Make Your Pet Safer With a Microchip

Cheyenne the boxer bolted while on a walk. Gracie the beagle was frightened by fireworks and forced her way under the fence. Gretel the cat didn’t return from her daily walk around the back yard. Rosco, a beloved rescue dog was taken by a vengeful ex-boyfriend.

Some of these pets were missing for as little as 2 hours or as long as 2 years. But these dog and cat stories all ended happily because they all had a HomeAgain microchip.
Many of the pets mentioned in the stories above were found because of the services that accompany the chip like the Lost Pet Alert broadcasts to veterinarians and shelters or the yellow collar tag that alerts people that your pet has a microchip. Other services let owners make Lost Pet posters from templates on the HomeAgain website. http://www.HomeAgainID.com
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What: HomeAgain® Microchipping Clinic

When: Friday, August 17, 2012

10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m - Come and Go
/ Snacks and Beverages served.

Service: Microchip and Lifetime registration for $48.60 ($10 Off)

How it Works
A microchip with a unique identification code is implanted under the skin between the shoulders of the pet. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and you cannot see it after it is implanted in the dog or cat. The procedure is simple and similar to administering a vaccine.
Your pet is also enrolled in the HomeAgain Recovery Service. HomeAgain maintains a national database and is available 24-hours daily, 365 days a year. When a lost pet is found, it can be scanned at an animal shelter or the clinic of a participating veterinarian. The animal’s identification number is called into HomeAgain, and the pet owner is notified immediately.
Currently, more than two and a quarter million pets are microchipped with HomeAgain and enrolled in the HomeAgain Recovery Service. Today, pet recoveries as a result of the HomeAgain microchip have grown to an average of 7,000 per month in the U.S.
The facts:

1. 30-60% of lost pets in shelters are euthanized because they cannot be properly identified. Only about 14% of dogs and 4% of cats placed in shelters are returned to their owners.
2. Less than 25% of all animals that enter shelters are adopted by new owners.
3. About 2 million pets that are reported missing each year may be victims of theft.
4. Collar tags are a great way to identify lost pets and reunite them with their owners, but they can easily come off or be removed.
5. Reading a microchip is easier than trying to read the tattoo of a frightened stray animal.
6. Microchipping is permanent, completely unalterable, and does not change or harm the appearance of the animal in any way. The procedure is safe, inexpensive, fast and virtually painless for the animal.
7. There are about 50,000 microchip scanners currently in use by shelters and veterinarians.

Fit Pet Month - Update
Last month we focused on feeding your pet the right amount of food and several of you have reported remarkable results from making this adjustment. Congratulations, keep up this valuable change for your pet. Studies show that pets with correct weight and body scores live significantly longer lives than pets that are overweight. If you would like a free nutritional consult for your pet, just call us and make an appointment with one of our Certified Veterinary Assistants.

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Pet Obesity Problem Keeps Expanding

Example of what not to do

The number of pets diagnosed as overweight continues to expand according to the fifth annual survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP).  The study found 53 percent of adult dogs and 55 percent of cats to be classified as overweight or obese by their veterinarian. That equals 88.4 million pets that are too heavy.

The interesting finding in the survey showed that only 22 percent of dog owners and 15 percent of cat owners characterized their pet as normal weight when it was actually overweight or obese. APOP founder Dr.Ernie Ward refers to this phenomenon as the "fat pet gap” or the normalization of obesity by pet parents. In simplest terms, we’ve made fat pets the new normal.

The causes for overweight pets are the same as in humans, too much food and too little activity. While those two factors are easy to understand, many owners may not realize the severe, and costly, health problems caused or made worse by excess weight. Common woes include diabetes, arthritis, kidney failure, high blood pressure and cancer. Research also shows that pets fed less over their lifetime can live significantly longer. At pet insurance company, Petplan USA, five of the top claims all have a close correlation to obesity.

There are roadblocks to efforts to get a handle on this problem;

1) Perception.  As mentioned by Dr. Ward, many owners don’t believe the clinical reality.

2) Information. Pet food makers aren't required to list caloric content on labels unless the product bills itself as low calorie; also, feeding directions on bags are listed for the "most demanding" life stage and can overfeed for a less active pet.

3) Exercise. Large breed dogs like Labradors and German shepherds need 30 to 60 minutes of active play daily, or two to three miles of walking. Smaller breeds still require about 15 to 30 minutes of play, while cats benefit from short five- to 15-minute bursts of activity like chasing toys.

What to do: Start by looking at your pet and what you feed your pet. Go to http://www.petobesityprevention.com/pet-weight-check for a visual chart of what your pet should look like. Make sure you are not feeding your pet more than 1 (measuring) cup of food per 20 lbs. of weight per day. This is just a general guideline we use at All Creatures so then, consult with us or your veterinarian about the specific diet and activity needs of your pet. If you have questions, call us to set up a free Pet Diet Consult.

REFERERNCES

http://www.petobesityprevention.com
http://www.drernieward.com
http://www.hillspet.com/

Is Your Pet's Inner Health a Mystery?

ÜMore Information is a Good Thing for Pets

In our information age, you may think more information is one thing you can do without, but when you are talking about a pet you love, more information is better.

Your pet has a two big issues that affect their healthcare – (1) they can’t tell you what is wrong when they are sick and (2) they are aging substantially faster than you age.  One way to make these two things less of an issue is to have more information about what is going on inside your pet.  The best way we have to do that today is through blood testing. 

As an animal ages many of the normal organ functions gradually begin to decline, just as in humans. The eyes, ears, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys may start to function less optimally, possibly leading to significant medical problems. It is more difficult for older animals to fight infections and problems such as arthritis frequently set in.

Early Detection blood testing tell your veterinarian and you what is happening inside your pet and can detect problems before they become serious.  At All Creatures Veterinary Center, we offer two levels of Early Detection testing.

Junior Detection is generally appropriate for pets ages 1-6 years.  The tests look at the following areas;

o  Complete Blood Count: Looks at blood cell shapes and numbers

         o  Blood Chemistries: cancers may affect organ function and lead to changes in:
             §   Kidney Function (BUN, Creatinine, Phosphorus)
              §   Liver Function (ALT, ALP, GGT, Bilirubin, Albumin)
              §   Hormonal and Regulatory systems (Glucose, Electrolytes, Calcium, Thyroid)
              §   Gastrointestinal Tract - (Protein, Electrolytes)
              §   Bone - (Calcium, Phosphorus)

Early Detection Senior testing includes all of the above tests, and adds;

§   Urinalysis - checks for bladder/urinary infections and assess kidney function

The Senior level is usually apropriate for pets 7 years and up, but it can be good information for any age pet if you or your veterinarian feel the additional data is needed. 

At All Creatures Veterinary Center both Early Detection levels include a heartworm test FREE (dogs only) making this an excellent value as part of your pet’s annual visit.  Taking advantage of the Early Detection tests tell the you and your pet's doctor more information about your pet's inner health.  This extra insight can help your pet stay healthier and also  keep your finances healthier (it costs less) if diseases are controlled before becoming serious. 

SPECIAL EVENT:

On Friday, June 29th at 10:15 a.m., All Creatures will host Story Time.  This mini Open House will feature some pet stories from our children's area read aloud and a mid morning snack.   Next, Dr. Hutton will give a short tour and show some of the more interesting X-Rays we have taken.  While the event is definitely geared toward the young at heart, but is open to pet lovers of all ages.

 ePetHealth:

All Creatures now offers a way to view your pet's medical records online:

If you are one of our clients, all you have to do is provide us with an email address to get started using a variety of great services such as getting appointment reminders by text.  Call us or Click on the ePet Health logo for more information.

Story Time - June Event and Tour - June 29 - 10:15am

2525 E Hebron Pkwy., Carrollton, Texas 75010
Hebron Pkwy. at Marsh Ridge Rd.

Heartworm Prevention Month

May is Heartworm Prevention Month                                All Creatures Veterinary Center                                    972-307-7400
A Mild Winter Means More Pests for Your Pet
The very mild winter we had here in north Texas means we can all expect lots of bugs this spring and summer.   One bug, the mosquito, is expected to be abundant and this is potentially very bad for your pet.  Mosquitoes spread heartworm disease, a parasite infection that permanently debilitates or kills thousand of pets every year.  And it only takes one infected mosquito bite to cause this disease.  An estimated one million dogs will be heartworm positive in the United States this year.

How do mosquitoes spread heartworms?

Heartworms cannot be spread directly from animal to animal without a mosquito as an intermediary. A mosquito bites an infected dog and ingests tiny heartworm larvae along with the animal’s blood. Other carriers of  heartworm disease include wolves, foxes, ferrets, coyotes and raccoons. Inside the mosquito, these larvae develop into their infective stage.  When the same mosquito bites another dog, the larvae infect the healthy animal. Without a monthly dose of preventive, the larvae continue to develop inside the dog, eventually reaching the heart and lungs. The larvae mature into adults, which can be a foot in length, and produce microfilariae that circulate in the bloodstream. Now this dog is a reservoir of heartworms and is ready for another mosquito to bite and infect yet another dog.

Luckily heartworm disease is preventable and the prevention is cheap and easy when compared to the lengthy, stressful and expensive treatment.  Treatment can cost over $1,000 which makes giving a monthly preventive a bargain in comparison.  Treatment requires painful, arsenic-based injections to kill the heartworms present inside the lungs and heart. In addition, this is followed by a 1-3 month period of limited physical activity and possible health complications. Surgery may be required for dogs burdened with large amounts of worms. It is much easier to prevent heartworms than to treat them.

What are the symptoms of heartworm disease?

*Dull coat  *Lack of energy *Coughing  *Difficulty breathing
The good news is, you can protect your pet from heartworm disease with a monthly preventative like Heartgard Plus.  (Other products we recommend at All Creatures are dual purpose products like Revolution and Trifexis)

How does HEARTGARD Plus work?
HEARTGARD Plus not only prevents heartworm disease but also treats and controls the most common intestinal parasites, hookworms and roundworms. It contains 2 medications: ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate.  Ivermectin prevents heartworm disease by killing heartworm larvae that have infected your dog during the previous 30 days. By killing the larvae, HEARTGARD Plus stops larvae from developing into juvenile and adult heartworms, thereby preventing the disease.  The low dose of ivermectin is metabolized and excreted rapidly, so it kills heartworm larvae present today but does not have an effect on larvae introduced tomorrow.  That is why it is recommended to administer a regular monthly dose to your  dog . The use of HEARTGARD Plus every month may help to reduce the burden of roundworm eggs and hookworm larvae in the environment, and thereby reduce the risk of reinfection.  HEARTGARD Plus is the only FDA-approved heartworm preventive that comes in a real beef chew.

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HEARTGARD PURCHASE BONUS

The doctors and staff All Creatures have already seen a higher than normal number of pets infested with fleas this year - a result of the mild winter.  To promote the use a heartworm preventative with a flea preventative, All Creatures is giving a free dose of Frontline Plus when you purchase 12 months of Heartgard protection.
(Heartgard given monthly with Frontline Plus, provides the most protection for your dog against worms, fleas and other parasites.  For cats, All Creatures recommends Revolution as the most effective and broadest spectrum of protection.)

The Best Dental Care for Your Pet



PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH                             All Creatures Veterinary Center                          972-307-7400

The Best Home Dental Care For Your Pet

Has your pet ever flopped in your lap and then dissatisfied with your attention put it's face right in your face to say 'hey, I need some attention right now'?  Did you marvel at your pet's affection or think 'we have got get you a mint or something'?

That something is home dental care for your pet.  Your pet needs regular home dental care and now there is a variety of ways to make that happen like tooth brushing, rinses,  chews and even food.  What is the BEST dental care for your pet?  It is the one you and your pet WILL DO!   Whatever type of pet oral health care fits into your daily routine.

If you are not aware of all the choices you have for daily home pet oral care, here they are rated Good to Best:

GOOD

C.E.T.^® Enzymatic Oral Chews for Dogs and Cats

• These feature a Dual-Enzyme System, are made from select beefhide to combine a natural antiseptic plus an abrasive texture that works with the pet's chewing action to loosen tartar and provide plaque control. These come in a 30-count bag designed for giving one each day

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BETTER

C.E.T. AQUADENT^® Drinking Water Additive

• A daily drinking water additive with xylitol for dogs and cats to help fight plaque and freshen breath.  Add 2 teaspoons to a quart of pet’s drinking water every day to provide clinically tested dental care every time a pet drinks.

C.E.T.^® Oral Hygiene Rinse

• Dental rinse for cats and dogs containing chlorhexidine gluconate, cetylpyridinium chloride, in an oral rinse formulation to help fight plaque, maintain oral health, and freshen breath fast.  One squeeze into your pet's mouth quickly covers and rinses the entire mouth. You don't have to rub it around.  Your pet's natural licking action does it automatically.  Ideal when brushing is not an option.

Hill's T/D Prescription Diet Food

Prescription Diet® t/d® is formulated with the following benefits:

• Unique kibble scrubs away laden plaque in the mouth to promote systemic health
• Clinically proven to reduce plaque, stain and tartar buildup
• Reduces bad breath and has antioxidants to control cell oxidation and promote a healthy immune system

Science Diet® Healthy Advantage™ Pet Food

Available exclusively from your veterinarian, Hill's® Science Diet® Healthy Advantage™ is formulated to help address five common health concerns for pets and one of those is dental health.  Healthy Advantage food uses the same kibble technology as t/d but the preventative effect is less as it is a non-prescription diet.

BEST

Brushing

Daily tooth brushing is the best at-home method for maintaining good dental health for cats and dogs. There are several types of toothbrushes and different flavors of toothpaste to make it easy and effective for cat and dog owners to care for their pet’s teeth as part of their daily routines.  We will be happy to show you the different styles of toothbrushes and demonstrate them if you wish.  Keep in mind, you do not have to choose just one method of dental care for your pet.  It may be better for you and your pet to brush some days and have a chew some other days. 

Thanksgiving Food Exchange: You Help People – We Help Pets

By Jamie Hutton, DVM
(All Creatures Veterinary Center)

The Thanksgiving Food Exchange is a food drive with a twist we hold each November.  We collect human food from our wonderful clients and friends.  The cans of corn, jars of peanut butter and boxes of cereal are weighed on the pet scale in our lobby and we keep a chart showing the weight of all the donations.  We give all that human food to Metrocrest Social Services in Carrollton.  Last year it was over 1000 lbs. Then in December, All Creatures donates an equal amount of Hill’s® Pet Food to Operation Kindness – the no-kill animal shelter in Carrollton.  We are going to continue the Food Exchange this year and our goal is to collect and donate 1300 lbs. of food.  So even if you aren’t one of our clients, feel free to bring your human food donations by our office at 2525 E Hebron Pkwy.  It will do double duty by helping the cats and dogs at Operation Kindness.  

A list of commonly needed items from Metrocrest’s web site: Peanut butter, Canned fruit, Mac & Cheese, Flavored rice & pasta “helpers” & “ronis”, Breakfast Cereal.

Do You Have a Secret Cat?

The other day one of our favorite clients caught me completely by surprise when she brought in her cat.  I was surprised because I had no idea she had a cat.  I had only met her dog.  Cats now out number dogs as pets in the U.S. but very few cats ever have a health checkup.  That’s kind of sad for all those secret cats. Cats are masters at hiding illness, so usually sickness or disease has to be severe before their human notices.  (1) One thing you can do for your cat is to watch for subtle signs of sickness.  You can find a good tutorial at www.healthycatsforlife.com and click on the Did You Know? box.  (2) The best thing you can do for your cat is get a regular wellness checkup.  We are making that easier this  month, by extending our new client offer to any new cat wellness visit.  So now is a really great time to surprise us with that family member we never met - your cat.  Call us at 972-307-7400.

OFFERS All offers Expire December 4, 2010	$25 OFF Vaccines or Bloodwork – New clients or cats only (with paid exam fee of $49.90. Even if you are a current client, if you have a cat we have never examined or not seen in over 2 years this offer applies.)
	12 Doses of Revolution for Cats for the price of 9 prevents fleas and heartworms, controls ear mites, hookworms, roundworms