Provide proper shelter for pets this winter
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to The Star-Herald
This is predicted to be a very cold week, folks, please give me some peace of mind and bring your pets inside if possible. If it isn’t possible to bring them inside, please at least provide them with a decent shelter to get out of the wind and provide them with some warm bedding.
You should even feed them a bit more food during the really cold days; it takes a lot of energy to keep an animal warm. I try to give my dogs a bit extra wet food with some warm water on it during the really cold days — not that they will spend much time outside, but it makes me feel much better.
We stop to think about our own dental needs, especially when “dragon breath” invades our mouths, but have you ever considered the dental health of your cat or dog? The following information comes from Dr. Farnham’s Pet Products regarding dental disease in cats and dogs.
General information — Dental calculus (tartar) is composed of various mineral salts, organic material and food particles. In the early stages of accumulation, the material is soft (plaque), but it later hardens and adheres to the teeth. Continual accumulation causes inflammation of the gums and eventual recession of the gums and loose teeth. The breath becomes very odorous and the mouth becomes a dangerous source of infection. Untreated tooth and gum disease may allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause damage to the valves of the heart.
Prevention:
• Feed hard or coarse foods;
• Provide rawhide, hard rubber or nylon chew toys or hard treat foods. Remember that the treat foods are a source of calories and may lead to obesity if too many are given;
• Brush your pet’s teeth periodically. Your veterinarian can provide special enzymatic toothpaste developed for the teeth of cats and dogs. Abrasive dental cleaning pads are also helpful in cleaning the teeth. Water and baking soda can be used with a soft toothbrush but are less effective than toothpaste developed for animals; and
• Regular professional cleaning by your veterinarian is the most effective way to ensure good dental health for your pet.
So have your cat’s and dog’s teeth checked often by your veterinarian to prevent the unnecessary loss of teeth and the cure for “dragon breath.”
If you are looking for a “friend for life” check out the animals available for adoption at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or give us a call at 764-3441.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered, there just aren’t enough good homes for all of them!
