Skyland Animal Hospital

02/24/2025

February is all about Dental Health for your pet! This month, we’ve been sharing tips, tricks, and education on how to make sure your pet has the best oral health possible.
Does your pet have stinky breath?! Well, “The most common cause of halitosis in dogs is periodontal disease arising from plaque (biofilm) and tartar build-up,” (VCA).
Your pet’s breed can even play a role in how susceptible they are to oral disease. Small and flat-faced breeds are among those that are more prone and that is because their teeth are closer together (VCA).
The best way to prevent against oral disease in your pets is by having them examined by a veterinarian at least once a year, having a consistent oral health routine at home, and keeping a close eye on the toys they play with/chew on and the treats/chews they eat. If you ever feel like your pet may have an oral health issue, contact our office!
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/halitosis-in-dogs #:~:text=%22The%20most%20common%20cause%20of,that%20creates%20smelly%20sulfur%20compounds

02/21/2025

This week during Dental Month, we are focusing on what YOU can do to keep your pet in good oral health.
Having a consistent at home oral health care routine like brushing your pet’s teeth, having a water additive, or even dental chews or food is a great start in preventing dental disease.
Along with that, having the right products that are not only safe for your pet, their gut, and their teeth, but are actually effective at preventing against dental disease is of great importance.
Annual veterinary appointments allow a chance at early detection and prevention from dental and periodontal disease.
Don’t let bad breath or them suddenly being a picky eater go unchecked. These can be signs of pain and disease in your pet.

02/19/2025

Show some love to the beautiful Miss Jupiter 🐾🤍

02/17/2025

February is Dental Month and we are sharing information on how to provide excellent dental health for your pet.
As we have highlighted this month, there are many different things that can cause dental issues and those issues can lead to pain and possibly disease.

So, what can YOU do as a pet owner to help prevent against dental disease?!
🐾 Schedule your pet for annual examinations with a veterinarian
🐾 Brush your pet’s teeth daily with an enzymatic, pet safe toothpaste
🐾 Use enzymatic dental chews
🐾 Use enzymatic water additives
🐾 Feed a formulated dental diet and give dental treats
🐾 Monitor the toys and chews your pet has. Many times, toys or chews can be too tough and cause fractures to the tooth along with other health concerns.

For a list of safe, effective dental toys, chews, and foods, check out the VOHC!
https://vohc.org/

02/14/2025

This month is Dental Month and we are sharing education and helpful tips on how to provide excellent dental care to your pets.
Like us, our pet’s dental issues can lead to many other health concerns, such as liver and kidney issues.
There can be many causes of dental issues. Some of these can be:
🐾 Broken teeth & roots
🐾 Periodontal disease
🐾 Abscess or infected teeth
🐾 Cysts or tumors in the mouth
🐾 Misalignment of the teeth and bite
🐾 Broken jaw
If you feel that your pet is showing signs of oral pain, contact our office today for one of our doctors to examine your pet.
For more information, check out the AVMAs resource about pet dental care:
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care

02/12/2025

02/10/2025

Like us, your pet’s overall health is affected by their dental health. February is Dental Month in the Veterinary Field and we are sharing helpful resources on how to provide your pet with excellent oral care.
Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at their annual examination by the veterinarian. If your pet is showing some of the following signs, contact our office so one of our doctors can assess your pet sooner:
🐾 Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping of their food
🐾 Bad breath
🐾 Broken or loose teeth
🐾 Discolored or tartar covered teeth
🐾 Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
🐾 Pain in and around the mouth
🐾 Bleeding from the mouth
🐾 Swelling in or around the mouth

Some pets can even become irritable when they are struggling with pain caused by dental disease. Changes in your pet’s behavior could be a sign that they are painful. If this is the case, contact our office for an appointment.

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pet-dental-care

02/07/2025

February is dental month in the Veterinary Field and we are sharing educational resources, tips, and tricks with you on how to help your pet stay healthy.
On Monday, we highlighted dental disease and how the gap between your pet's gum and the tooth can cause periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease is an infection and associated inflammation of the periodontium (the tissues surrounding the tooth).
“Preventing periodontal disease is important for your dog’s overall health, as it has been linked to liver and heart disease. Besides, periodontal disease is painful, even if your dog doesn’t seem to show signs of pain,” (Cornell).
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/.../canin.../periodontal-disease

02/06/2025

Did someone say... Treats?!?! 🤍🐾🤍

02/03/2025

February is Dental Month in the Veterinary Field. This month, we focus on dental health and how practicing proper oral care improves your pet’s quality of life.

Did you know that, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society, over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of 3 have active dental disease?
“Dental disease is an infection of the teeth, gums, and surrounding structures,” (Colorado State). Dental disease is one of the leading health issues in both dogs and cats. It starts with a buildup of plaque that eventually turns into calculus. That calculus quickly forms pockets where your pet’s tooth meets their gum. This gap allows for bacteria and food to accumulate. The accumulation leads to periodontal disease.
(Colorado State).
https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vth/animal-health/keeping-your-pets-teeth-clean-is-important-to-their-overall-health/ #:~:text=According%20to%20the%20American%20Veterinary,animal's%20gums%20meet%20its%20teeth.

01/28/2025

H5N1 is a virus that is being seen in barn, feral, & indoor cats, along with livestock and poultry. Per the AVMA, "Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness, often resulting in death. The good news is that infection can be prevented with a few simple practices."
Research has shown that some of the most common sources of infection are raw colostrum & other unpasteurized dairy products (like cream), exposure to infected wild birds or poultry, and exposure to people who work on affected farms & exposure to their clothing (AVMA).
Some practices that cat owners can do to help prevent infection are:
- Refrain from feeding cats any dairy products or colostrum that have not been pasteurized or thoroughly cooked
- Thoroughly cook meat before feeding and avoid raw meat treats and diets
- Keep cats indoors
- Thoroughly wash your hands and any exposed skin after interacting with sick or dead animals before you interact with your cat
Additional tips can be found in the AVMA article below.
Please check out the link below to see what to do if you suspect your cat has been exposed to or may have the H5N1 virus. If you suspect this, please contact our hospital or an emergency vet!
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-h5n1-cats

01/27/2025

During the last week of 'Walk Your Pet Month', we want to share some final tips from the AVMA on how to make this new habit during the New Year fun, productive, and safe. Getting out in the fresh air to allow your pet a chance to exercise and have interactions with different environments, people, animals, textures, sounds, and smells is a fantastic way to improve your pet's quality of life.
We have gone over different environmental risks given the cold weather and even understanding your pet's vaccination status and the environment you all will be walking in. Today, we will highlight how to prevent accidents and injuries on your walks.
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/walking-your-pet
🐾 Be mindful of the surface you all are walking on. In different areas, you may run into things like broken glass, trash, holes, uneven ground or other hazards for you and your pet.
🐾 Know the area you are walking in and if there could be wildlife roaming. Some areas may allow for animals to free-roam.
🐾 Have an understanding of your dogs emotions and body language to set you all up for success and limit the opportunity for accidents to happen.

01/20/2025

January is 'Walk Your Pet Month' and what a perfect time to start the habit of taking your furry family members out for fresh air and exercise!
AVMA shares fantastic tips on how to keep walks with your pet fun, safe, and productive.
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/walking-your-pet
Something to keep in mind when taking your pet on a walk is having an understanding of their vaccination status and the potential environmental risks they may encounter on those walks.
🐾 Dogs can contract diseases from other dogs but also other wildlife or the bodily fluids or f***l matter of animals that have walked the same path as you all. Some diseases have airborne transmission generated when a dog coughs, sneezes, or barks
🐾 They can contract illness from contaminated objects that you may come across on your walk.
If you are concerned your pet may be overdue or not have a vaccination that they need for the environments they are commonly in, give our office a call and one of our team members can discuss this with you and get your pet scheduled.

01/15/2025

Did you know that we have an app?!
Through our app you can access your pet's vaccination records, request appointments, request refills, and more!
Download the PetDesk app on Apple or Android.

01/13/2025

What better time than the New Year to start the fun, healthy, bonding habit of taking your dog on a walk?! January is 'Walk Your Pet Month'.
AVMA gives great tips on how to safely enjoy this activity. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/walking-your-pet
Since we are in the cold weather season, there are certain things to keep in mind before heading out into the chilly weather.
🐾 Different dogs respond to cool and cold temperatures differently. Pay attention to your pet's needs to see if a sweater or jacket may be best for keeping them comfortable and safe. Some pets may be best suited for short walks when we are in colder seasons.
🐾 If you choose to get a sweater or jacket for your pet, make sure it fits them well and is not restrictive to their movement or breathing.
🐾 During the frigid conditions, dog boots can be a great way to protect their feet.
🐾 If your pet shows signs of hypothermia (muscle stiffness, shallow & slow breathing, collapse, etc.), seek veterinary care immediately.

01/10/2025

During these cold winter days, make sure you are keeping an eye on your furry family members.
There are many things to keep in mind before taking your pet outside for more than just a bathroom break.
❄ How severe are the weather conditions?
❄ How old is your pet?
❄ Are they fully vaccinated?
❄ What breed are they and can their breed handle cold weather conditions well?
All of these questions can help determine if it is safe for your pet to be outside during winter weather and for how long.
Want to know more safety tips, check out this article:
http://www.skylandanimalhospital.com/articles/general/988158-january-newsletter-when-to-let-your-puppy-go-outside-during-winter

01/06/2025

January is 'Walk your Pet Month'. Looking for a New Year's Resolution that you can do with your pet?! Getting them out for some fresh air and exercise can be a great way to bond with your pet and start healthy habits!
The AVMA provides some great tips on getting started with taking your dog out on walks. For their full list of tips on how to keep everyone safe and happy on these adventures, check out this resource: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/walking-your-pet.
Here are some highlights:
🐾 Practice training your dog for how to behave and respond on leash
🐾 Start small- If your pet is not used to long walks or new environments, take short walks in these new places to give your pet time to acclimate.
🐾 Take cues from your pet on how they are responding. Especially if this is all new to them, pay attention to how they are interacting with their environment and the exercise. If you worry your pet may be having a medical issue during or after one of your walks, call your local vet right away.
🐾 Obey local leash laws and always be a kind citizen and pick up after your dog and dispose of waste properly.

01/02/2025

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day. As you travel, it is important to keep your pets in mind!
The AVMA has some tips on how to keep your furry family members safe:
🐾 Keep pets properly restrained
🐾 Make lodging arrangements ahead of time
🐾 Get a health certificate if needed
🐾 Identify your pet with microchip & collar with tags
🐾 Take frequent breaks
🐾 Know how to find a vet in an emergency
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/cvi/traveling-your-dog-or-cat
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=708128387345669&id=100044455418571&set=a.516777593147417