During the entire month of February, Paws of the Rockies is offering 10% off all dental products and dental cleanings!  Dental cleaning appointments book quickly since there are limited appointments available, so call early if you would like to get the discount.

**The actual dental cleaning must be performed in February to be eligible for the discount.

We will be closed for Christmas at noon on Wednesday, December 24th and all day on Thursday, December 25th.  We will reopen at 8am on Friday, December 26th. 

Our office will be closed for New Year’s at noon on Wednesday, December 31st and all day on Thursday, January 1st.  We will reopen at 8am on Friday, January 2nd.

Most people do not brush their pet’s teeth (if you do you are one step ahead!) so their teeth can attract bacteria that turn into plaque and tartar.  Bad breath can also be a side effect of dental disease.  This can all be managed with home care and/or professional dental cleanings.

The best plan is to make a plan!

Step 1: Visit your veterinarian.  Every annual exam includes an oral exam.  If we find signs of dental disease, we will recommend a treatment plan.  Part of that plan may include home care.

Step 2: Start oral care at home.  Plaque should be removed daily from your pet’s teeth before it mineralizes into tartar.  Brushing can help do this.  And there are many other products and food available to make this process easier.

Step 3: Schedule regular dental exams: we monitor the progress of your pet’s preventative program.  For pets that form tartar quickly or have a history of oral problems, frequent exams and cleanings may be advised.

Start Brushing Teeth at Home

Please remember that it can take awhile for your pet to get used to having it’s teeth brushed.  This process should be introduced slowly and only continued if you and your pet tolerate it.

 According to the manufacturer, “brushing” only requires 2 swipes, back and forth, on each side.  You do not need to brush for 2 minutes straight like you do with humans and you do not have to brush the interior of the teeth.  And remember to only use toothpaste designed for pets.  The fluoride in human toothpaste can be toxic to pets.

The holiday season is here and you may be traveling during part or all of your time off.  Where do your pets fit in to your holiday affairs?  What options are there for your pets?

There are numerous boarding facilities available for both dogs and cats.  They offer a range of kennel sizes, with options for playtime, bedtime snacks, baths, and maybe even music or Animal Planet that your pet can watch from the comfort of a therapeutic bed!  There are fees associated with all the “extras”, so be sure to check into what is important to you and your pet and if the boarding facility offers such amenities.  We also recommend scheduling a time to visit the boarding facility before booking your pet’s stay so you can see if the kennel meets your expectations.  Please remember that your pet must be up to date with vaccinations and most kennels require dogs to be current with bordetella vaccine.

Some owners prefer to hire a petsitter to come into their house for daily visits or to spend the night.  Typically the petsitter can care and medicate fish, birds, or other pets than are not typically boarded, as well as dogs and cats.  The petsitter can also get the mail, newspaper, water plants, and maybe even shovel the snow!  Each petsitter is going to charge different rates based on the number of pets, duties, and location.  Your pet should be less stressed by staying in the comfort of home. 

If you are flying, airlines require a health certificate stating that your pet is current on vaccination, in good health, and in what temperature range is safe for your pet to fly.  This certificate can be purchased at your veterinary office and typically requires an examination prior to travel.  Depending on your destination, there may be other requirements or restrictions, so check with the airline and your veterinarian on when and how to schedule.  If you are driving, your veterinarian can provide a vaccine certificate from their office, typically at no charge. 

Please remember that not all pets like to travel and some would be happier to stay at home or at a kennel than to spend 12 hrs in a crate driving across state lines.  You know your pet best and can evaluate what would be in the best interest for both you and your pet.  The important thing is that everyone is safe this holiday season.

With the temperature dropping, remember that your pets need special care.  Below are some tips to keep Fido and Mouser happy this winter.

Housing for Outdoor Pets

A Pet retreat should be available for use during the colder temperatures or unexpected storm.  Straw bedding should be used since it is the best insulator.  The shelter should only be big enough for your pet to stand and turn around, allowing your pet to stay warmer while inside the shelter.

Warmed water should be available outside in a deep plastic container with a large opening so it does not freeze as quickly.  Changing the water multiple times also helps to keep it from freezing.  You can also purchase a heater to put into the water so it will never freeze.

Your pet may exhibit an increased appetite.  Your pet’s metabolic rate will increase while it is trying to produce heat and keep itself warm.  Therefore, you may need to increase the amount of food available. 

Hazards to Watch For

Car engines are common places for cats to keep warm in the winter.  If there are outdoor cats in your neighborhood, bang on the hood of your car before starting it.  It could save a life and a lot of heartache.

“Ice Melt” can be toxic if ingested and can also cause sores on your pet’s feet.  Be sure to wipe/rinse their paws after your pet comes inside after out in the cold.  Booties can also be used to protect the feet. Most booties can be purchased at your local outdoor gear store, dog supply store, or online.

Antifreeze is a toxic chemical that can cause death very quickly if ingested by your pet.  Check for leaks below your car and get them cleaned up as soon as possible.  If you notice a leak in your neighborhood, contact the owner of the car or put sawdust or cat litter on the spill to absorb the liquid and then sweep it up and discard it. The sweet taste makes this deadly chemical even more dangerous.

Coats and Boots For Pets Too?

Booties are a helpful item of clothing that has many uses: traction control, snowball buildup prevention, toxic ingestion are just a few.

Your pets can slip on ice just like you, possibly resulting in injury.  Rough ice can also cause cuts on the paws.  Using booties with traction control may help protect the feet and, indirectly, the body.

Dogs with lots of hair between their toes can get painful “snowball build-up.”  To prevent this, it is easiest to just use booties.  You can, however, rub vaseline on the paws and between the toes before playing in the snow.

Pets that walk outside are exposed to “ice melt”.  If it is not manually cleaned off the paws by the owner, then the animal will probably lick it off when cleaning.  This ingestion can be toxic and best prevented by having your pet wear booties. 

Pets with short hair are more susceptible to the cold and wind.  A coat may benefit your pet if it is going to be outside for any extended period of time.  

Please consider these potential hazards when decorating your home this holiday season.

1.) Poinsettia, Mistletoe and Holly are all poisonous to animals if ingested.

2.) Glass ornaments can be broken causing cuts to the paws and mouths of your pets.

3.) Burning candles and hot wax left unattended can cause burns, or even a fire, if knocked over.

4.) Alcoholic drinks and chocolate are toxic if ingested.

5.) Being on holiday treats, especially if fatty, can cause a multitude of problems from diarrhea to life threatening pancreatitis.

6.) Aluminum foil (to cover food dishes) can cause intestinal blockages if ingested.

Garland, tinsel, ribbon and bows can also cause intestinal blockages if ingested. Do not use tinsel on your Christmas tree and keep all decorations and presents out of reach of your pets.

7.) Fake snow is toxic if ingested.

8.) Strand lights can cause burns to your pet’s skin and cuts to their mouths if broken or eaten. These can also be a source of electrocution if the strands are chewed or ingested. Keep the lights out of reach of your pet or use a taste deterrent to keep your pet from chewing the cord.

9.) A Christmas tree is potentially deadly if knocked over. Make sure that  your tree has a sturdy base. Placing bowls of vinegar around the base of the tree may deter cats from trying to climb in the tree.

10.) Christmas tree water can be toxic if the pine oil seeps out from the tree or if “extenders” are added to the water to extend the life of the tree. Place a wire mesh around the base of the tree and the water container to prevent your pet from being able to lick out of the container.

11.) Christmas tree needles can be prickly and may irritate your pet’s feet or get tangled in their fur and cause irritation. They can also be toxic if ingested. Make sure you make a fresh cut off the trunk before putting the tree in water, This will allow the tree to “drink” more easily and therefore prevent it from drying out. Continue to ensure the tree has plenty of water available so it does not drop needles. If it does drop needles, sweep or vacuum them up as quickly as possible to prevent problems.

We wish you and your pets a safe and Happy Holiday Season!