Emerald City Pet Rescue Blog

Johnny Rocket has much to say about Pet Dental Health Month - "PFFFT"! But did you know that caring for your pet's teeth is not only important for their oral health but for their overall health as well?

80% of pets have some form of dental disease by only two years of age! Some pets, particularly small breeds, may have dental problems at an even younger age.

Without regular dental cleanings and at-home care, your pet can suffer from painful periodontal problems that make it difficult for them to eat. Additionally, oral bacteria can travel through your pet’s bloodstream, attacking their hearts, kidneys, and other organs. Since Dental disease has such a huge impact on your furry friend’s overall health, comprehensive dental care is an essential part of your pet’s preventive care program.

Signs that your pet needs dental care:

1. Bad breath

2. Broken or loose teeth

3. Extra teeth or retained baby teeth

4. Discolored teeth or teeth covered in tartar
5. Abnormal drooling, chewing, or dropping food from their mouth

6. Reduced appetite
7. Bleeding from their mouth/gums



How do Dentals work?

After a thorough examination of your dog's mouth, tooth scaling will be performed, using both hand and ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. The tartar below the gum line causes the most significant periodontal disease, so it is important that it be thoroughly removed.


How Can You Help Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy?

Do you brush your pet’s teeth? Just like humans, it helps!  Keep the sessions short and positive. Dip your finger in beef bouillon and massage his lips in a circular motion for 30 to 60 seconds once or twice a day for a few weeks, and then move on to the teeth and gums.

Give your pet dental chews!

Spritz Dog Dental Spray on their teeth/gums as instructions allow.



Some pets are just genetically exposed to having “bad teeth”; one of my dogs was almost toothless by the time she was four! So be aware that depending on the breed and genetics of your pet, they may need frequent cleanings by your vet and extractions no matter what you do. But preventative care is the BEST oral care you can provide for your pet!

The Pawlidays are such a fun time to celebrate and reflect upon the year, but don't forget, pets can be as curious as children about holiday decorations, food, and visitors! Cats can swallow tinsel, dogs can accidentally eat chocolate, and both can get into the medicine from Aunt Sally's purse.

Here are a few things to consider when planning your holiday celebrations!

• Batteries in toys, greeting cards, electronic devices, flameless candles, and remote controls can cause serious injury if pets (or humans) swallow them. Internal burns can occur in a very short time.
• Water from Christmas tree stands can contain bacteria. Swallowing the water can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, even if the ingredients aren't poisonous.
• Pets can choke on tinsel, ribbons, and Christmas tree needles. They can be cut by broken ornaments. Keep trees and their decorations high up or blocked off.
• Poinsettia is not a deadly plant, despite frequent warnings in the media. However, the sap from poinsettia plants can be very irritating. Pets who chew on poinsettia can develop skin rashes and mouth irritation. If they swallow the plant, they could have stomach upset and discomfort.
• Holly leaves are prickly and can cause injury if a pet tries to eat them. Holly berries can be poisonous; they easily dry up and fall onto the floor where pets (and children) can find them.
• Alcoholic beverages and chocolate are among the foods that pets should not consume. Empty the glasses and store leftovers safely so pets won’t consume the drinks or develop food poisoning. (Last year, my sister's Yorkie got into a wine glass, drank it all, and ended up in the pet ER, it was quite a scare! Watch those wine glasses!)
• Many human medicines are poisonous to pets. For example, small amounts of over-the-counter pain relievers can be fatal to cats and dogs. Even if your own medications are stored safely, visitors may have medications in their purses or suitcases. Provide a place to store these things safely, out of sight, and out of reach of pets (and children).

If your pet swallows a battery, take the animal to the vet immediately! It is NOT OK to wait. Call your vet immediately if your pet seems ill after getting into any kind of food or decoration. If you have questions about something your pet may have swallowed, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Local specialists will answer your call 24 hours a day.

The Pawlidays are almost here, and our animals need your help! Our wonderful animal care staff is working toward fulfilling Santa wishes for our rescue pets, and we would love to share with you a list of their greatest desires!! If you’d like to help fill their stockings, any of the gifts below can be purchased and sent to 20 South Idaho St, Seattle Wa 98134 c/o Holiday Donations 

Please give your furry friends a hug from us! 

Gifts for our Critters

Today is National Cook for your Dog Day! ECPR transporter, Marit, loves to cook for her Dutch Shepherd, Hannibal, and he loves his yummie food! Marit has some great tips and tricks for your pet's meals, and here are some great vet-approved recipes:
Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes (thesprucepets.com)

• Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
• It takes time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly. Be sure you have a schedule that allows enough time to properly make your dog's food on a regular basis.
• Make sure you can afford the ingredients to make your own dog food. Homemade food is typically less expensive than commercially prepared fresh or raw dog food, but it usually costs a little more than kibble.
• If you have a picky dog, you may need to source multiple recipes so you can change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.

Also be mindful of foods that can be dangerous / poisonous to your pups! Marit put together this list below:

* alcohol
* avacado
* raisins
* cooked bones (can lacerate stomach)
* walnuts
* onions
* garlic
* dairy (limit the amount, can cause loose stool)
* grapes
* caffiene
* chocolate

Even if you're not a cook, give your pup a special "human" treat today! (Make sure to exclude foods from the list above!)