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Answers to questions
about your pets |
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| by Steve Rosenstein, D.V.M
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Q: The last time I took
my dog in for shots, my veterinarian said he needed
a dental. I've had dogs all my life and never had their
teeth cleaned. How important is it?
A: Dental and periodontal disease is one of the most
common problems in older pets. Buildup of plaque and
tartar can lead to bad breath, gum disease, cavities,
and loss of teeth. It can also lead to more serious
problems such as liver and heart disease. So, in answer
to your question, dental care is very important to your
pet's health. |
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If plaque and tartar buildup is significant,
your veterinarian should perform ultrasonic scaling
and polishing. This is an anesthetic procedure, but
is generally done on an outpatient basis with your pet
awake enough to go home the same day.
There are preventative measures that can be taken to
minimize the chance of future problems. Brushing his
teeth is the best thing you could do preventatively.
Toothbrushes and toothpaste for cats and dogs are available
with their special needs and tastes in mind. There is
a Prescription Diet available through most veterinarians
called T/D (Tartar Diet) that will reduce plaque and
tartar. There are enzymatically treated chews and other
products that will also improve your pet's dental health.
Q: Everywhere I go, they recommend a different food
for my dog. What should I be feeding?
A: Nutrition has, and always will be a controversial
subject; but everyone recognizes the importance of proper
nutrition in the health of your pet. There are many
good brands of pet food these days. At our hospital
we recommend and feed Hill's Science Diet, which has
been well researched and formulated to provide optimal
nutrition for your pet, avoiding potentially harmful
excesses and deficiencies. Nutritional requirements
change as an animal grows and matures. Science Diet
produces formulas for the different life stages of your
pet.
Table scraps should be avoided and treats should be
minimized. Sudden changes in diet may be upsetting to
their digestive systems, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea.
Sometimes a pet's health dictates special nutritional
needs. Hill's also produces Prescription Diets. These
diets are specifically designed to aid in the treatment
or prevention of certain health problems such as bladder
stones, cystitis, food allergies, heart disease, liver
disease, obesity, colitis, diabetes, etc. These diets
are a part of a complete treatment plan and are available
only through veterinarians.
Q: Can you give me any tips for housebreaking my new
puppy?
A: The two most important factors in housebreaking are
patience and consistency. A normal time period for housebreaking
may be eight weeks to eight months or more. Most behaviorists
don’t advocate paper training since this adds an intermediate
step. Instead, they suggest taking your puppy outside
as often as your schedule allows. Do not wait for some
sign he needs to go out. At first, it will be just as
much an accident if he goes in the right place as in
the wrong place.
Through consistent positive and negative reinforcement,
he will learn the difference. Should he go in the desired
location, positively reinforce the behavior with praise,
a treat, etc.. Negatively reinforce unwanted behavior
by scolding, spraying with water from a squirt bottle,
making a loud noise, etc. only if you catch him in the
act of eliminating. If the punishment doesn’t closely
follow the behavior, it won’t be associated.
Send your pet questions to:
Steve Rosenstein, D.V.M.
Agoura Westlake Animal Hospital
30849 Thousand Oaks Blvd.,
Westlake Village, CA 91362
(818) 707-3030 |
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