Friday, February 26, 2010

February is Pet Dental Month!

Majority of pet owners don't realize the importance of dental care and how it effects the pet's overall health. Periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed disease in cats and dogs over three years of age. During February the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and American Veterinary Dental Association (AVDS) join together to promote dental health and remind owners of the dangers of poor dental health.


Just like people food particles and bacteria can build up leading to plaque and tarter, leading to gingivitis and severe periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, and even tooth lose. If periodontal disease gets worse bacteria from the teeth can travel into the bloodstream and may result damage to the organs. To help prevent such problems the AVDS recommend owners follow the following guidelines:

1. Take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental exam. During your pet's yearly physical your pet should have a dental exam including the gums. Your veterinarian may recommend a dental cleaning if plaque and tartar are present.

2. Start a home dental care routine. Your veterinarian can start you on your pet on a personalized dental care regimen at home. There are supplements available, as well as special diets, treats, tooth paste, and brushes specially designed and flavored for pets.

3. Monitor your pet's oral health by scheduling checkups with your veterinarian. These checkups may include yearly cleanings by your pet's veterinarian.

By following theses easy steps pet owners can help prevent periodontal disease not just in February but all year long. For more information visit www.petdental.com.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Monday Day Camp Enjoys Their Snowday!

The dogs of Doggie Day Camp enjoyed their snow day on Monday! Their parents braved the snow storm and the six inches already on the ground to get here. So we went outside and had a few snowball catching contests, finding toys in the snow, and made doggie angels!



Katie (left), Roscoe (center), and Locke (left) run through the snow.



Locke ready for that incoming snowball shows off his pearly whites.


Ozzie was a true snowpuppy! He'd roll, lay down, play bow in the snow and loved to catch snowballs!

Maggie proves that girls can catch a snowballs too!



Wednesday, February 10, 2010

How Many Dogs Does It Take To Change A Lightbulb?

Dachshund: You know I cannot reach that lamp!
Rottweiler: Make me.
Jack Russell Terrier: I'll just pop it out while I am bouncing off the furniture.

Armani getting ready to leap from wall to wall!

Boxer: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark.

Labrador Retriever: oh, me, me!! Pleeeeeaaaassse let me change the bulb! Can I? Can I?Huh? Huh? Huh? Can I? Please, please, please!!

German Shepherd Dog: I'll change it as soon as I've led these people from the dark, check to make sure I haven't missed any, and make just one more perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of the situation.

Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned out bulb?

Autumn playing outside, not worried about any burnt out light bulbs!


Old English Sheepdog: Light bulb? I'm sorry, but I don't see a light bulb.

Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? It'll just burn out again later.

Grey Hound: It's not moving, I can't chase it, I am going back to bed.

Australian Shepherd: First I'll put all the light bulbs in a little circle...

Border Collie: Just one. And then I'll replace any wiring that's not up to code.

Poodle: I'll just bat my eyes at the border collie and he'll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house my nails will be dry.

Rev is warming up for some heavy duty electrical work!


Monday, February 8, 2010

Valentine Day Retail Sale

Looking for something special for your furry Valentine this year? Swing by Best Friends Pet Care and get 50% off any red or pink toys now until Valentine's Day.


Friday, February 5, 2010

Valentine's Day Grooming For Your Sweetheart

This year for Valentine's Day sign up your four legged sweetheart for a grooming! Our experienced groomers will pamper your pet with a special bubble bath, a pedicure, and a holiday bow or bandanna. If your pet suffers from dry, itchy winter skin add on our special re-moisture therapy bath to re-hydrate your pet's skin. Our groomers also offer such services as Nail Grinding, Brushing Teeth, Medicated, and Whitening and Brightening Shampoo.

Here is a picture of Weezey before (above) and after (below) his spa day!

Call Best Friends today to schedule your appointment at 586-792-3000!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Canine Good Citizen Testing

Best Friends Pet Care offers the AKC Canine Good Citizen Testing. The AKC designed the CGC to reward responsible dog owners who train their dogs to have good manners at home and in the community. The CGC test requirements are a good foundation to other dog related sports and some apartments/condos are requiring CGC training and testing for their canine residents. Most therapy dog organizations require this test before official therapy dog testing begins.

The testing has be done by an official AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Barb at Best Friends Pet Care became an official evaluator in 2009 and offers testing by appointment and at special event days. If interested give us a call at 586-792-3000.

AKC CGC Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge
I will be responsible for my dog's health needs.
I will be responsible for my dog's safety.
I will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others.
I will be responsible for my dog's quality of life.

AKC Canine Good Citizen Test
1. Accepting a Friendly Stranger
2. Sitting politely for petting
3. Appearance and Grooming
4. Out for a walk (walking loose lead)
5. Walking through a crowd
6. Sit and down on command and Staying in place
7. Coming when called
8. Reaction to another dog
9. Reaction to distraction
10. Supervised separation

Equipment
For the CGC test you will need to bring your dog's brush or comb, a buckle or slip collar.