Common Pet Poisonings

By Tammy, LVT

   There are many things in our homes that can be toxic to our pets.  Some of these items are safe for us, so we don't always think of them being harmful to our pets. 

    Here are a few of the more common poisons

Homemade Treat Recipes

By Amy, LVT

Using canned food:
   1. Shake the loaf of food out of the can.
   2. Cut the loaf into 1/4 - inch thick slices, then divide each
           slice into bite - size pieces.
   3. Microwave treats on high for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.  If using
           a conventional oven, place bite - sized pieces on an
           ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 30 minutes
           or until crispy.

Using dry food:
    1. In a blender, grind 2 cups of dry food into a powder.
    2. Pour powder into a mixing bowl, and gradually add 1 to 1 1/4 cups
           of water.
    3. Shape into individual "cookie," and flatten the dough with the back of
           a spoon.
           (The dough will not flatten like it does with standard "people cookies.")
    4. Place the treats on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake at 350 for 30 minutes
           or until crispy.

Homemade treats should not exceed 10% of the pet's total daily intake because heat alters the nutritional characteristics of the food.  Baked treats should be stored in the refrigerator, never frozen.  Discard leftovers after 5 to 7 days.

This recipe may be used with any Hill's Prescription Diet pet food except Canine and Feline a/d, and Canine n/d and s/d.  In these cases, the canned food can be rolled into balls and placed in the freezer to serve as a frozen treat.
              

Are Dentals For Your Pets Important?

By Tammy, LVT

    Just like in humans dental care for our pets is important.  Dental disease is the most common health problem in dogs and cats affecting 78% of dogs and 68% of cats.


    Your pet's teeth should be examined once a year by your veterinarian.  Tartar buildup is mineral deposits on the tooth from unremoved food particles on your pet's teeth.  It can cause gums to be red, swollen and painful.  Infection in the mouth can lead to infection in the pancreas, liver, kidneys and other vital organs.

    If your pet has prolonged dental disease it can cause gums to recede, root exposure and possible tooth loss.  A dental cleaning should be done when there is a mild amount of tartar on the teeth.  Once the teeth are cleaned, home care will decrease dental cleanings in the future.  We recommend at home brushing, OraVet or Hills Prescription T/D food to decrease plaque and tartar build up.                 
       For more information about dental cleanings or products please contact our office.                                                           

New Advances In Weight Loss

Obesity affects over 80% of the pet population!

Obesity can cause your pet to live a shorter life.  Even being a few pounds overweight cat increase your pet's risk of serous diseases like diabetes, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular and respiratory disease.  In order for you pets to lose weight they must consume 30% less calories than what is required for its ideal weight.  To obtain your pet's ideal weight contract your veterinarian.

It can be very challenging to get your pet to lose weight.  Many of you in the past have tried feeding foods that are suppose to help your pet lose weight, only to have them not work.  Some of the foods require you to feed a very small amount, only to have your beloved pet look at you with sad and begging eyes.  Knowing that they are still hungry you give in, only to have this plan fail also.

Hills pet food company has developed a new diet that has a synergistic blend of natural ingredients that helps pets lose weight.  The ingredients include carrots, tomato pomace, flax seed and coconut oil.  This special combination of ingredient speed up your pet's metabolism, while allowing them to still feel full.  When fed over 2 months dogs lost 28% body fat and cats lost 29% body fat.  This new diet, Metabolic Advanced Weight  Solutions, is not only a weight loss product,  but also supports lean muscle and the prevention of regain in the maintenance phase.  Once your pet is on this food there is no need to switch to another food once the weight is lost.  metabolic comes in dry, canned and treats for both dogs and cats.

If Metabolic Advanced Weight Solutions will help your pet please contact us for more information.

Happy New Year

By: Amy Marcum, LVT

With ringing in the New year also comes, New Year resolutions.  We all make them whether it is to lose weight, get organized, spend less or save more.  This year why not make resolutions for your pet.  You could brush your cat once a week, or extend your dog's playtime.  How, about making New Years resolutions that are beneficial for your pet.  The following are a few from Central Kentucky Veterinary Center.



Check-up
    It's important that at least once a year your pet has a through exam, vaccinations and annual tests.  During the examinations, the doctors will look in the mouth eyes, and ears.  The doctor will also listen to the heart and lungs, feel for any enlarged lymph nodes or lumps and bumps.  It is recommended by the doctors at Central Kentucky Veterinary Center that dogs and cats be vaccinated at least once a year.  The vaccines and tests that your pet needs are determined by where your pet lives and goes.

Weight Loss
    Getting your dog or cat to a healthy weight can be a challenge.  There are several things you can do to accomplish this.  You can decrease the amount of food you are feeding or increase the amount of exercise your pet receives.  You can also change the food you are feeding to a lower calorie food or in January  2013 we will have a new food available that is proven to provide safe weight loss in as little as 2 months.  Our veterinarians and staff can help you come up with a plan that is right for you and your pet.

Dental
    Does your pet have bad breath when they get in your face?  If the answer is yes, then your pet may need to have his/her teeth cleaned.  This is very beneficial to prevent periodontal disease, tooth loss, bad breath caused by bacteria, which can get in to the blood stream and can cause heart and kidney failure. 

Have a safe and happy new year!

Pet Safety For The Holidays

By: Dr. Will Bollinger
 
The holiday season is right around the corner.  Friends and family will be gathering and the pets are sure to tag along.  There are several hazardous items that pet owners should be aware of,  human food, chocolate, potpourri, and sugar free gum.  Poinsettias were once thought to be very toxic to animals; however, today we have learned that they only cause a local irritation. 
Unsecured Christmas trees, glass ornaments, tinsel and ribbon can also be hazardous to your pet.  These are just a few items to avoid letting you pets ingest or play with.  If your pet ingests any of these hazardous items please contact your veterinarian for advice.  

"Merry Christmas to All"

Veterinarian in Georgetown KY - Central Kentucky Veterinary

Central Kentucky Veterinarian is a full service animal clinic in Georgetown, Kentucky that also does emergencies and has been serving the Central Kentucky community since 1959. Our staff of CKVC are here to meet the needs of your pets. Services include wellness exams, surgeries, x-rays, and emergencies 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We treat you and your pets are like family and are focused on the care and respect.

We want your pet to be given medical treatment that is both caring and knowledgeable by a well-established veterinary practice providing complete veterinary care: routine exams, vaccines, dentals, and surgery. Our thorough check-ups and preventive care can help alleviate serious health problems. We offer a wide range of veterinary services to keep your companions feeling their best. Serving areas of Georgetown, Paris, Lexington and Frankfort, KY.

Central Kentucky Veterinary
930 S Broadway St
Georgetown, KY 40324
502-863-0868
askus@ckvc-online.com
Facebook