February 2010

Companion Animal Times: Paws for News

February is Pet Dental Month

“Doggie Breath:” Not a laughing matter

Bad breath in dogs and cats is often referred to in a joking manner. It is caused by millions of bacteria trapped in plaque and tarter on the tooth surface and below the gums. Peridontal disease is the most common disease diagnosed in pets. February is National Dental Month and a good time to schedule your pet for their annual dental cleaning. Dental disease affects up to 80% of pets over the age of three and can also cause heart, kidney, liver and joint disease. You can help your furry friends at home with daily dental care. Mention this newsletter for $30.00 off a professional dental cleaning during February and March. Give them fresh breath again!

Before Dental Cleaning After Dental Cleaning
Before Cleaning After Cleaning

What’s New at Companion

Digital Radiography has Arrived

Digital X-ray

We are excited to announce the recent installation of a new Fuji digital radiology system. This is the same system used in many human hospitals and ER's. Digital radiography allows us to rapidly obtain high quality images as well as share x-ray images with radiologists. By eliminating chemical processing, we minimize exposure to our employees and the environment! All x-rays can now be viewed on computer moniters throughout the office. In addition, EFA-Vet digital radiology has been installed at our dental station, where it's use helps us diagnose and treat painful conditions both above and below the gum line. GO GREEN!

Dr. Wheeler’s Q&A

Sometime during the night my Pomeranian found and ate a small package of M&M’s. He seemed OK the next day, but when should I be concerned?

Worried Wendy

Dr. Wheeler replies:

Ah, your dog loves sweet snacks just like I do! Unfortunately, one of the active ingredients in chocolate (theobromine) is dangerous to dogs because their body doesn’t break it down as quickly as our body does. Thus, even a relatively small amount of chocolate can cause toxicity, which could be demonstrated by vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, a fast heart rate or even death. The toxic dose is based on weight, as well as the kind of chocolate the dog ingested. Milk chocolate is the least toxic, followed by semi-sweet and then baker’s (the concentrated kind that often comes in little squares.) Your 10 lb Pomeranian would have to eat 4 oz of the milk chocolate, 1.4 oz of the semi-sweet or 0.5 oz of the baker’s to develop signs of toxicity. To treat for chocolate toxicity, we often need to induce vomiting and give activated charcoal to eliminate any additional absorption. A more serious exposure might also require hospitalization for IV fluids or other medical support. Like so many things in life, prevention is the best medicine. Your little dog did fine this time but, as you recently discovered, dogs have great noses and will find the secret Snickers stashes in your purse or coat pocket. My advice is to hide the chocolate from the dogs (and kids!) behind the vegetables in the freezer.

Meet the Groomer

AllisonName:  Allison Topp

Experience: Grooming dogs and cats for 13 years! Also is a member of the Minnesota Groomer’s Association.

Pets:  Tigger the cat, Callisto (that’s me in the picture!) the cat, four diamond doves, and Alice, the rat.

Interests: I enjoy reading, camping, hiking, spending time with my daughter, Ashley, and being a soccer mom.  I also enjoy music and watching movies.


Look Who Visited Us Recently!

Bentley Hillary Casey
Bentley Hillary Casey
I was just adopted by my new family! I also think I’m a lap dog ••• is 42lbs too big for your lap?
I look just like my mom, Matilda. We love to come board and snuggle with the kennel staff.
If you’ve been to Companion you may have seen my cute face, I come to daycare everyday!

Companion Animal Hospital | 1321 Duckwood Drive, Eagan, Minnesota 55123 | (651)456-5665
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