Pet Care from Granville Veterinary Clinic, Granville, Ohio

 

You should schedule an appointment with our doctors anytime you acquire a new kitten or cat, and each year afterwards in order to keep her healthy.  Proper vaccinations and routine physical exams will help detect many potential health problems and give your cat the best chance at a long, happy life with you.

The following are some guidelines and reasons to schedule an appointment:

• Annual Physical Exam for Health Maintenance
• Vaccinations: Feline Distemper / Rhinotracheitis / Calcivirus, Feline Leukemia, Rabies (1st vaccine to be boostered annually, then every 3 years afterwards)
• Fecal Exams
• Controlling Parasites (fleas, ticks, de-worming)
• Dental Care and Wellness
• Spaying (females) & Neutering (males)
• Senior Check-Up with Bloodwork (7 years and older)
• Unexplained Weight Loss
• Eliminating Outside the Litterbox

 

 

You should schedule an appointment with our doctors anytime you acquire a new dog or puppy, and each year afterwards in order to keep him healthy and current on vaccinations.  
Proper vaccines and routine physical exams will help detect many potential health problems and give you and your dog the best chance at a long, happy life together.

• Annual Physical Exam for Health Maintenance
• Vaccinations: Canine Distemper / Hepatitis / Parainfluenza / Parvovirus / Leptospirosis, Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Rabies (1st vaccine to be boostered annually, then every 3 years afterwards)
• Annual Heartworm Test and Year-Round Preventative
• Fecal Exams
• Controlling Parasites (fleas, ticks, de-worming)
• Dental Care and Wellness
• Spaying (females) &  Neutering (males)
• Senior Check-Up with Bloodwork (7 years and older)
• Hips, Joints & Arthritis Problems
• Unexplained Weight Loss or Weight Gain
• Vomiting / Diarrhea
• House Soiling Issues

Periodontal Disease

Is caused by bacteria ... which is brought on by plaque ... which is due to tarter build-up.

And Is Completely Preventable!


Regular brushing for cats and dogs is an important part of preventative dental care — just like us!  Be sure to talk to our doctors on your next visit about starting a regiment of brushing your pet’s teeth for the sake of their overall health.

Here are Some Interesting Facts:

• Dental hygiene can ADD 3 to 5 years to your pet’s life.
• Dental disease can lead to more serious problems such as heart, lung and kidney disease.
• 70-80% of cats and dogs will show signs of dental disease by age 3 (without proper prevention).
• Bad breath isn’t normal in your cat or dog — it’s most likely a sign of oral problems.

Plaque and tarter will form naturally in the cracks of teeth, especially near the gum line, every time your pet eats.  If left to spread, plaque can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and painful.  Plaque will soon harden into tarter that separates the tooth from the gum if left untreated.  Eventually, pus may build up near the root of the tooth, causing it loosen.  At this stage, bleeding and pain will occur whenever your pet tries to eat.

Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

Relax — It’s easier than you think.
Get Fido/Fluffy used to the idea by dipping your finger into something yummy (tuna water, chicken broth) and gently rub along their teeth and gum line for a few seconds.  Do this for a few days, leaving your finger in their mouth a little longer each time.

Introduce gauze wrapped over your finger, and continue dipping it into something tasty for another few days.

Gradually, start using pet toothpaste on the gauze and rub the teeth and gums in a circular motion.
After your pet feels comfortable with this routine, you may introduce a soft-bristled toothbrush or a specially-designed pet toothbrush.

Remember to praise, praise, praise during each training session and remember that every animal is different — some will enjoy this “bonding session”, while others will see it as a complete invasion of their personal space!