Posts Tagged: dogs

As summer comes to a close, and the cool of fall begins, everyone is preparing for sweaters and pumpkins. With the change of the season, it can be easy to forget that as we gear up for cool weather, pests like ticks and fleas do not. It is important to maintain preventatives for your pet all year round. Let’s review some of the important reasons to keep up on preventatives for your dogs and cats.

Skin Problems

One reason to use prevention against fleas and ticks is because they can cause skin problems for your pet, and your family. The tiny pests can cause irritation of the skin when they bite, leading to itching and redness. In some cases, they can cause a allergic reaction.

The Costs

In addition to irritation, the presence of fleas and ticks can quickly become overwhelming. When fleas and ticks get into your home, they can quickly populate and spread, making them difficult to get rid of. It can be very costly to treat an infestation in your home, and can take more than one treatment because of the varying lifecycle of the little bugs.

On top of this, if your pet is infested, they will also need treatments. This can range from flea dips to topical and oral medications in order to get rid of the pests.

Preventatives Stop Illness

The number one reason for preventatives is to stop the spread of illnesses from fleas and ticks to your pets. There are a variety of illnesses that these small bugs can carry, and spread to your pets and your family. Fleas in the US commonly transfer flea-borne tape worms, cat scratch fever (bartonellosis), murine typhus, and flea-borne spotted fever.

Ticks can spread illnesses such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, leptospirosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, rickettsiosis, and more. Fleas and ticks spread these illnesses through their bites. The more they bite, the more likely the to infect your pet. Preventatives are designed to lower the chance by killing off fleas and ticks when they get on your pet and try biting them.

Does my pet need preventatives?

The short answer is – Yes! Fleas are small, and move quickly. Ticks can also be easily missed, ranging in size from as small as a poppy seed, to as large as the eraser on a pencil. It can be difficult to find these pets on your pets, especially cats since they groom themselves so often!

Even if your pet is an indoor cat, or a small dog that rarely goes outside – they still need preventatives! All it takes to pick up fleas or ticks, is for you to have them on your clothes when you come inside. Even a brief step outside by your dog to use the bathroom can expose them.

As a result, by the time you notice the presence of fleas or ticks in your home or on your pet, it may already be too late. Veterinarians recommend you keep your pet on preventatives year-round. Here in Minnesota, these pests are present all year.

You can read more about Flea and Tick Prevention from our previous blog. You can look up prevalence of tick and flea borne illness near you checking out the Parasite Prevalence Maps.

Microchips are becoming more and more common. You may have been asked by your veterinary team about microchipping your cat or dog last time you visited. But you might be asking – why? There are a number of reasons to get your pets microchipped. Keep reading to learn more!

Microchips Help Lost Pets get Home

Accidents happen. In this case, we are referring to a cat who slips past you to get outside, or a dog who who gets off their leash. You might see your pet disappear down the road. Even if you begin looking for them immediately, you may not find them. They may even be found by someone else before you.

This is where a microchip comes in! If your pet is microchipped, then they can be checked by an animal shelter or veterinarian and identified. Microchips hold your contact information, and some providers even send out lost pet notifications on your behalf. Microchips make it more likely to have your lost pet come home. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association references a study of over 7,700 shelter pets, which found that microchips make you more likely to be reunited with your pet! Dogs with microchips were returned to their owners at double the rate of dogs without microchips. For cats, the return rate was even more dramatic with microchips, at over nineteen times more likely to be returned to owners if they had one.

Do Microchips Harm Pets?

Microchips are able to be placed during a routine visit with your veterinarian. They are placed using a hypodermic needle, and don’t hurt any more than normal vaccines and injected medications for your pet. If your pet is already going under anesthesia, such as for neutering or spaying, the microchip can be placed at that time as well.

What about your privacy?

Don’t worry. While microchips store your contact information, it is only used in the event that your pet is lost and someone scans it to then contact you. Some manufacturers offer additional communication, such as newsletters or lost pet alerts, but you can typically opt out of these. Overall, the only information found in the microchip database is the information you choose to provide. It is important to make sure you register the microchip so it will have correct information to reach out and contact you.

Do Microchips replace ID and Rabies tags?

The simple answer is: No! While microchips are great as a permanent method to identify your pet and provide your contact information, nothing can fully replace a collar with tags on it. Tags on a collar are usually the quickest way to identify a pet and return it to it’s owner. Additionally, the rabies tag should always be displayed on your pets collar. It allows people to confirm your pet is vaccinated against the dangerous illness. Plus, the rabies tag numbers can be another way to trace your pets identity and return them to you.

For additional information on what to do in the event of a lost pet, you can check out our blog covering lost pet resources.

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

We are in the peak of summer, which means trips to the beach and trips to the campground. Bringing your dog along to the campground with you is always fun. But there is a big safety hazard when your dog comes with you: the camp fire pit. Here are some things you can do to keep your pet safe during your camping trip.

Camp Fire Pit Training

The first step in camp fire safety is to teach your dog that the fire pit is not a place they are allowed. By teaching them to steer clear of the pit, they are less likely to approach it. Even when the fire pit is empty and unlit, your dog should not be allowed to touch it. There are many tempting things that go into a fire pit that a dog might want, especially if your dog loves playing with sticks! Your kindling and large sticks placed in the pit may be attractive toys to your dog. Setting a clear, off-limits boundary can prevent them from approaching to take the sticks, especially when the fire is lit!

Food at the Camp Fire

One of the best parts about camping is cooking over the open flames of a fire pit. Cooking can be a big temptation for dogs to get close to the fire. Avoid giving them pieces of food while cooking or sitting around the camp fire. Doing so cause the dog to feel comfortable approaching the fire with or without you. The same goes for tossing food scraps in the fire. The smells of good, especially anything left over after the fire is put out, can attract your dog. They may dig in the pit to try and get the food, which could be covered in chemicals from other burning trash nearby. Worse still, there may be hot embers buried in the ashes that could burn and injure your dog.

Stay Aware of Your Dogs Presence

Many pets are able to roam around the campsite freely on long leashes, which isn’t a bad thing. It lets them stretch their legs and enjoy the trip as much as you are. Being close to the fire is dangerous though, even if it’s a few feet away. A gust of wind can pick up embers and drop then in the area surrounding the fire. If your dog is too close, these embers could land on them and hurt them. The wind can also carry the smoke to your dog. If you’ve had camp fire in your face before, you know it can burn the eyes and make it difficult to breath. The same thing happens to dogs. Some exposure is inevitable, but you should be aware off the signs that your dogs has breathed in too much.

Symptoms to watch for include:

• coughing
• wheezing
• loud or difficult breathing
• disorientation
• fatigue
• reduced appetited or thirst
• red, watering, or irritated eyes

To much smoke can cause these symptoms in senior and younger pets commonly. However, the most at-risk breeds are brachycephalic breeds, or breeds with scrunched noses. Try to keep your dog upwind of the fire whenever possible to avoid possible complications.

Equipment Hazards

Like at home, you will need to be smart about the storage of your camp fire equipment. It’s important to be aware of and properly store anything that gets hot, is sharp, or toxic chemicals for the fire when not in use. Be sure to keep sharp objects, like axes, put away after use. Keep items hot from being placed into the fire, such as cooking equipment, out of reach of your dog while they cool. When it comes to lighter fluid, put it away after you get a fire going to prevent your dog from getting exposed to it.

For information on safety for your pets with other fires, such as home or wild fires, check out this article by the ASPCA. For some summer treat ideas for your dog, check out our blog post here.

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

As the temperature rises, the danger it can pose to pets goes up too. If you see dogs in hot cars this summer, don’t panic. There are things you can do to help!

Why is it dangerous?

To begin, let’s look at why hot cars are so dangerous for dogs. First, is to understand just how hot it actually gets inside a car during the summer. When it is a nice, sunny, 75 degree day here in Minnesota, a car can get up to temperatures as high as 113 degrees! On an especially hot day, where it is 90 degrees out, it can get up to 128 degrees inside of a car!

This extreme heat is already very hot for us, and when you add fur on top of it with a dog, it gets even worse. The high temperatures put dogs at risk of developing heat related conditions, such as heat stroke. Some breeds, such as those that are flat faced, are at even higher risk of this.

Signs of Heatstroke

• Heavy panting 
• Restlessness/anxiety 
• Clawing at the window 
• Trembling 
• Collapse
• Foaming at the mouth
• Disorientation
• Vomiting 
• Bloody diarrhea
• Seizures 

What should you do?

If you see a dog inside a hot car, no matter how long it has been, you need to take action right away. Time is extremely critical for getting the dog out of the car.

1. First thing to do is call 9-1-1. In Minnesota, the police have the ability to assess if force is needed to get a dog out of a hot car, so you will need their assistance if it becomes necessary to break the dog out of the vehicle.
   
2. The next step is to find the owner. If there is a business nearby, notify them and ask the to us their loud speaker to request the owner immediately. Best case scenario, the owner is near by and can help get the dog out of the vehicle immediately. Inform them of their pets condition, and your concern for the pets safety.
   
   Don’t try to lecture them or ridicule their decision to leave their dog in the car. It can be frustrating to deal with an owner who left their dog in a dangerous situation, but its important to protect yourself too. Keep the focus on saving the pet to minimize the chance of confrontation or fall out after the situation is resolved.

What can Law Enforcement Do?

The next step is understanding Minnesota laws. In Minnesota, there are several laws and statutes that cover leaving an animal inside a car (Minnesota Statute 346.57) by classifying it as endangering an animals health or safety. When the police arrive, the officers will be able to determine if a law was broken, and the repercussions from there.

If it is determined that the dog is in danger of overheating and heat stroke, than the officer may decide force is necessary to remove the dog from the car. From there, police will begin working to care for the dog, and you can offer assistance if they need it.

The police will focus on cooling the dog down slowly by:

• Moving pet to a shaded area where it will be cooler temperatures
• Offering fresh water (but not forcing the pet to drink) 
• Drenching the pet in lukewarm water
  • This should not be cold water
  • Cold water constricts blood vessels in the skin and slows the body’s ability to cool itself 
• Apply wet rags under the dogs arms, on their stomach, and on their neck
• Placing the pet in their vehicle with the A/C on
• Bringing the pet to a nearby animal emergency hospital
  • There, the pet can receive IV fluids and further cooling measures 

A second officer, if present, may begin their investigation, including trying to find the owner, talking to you as the caller, talk to other witnesses, and so on. This is to determine what laws, if any, have been broken.

Stay informed

Overall, the best thing you can do for a dog, or any pet for that matter, left in a car is call for help. Stay informed as laws develop and change on the topic, and be ready to stick around to help the police once they have arrived. You can also help by educating people you know about the dangers of leaving their dog in their car.

For more information on the dangers of hot cars, you can check out this article by The Humane Society of the United States. For a tasty way to keep your dog cool this summer, check out our blog on Summer Dog Treats!

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

Adoptng a new pet is an exciting time! Whether you get a young puppy or kitten, or an older dog or cat, there are a variety of things to consider before you bring your new furry family member home. Here is a list of some important considerations before your first day home with a new pet

Veterinary Costs

To keep a new pet healthy, you should take them to the veterinarian at least once a year. During this visit, they will get necessary vaccinations against illness, and make sure there are no signs of health issues. You will need to set up an appointment for your pet to discuss being spayed/neutered if it hasn’t been done already. Fun fact: Getting your pet “Fixed” can have several health benefits! In addition to preventing unexpected puppies or kittens, you also can decrease the chance of your pet developing illnesses, including certain cancers!

Pet Insurance

Some veterinary costs are unexpected. Your pet may get hurt accidentally, hit by a car, or some other possible illness or injury that needs costly veterinary care to treat. To offset these greater costs, you can invest in pet insurance. Pet insurance works as a reimbursement program, and typically you can choose what you want to pay for monthly or annually, and how much coverage your pet gets. It’s good to shop around for the best options to fit your needs, and to get pet insurance early in your pets life.

The Commitment

Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, nutrition, and the quality of care of our pets, they are living longer than ever, depending on size, dogs can live anywhere from 7 years to 16 years, with cats living from 12 to 18 years, and many may even live into their 20’s.

Pet Care

The biggest consideration before adopting a new pet, is the care that goes into it. Who will be feeding the pet? Who will be helping it get exercise through walks or play time? Will the pet need grooming? All of these factors add up in both time and money, and should be discussed thoroughly with your family before adopting a new cat or dog.

Lifestyle

You will need to think about your lifestyle before adopting a new pet. Are you a very active, outdoorsy person? Or do you prefer to be a homebody and read a good book? Different pets have different needs, and could either fit well or clash greatly with your lifestyle. An active person should consider an active breed of dog that enjoys exercise and time outdoors. Someone who is more of a homebody, should consider a cat, or a dog breed with lower energy levels.

Bringing a new pet home is a life changing thing, but it can be life changing in a good way. Make sure your ready for a new ball of fur and sunshine in your life! You can find additional information on preparing for a new pet here. For information on introducing a new puppy, you can check out our blog!

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

As temperatures rise, we will see more and more activity from bugs and creepy crawlies. This means your dog’s risk of contracting preventable illnesses will increase too! Lyme, and several other illnesses, are carried by ticks and spread through their bite. While ticks are out year round, the spring and summer see a significant increase in their numbers. That is why April is a great time to discuss the hazards of Lyme, and ways to protect your pet!

Where Do Dogs Get Lyme?

Lyme Disease in Minnesota is a well known risk for both people and dogs alike. According to The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), there have been over 109 confirmed cases of Lyme disease in Sherburne County alone, and 4,189 cases across Minnesota in the first few months of 2024. 

The risk is very present, and those numbers are, unfortunately, expected to rise. Ticks are typically found in environments with heavy vegetation, like forests or grassy areas, like when you go hiking or camping. However, they can also be found in your own back yards. They are also common near bodies of water or in marshy areas.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease and Treatment

If you are worried your pet is getting ill, here are some common symptoms associated with lyme:

• Limping that starts and stops again
• Less interest in eating or complete loss of appetite
• Decreased activity, laying around often
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Painful and swollen joints
• Fever

Call your veterinarian right away to discuss the symptoms and risk factors your pet has for Lyme, including their exposure to ticks and their symptoms. To diagnose your pet, the veterinarian will want to run lab tests to rule out other illnesses and to confirm the Lyme diagnosis.

Once diagnosed, they will begin a course of antibiotics to fight back against the illness. This can take a month or longer to resolve itself.

Preventing Lyme Disease

The best way to avoid your pet getting sick is to be proactive in protecting them. A reliable tick-preventative product recommended by your veterinarian, as well as vaccination, are the strongest protections for your dog.

Additionally, you can also:

• Mow your grass, trim bushes, and remove unnecessary brush piles to make your yard less friendly to ticks.
• Inspect your pet when coming in from outdoor activities. Check their bodies over, including particularly tick-favored spots such as ears, legs, tails, and under their collar. Remove ticks you find immediately, wrapping them in tape or flushing them to dispose of them.

If you do find a tick on you or your pet, be sure to get checked for Lyme disease to be on the safe side. It can take 3 to 4 weeks before symptoms start.

Talk to your veterinarian today about prevention options.

To learn more about Lyme Disease, you can also visit another of our blogs on Lyme disease Prevention.

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Katie Meneses

When picking up treats for your pet, it can be easy to forget that there are healthy options that you can give not just your pet, but yourself too! There are many foods that you and I eat, that are perfectly safe for your canine companions too. Here is a list of healthy fruits and vegetables to treat your dog with, as well as a few yummy recipes for homemade dog treats!

Apples

Apples are a great treat for your dog. They are full of vitamins A and C, and are a good source of fiber too! Low in protein and fats, they are especially good for senior dogs. Just remember to remove the seeds and core before giving it to your dog. Here is an easy recipe for making baked apple chips for your dog!

Bananas

Dogs can have bananas, though they should be fed in moderation. Banana’s are very sugar, so they should be used as a special treat, rather than becoming a part of your dogs everyday diet. That being said, they are also rich in  potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper, making them a great source of nutrients for your pet. Here is a recipe for making your own banana and peanut butter dog treats, right at home!

Blueberries

Blueberries are a superfood for humans and pets alike! They are full of nutrients that can benefit your pup. If you want to teach a new trick, or even just train your dog to catch food in the air, than blueberries are a great option as a treat. You can mix them with a plain yogurt, or make this easy dog biscuit recipe!

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a great snack for your dog, but especially those that are trying to lose weight. Not only are they a great source of hydration for your dog, but they have little to no carbohydrates or fat. Plus, they are full of vitamins K, C, and B1, as well as potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin. They are a great snack for your dog, and can be frozen for a fun enrichment snack!

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is very healthy for dogs, containing antioxidants and helping dogs with easily upset stomachs. If you are buying canned pumpkin, make sure you check that it is 100% pure pumpkin. Alternatively, you can roast pumpkins in your oven and peel it, for a delicious treat for your dog. Here are some great pumpkin treat recipes for your dog too!

Carrots

Yes, dogs can eat carrots! Carrots are a great, low-calorie snack that can help your dog feel fuller, longer! It is a great vegetable to add to your dogs daily food to help with weight loss plans as well. Carrots are high in fiber and beta-carotene, and they are great for your dogs teeth too! They are a great crunchy treat to provide your dog.

Unsafe Foods

This list is a small sampling of the many possible healthy treats you can give your dog right from your own kitchen. The most important thing to do before giving your pet a new human food as a treat, is to make sure it’s safe. While they may eat anything offered to them, there are many foods that are dangerous if ingested by your dog. Some of these foods include:

• Grapes
• Onions
• Garlic
• Mushrooms
• Chocolate
• Avocado
• And many more

Now that you have some ideas to treat your pup, what are you waiting for? Go get some yummy and healthy treats for your dog! For more recipes, check out our blog on summer treats!

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Katie Meneses, HR Manager

Dental health is important to maintain for humans, but it is just as important for your pets! February Pet Dental Health Month, and it’s for good reason! Dental health directly impacts our pets health and quality of life. Here are just a few dental facts about dental health in our furry companions.

Dental Fact #1 – Dental Disease Causes Chronic Pain in Pets

Dental disease can start very early in your pets life. By age three, most cats and dogs have dental disease to some degree. This illness causes significant levels of inflammation and diseased teeth, meaning your pet is experiencing significant, chronic, life-changing pain. Animals are great at hiding their pain, so you may not even notice it until your veterinarian gives you a diagnosis. Common signs of dental disease includes bad breath, yellow tartar buildup on the teeth, and red, swollen gums. Many pet owners see a “whole new pet” after a dental procedure to treat this disease.

Dental Fact #2 – Homecare is Essential

Brushing your cat or dog’s teeth daily is important to promote good oral health and prevent expensive surgeries later on. There are plenty of tasty pet toothpaste flavors to make it easier to brush your pets teeth too, including flavors like beef, chicken, fish, and even peanut butter! You can also use pet foods specially designed to be dental diets, helping to preserve oral health. 

Dental Fact # 3 – X-rays Help with Diagnosis

Sometimes, your pets dental concerns aren’t visible just by examining their teeth. That is why your veterinarian will recommend X-rays. X-rays allow us to see below the gumline of the teeth, all the way to the root of the teeth. This allows us to see exactly what is causing a problem for your pet, and could even help identify problems that weren’t visible by the naked eye alone.

Dental Fact #4 – Dental Illness Can Lead to Other Health Problems

Dental health is important, not just for your pets oral health, but for their entire body. Bacteria from dental disease can get into the bloodstream, affecting organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. This bacteria is commonly associated with heart disease in dogs. It can also cause infections in the liver and kidneys, leading to fever, weight loss, and decreased appetite, making your pack sicker still.

Overall, ZimmVet knows how important dental health is to your pet’s overall health. That is why we offers the Oral Health for Life Program, which offers a 10% discount on dental cleanings within 18-months of your last dental cleaning with us. Talk to our staff to learn more, or go here to read up about dental health on our website.

For more dental facts, you can also visit the American Animal Hospital Association fact-page!

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Katie Meneses, HR Manager

Thanksgiving is a mark that the year is almost over, when you get together to have food with your family, enjoy the big game, and relax over a long weekend. Our pets can enjoy the holidays too, especially the foods and family. But, there are risks they face that don’t affect us, especially when it comes to food. Here are risks to your pets health, as well as tips to keep things safe for your pet.

Dinner and Dessert Dangers for your Pet

There are a lot of delicious foods at every holiday get together. From the Turkey, to the pies, everyone gets excited for dinner. However. our pet can be harmed by eating the same foods we enjoy, as they pose a danger for your pet.

• Fatty foods like turkey can lead to a life-threatening condition known as pancreatitis. The bones, although tasty, are dangerous too. They can cause GI obstruction, oral trauma from sharp shards, or even fracture teeth as the pet chews on them
• Common cooking ingredients during the holidays are also dangerous to your pet. Dangerous foods include: onions, garlic, raisins, and grapes.
• Yeast Dough is common in many households that bake bread during the holidays. If ingested, it can lead to painful gas and dangerous bloating in pets.
• Chocolate is dangerous for your pet, and is often found in desserts during the holidays.
• Artificial Sweeteners, like Xylitol used in sugar-free baking, are dangerous too. It can be deadly if consumed by cats and dogs.

Safe Foods for Your Pet

While there are dangerous foods during Thanksgiving, there are also some great pet-friendly treats you can give your pets. There are many healthy, safe foods for your pet, including raw fruits and vegetables you can share with your furry friend.

Safe options include:

• Baby carrots
• Green beans
• Apples
• Chunks of sweet potato
• Plain pumpkin puree (unsweetened, and not spiced)

Clean Up to Keep it Safe for Your Pet

Make sure to keep the trash far away. The turkey carcass is dangerous for pets. If it is left sitting out on a counter, table, or even in the trash, is a deadly temptation. Make sure to dispose of it, including bags, strings, bones, and packaging, in a secure trash bag, in an outdoor container. Alternatively, make sure it is tucked safely behind a closed and locked door.

Know the Signs

It is important to know the signs that your pet has ingested something dangerous.

 Signs include:

• Abdominal Pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hypersalivation
• Depression
• Muscle twitching or seizures
• Changes in behavior that occur suddenly, such as increased agitation or restlessness

If you notice any of these symptoms, move quickly to help save your pets life. Call an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. You may also choose to call the Pet Poison Hotline (855-764-7661) for assistance.

Prepare for Visitors

The holidays bring family and friends together. If you plan to have a full house Thanksgiving weekend, you will need to prepare to keep your cats and dogs from finding their way through the front door. Gates are a great way to keep your front door separate from your pets as people come and go. Alternatively, you can keep them on a leash, or in another room while the door is open, to prevent daring escapes.

Another precaution is to ensure your pets identity tags and microchip are up-to-date. If they do get out of your home, they are more likely to be returned to you. If your pet isn’t microchipped yet, contact your veterinarian about the simple procedure to get it done.

For more information on food safety for your pet, check out the Pet Poison Hotline for ways to keep your pet safe from toxins. If you plan to go hunting this season, you should also check out tips for keeping your pets safe, and how to Get Your Dog Ready for Hunting Season.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – Zimmvet (763)856-4848

Advances in medical technology and preventative care are allowing pets to live longer, happier lives.  It is not uncommon for cats to reach 20 plus years of age, and small dogs to live 14-16 years.  More often pets are seen as a family member and people are looking for ways to spend as much time as possible with their beloved pets.  Owners can improve their pet’s lifespan and quality of life with a few simple care guidelines. Improving your pets lifespan.

Weight Management – Add 2 years of life!?

Extensive research has been performed to evaluate the effects of obesity on lifespan and medical conditions, such as arthritis.  Data shows that an ideal weight pet will live on average two years longer as compared to its obese littermate.  Since pet owner’s control their cat or dog’s feedings, lifespan is directly influenced by an owner’s ability to regulate calories and provide adequate exercise.

There are many resources available for pet owners to help their pet’s lose weight. The first step is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to set a goal weight for your pet, calculate their calories needed for safe weight loss and create a weight loss plan.

There are many tools available to help pet owners achieve their pet’s weight loss goals. Talk to your veterinarian about what works best for your pet.

Regular Home and Professional dental Care-Add 4 years of Pet Life

Dental Care – Improving lifespan by up to 4 years!

Regular oral care and keeping a pet’s mouth healthy has been documented to add 4 years to their lifespan.  Dental disease causes more than just oral pain and infection; it also impacts your pet’s organs, such as heart, liver and kidneys.  Daily home dental care with products approved by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral health Council), will help keep your pet’s mouth healthy. This can include daily brushing, using a chew or water additive.  Besides home care, pets also need professional dental cleanings, just like humans who go to the dentist. Your veterinarian will examine your pet’s mouth during their wellness exam and indicate when a dental cleaning is necessary.

Preventative Care/Annual Wellness Visits

Your veterinarian is available for more than just taking care of sick pets, he or she is your pet’s partner in preventative medicine.  Yearly exams for pets under 7 years of age and twice yearly exams for pets over 7 years of age can identify problems before they become severe.  Part of the wellness visit should include bloodwork to screen major organ functions such as your pet’s liver and kidneys.  Any program to keep your pet healthy will include administering appropriate vaccinations, deworming and using products to prevent common illnesses such as Lyme disease.

For more information on dental cleaning please visit https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-cleaning-in-dogs. Interested in learning more able pet Obesity? Please visit our other blog post at https://www.zimmvet.com/blog/pet-obesity/

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.