Miller Animal Hospital

03/07/2025

When is Tick Season Starting? Probably Sooner Than You Think.
While some tick species remain active throughout the colder winter months, others go dormant during the winter. As temperatures start to warm up in the early spring, however, tick species that had been dormant begin searching for a blood meal. This kicks off the beginning of tick season. Bear in mind that in warmer climates, early spring occurs sooner than mid-March.

Since early spring is also when people begin spending more time engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and gardening, it can put them at an even higher risk of running into a tick. Taking precautions to prevent tick bites starting in the early spring is advisable.

03/05/2025

Why it is important to keep pets free of ticks
Dogs and cats often come into contact with ticks when they are outside. Like humans, pets can get sick with tickborne diseases. In addition, pets can transport ticks from outside the home to inside, where the ticks may then bite people. Dogs can also be infested by the brown dog tick, which occurs across the United States and is unique in that it can infest indoor spaces like homes and kennels.

Watch your pet closely for changes in behavior or appetite if you know or suspect that it has been bitten by a tick. Signs of tickborne disease may not appear for 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite. Except for Lyme disease in dogs, pets cannot be vaccinated against tickborne diseases. Talk to your veterinarian about tickborne diseases that occur in your local area, or if you are considering a Lyme disease vaccine for your dog.

03/03/2025

Preventing Ticks on Pets
Key points:
Like humans, pets can get tickborne diseases.
Pets can also bring ticks into your home.
Watch your pet closely for changes in behavior or appetite if you know or suspect that it has been bitten by a tick.
Check pets daily for ticks and remove any you find to keep your pet healthy.

02/28/2025

Why does my pet need anesthesia for a veterinary dental cleaning?
Have you seen advertisements for anesthesia-free dental cleanings? Have you been tempted? It’s important to know that these services do not effectively address your pet’s dental health.
It’s important to know that these services do not effectively address your pet’s dental health. Emily Singler, VMD, a veterinarian and AAHA’s Veterinary Content Specialist, said “without anesthesia, there’s no way to fully assess and address your pet’s dental health. Non-anesthetic dental cleanings may make your pet’s teeth look and smell better in the short term, but they create a false sense of security and don’t really make your pet’s mouth healthier.”
Anesthesia is necessary for several reasons:
• Less stress — From your pet’s perspective, a dental cleaning involves a team of strangers using sharp, pointy instruments near their face. Anesthesia helps prevent unnecessary stress and anxiety.
• Stay still! — The veterinary team needs your pet to remain perfectly still so they can thoroughly examine their mouth and remove plaque and tartar.
• Going the distance — If your pet is not anesthetized, the veterinary team can’t remove the bacteria under the gum line, where the most damage occurs. For a complete dental cleaning, which is needed for your pet’s health, they need to be anesthetized.
• Safety first — Anesthetizing your pet helps prevent injury to your furry pal and the veterinary team. Even the best-behaved pet may lash out or respond negatively due to fear, stress, and anxiety.

02/26/2025

Are broken teeth in dogs a problem?
Yes, fractured teeth in dogs are a problem. When the enamel is chipped, exposing the dentin, the affected tooth becomes sensitive to heat, cold, and pressure.
It is far worse when the pulp (nerve) is exposed. The inside of the tooth fills with infected material that eventually trickles through the openings in the tip of the root into the jaw. Since the bacteria have a secure hiding place inside the root canal, the body’s immune system is unable to clear the infection, even with antibiotic treatment.
In time, bacteria exiting the tooth’s apex can spread, causing local tooth pain every time the dog chews and infection in other parts of the body.

02/24/2025

What happens during teething?
Long before adult teeth erupt through the gums, they begin developing from tooth buds located in the upper and lower jaws. As the adult teeth develop, they begin to exert pressure against the roots of the deciduous teeth, stimulating them to begin resorbing. Once the roots have resorbed, the crowns of the deciduous teeth fall out. You may even find these hollow shells of baby teeth on the floor or in your puppy's bedding, but often they are swallowed while your puppy is eating, to no ill effect.
What is a persistent tooth?
A deciduous tooth that is still present when the permanent tooth erupts is referred to as a persistent tooth. When this happens, the baby tooth occupies the place in the mouth that is meant for the permanent tooth, forcing the permanent tooth to erupt in an abnormal position. The result is crowding of the teeth and possibly even abnormal contact of the teeth with either teeth and/or the soft oral tissues. Mal positioned teeth result in an abnormal bite (malocclusion).

When and how are persistent teeth treated?
No two teeth should be in the same place at the same time. If you notice a persistent tooth in your puppy's mouth, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Typically, persistent deciduous teeth need to be removed (extracted). This procedure is usually done when your pet is spayed or neutered.

02/21/2025

02/20/2025

Losing a pet is hard. You don't need to go through that grief alone. We are incredibly lucky to offer Pet Bereavement support groups multiple times a month completely free to those that need it. 🩵

Our next session will be hosted tonight Wednesday, February 19 from 6 pm - 7 pm via Google Meet. It will be hosted by Estelle Giles-Monroe, MSW, LCSWR. We kindly ask that all participants be at least 16 years of age.

mohawkhumane.org/pet-bereavement

Thank you to In the Comfort of Home - house call pet euthanasia for underwriting this incredibly meaningful program.

02/19/2025

Join us for a fun, hands-on cookie decorating class benefiting OOTP! 🩵 Your ticket includes all materials, step-by-step instruction, and six decorated cookies to take home. Learn cookie facts, decorating techniques, and how to prepare royal icing. Plus, all participants are entered to win a baking raffle basket with a gift certificate from Happy Place Cookies!

🍪 Saturday March 8th, from 1:30-3:30pm
🍪 Brunswick Community Center
🍪 Purchase your tickets online here: happyplacecookies.net

02/18/2025

Your Pet’s Dental Care
Did you brush your teeth this morning? Most people brush their teeth daily and see their dentist twice a year. But you may be surprised to know that your pet needs the same level of dental care. Dental disease can cause serious problems for your pet, including devastating systemic issues. Fortunately, the appropriate dental care can protect your pet against this serious disease.

Why is pet dental care important?
After your pet finishes their dinner, small food particles remain lodged between their teeth and attract bacteria, forming a sticky plaque layer on the tooth surface. If not removed promptly, the plaque hardens into tartar, which inflames your pet’s gums. The bacteria then invade under your pet’s gumline and damage the supporting structures of their teeth.
Dental disease is a serious infection that can wreak havoc throughout your furry friend’s body, including in their mouth and even spreading to their vital organs. Potential consequences include:
• Painful, bleeding gums — The oral bacteria irritate the gum tissue, leading to painful, swollen gums that may bleed when your pet eats or chews a toy.
• Loose or missing teeth — As the infection progresses and damages the tooth’s supporting structures, your pet’s teeth may become loose or fall out.
• Tooth root abscesses — If the bacteria invade the tooth root, they can cause an infection. In some cases, the abscess ruptures, causing a draining tract in your pet’s face or jaw. This pathway forms in the skin or tissue to allow pus to drain from the infection to the surface.
• Oro-nasal fistula — The bacteria can also tunnel through the tissue between your pet’s mouth and nose, allowing food and saliva to enter your pet’s nasal cavity, which may result in a respiratory infection.
• Oral tumors — Chronic inflammation from dental disease increases a pet’s risk for oral tumors.
• Organ damage — Periodontal bacteria don’t limit themselves to your pet’s mouth. Left untreated, the infection enters the bloodstream and damages vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver.

02/17/2025

President's Day acknowledges the accomplishments and legacies of our nation's leaders and their four-legged and feathered companions that have lived in the White House. Many U.S. presidents have shared the halls of power with beloved pets, giving us a glimpse into their personal lives and the softer side of leadership. Thanks to Lori Davidson, co-founder of Pet Perennials (an online gift store that helps pet owners honor the memory of pets that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge) and author of “Presidential Pets: Remembering White House Pets”, we can reflect on the President whose pets became an integral part of the first family, specifically those whose pets passed away while in office.

“Throughout history, various presidents have had a penchant for pets, ranging from dogs and cats to more exotic animals. However, it's the stories of loss and remembrance that touch our hearts. One notable example is Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose beloved Scottish Terrier, Fala, died in 1952. Fala was not just a loyal companion but a symbol of comfort during some of the nation's most challenging times.

Similarly, Abraham Lincoln's dog, Fido, left an indelible mark on the Lincoln family. Fido's death in 1865 occurred shortly before Lincoln's assassination and was a profound loss that added to the family's grief during a tumultuous period in history.

The bond between presidents and their pets goes beyond mere companionship; it reflects a deep understanding of the importance of unconditional love and loyalty. Whether it's the Kennedy family's numerous pets or the Bushes' Springer Spaniel, Millie, these animals become more than just pets—they become cherished members of the first family.

While the pain of losing a pet is universal, there are ways to honor their memory and keep them forever in our hearts. Pet Perennials, a company dedicated to providing eco-friendly pet memorials, offers a unique solution. These memorial kits allow pet owners to plant a living memorial that blooms into beautiful flowers, creating a lasting tribute to the furry friend who once brightened their lives.

In addition to planting a living memorial, the "Forever in My Heart" memorial pet photo frame is another touching way to remember a departed pet. This customizable frame allows pet owners to display a cherished photo alongside a heartfelt tribute, preserving the memories that made their pets so special.

On this President's Day, let's take a moment to appreciate the presidents who shared their time in office with beloved pets, especially those who experienced the loss of their furry companions. The stories of these pets remind us that, in the grandeur of the White House, it's the small moments of companionship and love that leave a lasting impact.”

02/14/2025

Happy Valentines Day🐾🐾

02/13/2025

The Most Common Symptoms of Dental Disease in Pets
• Red and swollen gums
• Brown or grey teeth
• Bad breath
• Bleeding gums
• Pawing the face or rubbing the mouth against objects
• Reluctance towards hard food or hard toys
Proper dental hygiene and regular veterinary check-ups can maximize the quality and quantity of your pet’s life. Always, when necessary, take your pet for professional dental cleanings. These cleanings include scaling and polishing the teeth and are done at your veterinarian under general anesthesia. Before and after photos below:

02/11/2025

Tooth resorption is when a cat’s body starts breaking down and absorbing the hard tissue of their teeth (like enamel and dentin). Over time, this can cause damage to the teeth, often starting at the roots and working its way up.

How common is it?
This condition is common, affecting more than 50-75% of cats over 4 years old

Symptoms to Watch For:
Cats are sneaky about dental pain, but here are some possible signs.
1. Drooling.
2. Trouble eating or avoiding dry food.
3. Pawing at their mouth or face.
4. Red, inflamed gums (especially near the affected tooth).
5. Tooth loss or broken teeth.
6. Bad breath—no judgment, but if it smells worse than usual, it’s worth checking.

What Causes It?
The exact cause is a mystery (cats love their secrets), but some potential culprits include:
• Genetics: Some cats might just be more prone to it.
• Diet and oral health: Issues with calcium, plaque, or tartar could contribute.

Treatment Options:
Unfortunately, tooth resorption isn’t reversible. But don’t panic—here’s how your vet can help:
1. Tooth Extraction: If the damage is severe, the affected tooth will need to be removed.
2. Pain Management: Your vet may prescribe medication to keep your kitty comfy during recovery.
3. Regular Dental Care: Prevention is key! Professional cleanings and at-home care (like brushing or dental treats) can help protect your cat’s teeth.

💡 Pro Tip: Cats need regular dental checkups, especially as they age. A lot of cats with tooth resorption don’t show obvious signs of pain, so dental X-rays during routine checkups can catch it early.

02/07/2025

How to Brush a Feline’s Teeth
Cats, like humans, can suffer from tooth decay and gum disease if their teeth are not properly cared for. Even though Pet Dental Health Month is an important observance, owners should strive to always care for their cat’s teeth!
Brushing your cat’s teeth regularly is an important part of their overall dental hygiene and health. Here are some tips to help make brushing your cat’s teeth more successful:
1. Make sure you use a cat-formulated toothpaste. Toothpaste for humans can contain ingredients that are toxic to cats if swallowed.
2. Try brushing your cat’s teeth once a day, preferably after the last meal of the day for consistency.
3. Start slowly and reward your feline with the best freeze-dried cat treats or praise when they cooperate during brushing sessions.
4. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush specifically designed for cats, or use a finger brush with extra-soft bristles.
5. Gently lift your cat’s lips and brush the outside of each tooth in small circular motions starting at the gum line, then move to the inside surface of the teeth and gums.
6. Don’t forget to brush your cat’s tongue and the roof of their mouth.
7. Be sure to reward your feline with the best cat treats for sensitive stomachs, or praise after each brushing session as a reward for good behavior; this will help them associate tooth brushing with something positive.
With patience and consistency, you can make cleaning your cat’s teeth a part of their regular grooming routine. Regular brushing is an important part of your cat’s dental care and will help keep them healthy for years to come.