Page 9 - Sentinel August 2017

PET TALK Continued from page 8 behaviors are not going to be able to be trained away. Trying
to do so will frustrate you both. Herding dogs like Australian
recommended. There are many diets of varying quality and you
Cattle Dogs will round up people and are going to be more nip-
want to be comfortable knowing you are choosing the best diet
py. If you want to be able to go running every day with your
you can for your pet. Some diets have much better advertis-
dog, do not choose a Great Dane. If you are not active, do not
ing than is reflected in their quality. Your veterinarian can best
choose a Border Collie. If excess barking is unacceptable to
guide you how to critically evaluate quality of diet and choose
you then a Beagle is a bad choice as your pet.
the right food for your pet. Your pet’s diet is the foundation to
its health.
3) Dental Care. An unhealthy mouth leads to unhealthy organs.
Anthropologists credit washing our hands, a good diet, and den-
2) Appropriate Behavior. If your pet does not behave as you
tal care to the dramatic increase in the longevity of humans.
wish neither you nor your pet will be happy. The leading cause
We can provide at least 2 of those to our furry family. Accli-
of death in pets is due to euthanasia of pets relinquished to
matizing your pet to daily tooth brushing will decrease bacte-
shelters. These pets are most often given up due to behavioral
rial shedding to internal organs and lengthen the time between
problems. Training is best started before your pet even comes
needed anesthetic dental treatments. Most cats and dogs need
home. Every capable human in the home needs to know how
their first anesthetic dental treatment by 1-2 years of age, then
to interact with the pet and how to teach the desired behaviors.
annually thereafter. This treatment absolutely requires anesthe-
Working with a pet trainer is invaluable. Your veterinarian can
sia to best evaluate and treat dental disease.
certainly provide you guidance in behavior, but is not a training
specialist. Consultation and training by a certified dog trainer
Anesthesia-Free dental treatments are often dangerous and do
and/or a veterinary behaviorist are imperative to prevent and
not effectively treat dental disease. Anesthesia is not without
treat unwanted behaviors. Ask your veterinarian for a reference
risk either. Your veterinarian will minimize this risk as much as
if you have any behavioral concerns.
possible by performing lab work prior to anesthesia, using good
quality anesthetic agents, and closely monitoring your pet while
It is necessary to evaluate your expectations for a pet so you
under anesthesia.
and your pet have the best opportunity for success. You should
Even small pets (rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, etc.) need to have
know what behavioral breed predispositions your pet has before
their dental health evaluated. “Pocket pets” have constantly
you choose them. Being prepared for their normal behaviors
will help you to best direct your pet. Their normal instinctual Continued on page 10

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Perry Park Sentinel August 2017 - Page 9