The FDA has reported and increase in owner complaint regarding dogs becoming ill after eating chicken jerky treats imported from China. The illness can occur anywhere from a few hours to a few days after consumption and includes the following symptoms:

1. Loss of appetite
2. Lethargy
3. Weakness
4. Vomiting
5. Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
6. Increased thirst
7. Increased urination

At our animal hospital, we know the importance of overall pet wellness care, which is why we provide dental services to animals in Strongsville and the surrounding areas of Middleburg Heights, Brunswick and Berea. Our Strongsville veterinarians offer comprehensive health and dental services for the pets we see. Our services include cleanings and tooth x-rays to determine if oral disease is present. If it's caught early enough, treating a pet's oral bacterial disease may prevent it from infecting other vital areas of the body, such as the liver, heart and brain.

As with other health complications, periodontal disease in animals is best treated with preventative care. It's important that you don't wait until your pet has a problem to seek dental care. A visit to our animal hospital for an annual teeth cleaning and check-up aids in the total health of your pet. The veterinarians at Crossroads Animal Hospital will inspect for potential or existing dental disease and will prescribe a home dental care regimen to keep your pet's teeth healthy and clean.

The Importance of Pet Dental Care

When caring for your pet, regular trips to the veterinarian for health check-ups and vaccinations is essential to their care. Like humans, however, pet dental care is also important to your animal's overall wellness. Rather than assume the myth that animals are supposed to have bad breath or that their teeth are self-cleaning, it's your responsibility as a pet owner to keep your pet's mouth clean and free of the bacteria that causes periodontal disease in a large percentage  of animals.

At home, you should be brushing your pet's teeth frequently and regularly inspecting its mouth for signs of potential problems, such as red or swollen gums, increased salivation, halitosis, missing teeth, plaque build-up or any other unusual problems that could signal periodontal disease. If you discover anything out of the ordinary, it's important to seek dental care from a veterinarian who understands and can treat the dental needs of pets.

Pet wellness care refers to the proactive steps taken to ensure the continued good health of the pet. At our animal hospital in Strongsville, each of our team members is committed to providing your pet with the best possible care and attention while he is healthy, and if he should fall ill. From regular examinations to specialized pet nutrition, wellness care involves making sure every part of your pet remains healthy.

Wellness Care, Vaccinations and Prevention

Most people are aware that regular vaccinations are one way to keep your pet healthy. They are, however, just a small part of your pet’s wellness care. One of the main ways we can monitor the health of your pet, and catch any conditions or illnesses before they become problematic, is through a wellness exam. Our complete nose-to-tail examination will help us build a health profile for your pet — a base-line we can use to monitor the health of your pet. These examinations are also a great opportunity for you to ask any questions about pet nutrition, vaccination schedules, or recommended toys and treats.

Pet dental care is as important as a regular check up. Studies have shown that as many as 75 percent of all pets have developed some sort of dental disease by the time they are three years old. Periodontal disease is just one of the many dental related issues that can occur in pets. If your pet’s breath is excessively aromatic, then you should have one of our veterinarians examine his teeth.

Animal orthopedics concentrates on addressing a pet’s lack of mobility. Hip dysplasia is just one condition that can be caught early if the pet is receiving regular wellness care.

Loving your pet and feeding it a healthy diet are just some of the responsibilities of a pet owner. Giving your animal regular checkups and wellness care will ensure your pet lives a long and healthy life.

What is your pet wellness care program? Do you schedule regular pet dental check-ups? We would love to hear your comments!