Taking Care of Your Pup’s Pearly Whites

Taking Care of Your Pup’s Pearly Whites

Health & Wellness, WagBreeze Life

Written by Mary S. Connor, DVM

Did you know that an estimated 85 percent of dogs and 75 percent of cats over 3 years of age display some form of oral disease? Periodontal disease is considered the most common disease in companion animals. But what is periodontal disease?

Periodontitis, or severe bacterial gum infection affects tissues that surround and support the teeth. The infection can become chronic and progressive causing periodontal disease, a destruction of the bone around the tooth roots which leads to painful, loose, abscessed teeth, osteomyelitis (bone infection), and even pathologic fractures of the jaw.

Periodontal disease can also have negative effects on the rest of the body as well. Inflammation of the gingival and periodontal tissues allows bacteria to gain access to the body. The bacteria adversely affects the kidneys and liver, leading to a decrease in the function of these vital organs over time. Bacteria can also become attached to previously damaged heart tissues and cause endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart’s valves.

How do I know that my pet needs a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT), or has periodontal disease?

Signs of periodontal disease include: redness at the gum line, bleeding when chewing treats or toys, a refusal to eat hard foods and treats, a foul odor from the mouth, reluctance to play with a favorite toy, the presence of plaque and calculus or facial swelling, among others.

Periodontal disease in our pets is preventable if we consider the dental care of our pets in the same way we manage our dental health. For example, consider how your mouth would look, feel, and smell if you did not brush your teeth for several years! Daily management such as brushing, oral care treats, and dental water additives, as well as a routine Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT), can help to keep your pet healthy and contribute to a better quality of life.

Imagine going to the dentist with a painful mouth and not being able to tell the doctor where it hurts. You would likely be reluctant to open wide and invite your doctor to have a look. So, although your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s mouth closely during a physical exam, it can be difficult to fully gauge the scope of pathology by visual exam alone, especially if your pet is experiencing pain. A more thorough evaluation is necessary.

What should my veterinarian do, and what should I ask for?

Proper evaluation requires general anesthesia, comprehensive full-mouth radiographs, periodontal probing, and dental charting. Without dental radiographs, disease such as bone loss, root pathology or oral trauma will be missed. Simply cleaning the crowns of the teeth without knowing what is present under the gumline via radiographs is of little benefit to your pet.

Once an evaluation is complete, a comprehensive plan should be formulated specifically for your pet in consultation with you. Your pet may require root planing, simple or surgical extractions, bone grafting, or other procedures to fully repair the damage that is present secondary to infection and bone loss. Saving teeth is the goal, but abscessed teeth and infected bone will continue to cause pain and destruction and should be managed accordingly.

What about pain management?

You wouldn’t have dental work or a tooth extraction without pain management. Neither should your pet. Pain is prevented by providing regional anesthetic blocks, analogous to the anesthetic injections that you may have received on your own visits to the dentist. The great news is that in dogs and cats, regional anesthesia lasts up to 72 hours, which means that your pet will be pain free and able to eat soft food just hours after their procedure. Typically, two weeks of a soft diet and a few days of medication to prevent inflammation are all that is indicated, following even the most extensive procedures.

So, how do I find a veterinarian who can help?

  • Look for the highest standard of care. Schedule a consultation and ask your veterinarian the following questions:
  • Can you explain the dental procedure in detail?
  • Will you take full-mouth radiographs?
  • How do you prevent pain during and after a procedure?
  • What can I expect after the procedure?
  • Have you received any extra training in veterinary dental surgery?

Consider asking for referrals from other clients and visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council for detailed information on veterinary dental protocols, standards of care, and approved veterinary products for your pet.

photograph of a dog's teeth showing marked periodontal disease. Notice that lower canine teeth deviate laterally due to excessive bone loss.

Figure 1

Marked periodontal disease. Notice that lower canine teeth deviate laterally due to excessive bone loss.

A radiograph reveals severe bone loss in the lower jaw. Incisor roots should be surrounded by bone.

Figure 2

A radiograph reveals severe bone loss in the lower jaw. The incisor roots should be surrounded by bone.

photograph of closure of surgical wound after extraction, debridement, and smoothing of sharp bone.

Figure 4

Closure of surgical wound after extraction, debridement, and smoothing of sharp bone.

photograph of an extraction of right lower incisors, canine, and premolar teeth.

Figure 3

Extraction of right lower incisors, canine, and premolar teeth.

Dr. Connor is the owner of Kindness Pet Hospital, which has locations in Santa Rosa Beach and Seacrest, Florida. She has an avid interest in veterinary dentistry and is a member of The International Veterinary Dentistry Institute. She has studied extensively with Dr. Brett Beckman, DVM, AVDC, AAPM, a board-certified veterinary dentist.

Choosing the Best Dog Food

Choosing the Best Dog Food

Health & Wellness, WagBreeze Life

Written by Dawn Guidry

One of the most important decisions you will make as a dog parent is what type of food you will feed them. Nutrition affects every aspect of your companion’s life— resistance to allergies and disease, energy levels, and neurological activity. In the 20+ years that I’ve worked in the pet industry, the question I get asked the most is ‘What is the best dog food?’

As much as I would like to give you a simple answer, the fact is, there is no simple answer. All dogs are different, and what may work for one dog may not work for another. So, the simplest answer is that the best dog food is the one that your dog thrives on. But there are some things you can do to ensure you’re getting the best for your dog.

There are several types of dog food/diets to consider, from homemade to commercial to raw. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages. For this article, we will focus on kibble. Kibble is the most popular food on the market. It’s the most convenient, most cost-effective, and most processed. Kibble, as we know it today, first hit the market in the 1950s. Much has changed in those 60+ years, with dog food becoming a billion-dollar industry with hundreds of manufacturers.

 

One of the best ways to ensure that you are getting a good quality kibble is to learn to read the labels. The ingredient list is the most important part of the label. The first five to six ingredients are crucial as this is the bulk of your food.

A good-quality dog food will have at least two quality animal protein sources listed in the first few ingredients. Look for real meat, meat meal, and whole ingredients — i.e., chicken, chicken meal, etc. If a list of ingredients begins with chicken or chicken meal followed by three or more grains and no other meat proteins, the food likely contains far more grains than meat.

Just as important to consider are ingredients that your dog’s food should not contain. Avoid foods that have ingredients such as ‘animal’ byproducts, ‘animal’ protein, ‘animal’ fat, BHA & BHT, ethoxyquin, propylene glycol, and sweeteners such as sugar, corn syrup, and sucrose. The use of the word ‘animal’ can mean it came from any kind of meat or meat-rendering. Corn, wheat, and soy are ingredients that are hard to digest and the source of many allergies and health issues.

Not all byproducts are bad. Organ meats are considered byproducts but things like liver, heart, lung, and kidneys are actually good for your dog. If the label specifically states one of these ingredients in their whole form, you will know it is the actual ingredient and not a poor-quality byproduct.

Rotating your dog’s food can have a lot of overall health benefits as well. This means changing up the protein
sources and even changing brands, just make sure that it is done properly to avoid any stomach issues. Rotation
keeps your dog from getting bored with his/her food and also helps boost the immune and digestive systems.

When feeding a highly processed food, it is a good idea to add a supplement made for dogs. There are many available on the market. Adding fresh fruits and vegetables can also be a healthy way to add real nutrients to their diet. Things like fresh apples, carrots, and green beans make an excellent snack. You can search Google for a list of fresh foods that are safe for dogs to eat.

Feeding high-quality food is not necessarily more expensive. Nutrient-dense foods are better digested in the dog’s system, meaning more nutrition is absorbed. In general, your dog will typically eat less nutritious food than a poor-quality one.

Whatever food you choose for your dog, putting some thought into your decision now can produce big rewards over his/her lifetime and may help avoid serious and costly health issues caused by poor nutrition. As always, if your pet has health issues that need to be addressed, please consult with your vet.

Poisonous Holiday Plants

Poisonous Holiday Plants

Health & Wellness, Holidays, WagBreeze Life

 Article Provided by Clay 30A | Illustrations by Sheila MacDiarmid

If you have live mistletoe plants in your house this holiday season, be sure to keep them out of reach from young children and pets. Deck the halls with boughs of holly — just don’t eat them!

Many of the plants we associate with the holiday season have a reputation for being poisonous. But which ones are dangerous? How serious is the threat? Should you forgo potentially poisonous holiday plants if you have young children or pets? Experts from the Blue Ridge Poison Center helped separate fact from fiction and offer some safety tips for your family.

Illustration of the plant, holly

Holly

Holly (Ilex species) is a small evergreen tree or shrub with stiff, prickly leaves and red berries. The berries contain toxic compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and — in rare cases — drowsiness.

Swallowing 20-30 berries is a toxic dose for adults, although there are reports of people who experience symptoms after swallowing smaller amounts.

Symptoms have been reported in children who swallowed as few as five berries. Young children and pets may be particularly attracted to the bright red berries. The leaves are not poisonous, but they could be a choking hazard.

illustrated image of mistletoe

Mistletoe

American Mistletoe (Phoradendron loranthaceae) has smooth, green oval-shaped leaves and clusters of waxy, white berries. Mistletoe is a parasitic plant.

It grows as a clump clinging to the branches and trunks of deciduous trees throughout the U.S. The entire plant contains toxins that can cause gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if swallowed.

Most cases reported to poison centers in the past 25 years involved young children who ate only a few leaves or berries at most. In those cases, symptoms were either mild or did not develop at all. Severe reactions are less common and associated with eating larger amounts of the plant, especially the leaves.

If young children or pets are going to be present in your home this holiday season, keep mistletoe up high, out of their reach. Stay vigilant for any leaves or berries that drop to the ground, in easy reach of pets.

illustrated image of a flower bulb

Bulbs

There are many species of spring-blooming, fragrant plants that grow from a bulb. Several, including amaryllis, paperwhites, daffodils, and hyacinth, have become popular holiday favorites.

We bring dormant bulbs indoors in autumn to encourage full bloom a few months early. These plants may be poisonous, especially the bulbs that look like onions or shallots.

Avoid mistaken identity — store loose bulbs in a safe place, far from food, where children and pets can’t reach.

If eaten, there may be symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some bulb species also contain compounds that can cause burning and irritation of the mouth, throat, and skin.

Did You Know?

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a showy shrub with green leaves and “flowers” that are red, white, or pink. The flowers are not true flowers; they’re leaves that changed color. Poinsettias have a reputation for being deadly, but in fact, they’re not poisonous at all.

The plant does contain a sap that can cause minor skin irritation in some people, but your pet would have to ingest nearly an entire plant to be in any danger. This sap can be irritating to the mouth and stomach if swallowed. Also, the large, soft leaves could be a choking hazard for a young child or pets.

Fearless Nail Trims

Fearless Nail Trims

Health & Wellness, Training, WagBreeze Life

Written by Hannah Burke Garbett, ACDBC

Your dog’s least favorite grooming chore doesn’t have to mean stress and conflict. Learn how to keep your dog’s nails nice and short – the fear-free way!

Teach your dog to DIY

For front paws, you can ditch the clippers and teach your dog to file their own nails by scratching on a scratchboard. Scratch boards have a hard surface covered with a coarse texture that acts like a nail file. They are easy to make using sandpaper or can be purchased from sellers like ScratchPad on Etsy. Teaching your dog to scratch is a lot like teaching your dog to “shake.”

  • Start by holding some treats in your hand on the scratchboard.
  • As soon as your dog raises their paw up to try and get the treat, mark the behavior with a clicker and reward.
  • Gradually start waiting for more scratching behavior before clicking.

If you prefer to use nail clippers or a Dremel nail grinder instead of a scratchboard, follow these tips for low-stress nail trimming:

Create a Spa Experience

Make sure your dog is secure and comfortable on a non-slip surface if standing for their trim or has a comfy bed if lying down for their paw-dicure.

Condition Your Dog to Love Having Their Paws Handled

Start by just touching your dog’s paws, then immediately giving them their favorite treat. Gradually work up to touching each paw pad and eventually each nail. Slowly add the clippers back into the picture, simply touching them to each nail at first. Make sure your dog is happy and relaxed at each step before moving on.

Add a Yummy Distraction

Sometimes a tasty distraction can make all the difference, especially for young puppies. My favorite go-to is a bit of natural peanut butter on
a Lickimat (a food-grade rubber mat designed to hold spreadable treats for dogs).

For dogs that exhibit fearful or aggressive behavior, contact a Fear Free certified professional to help you develop a training plan. A directory of Fear Free certified veterinarians and trainers can be found at www.fearfreepets.com.

Festive Feasts: Holiday Meals for Your Four-Legged Family Members

Festive Feasts: Holiday Meals for Your Four-Legged Family Members

Health & Wellness, Holidays, WagBreeze Life

Written by Dawn Guidry | Photography by Sydney Bassett

You can prepare a holiday feast for your dog that is both safe and healthy. Cooking for your dogs can be fun. The rule of thumb is to keep it simple, use healthy ingredients, and avoid processed foods.

All of the following recipes are dog and people-friendly, even though the flavors will be bland for people.

Recipes can be made ahead, though some may need warming or thawing. Feeding amounts should be adjusted to your dog’s size.

Photograph of Dog-Harmony's "Barkuterie" (charcuterie) board recipe for dogs

Barkuterie Board

Keep this one simple by purchasing your dogs’ favorite treats from your local dog store.

Suggested Ingredients

  • Fresh Carrots and Apple Slices (remove core and seeds)
  • Sam’s Yams Sweet Potato Treats
  • The Honest Kitchen Liver Chips
  • The Honest Kitchen Goat’s Milk Pumpkin Cinnamon Cookies
  • Freeze-Dried Chicken or Turkey Necks, Duck Hearts, Duck Feet

Instructions

Arrange compiled ingredients in a visually pleasing way.

Turkey Meatloaf *

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Ground Turkey, lean
  • 1 cup Brown Rice, cooked
  • ½ cup Spinach, chopped
  • ¼ cup Carrots, grated
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 tbsp Parsley Flakes
  • Tomato Paste (enough to cover the top of the meatloaf)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray. Mix the first five ingredients together in a medium bowl. Spoon and press the mixture into a loaf pan. Top with tomato paste and sprinkle with parsley. Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool before cutting or serving. Leftovers should be refrigerated.

* This recipe can also be rolled into meatballs. Bake them on a lightly sprayed cookie sheet for 15 to 20 minutes.

Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Yum

Ingredients

  • 1 Sweet Potato
  • 1/4 cup Unsweetened Coconut
  • 1/4 cup Pecans or Walnuts, chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°. Poke holes in the sweet potato with a fork. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until soft. Then remove it from the oven and let it cool. Once the potato is cool enough to handle, peel and mash it. Top with coconut and nuts, and serve.

Breakfast Scramble

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp fresh Spinach, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh Tomato, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • Olive Oil for cooking

Instructions

Beat the eggs and set aside— feel free to add a couple of tablespoons of water for fluffiness. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a small, non-stick skillet. Add the spinach and tomato to a skillet and cook until soft— about two to three minutes. Add the eggs and scramble continuously until cooked through— about one to two minutes. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Let cool before serving.

Cranberry Carob Ice Cream

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Plain Yogurt
  • 1 Banana
  • ½ cup Dried Cranberries, chopped
  • 1 oz Unsweetened Carob Chips, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Honey

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a medium mixing bowl. Using KitchenAid or hand mixer, mix all of the ingredients together until well blended, and pour into popsicle molds, ice cubes, or Dixie cups with popsicle sticks. Thaw for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Foods to Avoid

When crafting the perfect meal for your pup, remember there are also many holiday foods you should not be feeding your pet. Here are a few of our suggestions on what to avoid:**

  • Cooked Bones
  • Fatty Meat
  • Chocolate
  • Sugar or Sugar Substitutes (Watch for Xylitol)
  • Alcohol
  • Added Salt
  • Processed Deli Meats
  • Grapes/Raisins
  • Apple Core & Seeds
  • Most Nuts
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Yeast
  • Chips, Crackers, Cereal
  • Raw Dough

**This is not a complete list, so when in doubt, it’s best to ask your veterinarian.

From Rescue to Rehab: One Dog’s Mission to Bring Harmony to Healthcare

From Rescue to Rehab: One Dog’s Mission to Bring Harmony to Healthcare

Community, Health & Wellness, News

Written by Christie Solomon

An exuberant, reddish-brown puppy found herself living on the street in northwest Florida. Originally thought to be male, she was called Cleo by Animal Control. She was taken to two different animal rescue agencies before finding her place, the second of which determined she was, in fact, a girl, and changed her name to Chloe. When she was ready to be adopted into a “forever” home, Chloe was dressed up in cute costumes to disguise her large size, strength, and likely pit bull heritage, and she even appeared in the local news.

After more than six months at the shelter, a new volunteer who did not intend to adopt a dog appeared. It was love at first sight and the would-be volunteer immediately dropped to the ground to greet Chloe, who excitedly kissed her face. The volunteer took Chloe home on a trial basis and the pair began working diligently on training with Nancy Bown, CPDT-KA and founder of Dog-Harmony. Chloe gradually gained confidence and overcame her fear of garbage trucks and plastic bags.

Bown, an evaluator for Intermountain Therapy Animals, recognized that Chloe had the right personality to become a therapy dog and encouraged the pair to become evaluated. In 2023 at age six, Chloe and her mom became a certified therapy dog team with Dog-Harmony. They now volunteer at HCA Florida Healthcare’s Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Florida in Destin. 

Each week, Chloe brings 65 pounds of love and joy to staff and patients – and the occasional tears to patients who miss their dogs. Her favorite place to visit at the rehab center is the physical therapy (PT) gym, where she can interact with the PT patients. She is a great aid, assisting with repetitive arm movements as a command to sit, stay, or play fetch.

One day, Chloe almost fell asleep standing up as she received an excellent massage from a patient, who she distracted from blood pressure measurements before the patient began her work in the gym. The patient’s blood pressure visually dropped on the device’s screen as she patted Chloe.

A fellow volunteer at the rehab center, Sue Marks, said of Chloe:

“The staff have to give Chloe a hug, pet, or scratch and they tell us which patients in specific rooms would love a visit from Chloe each week. We have learned so many pet names and breeds belonging to the staff and patients. A smile after a visit from Chloe goes a long way. She is so well-behaved. She takes treats nicely. She makes my day on Fridays, too.”

Appreciating Chloe’s regular visits, the staff at the rehab center awarded Chloe the prestigious honor of Employee of the Month in February 2024.

Today, roughly 50% of American households (approximately 65 million) have a dog at home. Nearly all pet owners in the U.S. (97%) consider their companion animals family members. Living with dogs at home reduces stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and improves the mood of humans.

Medical studies have shown that patients interacting with qualified therapy dog teams have been able to heal and recover faster. After only a few minutes of interaction, it is evident how profoundly therapy dog teams affect patients and staff as they benefit from a “bit of home” in a difficult clinical setting.

In an inpatient rehabilitation unit of John Hopkins University’s School of Medicine, doctors realized “patients who participated in animal therapy were able to meet goals faster by involving the animals – standing for longer periods while patting a dog, for instance.”

Dog-Harmony is experiencing an overwhelming demand for qualified therapy dog teams in healthcare and a significant shortage of qualified therapy dog teams in northwest Florida. The 501(c)3 non-profit provides complimentary, ongoing training for therapy dog teams, coordinates their placement in healthcare facilities, accompanies team visits, and provides management and oversight for its healthcare partners. Dog-Harmony spends an average of 10 hours of orientation, which is provided at no cost to the teams, and is required for each team after the evaluation resulting in certification.

Because of Dog-Harmony’s significant experience and multiple relationships with national pet therapy organizations (i.e., Intermountain Therapy Animals, Therapy Pet Connections, Pet Partners, etc.), the non-profit can manage and assign qualified dog therapy teams based on abilities, temperaments, and clinical requirements.

The non-profit also spends a significant number of hours on continued monitoring of team performance and ongoing therapy dog team training specific to animal-assisted therapy in healthcare.

According to Dog-Harmony’s regionally-focused survey of 895 respondents in 2023, 31% of people think animal-assisted therapy is “very important” and most responded with interest in helping to support by volunteering their time, skills, and knowledge. Dog-Harmony also needs financial support to sustain the hospital therapy dog program, which is provided at no cost; and for interested therapy dog partners to start the certification program required to volunteer at regional healthcare facilities.

To support Dog-Harmony’s therapy dog program, currently managed for HCA Florida Destin-Fort Walton Beach and Twin Cities hospitals, and expand its reach to additional healthcare institutions in the area, visit Dog-Harmony.org/donate.