation of the gums)
Drooling
Bad breath
Tooth loss
Refusal to eat or difficulty chewing

Your local veterinarian has a wealth of information on dental disease so don’t hesitate to make an appointment and have your pet checked out.

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OraVet Dental Chew

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Betsy Savage Posted in Education .

There’s a new chew available to help keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy.

Merial has launched a new dental hygiene chew called OraVet. It is a semi-hard chew (similar to a Greenie) that is impregnated with a substance called delmopinal.

As the dog chews up the edible treat, delmopinal is released into the mouth coating the surfaces of the teeth, gums, and tongue. Delmopinal helps prevent bacteria from adhering to the surface of the tooth, thus helping to reduce the formation of soft plaque and ultimately hard tartar. Existing plaque and tartar are also scrubbed off of the teeth as the dog chews.

These treats come packaged in boxes of individually wrapped chews and are designed to be given once daily. Oravet comes in four different sizes and is perfect for dogs 6 months of age and older.

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Barnyard Veterinary Service & Supply

Category Archives: Education

Pets and Travel

Lyme Disease in Hot Springs?

What is Brucella canis?

What is Brucella canis?

Spring Pet Checklist

Easter Holiday Hazards for pets

Designer Dogs Need Care Labels

Dental Cleaning and Gunky Teeth

Dental Treats

Pet Dental Month

February is dental month for pets!

OraVet Dental Chew