50% Off Dental Vaccines
That’s right, there is such thing as dental vaccines and we are giving them at a discount. Here is some information that may help you determine if a dental vaccine is right for your pet. If it is right for you, give us a call to schedule an appointment, 362-5329.
Periodontal disease is caused by a bacteria called Porphyromonas, which lives in the palque build-up on your pet’s teeth. This bacterium is not professionally removed will damage the tooth’s structural support such as the tooth and the gum.
In addition to your dental program already, we have a new vaccine called Porphyromonas vaccine, which will help kill the bacteria living in your dogs mouth. This vaccine aids in the prevention of periodontal disease, it will not prevent periodontal disease alone. Daily brushing and professional dental prophylaxis are needed to maintain the best oral health possible.
Here are a few fun facts about dental vaccines.
- only available for dogs
- recommended especially in smaller breeds
- the first and only vaccine to aid in the prevention of canine periodontitis (painful & damaging disease) which affects 85% of dogs over 3 years of age.
- Important new adjunct to professional dental cleaning, periodontal therapy and owner-administrated dental care routines.
The Porphyromonas (Periodontal) Vaccine
This vaccine represents the newest tool in the prevention of periodontal disease. It was released by Pfizer in early 2007 for use in dogs only, after nearly half a million test doses administered and studied. The targets here are the anaerobic bacteria responsible for bone destruction in advanced periodontal disease. There are hundreds of bacteria involved in periodontal disease but three species in particular are present in three-quarters of cases: Porphyromonas denticanis, Porphyromonas salivosa, and Porphyromonas gulae. These are bone-eating anaerobic bacteria and the vaccine against them helps to reduce bone loss in more severe cases of periodontal disease. The vaccine is NOT a replacement for other modes of home care and certainly does not prevent periodontal disease. It is given as an introductory series of two vaccines at 3 weeks apart and annually thereafter. Ideally it is given when the mouth is healthy (i.e. a few weeks after cleaning or in younger patients).
At this time it is not considered a core vaccine by the American Animal Hospital Association, which means it is not felt to be a basic need for every dog, although many veterinary dentists dispute this and we may see in time that it becomes part of every dog’s basic immunization protocol. At the time of this writing, the duration of immunity from vaccination with this product has not been determined.
Read MoreGot Milk?
An article written by our very own Dr. Wayne Loertscher for Pet Friendly Magazine.
Q: How do I get my nursing mother dog to produce more milk?
A: My wife and I recently achieved a huge goal. We tested for our black belts in Taekwondo. We have been working on this goal for over four years. Our progression was stopped by my wife becoming pregnant and then delivering our child. During that time we had a number of complications. She went into preterm labor at 34 weeks. Then, when the baby was born she had a terrible time nursing. We took her to a number of specialists, including a physical therapist that specializes in nursing babies. Who knew that they could be that specialized? I was amazed. Well, with time we were able to get her on track and she is now doing very well. What a relief.
Your goal of getting your female dog to produce more milk is an admirable one. Sometimes we speak of goals and define them with an acronym. S.M.A.R.T. goals are ones that are specific, meaningful, achievable, relevant, and trackable.
Let’s look at this goal. All things can fit into this acronym except for one thing. Since we are working with biological systems we do not have control over all things and therefore sometimes this goal is not achievable in all cases. Milk production is controlled by positive and negative feedback systems. It is a demand and supply system. The more that is demanded, the more is supplied, generally speaking. Nutrition, health of the dog and genetics play huge roles in this as well. Sometimes supplementing the puppies is not only important but critical. However, allowing the puppies to nurse is also important for the long term goal of allowing the dog to care for the puppies
After we tested for our black belts I came home and collapsed. I did not realize how stressed I had become. I felt exhausted. The physical and emotional strain that I had experienced made me so tired. I slept very well that night. I also felt very empowered. I had done something that many people never attempt even though as a child they once said “I want to be a black belt.” As a pet owner that is breeding your dog, you should always remember that even though it is very rewarding, it is exhausting. Also, if you have done everything in your power to increase milk production and you cannot get it done, you should consider not breeding her in the future as you will possibly need to supplement the next generation of puppies.
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