Advice from Your Kansas City Veterinarians

If your dentist has ever talked to you about periodontal disease, then you understand the importance of regular dental checkups and self care. But what about your pets? The truth is that dogs and cats face many of the same dental challenges as humans, include the risk of periodontal disease, making pet dentistry an important part of any animal’s wellness routine.

Periodontal disease develops due to plaque formation on teeth. This plaque attracts bacteria, which feeds on it and then releases substances called endotoxins that attack the tooth enamel, gums, connective tissues and underlying bone. As the structures that hold the tooth in place deteriorate, the tooth eventually loosens and falls out.

Painful, loose or missing teeth make it impossible for a pet to chew his food properly, leading to digestive issues and generally making your pet miserable. If periodontal disease stopped there, it would be bad enough. But the same bacteria that damages tooth structures can also enter the bloodstream and migrate to your pet’s vital organs.

How Does Our Veterinary Hospital Help?

If your pet grooms himself frequently, eats mostly soft foods, is a toy breed with a small mouth or suffers from a nutritional problem, he may be at an elevated risk for periodontal disease. Symptoms include inflamed, swollen, blistered or bleeding gums, so if you see any of these indicators you should bring your pet to our Kansas City veterinarian for evaluation and treatment right away.

Here at Animal Clinic of Boardwalk Square in Kansas City, our staff performs both emergency pet dentistry and regular preventative care. We can remove your pet’s plaque buildup, either with or without sedation, while checking for abscesses, tumors or other problems. Your pet should also receive home brushing, in which case we can recommend a “pets-only” toothpaste and show you the correct brushing technique.

A healthier mouth means a healthier pet. Make sure your beloved friend can keep enjoying dinnertime for many years to come!

Has your pet ever had a dental problem? Share your story here!

We are Bringing Back our Saturday Hours

Our Kansas City veterinarian, Dr. Deam and our entire staff at Animal Clinic of Boardwalk Square have great news! Starting January 7th, 2012, we will be open on Saturdays. In addition to providing veterinary care for your animal family member Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (with later appointment times available on Tuesday and Thursdays), we will be open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Flexibility and Full Service Veterinary Care

Our animal clinic staff hopes that these extended hours will provide you and your family the flexibility that you need when scheduling an appointment for your pet. At Animal Clinic of Boardwalk Square, we know that life can be hectic for many of our pet owners. Between work, family and social commitments, it can be tough to find time to schedule your pet’s dental cleaning appointment, get them in for their much needed grooming session, or set up an appointment for their regular vaccinations.

With our new extended Saturday clinic hours, we are here to provide the wellness care, vaccinations, or pet dentistry services that your pet needs. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.

How do you keep up with the veterinary needs of your pet? Will the new Saturday Hours have a big impact on your family’s schedule?

Pet Boarding Makes for a Happier Holiday

We wish all of our Kansas City patients and their owners an enjoyable holiday season. Many of you are undoubtedly planning trips and will not be able to take your animal companions with you. However, leaving a pet at home with occasional visits and feedings by a friend, relative or pet sitter does not guarantee a happy holiday.

Pets who miss their families may feel confused or abandoned, and in their agitation they may misbehave, act depressed or even escape the second the caretaker opens the door. Pets who must take regular medication or are recovering from a surgical procedure may need a higher level of care than a non-professional can provide. Fortunately, we offer that professionalism right here at Animal Clinic of Boardwalk Square in Kansas City.

Why Board Your Pet with a Veterinarian?

When you board your pet at our veterinary hospital, we can perform any medical care that might be due, such as spaying, neutering or vaccinations. We can also perform pet grooming, which allows us to check for skin problems, ear mites or other potential health issues. Our veterinarian, Dr. Deam, will administer any medications your pet is currently taking. Post-operative pets will find our facility the ideal place to continue their recovery until you return. Perhaps most critically, you can rest assured that your pet is already in the right hands if a medical emergency occurs.

At Animal Clinic of Boardwalk Square, we look after pets’ emotional well being as well as their physical health. We offer a friendly, calm, caring environment with plenty of warm bedding and personal attention -- a genuine home away from home. Your pet is always safe and sound, with trained professionals looking after them. And when you know your pet is happy and relaxed, you can feel happy and relaxed. So give your pet and yourself a wonderful holiday season with our professional boarding service!

Is your pet getting any special presents this year? Tell us here -- we can keep a secret!

Laser Treatment for Kansas City Pets with Arthritis

At the Animal Clinic of Boardwalk Square, our veterinarian, Dr. Billie Deam, incorporates the latest advances in dog & cat surgery into the procedures we offer. Because we focus on services that contribute to overall pet wellness, our veterinary hospital is thrilled to also offer laser treatment for pets with arthritis.

Laser surgery is a cutting edge technology that better targets the affected area, reduces bleeding and inflammation and decreases healing time. Routine spay and neuter procedures, as well as cosmetic surgeries, use laser technology. But, the latest advancement is the use of laser therapy to treat arthritis.

Don't Let Arthritis Keep Pets From Enjoying a Long and Happy Life

If your animal companion has slowed due to “old age” or is protective about thier hips or joints, he or she might have arthritis. Modern laser therapy treats arthritis by using light to stimulate cells and increase blood circulation, which helps reduce pain signals and nerve sensitivity. It also releases endorphins, or natural painkillers, that help your pet feel better. The procedure usually takes from ten to thirty minutes, depending on the size of the animal and the severity of its condition.

Although it may not be right for all pets, our veterinarian uses this non-invasive, non-surgical healing alternative because it lessens the need for prescription painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications. Results can sometimes be seen almost immediately. People are happy to see their pets feeling comfortable, moving about and once again enjoying many of the daily activities of animal life.

In addition to dog & cat surgery, services available at our Kansas City animal clinic include holistic and acupuncture treatments, pet wellness exams and vaccinations, grooming and pet boarding.

What questions or concerns do you have about laser surgery or any of our services? Send them in and we’ll be happy to answer because our motto is: “Quality Care For Your Best Friend!”

Has your pet received laser treatment? What were the effects of the therapy?

No Sweet Treat:
Why Chocolate is Dangerous for Dogs and Cats

Don’t give in to those begging puppy eyes! Chocolate is poisonous for both dogs and cats and even small amounts can result in a fatal overdose.

Sadly, here at Animal Clinic of Boardwalk Square, our Kansas City veterinarian has seen many tragic cases of chocolate poisoning. Many owners knew that chocolate was bad but simply did not realize how dangerous this substance actually is for pets.

The Truth About Chocolate:
Why Just a Little Can Land Your Pet in a Veterinary Hospital

Chocolate contains the chemical theobromine, a naturally occurring stimulant in cocoa beans. Theobromine affects the central nervous system and heart muscle, leading to vomiting, diarrhea and hyperactivity. An increase in your dog’s heart rate can lead to muscle twitching, urination, excessive panting and arrhythmia.

So, how much chocolate is ‘deadly’? It depends on the size of your cat or dog. A teaspoon of chocolate will not kill a 50-pound dog, but if the same dog eats a slice of chocolate cake, they will require emergency care. The type of chocolate also affects the amount of theobromine. At only 1 mg per ounce, white chocolate contains relatively little theobromine. Baking chocolate, on the other end, contains 450mg per ounce – a serving dose that can fatal for a small dog or cat.

Chocolate is not toxic to humans because our bodies can effectively break down theobromine. Cats and dogs, however, cannot break it down. And while just a taste of chocolate is not fatal, after pets taste the flavor, they crave more. This can lead to your dog gobbling up half a chocolate pie when you are not look – which can send your dog straight to the veterinary hospital.

Our veterinarian always cautions pet owners to be diligent, especially around the holidays. Remind your children not to leave chocolate candy out after trick-or-treating for Halloween. Ask Thanksgiving dinner guests not to feed your cat or dog any treats, including chocolate, stuffing and turkey bones.

If your pet consumes chocolate, even a small amount, urgent veterinary care is required to ensure your pet does not become fatally ill.

How do you keep chocolate and people food out of your pet's paws?