Getting old is not fun!

When we bring home a new puppy (or even adopt an older dog), we are excited to add a new member family and never consider that they, too, will grow old one day.  Every dog ages differently, but there are a few changes that veterinarians tend to see in older dogs. Some of these common signs of canine aging include:

• Hearing loss:   As dogs age, the nerve cells and hearing apparatus degenerates, resulting in a slow loss of hearing.
• Vision loss:   The lens of the eye becomes cloudy with age. Natural changes result in lenticular sclerosis, which typically does not cause significant vision loss. However, cataracts may develop, which also interferes with vision.
• Decreased activity:   As dogs age, their metabolic rate slows and as a result, they become less active.
• Weight gain:   Elderly dogs require 30 to 40 percent fewer calories. So simply eating a normal maintenance diet, often causes obesity.
• Infections:   As the body ages, the immune system weakens, making it harder for your dog to ward off infections.

All of these changes are common as dogs age and with careful attention from a loving owner, they are easy to manage. It’s very important to maintain good routine care in your dog’s golden years and have your dog evaluated twice annually by the veterinarian.

Pet Poisoning Prevention

Poisoning cases are some of the most common reasons for visits to veterinary emergency clinics. Nearly every day, we field a call or see a patient that has eaten something they shouldn’t and must then receive life-saving treatment.

It’s even worse when you realize that most of these incidents are completely preventable. It doesn’t have to be like this. Most of the time owners don’t even realize that their homes contain so many toxic items. Some of the most toxic items include:

Household cleaners, bleach, Lysol and other corrosives… why? 

Because household cleaners can cause very serious “chemical burns”.  Most often, these chemicals are ingested or licked, causing a caustic or corrosive burn usually affecting the tongue and esophagus. 

Aspirin…why?

Aspirin interferes with platelets, which are responsible for helping the blood to clot.  Aspirin toxicity can lead to gastrointestinal problems, respiratory difficulties, neurological problems, bleeding disorders and kidney failure.

Antifreeze…why?

Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) is extremely toxic for pets and has potentially lethal effects…even a small dose can be lethal within a few hours of ingestion.  

Amphetamines…why?

If left untreated, amphetamine toxicity can be fatal in your pet.  These classification of drugs affect your pet’s nervous system and brain.  Toxic signs are typically visible within 1-2 hours.

While this list is not exhaustive, it does cover some of the more common substances that are particularly harmful to your pet.  If you are ever in doubt about your pet’s exposure to these and other potentially harmful products, don’t hesitate to contact us at (614) 888-4050.

Puppies love to play…why not play at doggie daycare?

Play for your dog is an exciting way to keep your cute canine happy, entertained and in good health. Dogs who have mental stimulation and exercise have better manners, fewer behavior issues and fewer health problems.

Some of the benefits of play for your pet include:

• Social activities and play encourage communication between humans and pets.
• Keeps the dog from getting bored. Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. Play gives them the chance to use some of their instinctive behaviors, such as hunting, searching, running and jumping.
• Prevents destructive behavior. If a dog has structured play and regular game times, he is less likely to rummage through the garbage or dig up the lawn.
• Keeps the dog healthy. Play that includes running, chasing, swimming and jumping keeps your dog lean and builds muscle, preventing obesity and diabetes.
• Helps train the dog. Using play with rewards and treats is a great way to encourage good behavior and train him to obey.

It’s hard to find the time to play with your pet each and every day… which is why we offer Doggie Daycare at the Animal Hospital of Polaris.  Dogs of all breeds can play and we recognize the benefits of of play for every pet!

Animal Hospital of Polaris provides doggie daycare for our active canine companions at $15 per day. If you do have all of your vaccines and tests performed here at Animal Hospital of Polaris, doggie daycare is only $13.00 per day.

Doggie daycare hours are from 7 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Friday.  Come let your pooch play!

Monday – Friday:  7:30 AM – 9 PM
Saturday:  8 AM – 6 PM (Veterinarian hours 8 AM – 4 PM)
Sunday:  10 AM – 6PM (Veterinarian hours 10 AM – 4 PM)
*Boarding clients:
Weekend drop off must be prior to 4 PM and pick up prior to 6 PM.

Dental health affects overall health for your pets

Halitosis, or bad breath, is the most common sign of dental disease. Classic “doggy breath” is not necessarily normal. It’s usually caused by an infection of the gums and potentially the other supporting structures of the teeth. Plaque builds up every day on the tooth surface including at the gum line. Left in place, the plaque can mineralize, or harden, in less than 2 days. The brown, grey, or yellow staining commonly seen near the gum line is a sign of advancing disease. Signs of dental disease include:

• bad bath
• red inflamed gums
• loose teeth
• tartar accumulation
• calculus on the teeth.

Dental disease is the most common ailment affecting pet dogs and cats and affects more than just their dental health.

The amount and severity of dental disease in our pets can be very surprising. The  best way to reduce the risk of dental disease in pets is proper dental care. A simple and quick tooth brushing just 3 times a week can add years to your dog’s life, but the sad fact is that most dogs never even see a toothbrush.  We have made it even easier and more affordable for our clients to take great care of their favorite furry friends.  Not only do we offer a FREE dental examination…just call us at (614) 888-4050 and we’ll be happy to schedule that appointment… but we also offer a cost effective option for dental cleanings for your pet.

BUDGET Friendly Dental Cleanings

Our clients know how important dental health is for their pets and we want to make that more affordable as well.  For cats and dogs up to 6 years of age, dental cleanings start at $125!

(Prices for all procedures may be adjusted based upon the weight of your pet as the amount of anesthesia utilized will vary based upon weight).

Protect your pets!

The canine flu virus has existed for several years.  It first received media attention after an article, published in September of 2005, explored the “Transmission of Equine Influenza Virus to Dogs”.  Further national media attention was given to the virus in 2009 when it was discovered that the virus was causing illness and death in dogs at Florida Greyhound tracks and then spreading to other dogs across the country.

What is Canine Flu?  It is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs.  What are the symptoms?  The virus can cause coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, high fevers, eye discharge and, possibly, fatal pneumonia.

It has been supported that 80% of dogs exposed to the virus will develop an infection.  Most canine companions will experience only mild coughing; however, puppies and senior dogs are a greatest risk for fatalities associated with the virus.  The number of dogs at risk from actually dying from the virus is estimated at anywhere between 1 and 10%.

Who is at risk?  Dogs housed in high-density population areas or boarding kennels are at increased risk.  The virus has been documented in shelters, veterinary clinics, pet stores, boarding/kennel facilities and dog tracks.

What can the H3N8 dog vaccine do to protect my pet?  We hear this question many times each week from our clients who are opting to board their pets at the Animal Hospital of Polaris.  Our clients like to do everything they can to protect their pets but also want to minimize the risk of complications associated with vaccination.  They also want to avoid any unnecessary expenses.  We still recommend the vaccine (and require it) if you are boarding your dog at our extended stay kennel facility.  There are just some risks that we don’t wish to take with the health of your pet or any other pet.  We believe the canine influenza vaccine is beneficial.  The only exception might be if your dog is never boarded, is mostly in the house and does not interact with other dogs.  Vaccination could be very beneficial if your pet were exposed and may help to prevent the spread of this nasty and contagious virus.

Time for a nail trim?

How frequently do you need to trim your pet’s nails?  The answer i
Two things that affect your dog’s nail trimming schedule are their location and their breed. The more active your dog is, the less frequent their nail trim need might be. Walking on rough surfaces can grind down the nail so city dogs and dogs that frequently walk on sidewalks and asphalt need less frequent trimming. Dogs who spend little time outside typically need more frequent trims. Some breeds have nails which grow faster than the average.  For example, Dachshunds and Bassets may need to have their nails groomed more often.s…it depends. There are a number of factors that affect this number and it can range anywhere between three to even eight weeks.

A clear sign of a need for a trim is if you can hear your dog’s nails “click” when he walks, they need to be trimmed. You should also keep an eye out for any changes in your dog’s walk as this might also indicate foot pain from lengthy nails.

Trimming your dog’s nails is important for comfort and good health. Overgrown nails can cause problems such as:

•  Ingrown nails
•  Torn bleeding nails
•  Splayed toes
(deformed feet)
•  Bone and joint problems
•  Hip and back problems

Call us today at (614) 888-4050 to schedule a time for your pet’s nails to be trimmed… just $5.00 if you present this email.  Your pet will LOVE you for such pampering!

 

What to consider when adopting a pet …

When choosing a new pet to add to your family, there are a lot of things to consider. It goes way beyond choosing the right size and looks; it is also about what is underneath. Dogs can be very different – even within a breed – but some traits are pretty consistent within that breed.

Do you need a dog who’s more laid-back? Maybe you’re looking for one who’s more active and outgoing. How about an energetic dog or one who is eager to please? There are hundreds of dog breeds out there.  It is also important to remember that not all breed personality types fit you and your lifestyle.  Whether you opt to conduct research on
your own or call us to discuss your thoughts, make sure you are taking into consideration all of these elements.  We have a few furry friends who happen to be looking for a new home.  If you are considering a new pet, give us a call and we can help you identify which dog and breed would most likely bring joy and love to both your family and your pet!

Your friends @ the Animal Hospital of Polaris
www.animalhospitalofpolaris.com
8928 South Old State Road
Lewis Center, Ohio  43035
614-888-4050

Your garage is not a safe place for your pets!

Almost every room in your house most likely contains at least one thing that poses a safety risk to your pet. However, one room in particular is filled with so many dangerous items that we would guess it’s the location of most incidents that lead to veterinarian emergency visits. It’s really very dangerous and we are surprised so many animals are allowed in the garage!

 

Many pets are put in the garage during the day and many outdoor pets are often allowed in the garage during the winter.  But letting your pet into the garage could be very dangerous. There are multitudes of toxins, sharp objects and dangerous things to consume in the garage. You would be surprised how many pets become ill or injured after spending time in the garage. Aside from high temperatures and exposures to dangers lurking in the garage, your pet may still enjoy spending time in the garage…just be cautious to minimize any risk or exposure by moving any chemicals, machinery, etc. out of reach of your pet (this can be tricky with our feline friends). 

A new puppy is a great deal of fun but also a great responsibility…

As puppies grow, they will need quality, routine veterinary care along the way. Their delicate immune systems mean that it is very important to make sure they have all required vaccinations at the right time. Regular checkups with your veterinarian will permit you to monitor your puppy’s growth and health.

The right activity and healthcare are just two parts of the equation for a happy puppy. The other thing puppies need to support their healthy growth is quality nutrition. There are many puppy foods on the market, so how can you be sure that you are choosing a food that will provide for your puppy’s nutritional needs?

You might have heard the expression “garbage in, garbage out” in reference to poor human food choices but it can apply to dogs as well. It’s very important that puppies get complete nutrition from a good-quality food in order to develop properly. A happy, long life begins with a diet designed to support your puppy’s growing, changing body. Here are a few tips:

• Don’t feed adult dog food to a puppy.
• Choose a good puppy food that will provide all the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients recommended by your veterinarian.
• Avoid foods high in “fillers” such as corn and wheat with little or no nutritional value.
• Be wary of additives and preservatives.

Your veterinarian will tell you that good nutrition is of the utmost important to your puppy’s healthy growth. Veterinarians also know that while puppy parents have the best intentions, it’s hard to make the best choices. That’s because many people don’t really know how to tell which puppy foods are good choices and which are low-quality.Our veterinarians recommend Royal Canin puppy food.  The benefits of the Royal Canin food line include:

• Reduces the formation of tartar
• L-Carnitine helps metabolize fat
• Biotin keeps skin and coat clean and healthy
• Developed with highly digestible proteins for the best possible nutrient absorption and with specific nutrients to support digestive health
• Higher caloric content aids developing puppies

In addition, the Royal Canin frequent buyer plan offers further savings when you buy 6 bags…you get the 7th free! If you are considering adding a new puppy to your family, make sure to ask us about the best nutrition options to help your new furry family member grow up happy and healthy!

Detecting pain in our pets…

Pain is exceptionally hard to detect in pets. Our pets can’t talk, so you have to look for the signs. Sometimes those signs can be very subtle, such as stiffness, particularly in the morning or after a nap, difficulty going up and down stairs,  favoring a limb and ultimately lameness (though this is never one of the first signs).

If you do notice signs of pain in your pet, be sure to consult your veterinarian for treatment options right away.

The good news is that joint pain, stiffness and the lack of mobility that accompanies the normal aging process and arthritis is not something your pet has to live with.

With the proper treatment, your pet can start moving again with less pain and inflammation. You can also prevent pain by keeping your pet’s joints healthy with frequent exercise, keeping your pet warm especially on those cold mornings and with supplements to support joint health.

The Animal Hospital of Polaris invested in a Medical Therapy Laser to treat pain and inflammation in pets as a supplement and/or alternative treatment for our patients.  Medical Therapy Laser treatment is offered to our patients at $200 for 6 sessions/treatments (plus a FREE examination).  Regular price is $400 for 6 sessions but now through July 31st, the price is reduced to make this treatment affordable. In addition to both traditional and Medical Therapy Laser treatments, we recommend the following:

1. Help your pet lose weight – Joint pain can be aggravated in overweight animals. If your pet is overweight, consult with your vet about putting your furry friend on a monitored weight-loss program.

2. Plan a little play time every day – Help your pet maintain mobility and flexibility with frequent short sessions of moderate exercise and play. Excessive exercise is not recommended. Particularly at this time of the year, swimming is a great way for dogs to exercise without stressing their joints.

3. Keep your pet warm – Make sure your pet has a nice warm spot to rest and warm blankets when it’s cold. You also can try using booties. A soft surface also makes your sore pet more comfortable.

Give us a call today to schedule your pet’s FREE examination and to discuss Medical Therapy Laser treatment for your pet.