Frequently Asked Questions
That is a great question, but one that is difficult to answer. Like every person has different dental requirements, each pet has different dental problems and solutions. The tough thing is to determine how bad those problems are in an animal that often doesn’t like the old vet poking around its mouth, especially those teeth at the back of the mouth, where the gag reflex and temperament can limit examination. We can estimate with the office call examination fee, and then discuss with you how you’d specifically like us to proceed, as we are fully equipped to do complete human style dentistry with x-rays evaluation for hidden disease, to the old “common-sense” style dentistry procedures, such as removing rotten, loose teeth and initiating more preventive dental care foods and habits to limit development of further disease. We believe in thoroughly checking for underlying disease involvement, so we always will include some blood evaluation before proceeding with a dental or any other anesthetic procedure.
Based on our experience, we believe all dogs should be on a tick and flea prevention, and year-round is the best way to prevent these problems. Both parasites need a bit of warmth to be active – but the skin of a thick haired Chow in the middle of Saskatchewan is a nice environment for fleas all winter, and ticks can start feeding on mammals over 4 C, so even in most of the winters of southern BC. For cats we use Revolution, primarily for flea control, as we don’t worry about Lyme’s disease in cats very often. In dogs a MONTHLY treat can be given with food, and if your dog takes it well, you may find it easier to use a once every 3 month product as a therapeutic treat.
Come and see us for an examination. Lameness can be from anything from over-exertion to arthritis. After the examination we can often give you a better idea of management and prognosis.
We will often pluck a few hairs, and gently scrape the skin to microscopically examine the pathology present, so we can direct therapy appropriately. Many times allergies and parasites are involved to some degree. We encourage owners to prevent contact with the offending allergens as much as possible, and to prevent parasite infestation, and consider immunotherapy to decrease the reliance on medications meant to mask the clinical signs. Often immune prevention is more effective than dealing with the frustration of chronic and recurrent problems.
When male dogs are aroused, they have a swelling bilaterally of part of the penis in front of the scrotal sac that confuses some owners. We normally recommend neutering at 6 to 18 months of age to prevent behavioural issues arising from sexual frustration, to avoid unwanted pregnancies, and to minimize the risk of prostate problems and cancer at a later age.