News & Views

MARCH is Pet Dental Health Awareness Month

our veterinarian,
Dr. Oakley...

“I have an 8 month old puppy and when I go to the pet store there are so many bones and toys to choose from; what do you recommend?”

Dr. Oakley: When looking at all the toys and bones in the pet store it can be overwhelming. I prefer interactive food toys. They get your pet to think, provides some entertainment for them and they have to work for their food. Examples: Busybody toys or Kongs.

Here are some websites where you can purchase interactive toys: www.cleanrun.com; www.sitstay.com and www.doggonegod.com

With chew toys and rawhides, I recommend bullysticks, rope toys for fetch and tug and American made rawhides. You pet should be supervised at all times when playing with these items to prevent chocking or eating none edible parts. Avoid toys that are too hard because they can break their teeth.

Have a question for our veterinary staff?
Send your question to us at askus@irvinevetservices.com.
Look for answers in our next newsletter!

Great advances have been made in veterinary dentistry and a wide spectrum of dental therapeutic options are now available. Remember your pet’s health is just as important to his or her overall health as your dental health is to you. Please call us today to schedule a dental care evaluation or cleaning for your pet.



MARCH is Pet Dental Health Awareness Month
Awareness is the greatest weapon you have in preventing serious dental issues with your pet. You know your pet best so any abnormal behavior, especially with eating and drinking should be reported to your veterinarian immediately.




“Miles of Smiles” Photo Contest
In celebration of Dental Health Awareness Month, IVS will be hosting a photo contest, "Miles of Smiles”. The winner of this contest will receive a gift basket full of C.E.T. dental products, toys, a bag of Hills Prescription T/D cat or dog food and many other goodies. To enter your pet's photo, please email the photo to petphotos@irvinevetservices.com. Please make sure to add your pet’s name either to the file name or in the email. Don’t delay; all entries must be received by March 29th, 2010. The winner will be announced in April’s newsletter.



At-Home Dental Care
A healthy dog is a happy dog. Keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthily is a powerful way you can improve their overall health. At-home dental care is easy to do if you remember these four simple words.

  1. BRUSH – Just like humans, dogs need regular brushing to keep those teeth white and gums healthy. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for pets. Brush daily or as often as possible.
  2. RINSE – Between brushings, a dental rinse or spray helps fight oral bacteria, plaque and doggy breath! Plaque starts to form again just seconds after brushing, but a rinse slows it down.
  3. CHEW – Chewing is an instinctive activity that dogs enjoy. It also helps clear away plaque and keep gums healthy. Be sure to choose treats and chews made especially for dog dental care.
  4. PLAY – Playing tug-o-ware with a rope toy or offering your dog a sturdy, hard rubber toy isn’t just fun – it also scrapes plaque way and stimulates gums. Look for toys designed to promote dental health.
Always remember to also schedule regular veterinary checkups. These are essential in helping your veterinarian monitor the progress of your pet's dental health routine. If you suspect a problem, don’t wait for his or her annual checkup. Call today for an appointment.




Could my Cat have a FORL? What is FORL?
According to information presented at the American Veterinary Dental Forum, if your cat is over five years old, there is a 72% chance he or she has a painful feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion (FORL). These dental resorptions once called cat cavities or neck lesions can occur in any tooth. FORLs are usually found on the outside of the tooth where the gum meets the dental surface. The lower jaw premolars are mostly affected.

Unlike cavities in humans, which are the result of bacterial enzymes and acids digesting the teeth, the cause of FORLs are unknown. Specifically, cells known as odontoclasts are found in the defects causing the tooth structure to dissolve. What triggers this reaction has not been determined for certain but a reaction to plaque on the teeth seems to be the major factor.

In addition to discomfort and perhaps severe pain, the signs of FORL include red and swollen gums, bad breath (halitosis), weight loss, declining appetite (especially for hard food), dehydration and loss of interest in grooming.

Call today for an appointment if you cat shows any of these signs.




The Simple ABC’s of Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth
A.  Pick a relaxed time with your pet and gradually allow him to get used to having his mouth touched.

B.  Place some toothpaste on your finger or finger brush and let him become familiar with the taste. Remember to only use toothpaste specifically made for dogs and/or cats.

C.  Try using a finger brush for the first tooth brushing. Once he gets used to it, try using a specially designed pet toothbrush, and gently brush all teeth and gums like you do your own.




Dental Products Available at IVS are:
  • C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Chews for Dogs and Cats
  • C.E.T. Enzymatic Tooth Brushing Kits for Dogs and Cats
  • C.E.T. Toothpaste
  • C.E.T. Finger Brush Kits
  • C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Spray
  • C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Rinse
  • Greenies
  • Hills Prescription Diet T/D
For more information on C.E.T. products, visit their website at www.cetdental.com






IVS’s ‘Fit for Life’ Weight Management Program
Congratulations to 14 of our clients and their pets for signing up for IVS’s Fit for Life program in January!

You might think that a couple of extra pounds on your pup isn’t a big deal, but you’d be wrong. An extra five pounds on a dog that should weigh 17 pounds is similar to an extra 50 pounds on a person who should weigh 170 pounds. Obesity is associated with heart and respiratory problems, diabetes, skeletal stress, and gastrointestinal disorders in pets.

Often our pets get a little pudgy because we love them so much. We love them, so we share our food with them. We love them, so we feed them whenever they look hungry. We love them, so we give them snacks or treats throughout the day. These nice but dangerous feeding habits can lead to extra pounds on your pet.

Weight problems can also go hand-in-hand with inactive lifestyles. Animals carrying a heavy load have an increased likelihood of tearing ligaments and wearing down joints. When their joints become damaged and painful, animals don’t want to exercise, which then adds to their weight problems. This is especially a problem with older dogs.

If you think your dog and/or cat may be overweight, call us and schedule a well care exam.