The oral cavity has an abundant blood supply and an epithelial surface constantly bathed by saliva, a fluid rich in antimicrobial properties, resulting in oral tissue healing more rapid than skin. Sterile surgical preparation of the oral cavity for extractions is not necessary, however, using clean instruments and adequate preparation of the surgical working area is recommended. Good accessibility and exposure to the surgical site is important while creating gingival flaps to expose the tooth and alveolar bone adequately. Gentle tissue handling is used to minimize tissue trauma and promote faster healing. Appropriate instruments that are clean, sharp, well taken care of and stored properly...

Tags: Ask a Vet, Cats, cats, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, Pet Dental Health, Pet Health, pet health, Vet

Potential causes include previous blunt trauma, e.g., being hit by a car, running into a wall or excessive chewing on hard objects such as rocks, hard Nylabones®, cow hooves, antlers and other objects that do not soften when chewed.

Tags: Ask the Vet, Cats, cats, Contributors, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, Pet Dental Health, Pet Health, pet health, Vet

Professional periodontal treatment is important to the health and well-being of dogs and cats. Poor oral health may directly affect an animal’s overall health. Recent studies have shown there is an association with advanced periodontal disease and heart disease further validating the importance of periodontal health. Other studies have shown similar implications for the relationship of periodontal disease to heart, liver and kidney disease in the dog.

Tags: Ask the Vet, Cats, Dogs, dogs, Grooming, health, pet advice, Pet dental health month, Pet Health

Preventive care and client education is an important step to introducing, implementing and improving overall dental and oral medical quality in your practices.  Understanding the veterinary team’s (DVMs, veterinary technicians and assistants, receptionists, managers) role in preventing periodontal disease before pathology develops through the three keys to preventive dental care are critical steps to embrace. Suggestions for partnering with your clients to actively involve them in their pet’s oral home care, understanding client perceptions, providing confident and personalized recommendations, working as a team to change and improve the hospital culture will be addressed.

Tags: Ask the Vet, Cats, cats, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, Pet dental health month, Pet Health, preventative pet care

Not only is the type of food that we feed our furry family members important but, it is also critical to know HOW MUCH we should be feeding. We are often asked, “How much of this food should I be feeding my pet per day?” and the answer is, “It depends.” We aren’t trying to be difficult, we promise. The reality is however, that a lot of different factors go into determining what the right amount of food is for your pet.

Tags: Ask the Vet, Cats, Diet, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, Pet Food, Pet Health, Pets, tips, Weight

Winter is hard on skin – for humans and for our pets. Indoor heat and cold arid air outside make skin dry and itchy. Many owners are unsure about the best way to keep their pets comfortable in winter. The solution is to keep up regular grooming schedules.

Tags: Grooming, grooming, pet advice, winter

Tags: Cats, Dogs, dogs, pet advice, Pets, travel

Halloween is just around the corner and many pet owners are eager to include the family pet in the festivities.  Unfortunately, trick-or-treating can turn ugly if an excited dog dashes off in pursuit of costumed children with bags of candy.

No one wants to spend Halloween night in the emergency room with an injured child, or roaming the dark streets in search of a lost pet, so we asked some of Best Friends professional trainers to share their top tips for keeping everyone safe.

Tags: dog safety, Dogs, holidays, pet advice, Pet Safety

Happy Spring! Can you believe that spring has officially begun? Time for spring cleaning, changing the batteries in the smoke alarms, and time to start thinking about spending some more time outdoors. Depending on where you live, this means that our furry family members will be outside more and will be exposed to those pesky fleas and ticks. Fortunately, as a responsible pet parent, you are going to be proactive about their protection.

Tags: Ask the Vet, Cats, cats, dog safety, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, pet behavior, Pet Health, pet health, pet info, Pet Safety, Pets, tips, Vet

This past November, our very own Dr. Flavia Zorgniotti, from Phoenix Veterinary Hospital in Wayland, MA held a lecture discussing acupuncture for pets. We were very excited how well received the lecture was and even more excited about Wicked Local's coverage of the event.

Tags: Cats, cats, Dogs, dogs, health, pet advice, Pet Health, pet health, pet info, Pets, Vet