It is indeed much more than just bad breath; it is an infection that leads to pain and possible organ damage. Bad breath is a warning sign of a very harmful and damaging disease that can easily be prevented by regular dental check-ups and preventative at-home care.

There are four stages of periodontal disease:

Stage I is gingivitis and is characterized by swollen and inflamed gums and some plaque. This stage is reversible with appropriate treatment.

Stage II is called early periodontitis and now the odor begins to become apparent. This is a painful mouth. Professional treatment and home care can prevent this stage from becoming irreversible.

Stage III is moderate periodontitis. The gums are cherry red, may bleed and are being destroyed by infection and calculus (tarter) leading to a sore mouth and affecting eating and behavior.

Stage IV is advanced periodontitis. Chronic bacterial infection starts to destroy the gum, tooth, and bone. At this stage the bacteria can become so overwhelming that infection starts to spread throughout the entire body via the bloodstream causing harm to the liver, kidneys, and heart, etc.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the caring staff at Sugarloaf Animal Clinic at 602-971-2720. We are proud to reiterate our commitment to your pets’ health by announcing a semi-annual Dental Month in August, in addition to The National Dental Health Month of February.

Information regarding the importance of proper dental care can be found at the following links:

http://www.avma.org/animal_health/pawsforpets/dental.asp

http://petdental.com/pd2/displayContent.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474395183460&bmUID=1176232877433

http://www.virbacvet.com/cet/periodontal_disease/

Happy July 4^th!

4^th of July and the monsoon thunderstorms are around the corner. These can cause a lot of distress to our pets. Some of these are exhibited as increased pacing, hiding, whining, and increased drooling. You may also note excessive barking, howling, and destructive behavior. Frightened pets are also more likely to escape and get lost.

We wanted to remind you that there are medical aids that can make this season less traumatic for our four-legged furry friends. Please call for more details. 602-971-2720

We will be open regular business hours Saturday July 3^rd, 9am-1pm and Monday July 5^th, 7am -6pm.

What are the advantages of spaying in the female dog?

Prevention of “heat” or estrus

When in “heat”, the female experiences an urge to escape in order to find a mate. This unwanted and dangerous behavior is eliminated.

It eliminates the possibility of false pregnancy following the “heat cycle”

Prevention of uterine infection known as pyometra

The prevention of breast cancer. Dogs spayed before the first “heat” have less than 0.5% chance of developing breast cancer.

Elimination of the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer

What are the advantages of neutering my male dog?

Reduces the risk of prostate cancer and prostatitis

Reduces the risk of hormone-related diseases such as perianal adenoma

Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, the second most common cancer in intact dogs

Removal of sexual urges, which usually decreases roaming behaviors

Reduction of certain types of aggression

Why should I have my cat spayed?

Spaying eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers.

Breast cancer is the number one type of cancer diagnosed in intact or un-spayed female cats.

If your cat is spayed before her first heat cycle, there is less than ½ of 1% (0.5%) chance of developing breast cancer.

With every subsequent heat cycle, the risk of developing breast cancer increases.

After 2½ years of ageovariohysterectomy gives no protective benefit against developing breast cancer.

Pets with diabetes or epilepsy should be spayed to prevent hormonal changes that may interfere with medications

Why should I have my cat neutered?

Neutering is very beneficial to the health of the cat, especially if performed at an early age. Following puberty, which occurs at approximately eight to nine months of age, the male cat often develops a number of undesirable behavioral changes.

Prevents territorial marking (urine spraying)

Helps prevent territorial fighting

Microchipping saves lives! Microchipping and keeping the microchip registration information updated is critical to bringing home lost pets. Recent studies from Ohio State University reveal that only 75% of lost microchipped pets were reunited with their owners.  The reason for this is incorrect or outdated owner contact information in the microchip registry database (35.4%) or the owners had not registered their pets’ microchip at all.  A new resource made available from AAHA (American Animal Hospital Assoc.) www.petmicrochiplookup.org is now available to verify that your pet’s information is correct and current in the databases.