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A WORD FROM THE DOCTOR February 08 Your Pet’s Teeth & You. Dog breath to some people is an enjoyable odor. To others it is not. One thing is for certain if your dog or cat has a significant amount of dental tartar their breath can smell like our local sewage treatment plant! No one wants that licking their face! Dental tartar and plaque can build up over time on our pet’s teeth and cause not only mouth odor but also more serious health problems. Tartar and plaque are formed by bacteria in the mouth which digest the sugars in commercial dog and cat foods. Unless you brush your pet’s teeth everyday this process will continue and build brown stains and cause mouth odor. Left untreated, the gums become infected. This infection can then proceed into to the tooth root itself. When this happens the tooth root begins to decay. This also causes foul breath. However, foul breath is the least of your pet’s worries when this happens. When the tooth root becomes infected, bacteria have a direct route into the blood stream. This can lead to several devastating disease conditions in your pet. Not only does your pet have the discomfort of sore teeth and painful gums but also is now at risk for conditions such as heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, septicemia and hemolytic anemia due to bacteria showering into the blood stream from the tooth root. No matter how you slice it this is a bad situation for your pet. Once your pet has a build up of plaque and tartar the only way to remove it is by dental cleaning. By using a special ultrasonic cleaner we can remove the plaque and tartar. Any infected teeth are removed and the pet placed on antibiotics. We also apply a dental sealant to help prevent the build up of tartar. Follow up care includes brushing your pet’s teeth. Special food and treats to help limit tartar and products which can be applied to the teeth to prevent tartar build up. During the month of February which is national dental month we will be offering a discount on our routine dental cleaning and polishing. Be sure to call and make an appointment. Your pet will need to spend the day with us since we have to anesthetize them in order to perform the dental procedures. I haven’t found a dog or cat yet that will sit in the chair and say Ahhh... The procedure is very safe and is performed quickly by our trained technicians. If you have any questions at all about dental care please stop in or call our office. We will also be more than happy to do a quick check your pet’s teeth at no cost if you are uncertain a cleaning is needed. Have a great month and think spring! Dr. Mike Homeless Will Work for Food Rupert- Male feline about 1 year old very playful and friendly Tabby and white color. Mouse- Male feline. Beautiful grey color very lovey a real sweetheart. Dr Staub and his wife Candy do Great Dane rescue you can call our Country Side office at 217-275-3600 to find out what is available. Pet Recipes Magic Meatballs - Pets1 lb Hamburger Cheese Twists For Dogs Yield: 18 Dog treats2 c Whole wheat flour 1. Combine all ingredients except 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Knead until thoroughly mixed. Pug Crunchies 1 large jar baby food (turkey, chicken, beef and/or veggie) Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Mix all ingredients together until firm. Roll dough on floured surface to 1/2" thick and cut into shapes with cookie cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake 45-60 minutes. Cool on rack and store in airtight container Interesting Stuff to Read Considerations for Winter As the winter months and holidays approach, you need to take time to ensure that your pets enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season. Housing: It is best to keep pets indoors during the winter months, but if this is not possible, outdoor pets must be provided with shelter. Their home should be elevated off the ground to prevent moisture accumulation and have a door of some kind to keep out winter winds, sleet, and snow. Shelters should be insulated or heated. Water sources may be heated to permit constant access to unfrozen water; thermal units designed specifically for this purpose are readily available. Outdoor pets require extra calories to keep warm feed your pet according to its needs when the temperature drops. In severely cold or inclement weather, no pet should be kept outside. Indoor pets should have sleeping quarters in a draft-free, warm area with their bed or mattress elevated slightly off the floor. Roaming cats: Roaming cats, as well as house pets and wildlife, may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside. Frostbite and snow removal salt: Snow and salt should be removed from your pets paws immediately. Frostbitten skin is red or gray and may slough. Apply warm, moist towels to thaw out frostbitten areas slowly until the skin appears flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further care. Snow removal products should be stored out of the reach of pets and small children as their toxicity varies considerably. Watch what your pet ingests
If you suspect your pet has gotten into a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian immediately!!! Poodle History The Poodle is very intelligent, good natured, very elegant in appearance, and sturdy dog with a long life span. Depending on the lines in the poodles pedigree, life expectancies average between 10 to 18 years. I have heard of some poodles (all three sizes) living up to 21 years. The three sizes mature at different rates; the Toy at 7 months, the Miniature at 12 months and the Standard at 18 to 24 Months. Poodles have coats that grow to an extent that caring for them is managed well only if their coats are trimmed regularly and expertly. Originally the coats were trimmed in order to protect vital organs. The Poodle's thick coat can become extremely heavy when wet. In fact, if not trimmed and combed, serious skin problems can develop. Unlike the "show coats" that are mandatory for the show ring, the sporting clips are easily managed and show off the grand look of the Standards and smaller poodles as well. TemperamentPoodles are intelligent, alert, and active. Arguably one of the most intelligent breeds, [1], their aptitude has made them ideal for performing in circuses across the globe for centuries. Because they are so intelligent, they can become bored easily, and can get quite creative about finding mischief. Poodles are extremely people-oriented dogs and, therefore, are eager to please. They are excellent watchdogs, but unlike some working breeds, don't usually become "one-person" dogs when they are part of a family. Standard Poodles in particular tend to be good with children. When they are from good bloodlines, all three varieties are fairly mellow dogs. Poodles are adaptable and easy to train. They don't require as much exercise as other hunting or working breeds (even the Standards), but being agile and athletic, they appreciate lots of exercise. Health concerns As with any purebred dog, there are many health concerns for the Poodle owner to be aware of. Though the Poodle is usually a healthy, long-lived canine (it's not unheard of to see a 15-year-old Toy or Miniature Poodle or a 12-year-old Standard Poodle), owners should be aware of the health problems that this breed is predisposed to. The health concerns that people owning Toy Poodles must be aware of include: cataracts, entropion, epilepsy, intervertebral disc degeneration[2], lacrimal duct atresia (deformed or absent tear ducts that cause tears to run down the face), Legg-Perthes, patellar luxation, PRA (progressive retinal atrophy)[3] [4], trichiasis, and urolithiasis. For the Miniature Poodle, owners must watch for: cataracts, congenital heart disease, distichiasis, entropion, epilepsy, glaucoma, intervertebral disc degeneration, lacrimal duct atresia, Legg-Perthes, PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), patellar luxation, trichiasis, and urolithiasis. For the Standard Poodle, owners must watch for: Addison's Disease, cataracts, CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia), distichiasis, entropion, epilepsy, gastric torsion, PDA (patent ductus arteriosus), sebaceous adenitis[5], vWD (Von Willebrand's disease) and chronic active hepatitis. All three breeds are predisposed towards certain types of mammary tumors, so if the Poodle owner doesn't plan on breeding their female, then they should consider spaying her before her first heat cycle. This dramatically cuts down the Poodle's chances of developing quite a few different types of mammary tumors later in life. Many hybrids have been created by crossing a Poodle with another breed, such as Labradoodles and Cockapoos. These "hybrids" or "designer dogs" are not, however, recognized breeds by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Many breeders promote Poodle hybrids as actual breeds and charge more for them than is usually charged for a mixed-breed dog. Most of this information I pulled straight from the AKC website. I personaly have had poodles for about 15 years. And I must say they are among the smartest and at the same time most stubborn pets I have ever had. They are very much lap dogs even my two Standards think they should be. They crave attenion and at times will be upset if they don’t get it. One of, in my openion the best things about the breed is the fact that they do not shed their coat. (no hair to clean up) They do however need to be groomed regular. If not they will matt up witch can cause some pretty serious skin problems. Annissa grooms mine and she does a fantastic job. And they love to go to the “Beauty Shop” and you should see the way they prance around after they are done . Well you shouldn’t get me started about my Poodles or my Kids. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me or give me a call. This really is the short version of the information that is available out there on the web. See ya next time! Need to Knows February is dental awareness month and as always we will be running a special on routine dental procedures for a 20% discount. Remember if your pet has that “not so fresh breath” chances are your pet is in need of a Dental cleaning. Appointments are limited so be sure to call now. 812-234-7752 or our Country Side office at 217-275-3600. Because of the lateness of my News Letter we are going to extend the dental offer through March of 2007. A Note From Ms. Linda The new year is just getting started and so far I expect this to be a great year we will be doing a lot of specials this year to help bring awareness to pet health issues. As well as to bring new developments in pet health to your attention. I will also begin a series of articles on specific breeds of pets with each News Letter. Of course we will have to start with my personal favorite “Poodles” since you know I have 4 and it’s the one I know the most about. I would really like to have any and all suggestions and Ideas you might have for my News Letter. You can E-Mail me at hcah@att.net or give me a call at the office 812-234-7752 See ya next edition, Ms Linda
A WORD FROM THE DOCTOR
In memory of our Chloe
We are losing a friend today... She has been with us for many years. Never in her life has she offered a cross moment. Even the day she came in to our hospital with a broken leg after being hit by a car she was wagging her fuzzy long terrier tail. Never offering to complain even though I know she was in pain. She belonged to no one. No one wanted her...We fixed her broken leg, mended her wounds and took her into our family. Her name is Chloe. Even now, 15 years later, when I know she is feeling weak and worn out she still finds the energy to wag that fuzzy tail. She has taught me, hopefully us, what it means to love unconditionally. I have often seen it written that dog is God written backwards. I never gave that much thought until now. I think I know what that means. Dogs are like God in many ways. God loves us unconditionally. No matter what wrongs we commit or what we do his love is always there. Just like Chloe. Dogs, like God, comfort us in times of trouble and tribulation. Their constant unwavering love and companionship helps us to deal with life’s ups and downs. Sometimes, like God, dogs warn of us trouble. Sometimes, like God, dogs protect us from trouble. Look into your dogs eyes and see the kind of love we should all have for each other. The kind of love God wants us to have for Him. Dogs teach us what it means to trust. They trust us completely. Even the most abused neglected dogs we have rescued still trust us. Still love us. Still want to please us and be our companion. We humans could learn a lot from our dogs if we just open our eyes. Try beating and starving a human and see the results. We have all been injured by others in our lives. What is the result? Untrusting, unloving and selfish relationships. Even the dog tied up in the back yard with no attention for 10 years would become an unselfish, loving and trusting pet if given the opportunity. Yes, we could all learn a lot from dogs. Dogs teach us to hope. Every day for a dog is a new and wondrous day. What happened yesterday is irrelevant. Today, today is today! They love, they trust, they live just in this day. No matter what happened or what you did yesterday, today is today a new day. I definitely think dogs can teach us hope. For what is hope? It is belief that no matter what has happened what will happen will be better. For a dog today is today a new and wondrous day. Dogs teach us to have hope in each new day. There is a saying that you should help a stranger in need for you never know “it may be an angel”. I think the same is true for dogs. Maybe dogs aren’t God. Maybe they are really angels. Sent to love us, no matter what. Sent to protect us. Sent to warn us of trouble. Sent to be our comfort, in our time of need. Maybe even sent to test us. Maybe dogs are angels. Maybe dogs are God’s tool to teach our supposed superior species how to love, how to trust and how to hope. We seem to have lost that. Look around you. See much unconditional love? I don’t either. Believe me; I am no better than anyone else. Dogs teach us how to let go. Perhaps the most painful and distressing aspect of dogs is they leave us too early. Why can’t dogs live as long as we do? What is the purpose of our beloved dogs dying after such a short time with us? What are they trying to teach us? How to let go? How to accept death? They will always live on in our memories. Every dog we have been sent has left his or her mark on our lives and in our hearts. They have altered us in ways which are both aware and unaware. They are our friends, our guardians, our companions, our protectors and our teachers. They teach us that life is a great and wonderful gift. Each day can be a new day if we just let go of yesterday. They teach us to love unconditionally, to trust completely and to hope with all our being. We are losing so much more than just a friend today... Dr. Mike Homeless Will Work for Food Kittens – now 9 weeks old, I only have 3 males left from a litter of 8. Very playful and beautiful waiting for a warm loving home. Seth – 4 month old female cat black and white she is a little timid but seems to be warming up pretty quickly. Freckles – female med size about 6 months old very friendly and calm. Pixie – is the Mom of my litter of eight kittens she is as sweet as they come. Brown tabby, short hair and ready to be your new lap kitty Elvira – is about 3 ½ months old female mix black small to medium size dog. She looks like a miniature black lab with all the energy of a full size one. Pebbles – is the only one left of a litter of 12 that was dropped off to us. All her brothers and sisters have found there forever homes. She is about 7 months old now and just as sweet and loving as the day we got her. She is black with white on her chest and a Shar Pei face. Pet Recipes Fido’s Famous Honey Party CookiesYield: 3 Dozen 1 c Vegetable shortening * * For even crunchier cookies, use only 1/2 cup shortening and 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter 1. In a large bowl, beat shortening and butter with an electric mixer at high speed until creamy. Add egg whites and honey; beat until smooth. Beat in food coloring, if desired. Potatoes Au Canine or FelineYield: 6 Servings Interesting Stuff to Read Considerations for Winter As the winter months and holidays approach, you need to take time to ensure that your pets enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season. Housing: It is best to keep pets indoors during the winter months, but if this is not possible, outdoor pets must be provided with shelter. Their home should be elevated off the ground to prevent moisture accumulation and have a door of some kind to keep out winter winds, sleet, and snow. Shelters should be insulated or heated. Water sources may be heated to permit constant access to unfrozen water; thermal units designed specifically for this purpose are readily available. Outdoor pets require extra calories to keep warm feed your pet according to its needs when the temperature drops. In severely cold or inclement weather, no pet should be kept outside. Indoor pets should have sleeping quarters in a draft-free, warm area with their bed or mattress elevated slightly off the floor. Roaming cats: Roaming cats, as well as house pets and wildlife, may climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during cold weather. Be sure to check under the hood before starting your vehicle and honk the horn to startle any animals seeking shelter inside. Frostbite and snow removal salt: Snow and salt should be removed from your pet’s paws immediately. Frostbitten skin is red or gray and may slough. Apply warm, moist towels to thaw out frostbitten areas slowly until the skin appears flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further care. Snow removal products should be stored out of the reach of pets and small children as their toxicity varies considerably. Toxic plants and holiday/winter products: Plants and other items associated with the winter and holiday season can be toxic to your pets. What follows is a general guide. Please consult your veterinarian, animal poison control, and the manufacturer for specifics. Remember, the earlier you seek treatment, the better for your pet! Low toxicity -- poinsettia leaves/stems; balsam/pine/cedar/fir; angel hair (spun glass); Christmas tree preservatives; snow sprays/snow flock; tree ornaments; super glue; Styrofoam; icicles (tinsel); and crayons/paints. Moderate toxicity -- fireplace colors/salts; plastic model cement Moderate to high toxicity holly berries and leaves; bubbling lights (methylene chloride); snow scenes (may contain salmonella); aftershaves/perfumes/alcoholic beverages; and chocolate (dark is more toxic than milk). Highly toxic -- mistletoe (especially berries); epoxy adhesives; and antifreeze. Please note that some items have special problems. For example, whereas angel hair is usually considered to be of low toxicity, it can irritate eyes, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract; the content of Christmas tree preservatives varies and often effects depend upon the amount ingested; Styrofoam, small parts from Christmas tree ornaments and toys, as well as tinsel, can cause mechanical obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract; snow flock can cause problems if sprayed into the mouth and inhaled; and chocolate, of any type, should never be given to a pet. Antifreeze deserves special mention because even a very small amount can be rapidly fatal to pets. Other holiday concerns The holiday season is a time for celebration, but can also be a time of trouble for your family cat! For example, mistletoe and artificial snow are poisonous; Christmas ornament fragments can perforate the stomach; string, ribbon, and tinsel if swallowed may cause painful intestinal problems; frayed light cords cause shock or burns. Don't spoil your holiday with a medical emergency. Pet Travel & Health Tips · When traveling by car, pack a simple pet first-aid kit that includes assorted bandages, antiseptic cream, an antidiarrheal medication that is safe for pets (ask your veterinarian to suggest a product), gauze squares, and the phone numbers of your veterinarian, a national poison control hotline, and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital. · In addition to a standard identification tag (which should be labeled with your name, home address and phone number), your pet's collar should include a travel tag with information on where you are staying while away from home. Should your pet become lost, this will allow you to be contacted locally. · Perform a daily "health check" on your pet when away from home. In unfamiliar surroundings, your pet's appetite, energy, and disposition may change. Watch for unusual discharges from the nose and eyes, excessive scratching or biting of any body part, unusual lumps, limping, loss of appetite, abnormal elimination, or excessive water consumption. Visit a local veterinarian if you are concerned about any physical or behavioral changes.
Need to Knows Our office will be closed at We will be closed on Monday December 25th in observance of Christmas Holiday. We will also be closed on January 1st in honor of the New Year.
A Note From Ms. Linda If you’re like I am around Holidays, you always have treats out for guests who stop by. Please remember to keep an eye on those sneaky little ones in the family, most of those treats are not so good for our pets and some can even cause severe health problems. Holidays are always busy here with boarding so please remember to call for reservations early. The grooming Department gets booked up quickly during I wish for all of you a very safe and wonderful Holiday Season. Hope you had a great year and I hope the next is always even better. I want to say thank you to all of our clients. We have had a lot of changes this year with remodeling and even some staff and you have all been wonderful and patient with us. And we do appreciate all of you. See ya next edition, Ms Linda
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Honey Creek Animal Hospital
Dr. Michael E. Staub
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