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One of our goals at Compassion Animal Hospital
Is to provide the highest quality of preventative
medicine--catching problems before they start.
Is to provide the highest quality of preventative
medicine--catching problems before they start.
We offer Wellness Profiles
with every yearly Vaccination
visit. With this profile we can
check the liver and kidneys
and this includes your Heart
worm test. All for a very
affordable price.
with every yearly Vaccination
visit. With this profile we can
check the liver and kidneys
and this includes your Heart
worm test. All for a very
affordable price.
Dental Cleanings is another
service we offer and keeping your
pets teeth clean helps prevent
infection from spreading to the
heart, liver and other internal organs.
service we offer and keeping your
pets teeth clean helps prevent
infection from spreading to the
heart, liver and other internal organs.
But don't wait for your
yearly vaccinations!
Wellness profiles are
available at any time!
yearly vaccinations!
Wellness profiles are
available at any time!
We also offer Boarding for your pets! So go on vacation or attend your
business conference with the satisfaction in knowing your pet is safe and
happy while you are away. This includes your feathery and reptilian pets also!
Not just for Dogs and Cats anymore!
Call ahead and make your reservations , especially if you are needing boarding
accommodations during the Holidays.
business conference with the satisfaction in knowing your pet is safe and
happy while you are away. This includes your feathery and reptilian pets also!
Not just for Dogs and Cats anymore!
Call ahead and make your reservations , especially if you are needing boarding
accommodations during the Holidays.
Contact us at:
staff.hospital@compassionanimalhospital.com
512-515-6566 Hospital
512-515-6899 Fax
staff.hospital@compassionanimalhospital.com
512-515-6566 Hospital
512-515-6899 Fax
Healthy Mouth = Healthier Life
Each year, February is designated as Pet Dental Health month.
Various organizations, such as the American Veterinary Medical
Association (AVMA), the American Veterinary Dental Society, and
Hill's Pet Food promote pet dental health awareness
campaigns. February isn't the only time to think about good oral
health though. Keeping your pet's teeth and gums in good
shape has many health benefits in addition to the sparkling
fresh breath. Now is the time to schedule that checkup for your
pet to ensure the best dental health possible.
My pet has bad breath. Are bad teeth and gums the cause?
Most likely, YES. However, it is very important to schedule a visit
to the veterinarian. In rare cases, some diseases or situations
can cause bad breath in the absence of, or in addition to,
tooth/gum disease. Conditions such as kidney failure, diabetes,
nasal or facial skin infections, cancers, or situations where the
animal is ingesting feces or other materials, can cause bad
breath with or without periodontal disease.
What actually causes the bad breath when tooth/gum disease
is present?
Bad breath, medically known as "halitosis", results from the
bacterial infection of the gums (gingiva) and supporting tissues
seen with periodontal disease (periodontal = occurring around a
tooth).
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a colony of bacteria, mixed with saliva, blood cell, and
other bacterial components. Plaque often leads to tooth and
gum disease. Dental tartar, or calculus, occurs when plaque
becomes mineralized (hard) and firmly adheres to the tooth
enamel then erodes the gingival tissue.
What can happen if my pet's teeth aren't cleaned?
Both plaque and tartar damage the teeth and gums. Disease
starts with the gums (gingiva). They become inflamed - red,
swollen, and sore. The gums finally separate from the teeth,
creating pockets where more bacteria, plaque, and tartar build
up. This in turn causes more damage, and finally tooth and
bone loss.
This affects the whole body, too. Bacteria from these inflamed
oral areas can enter the bloodstream and affect major body
organs. The liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs are most commonly
affected. Antibiotics are used prior to and after a dental cleaning
to prevent bacterial spread through the blood stream.
But my pet is only 3 years old! Isn't this an "old dog/cat disease"?
No - dental disease is NOT just for the senior pets.
Each year, February is designated as Pet Dental Health month.
Various organizations, such as the American Veterinary Medical
Association (AVMA), the American Veterinary Dental Society, and
Hill's Pet Food promote pet dental health awareness
campaigns. February isn't the only time to think about good oral
health though. Keeping your pet's teeth and gums in good
shape has many health benefits in addition to the sparkling
fresh breath. Now is the time to schedule that checkup for your
pet to ensure the best dental health possible.
My pet has bad breath. Are bad teeth and gums the cause?
Most likely, YES. However, it is very important to schedule a visit
to the veterinarian. In rare cases, some diseases or situations
can cause bad breath in the absence of, or in addition to,
tooth/gum disease. Conditions such as kidney failure, diabetes,
nasal or facial skin infections, cancers, or situations where the
animal is ingesting feces or other materials, can cause bad
breath with or without periodontal disease.
What actually causes the bad breath when tooth/gum disease
is present?
Bad breath, medically known as "halitosis", results from the
bacterial infection of the gums (gingiva) and supporting tissues
seen with periodontal disease (periodontal = occurring around a
tooth).
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a colony of bacteria, mixed with saliva, blood cell, and
other bacterial components. Plaque often leads to tooth and
gum disease. Dental tartar, or calculus, occurs when plaque
becomes mineralized (hard) and firmly adheres to the tooth
enamel then erodes the gingival tissue.
What can happen if my pet's teeth aren't cleaned?
Both plaque and tartar damage the teeth and gums. Disease
starts with the gums (gingiva). They become inflamed - red,
swollen, and sore. The gums finally separate from the teeth,
creating pockets where more bacteria, plaque, and tartar build
up. This in turn causes more damage, and finally tooth and
bone loss.
This affects the whole body, too. Bacteria from these inflamed
oral areas can enter the bloodstream and affect major body
organs. The liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs are most commonly
affected. Antibiotics are used prior to and after a dental cleaning
to prevent bacterial spread through the blood stream.
But my pet is only 3 years old! Isn't this an "old dog/cat disease"?
No - dental disease is NOT just for the senior pets.
. Start with your veterinarian - a dental exam for your pet
This is the first step for a successful home health program. Your
veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet's mouth: teeth, gums and
oral cavity and make a recommendation if a professional cleaning is
necessary. Many pet owners worry about anesthesia for dental
cleanings. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your vet and address
any issues beforehand.
2. Ask your veterinarian for a tooth care demonstration after the dental
cleaning
After a professional cleaning, ask your veterinarian if s/he can
demonstrate the proper techniques suited for your particular pet and any
special needs your pet may have. Most vets will be happy to oblige and
can offer advice on toothpastes and brushes that are suited for your
pet's dental health and temperament. If your pet is young or not in need
of a cleaning, your vet should also be able to review techniques during
the initial exam. Starting a home dental program while your pet is young
is the best bet for good dental health.3. Shop for an appropriate
toothpaste
Your veterinarian and most pet supply stores will likely carry a selection
of toothpaste choices. Do not use human toothpaste! Besides not being
tasty for pets, human toothpaste is "sudsy" and is meant to be rinsed
out, not swallowed. Many pet toothpastes are enzymatic, offering greater
cleansing action on food debris and plaque and can be swallowed (do
not need to be rinsed out). Most pets prefer meat-flavored toothpastes,
such as beef and chicken over mint flavors. Start with a small sample
first, if possible to find a flavor your pet likes and agrees with. 4. Shop for
an appropriate tooth brush or cleaning tool
I say brush or "cleaning tool" because there are alternatives to brushing
for pets that cannot tolerate a brush in their mouth. Brushes are familiar
to humans, offer a good "reach" and great cleansing action. There are
several pet-specific toothbrushes available at your vet's or pet supply
store. Be sure to select a brush size that is appropriate for your pet's
mouth with soft bristles. If this will not work for your pet, consider a
finger-tip "brush", a tissue or cloth or, as a last resort, a mouth spray (for
animals who cannot tolerate anything in their mouth).5. Introduce your
pet to brushing and dental care slowly
The most important things to be aware of when starting a home dental
care program is to: 1) not get bitten and 2) not harm your pet's mouth in
the process of brushing. If you are unsure of your pet's reaction, go
slowly. Start with a small amount of toothpaste -- let your pet smell and
taste it, praising and encouraging your pet. Add the brush (or other tool)
once you feel comfortable and your pet knows what to expect. Brush
gently, stroking from the gums downward. Do not worry about brushing
the inside of the teeth (by tongue), as they are cleansed by saliva.6. How
often should you brush your pet's teeth?
The best answer is daily, just like humans brush their teeth. Realistically
though, once or twice a week is great. Setting up a routine and getting
into the habit will help. 7. Bones or chew toys to help keep teeth clean
This is the first step for a successful home health program. Your
veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet's mouth: teeth, gums and
oral cavity and make a recommendation if a professional cleaning is
necessary. Many pet owners worry about anesthesia for dental
cleanings. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your vet and address
any issues beforehand.
2. Ask your veterinarian for a tooth care demonstration after the dental
cleaning
After a professional cleaning, ask your veterinarian if s/he can
demonstrate the proper techniques suited for your particular pet and any
special needs your pet may have. Most vets will be happy to oblige and
can offer advice on toothpastes and brushes that are suited for your
pet's dental health and temperament. If your pet is young or not in need
of a cleaning, your vet should also be able to review techniques during
the initial exam. Starting a home dental program while your pet is young
is the best bet for good dental health.3. Shop for an appropriate
toothpaste
Your veterinarian and most pet supply stores will likely carry a selection
of toothpaste choices. Do not use human toothpaste! Besides not being
tasty for pets, human toothpaste is "sudsy" and is meant to be rinsed
out, not swallowed. Many pet toothpastes are enzymatic, offering greater
cleansing action on food debris and plaque and can be swallowed (do
not need to be rinsed out). Most pets prefer meat-flavored toothpastes,
such as beef and chicken over mint flavors. Start with a small sample
first, if possible to find a flavor your pet likes and agrees with. 4. Shop for
an appropriate tooth brush or cleaning tool
I say brush or "cleaning tool" because there are alternatives to brushing
for pets that cannot tolerate a brush in their mouth. Brushes are familiar
to humans, offer a good "reach" and great cleansing action. There are
several pet-specific toothbrushes available at your vet's or pet supply
store. Be sure to select a brush size that is appropriate for your pet's
mouth with soft bristles. If this will not work for your pet, consider a
finger-tip "brush", a tissue or cloth or, as a last resort, a mouth spray (for
animals who cannot tolerate anything in their mouth).5. Introduce your
pet to brushing and dental care slowly
The most important things to be aware of when starting a home dental
care program is to: 1) not get bitten and 2) not harm your pet's mouth in
the process of brushing. If you are unsure of your pet's reaction, go
slowly. Start with a small amount of toothpaste -- let your pet smell and
taste it, praising and encouraging your pet. Add the brush (or other tool)
once you feel comfortable and your pet knows what to expect. Brush
gently, stroking from the gums downward. Do not worry about brushing
the inside of the teeth (by tongue), as they are cleansed by saliva.6. How
often should you brush your pet's teeth?
The best answer is daily, just like humans brush their teeth. Realistically
though, once or twice a week is great. Setting up a routine and getting
into the habit will help. 7. Bones or chew toys to help keep teeth clean
