veterinarian - Barnyard Veterinary Service & Supply

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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I think my dog had a seizure…

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

I think my dog had a seizure. What do I do?

Dogs can develop seizures at any time during their lives. Aberrant brain activity can range from imperceptible to a full blown Grand Mal seizure. Often owners will be awakened in the wee hours of the morning as the animal thrashes about next to the bed.

Seizures can have many etiologies (causes) so most veterinarians will want to run some blood and urine tests to help them determine the cause. Many seizures have a genetic component or are idiopathic, meaning we can’t find a cause. Taking a video of the pet having the seizure and timing the event can help the veterinarian as well.

Fortunately, most seizures can be controlled with medications.

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Worming Dogs and Cats

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

How often should I worm my dogs and cats?

How often you worm your pets depends upon several factors. The pet’s environment, travel history, age, diet, and lifestyle can all affect the frequency of dosing and the choice of medication.

In general, most pets require twice yearly, at minimum, to monthly deworming for prevention only. Active parasite infections may require more frequent dosing.

While most pets become infected through their environment, puppies and kittens can become parasitized through the placenta or from the mother’s milk. Parasites such as roundworms and hookworms can infect humans and cause detrimental effects especially in children and immunocompromised individuals.

Consult with your veterinarian as to the best plan for your pet.

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Hot cars can cook your dog!

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

Unlike us dogs don’t sweat through their skin. Instead they use panting as a means to regulate their body temperature which is normally at 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Your pet will literally start to cook their cells when their body temperature rises to 108 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cars in summer can easily exceed temperatures greater than 110 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes.

Overweight, heavy coated, and short nose dogs can be affected more quickly as can older or ill dogs or dogs on certain medications.

Running and playing can also lead to overheating so be sure to limit your dog’s exercise especially on hot, humid days. Stay safe and leave your dog at home with plenty of shade and fresh water.

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