Dental Health Is Important Enough To Do It Right

"Wow, does my pet's breath smell terrible!" We hear this every day at Fayette Veterinary Medical Center. MOST of the time, this bad breath is due to dental disease. Almost 100% of dogs and cats get some degree of dental disease because so many of us do not brush their teeth EVERY DAY. This is tough to do sometimes, but they build up plaque and tartar just like we do. And wow, does it build up fast when we do not care for their teeth daily. Our encouragement to you: Do not take shortcuts in treating dental disease. Most of the time, a professional dental cleaning is needed to get a fresh start at dental care. This must be done under general anesthesia. Go to our website and read an article on why you should not allow a semi-professional to clean your pet's teeth without anesthesia...the reasons may surprise you. Just click on our website and go to the RESOURSES button and then COMPANY NEWS . Here's to not only FRESH BREATH and PEARLY WHITES, but a HEALTHIER PET!

Pets Enhance Life All Around Us!

Pets have an amazing affect on people in so many ways. We all have heard how touching a pet can cause a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure, and calm nerves. Cancer patients have a smoother recovery with daily interaction with pets. I just read in USA today about an amazing use of a Labrador Retriever in the courtroom. When kids experience anxiety at having to testify in the courtroom, "Ellie" comes to the rescue! Just by sitting next to the child, nerves are calmed and the event goes so much better with less stress. Check out this article: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-02-22-court-dogs_N.htm
I am filled with wonder at the power of the human-animal bond! What a great gift they can be for us.
Dr. Mike

Don't Think Fleas are Gone - Keep up your Winter Treatment!

Don't be fooled into thinking that because it is winter, all of your flea issues are gone. If you have not been using a monthly flea product like Frontline, Sentinel, or Revolution, you probably have a "bio-mass" living in the environment that your pet occupies. This "bio-mass" consists of eggs, cocoons (pupae), and larvae of the flea population. They are all "waiting" for the right conditions to pop out into adults and begin to torment you AND your pet. Give the flea product monthly all year-round and avoid this problem. Also, if you are beginning the product, expect to see fleas at least 21 days after the first application. If you do, we can give one or two doses of a supplemental product, but keep up the original product...it's working! Call us any time for advise.