JULY 2012 | ISSUE 2 TYGERBERG ANIMAL HOSPITAL NEWSLETTER IS YOUR PET A PENSIONER? Although the aging process is different for each animal, certain changes are common in most cats and dogs as they age. They slow down physically, just like humans do. Problems related to age usually cannot be cured, but many can be managed successfully if detected early. Dogs and cats are usually considered seniors when they reach 7 years of age TAH STAFF STORIES A few first-hand reports from some of our longest serving staff members. page 2 PAWPRINTS | TAH NEWSLETTER TYGERBERG ANIMAL HOSPITAL PUPPY & KITTEN VACCINATIONS Some useful information about vaccination and why you should get your puppy or kitten treated. page 3 Tip #1: Diet for Aging Pets Diet is an important part of your senior pet’s overall health. Slowing metabolism and lower activity levels make older pets more prone to obesity. The nutritional needs of older pets are significantly different from when they were younger. They require fewer calories, protein and salt, and more vitamins and minerals. Fatty acid is important for skin and coat health. Tip #2: Bi-Yearly Vet Exam for Older Pets As a rule, larger animals enter their senior years before smaller animals, but each animal is a little different. Your vet is the best judge of your pet’s aging. As your pet approaches senior status, your vet may recommend basic blood and urine tests as a baseline for measuring future changes. Regular blood testing can help identify diseases in their earliest and most treatable stages. Ask your vet to clean your dog’s teeth regularly and follow the cleaning with recommended dental care at home. If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, ask your vet about having this done to avoid tumours of the mammary or prostate glands. Also visit your vet for a senior health care exam at least every six months to monitor changes in your pet’s health. ARTICLE continued on next page >> Tip #3: Exercise for Senior Dogs Exercise such as swimming or walking is ideal for old dogs. Joint movement will reduce stiffness and pain. Exercise will help reduce weight, which in turn will make movement easier. It is also a wonderful fact that while exercising an aging dog, we too get some exercise. Exercising your dog’s mind is just as important as exercising his body. Older dogs will take longer to learn a new trick or game, but they will enjoy it just as much as they did when puppies. A new game or trick will add excitement to a senior dog’s life, adding zest to the day’s activities. IN THIS ISSUE Is Your Pet a Pensioner? p1 TAH Staff in it for the Long-haul p2 The Importance of Dental Hygiene p2 Puppy & Kitten Vaccinations p3 Promotions Coming Your Way p3 Our Story – A Vet’s Surprise p4 DENTAL HYGIENE Why dental hygiene is just as important for your pet as it is for you. page 2
Transcript
JULY 2012 | ISSUE 2
TYGERBERG ANIMAL HOSPITAL NEWSLETTER
IS YOUR PET A PENSIONER?
Although the aging process is different for each animal, certain changes are common in mostcats and dogs as they age. They slow down physically, just like humans do. Problems related toage usually cannot be cured, but many can be managed successfully if detected early.
Dogs and cats are usually considered seniors when they reach 7 years of age
TAH STAFF STORIESA few first-hand reports from some of our longest serving staff members.
PUPPY & KITTEN VACCINATIONSSome useful information about vaccination and why you should get your puppy or kitten treated.
page 3
Tip #1: Diet for Aging PetsDiet is an important part of your senior pet’s overall health. Slowing metabolism and lower activity levels make older pets more prone to obesity. The nutritional needs of older pets are significantly different from when they were younger. They require fewer calories, protein and salt, and more vitamins and minerals.Fatty acid is important for skin and coat health.
Tip #2: Bi-Yearly Vet Exam for Older PetsAs a rule, larger animals enter their senior years before smaller animals, but each animal is a little different. Your vet is the best judge of your pet’s aging. As your pet approaches senior status, your vet may recommend basic blood and urine tests as a baseline for measuring future changes. Regular blood testing can help identify diseases in their earliest and most treatable stages.
Ask your vet to clean your dog’s teeth regularly and follow the cleaning with recommended dental care at home. If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, ask your vet about having this done to avoid tumours of the mammary or prostate glands. Also visit your vet for a senior health care exam at least every six months to monitor changes in your pet’s health.
ARTICLE continued on next page >>
Tip #3: Exercise for Senior DogsExercise such as swimming or walking is ideal for old dogs. Joint movement will reduce stiffness and pain. Exercise will help reduce weight, which in turn will make movement easier. It is also a wonderful fact that while exercising an aging dog, we too get some exercise.
Exercising your dog’s mind is just as important as exercising his body. Older dogs will take longer to learn a new trick or game, but they will enjoy it just as much as they did when puppies. A new game or trick will add excitement to a senior dog’s life, adding zest to the day’s activities.
IN THIS ISSUEIs Your Pet a Pensioner? p1
TAH Staff in it for the Long-haul p2
The Importance of Dental Hygiene p2
Puppy & Kitten Vaccinations p3
Promotions Coming Your Way p3
Our Story – A Vet’s Surprise p4
DENTAL HYGIENEWhy dental hygiene is just as important for your pet as it is for you.
Since the beginning TAH was founded on the dedication and commitment of the people behind the group. Here are a few first-hand reports from some of our longest serving staff members about their TAH journey.
“I have a 12 year old Jack Russell called Veters, because when he was a puppy, no one’s shoe laces were safe.
I arrived from Ermelo to Cape Town, with my husband and two children in 1985. Our little Maltese poodle needed medical attention and the nearest vet was Dr Jan Hovers at the Parow branch. The visit to the vet eventually led to me applying for a position as receptionist and the start of a long and fulfilling career of 26 years at TAH.
I can honestly say that I go to work joyfully every day. I have learnt so much about animals’ health and nutrition, as well as personal skills and communication during my years at TAH. It is a privilege to be a part of such a great team.“
“I have four dogs; Mosquito, Pretty, Danger and Eskom.
When a new orderly starts at TAH, usually their training starts at the Bellville branch – this makes us the official initiation team. When an orderly named Thabo started with us 6 years ago we had him wear one of the buster collars for a day, he was a great sport about it and the team had a good laugh.
I originally started with TAH Bellville when they were still in Edward Street, 26 years ago. I was involved in the 2002 move to our branch on 1 Kontiki Road.
For me the most important factor is the tremendous sense of unity amongst everyone working here.“
“Our pets are called Spoetie, Rambo, Duke, Lucy, Nicholas and Nikki.
I started 19 years ago, in 1993, as a tea girl and was eventually promoted to admin assistant where I now deal with stock, deliveries and other day-to-day admin.
Working in the admin department has really opened my eyes to the behind the scenes hard work and dedication the admin staff put into their daily duties. Even though we are not in the spotlight, our job to keep the TAH name held high and proud is just as important. We are committed to being supportive of one another, to work together well, and to be the best that we can be no matter what our job description is.“
“We have a dog called Cuddles and two cats called Silver and Salem.
In the first Goodwood hospital we had a pressure pot used to sterilise some of the instruments used in operations. One day while the pot was working its magic, the lid came loose and shot straight up in the air making a hole in the old ceiling board. Luckily there was no one in the room at the time.
At our branch, we share our happy and sad moments and we are supportive not only to our fellow colleagues, but with our clients too. That is why our clients feel comfortable chatting to us about their families and who’s new in the neighbourhood. We operate as a family.”
An Rademan Patrick Ngcakaza Judy Swarts Naomi BooysenRECEPTIONIST PAROW/BELLVILLE ORDERLY BELLVILLE ADMIN BELLVILLE RECEPTIONIST GOODWOOD
THE IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL HYGIENE FOR YOUR PETS
TAH STAFF IN IT FOR THE LONG-HAUL
COVER ARTICLE continued >> PROMOTIONS COMING YOUR WAYDON’T MISS OUT!
JUNE – GERIATRICS MONTH
JULY – WEIGHT MANAGEMENT MONTH
AUGUST – DENTAL MONTH
1 June 2012 – 30 June 2012
1 August 2012 – 31 August 2012
1 July 2012 – 31 July 2012
Is your dog 7 years or older? This entitles them to a pensioner’s discount for the month of June.
Phew wee! Is your pets’ bad breath getting between you and those furry kisses and cuddles. This could mean it’s time for a dentist appointment. Give your nearest TAH branch a call to hear about our specials.
If your furry friend is tipping the scales, chat to our staff about our free weight clinic.
TAH internal promotions for the next three months! Each month will have its own interesting leaflet filled with fun facts and some myth busters. Ask any of our friendly receptionists and doctors for your informative leaflet.
How to identify a senior pet:Just not acting himself or herself
Interacting less often with family
Responding less often or less enthusiastically
Having difficulty climbing stairs
Having difficulty jumping
Exhibiting increased stiffness or limping
Drinking more often
Urinating more often
Change in eating patterns
Sudden weight loss or gain
Losing housetraining abilities
Becoming confused or disoriented
Experiencing changes in coat, skin, or growths
Exhibiting bad breath, red, or swollen gums
Inability to chew dry food
Exhibiting tremors or shaking
Dental health is just as important for your pet as it is for you.
Dogs start out with 28 baby teeth while cats start out with 26 baby teeth. By six months of age, these baby teeth fall out and are replaced with permanent teeth, 42 in the dog and 30 in the cat.
Bad breath is often the first indicator of dental disease. Gently lift the lips and check for tartar, inflamed gums, or missing/broken teeth. Cats may exhibit increased drooling. Both cats and dogs can exhibit reluctance to eat or play with toys and failure to groom. If any warning signs are present, bring your pet to the veterinarian for a dental examination.
Infected gums and teeth aren’t just a problem in the mouth – the heart, kidneys, intestinal tract, and joints may also be infected. The tartar and any infected areas of the mouth contain a multitude of bacteria that can ”seed” to other parts of the body.
Home care combined with regular pet dental exams will make a significant improvement in your pet’s health, longevity and happiness. Please note that human tooth paste should not be used for animals as it will upset their stomachs.
Tip #4: Furniture for Senior Dogs and CatsIf the stairs get a bit too much for us as we grow old, they will for our aging pet too. Changing things around in the house can really improve a senior pet’s quality of life. A foam bed with easy access, will be a welcome spot for resting. Dog stairs to the sofa or bed will ease the stress on joints. A ramp will help an old dog to climb into a car. And having rugs on hardwood floors will make walking easier.
Tip #5: Toilet Time for Older Cats and DogsSenior pets need to relieve themselves more frequently than before. It’s a great idea to install
a pet patio door to give them free access to the yard whenever the mood strikes them.
Tip #6: Grumpy Old DogsPain, especially arthritic pain, can make older pets more grumpy. Pain management will help reduce such patterns of behaviour. Groom your senior pet at least once each week. Check for lumps, sores, parasites, bad breath, and ear discharge.
Have a look at the TAH internal promotion section on page 3 to find out more about our geriatrics specials for the month of June.
PUPPY & KITTEN VACCINATIONSIn order to develop a healthy immune system, able to withstand and fight the viruses or bacteria that would otherwise cause disease, it is important to vaccinate our pets regularly.
Puppies and kittens will receive some antibodies through the first milk that they get from their mother. As a result puppies and kittens that are born to mothers which are up to date with their vaccines only need to be vaccinated for the first time at 8 weeks of age.
Puppies and kittens where the vaccination status may be uncertain may be given a 6 week vaccination to cover this period until the 8 week vaccination. Initially puppies receive a combination vaccine that includes viruses such as Parvo virus and Distemper.
At three months (12 week vaccinations) puppies and kittens will receive their first rabies vaccination along with their booster of the initial vaccines. Kittens also have an optional vaccine for Feline Leukaemia Virus. This may be given with the 12 week vaccinations and then boosted later.
It is best to test your cat for the virus prior to vaccination. After the booster at 16 weeks, it is important to note that they still require annual vaccination after the initial course. Animals traveling overseas or to other African countries may need additional vaccines. Please check this with your local vet.
Pets should be in a healthy condition when the vaccination is given in order to ensure that the stimulation of the immune system is most effective.
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Visit any one of our six branches, or make use of our after-hours emergency facilities at 1 Kontiki Road, Bellville.
Bellville:1 Kontiki RoadGlen Ive021 91 911 91
Kenridge:78 De Bron Ave021 914 0886
Parow:20 Frans Conradie Drive021 939 7102
Durbanville:16 Plein Street021 976 3015
Sonstraal:10 Verdi BoulevardSonstraal Heights021 975 1870
Dr Bradley Hodgson at TAH in Durbanville, recently made a startling discovery… right on his own doorstep. Here is Dr Bradley’s personal account:
“I see overweight and obese pets every day in practice and give advice to owners as to reducing their pet’s weight. At home we have two boxers, a 5 year old male named Max and a 4 year old female named Lara. Lara had been gaining weight gradually over the last 2 years or so but upon my return from my annual leave in April, I realised that Lara was now weighing in at an all-time new record of 37.5kg – our girl was officially considered obese. This was the proverbial final straw as I realised we were not doing Lara any favours.
The correct diet, exercise, breed and age are all critical factors that determine whether a dog or cat will be at a greater risk of becoming overweight or obese. Certain hormonal imbalances and disease processes can also contribute to your pet being obese and these always have to be ruled out before putting your pet on a weight reduction diet. Being overweight puts your pet at greater risk for developing arthritis, heart disease and diabetes.
The time has come for me to practice what I preach to my clients on a daily basis.
I started by giving Lara a full clinical examination and found no abnormalities. Next, in conjunction with sister Chanel Stadler we worked out a reduced calorie diet. Then came the hard part… not so much for Lara as for me. It does take some serious commitment to exchange a warm, cosy bed for the crisp morning air. Exercise however, is a key component to any weight reduction programme and is often overlooked. Also hard but necessary is not to give in to those big brown eyes begging for an extra treat or titbit, no matter how well behaved she’s been!”
July is weight awareness month at TAH If you feel your pet is overweight, why not make an appointment with sister Norma Boshoff at our Bellville branch, sister Adré at our Kenridge branch, sister Chanel Stadler at our Durbanville branch or one of our vets at our Sonstraal, Goodwood or Parow branches. This service is offered free of charge and we have helped many pets to date to beat the battle of the bulge.
Often pet owners don’t realise that it is also not good for an animal – especially obese cats – to lose weight too quickly. The goal is not to try to get your pet down to ideal weight as quickly as possible, but in a controlled and gradual manner.
Dr Bradley says that he is happy to report that the reduced diet and morning walks has meant Lara has already lost 2.1kg and is looking better for it. She still has a long way to go but we will keep up to date with her progress.
Please send us your interesting /funny pet stories via email – we’re looking to publish the best one in the next edition of PawPrints. Send submissions to: [email protected]
