A big thank you to BarknBig for guest writing this blog, as part of our monthly Business Partner Program. BarknBig manufactures premium canine treats and chews, and is located in Loveland, CO. They can be reached at Barknbig.com and (970) 663-4561.
It’s hard to look at a smiling dog without smiling ourselves. Their bright eyes, wet noses, and an uncanny ability to swindle a bit of free lovin’ from everyone they meet are just a few of the reasons why we love our dogs – and most other people’s dogs too!
While few people comment on a dog’s beautiful smile, healthy teeth and gums are an important part of every dog’s life – dogs use their teeth every day, after all. Beyond contributing to a dog’s overall wellbeing and quality of life, you will enjoy the absence of bad breath that can be downright offensive.
What Contributes to Poor Dental Health in Pets?
Most pet owners understand that not brushing their pet’s teeth or getting dental check-ups are direct contributors to poor dental health. But there are other, sometimes unusual incidents that can also play a role. Take our dog, Guthrie. He is a 25-lb. Basenji with a TON of energy whose favorite thing in life – next to getting treats – is playing with his Kong toy.
We have a raised patio in our back yard. Guthrie uses the patio as a launch pad to catch Kongs on the fly. Kongs come in different sizes, and the larger ones are heavier – apparently heavy enough to loosen poor Guthrie’s teeth. We noticed that Guthrie wasn’t even trying to pick up the Kong when it was on the ground….VERY unusual! We eventually put two and two together to figure out that the large, heavy Kong was too much trauma for his young teeth. We switched to a smaller Kong and gave his teeth time to heal. He couldn’t be happier.
Aside from losing a tooth, do you know what else can be painful for dogs? A chipped or cracked tooth. Some dogs chew rocks – why, I have no idea – but rocks can break dogs’ teeth. Most tooth fractures occur when dogs chew on objects that are too hard, like ice cubes, bones, hard nylon chews, antlers, and horse or pig hooves. Sometimes an accident can chip or cause a hairline crack to a dog’s tooth. When a dog’s tooth is hurting, you’ll notice a decreased interest in eating their food or chewing on tough things like bully sticks or bones.
For a chipped or fractured tooth, seek veterinarian care. When a chipped tooth exposes the pulp (which is where nerves and blood vessels are), not only can that be painful for your pup, but it’s not going to heal itself. Leaving the tooth untreated can allow bacteria to enter areas of your dog’s mouth that can lead to a more serious infection, especially down the road as your pup ages and age-related eating issues can start.
People vs. Dogs – Dental Health is Different
Dogs and people experience some of the same oral diseases. Whereas the most common dental disease in people is tooth decay or cavities, tooth decay in dogs is rare – representing less than 10% of all dental problems.
The most common dental problems seen in dogs are fractured teeth and periodontal disease. We talked about fractured teeth above, so now we’ll switch gears to talk about periodontal disease.
It is estimated that more than two-thirds of dogs over three years of age experience some degree of periodontal disease, making it the most common ailment affecting people’s dogs. Gingivitis (inflamed gums due to plaque and tartar build-up) is the first stage of periodontal disease and is the only truly reversible stage.
Untreated dental disease can lead to painful abscesses or other infections that can spread throughout your dog’s body. In extreme cases, it can lead to permanent jaw damage and even heart disease. As with people, heart disease can shorten your Best Friend’s lifespan.
How to Maintain Your Dog’s Dental Health
Teeth are a tool. Much like shop tools and garden tools that work better and last longer when they’re periodically cleaned, dogs’ teeth also need to be cleaned, at least occasionally (and more often if you can convince your dog to be a willing participant).
Bad breath and tooth loss are early indicators that your dog’s dental health needs some attention. I don’t know if dogs mind when their breath stinks – it sure doesn’t seem like it – but their owners, other family members, and guests most certainly notice bad breath. Think about your poor pup, especially if they have lost a tooth or two. Daily pain often precedes tooth loss. Because of the pain, your dog may avoid eating which is definitely not good.
Beginning with the easiest and least expensive option and progressing to professional cleanings by a veterinarian, below are suggestions about things you can do to help keep your pets’ dental health in tip-top shape.
- Water Additives / Powders to Add to Food / Topical Sprays & Gels – As with small children and medicine, it’s easier to get them to take it if you’re able to sneak it into juice or something else that they like. There are a number of products on the market that have been shown to reduce the accumulation of plaque/tartar build-up on pets’ teeth and have therefore been accepted by the Veterinarian Oral Health Council (VOHC.org) to assist pet parents with their dogs’ and cats’ dental health. Water additives and powders that can be sprinkled on your pet’s food will likely be the least offensive approaches, at least in your pet’s opinion. The key is consistency. By using these products regularly, they are able to effectively do their job and will hopefully eliminate the need for more hands-on approaches. If you are a cat and dog household, there are options where the same product can be given to both felines and canines.
- Dog Treats & Chews – Whether online or found at local retailers, hundreds of different types of dog treats and chews are readily available. You can find dog treats that have been formulated to specifically remove plaque buildup and often contain ingredients that freshen breath and will clean your dog’s mouth. When it comes to dog chews, almost all of them have teeth-cleaning properties. The act of gnawing on dog chews helps scrape plaque off dogs’ teeth. Chews also contribute to brain stimulation and help to relieve boredom. Look for 100% natural chews (such as com’s bones, bully sticks, tendons, and antler sheds) which contain health-promoting substances like glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, and other minerals.
- Tooth Wipes / Toothbrushes & Toothpaste – While not as passive as water additives or powders, there are at-home wipes and toothpastes that have been formulated specifically for dogs – in flavors like chicken and peanut butter to lessen their resistance. Keep in mind, however, that wipes are more of a surface cleaning option designed to freshen breath and won’t get into the crevices between teeth the way a toothbrush will. Note to self: cats DON’T DO wipes or toothbrushes!
- Professional Cleaning – The best way to clean and maintain your dog’s oral health is to schedule a professional cleaning with your veterinarian. This is the most expensive option – usually several hundred dollars – since it requires anesthetizing your dog during the procedure and, in some instances, requires pre-op blood tests, but this approach also allows your veterinarian to prevent, locate, and treat any issues that could go unnoticed by dog parents, simply because our pups can’t always tell us when something is wrong. Professional cleanings are more common with certain breeds because they are necessary. Because of the sedation aspect, the risks to your pup can be higher as they get up in years. Your veterinarian can discuss the risks and benefits with you based on the breed and age of your pup and can advise if one of the lesser options mentioned above can serve as a suitable alternative.
Owning pets is a big responsibility and a beautiful gift that you give yourself. Oral health is an important part of pet ownership. Fortunately, most dental disease is preventable with regular, at-home care and occasional professional dental cleanings.
In today’s trying economic times, tight budgets have added an obstacle to caring for our beloved pets. According to the latest consumer price index, the cost of pet products and services is up by more than 9% year over year. Due to rising costs, people are forced to choose between meeting their own needs and the needs of their pets, and Larimer Humane Society feels that no family should ever have to face this decision. To help keep pets and people together, , we were thrilled to support Animal Friends Alliance in offering a Healthy Pets Clinic to an under-resourced community in Fort Collins. The clinic provided people and their pets with complimentary pet services, supplies, and veterinary expertise.
On Saturday, April 22, Animal Friends Alliance and Larimer Humane Society came together to care for the pets in Harmony Village, a residential community in Fort Collins. Veterinarians, veterinarian technicians, and many volunteers transformed the clubhouse at Harmony Village into a free remote pet clinic.
“With the weather being overcast and rainy, we were anticipating a slow day,” said Dr. Garcia, Supervising Veterinarian, DVM at Larimer Humane Society, and volunteer at Healthy Pets Clinic. “It was anything but that,” laughed Dr. Garcia. With the clinic set to open at 10:00, residents started forming a line at 9:15. With the clinic scheduled to close at 2:00, there were so many residents and their pets waiting to see a veterinarian that the event did not end until 5:00. “We saw around 123 animals in total,” said Dr. Garcia.
Offering vaccinations, healthy check-ups, microchips, spay and neuter surgeries (scheduled for another day), and a variety of pet food and supplies, this year’s Healthy Pets Clinic served 123 pets that may have otherwise gone without care. “It was so amazing to see people who love their pets, and want to do the right thing for them, come to the clinic,” said one of the event’s volunteers. Along with free services and supplies, the veterinarians handed out a variety of informational sheets pertaining to pet wellness. From heart murmur aftercare to your dog experiencing separation anxiety, all visitors were equipped with knowledge and guidance depending on which topic(s) their pet related to most. “Almost everybody left with a stack of handouts and literature,” said Dr. Garcia.
Amidst the busy remote clinic and eager residents to help their pets, one dog in particular, Jezebel, needed immediate care. “A little, white dog was in the lobby sitting perfectly still in her owner’s lap, when all of a sudden it started screeching and yelping very loudly,” said Dr. Garcia. The owner, startled and panicked, brought her dog up to the table where Dr. Garcia was stationed and looked at her with wide eyes. Dr. Garcia quickly examined Jezebel for symptoms and noticed that she had stepped into the metal clasp of her owner’s purse. “The clasp had attached to the dog’s Achilles tendon,” Dr. Garcia said. “We needed to cut the purse strap in order to relieve pressure from the clasp.” Within minutes, the clinic went into “all hands on deck” mode to help this poor little pup who was screeching in pain.
Working around a language barrier, Dr. Garcia used body language and gestures to ask the owner if she could cut her purse. “Si, si” the owner said nodding her head enthusiastically. Dr. Garcia cut the strap and that helped loosen the clasp stuck on the dog, but it still had a grasp on the Achilles tendon. Using a pliers, she carefully pried the clasp apart and off the dog’s leg. “It was an intense moment,” said Dr. Garcia. “At first, I thought I would need to send them to the ER, but we were able to remove the metal clip without causing further damage to the dog’s leg.” Jezebel’s leg was freed from the purse trap and only a small bruise could be seen, no tearing of the skin or long-term injury. “We were pretty fortunate, the clasp was on there pretty good,” said Dr. Garcia. After being well cared for and making a few friends, Jezebel was back to sitting quietly in her mama’s lap.
Jezebel was one of 123 pets that received complimentary care that day. “We hope that events like these helps build trust in the veterinary and rescue community,” said Dr. Garcia. “That we’re really here to help – not judge – and to provide care to their animals.”
At Larimer Humane Society, we wouldn’t be able to fulfill our mission without the hard work our volunteers dedicate to the shelter animals. Each of our volunteers combine their love for animals with their unique set of skills, providing the best care possible for our animals in need.
Two of our volunteers, Anna Lane and Gwen Anderson, who lend their services to our Behavior Department, have been practicing alternative healing methods, acupressure and Reiki healing, with several of our adoptable animals who need a little extra comfort and love.
Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique intended to relieve physical pain and stress. In treatment, physical pressure is applied to specific points on the body, with the goal of correcting imbalance throughout the body. This is Anna’s approach when providing acupressure to some of our animals, helping to balance the body’s system. “If ever there’s a medical or behavioral problem [in an animal], the system’s out of balance, and by adding in energy work we can help to balance out the system,” said Anna.
In a demonstration with one of our cats, Anna points to a few major energy points along the cat’s body. These are known as Chakras, and they can be responsible for different ailments and different behaviors in an animal when they are out of balance. Anna demonstrated how to find the heart Chakra on a cat or dog. “You put one hand on the chest and then one hand right where the neck joins the shoulder. That’s for animals who have had trauma or they need calming or grounding,” said Anna. Balancing this Chakra is important for some of our shelter animals who might struggle with acclimating to shelter life. Providing stress management to our animals is an important step to increasing their chances of being adopted.
Reiki (pronounced “ray-key”) comes from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning spirit, and “ki,” meaning energy, which translates to spiritual energy. The practice of Reiki healing has proven to reduce stress and anxiety through meditation or gentle touch in both humans and animals. This form of healing has several positive impacts on animals, such as reducing stress, calming destructive behaviors, and easing pain.
Volunteer Gwen Anderson practices Reiki healing as a form of meditation with our animals. Kathleen Prasad, a prominent figure in the animal Reiki community, inspired Gwen to use a different approach to Reiki healing in animals. Understanding that not all animals like to be intruded upon or touched, Gwen integrated Kathleen’s approach where she invites an animal to meditate with her, rather than entering their space. Gwen has found this to be time-efficient in the shelter environment because there are so many animals with varying needs.
By providing the animals the choice to engage in the meditation or not, it is more meaningful and impactful when the animal chooses to engage. “I kind of extend the energy beyond me, so that they’re invited into it,” said Gwen. “Sometimes if they get quiet and they’re all settled down, I just extend it to the whole area.” Gwen added that if the animal walks away and chooses not to participate, then that is their prerogative and she can come back another time.
Gwen told us the story of Charlie, an anxious and jumpy dog who did not buy in to Reiki healing right away. “I shared Reiki with Charlie for three weeks in a row. At first, he would bark anxiously and jump at the gate. Then, he allowed me to sit outside his kennel and offer Reiki as he would lie down by the gate, but would jump and bark once I stood up to leave. The last time I shared Reiki with him, when I stood up to leave, he remained still and just looked at me. He was really peaceful and calm, and I thought I could see a big change in him.” One week later, Charlie was adopted.
The alternative healing methods that Anna and Gwen practice help create the foundation for a positive future for adoptable animals at our shelter. By creating a space where our animals can gain a sense of confidence, trust, and happiness, Anna and Gwen contribute to helping our animals get adopted into forever homes, and we are grateful to them for lending their talents and experience at our shelter!
A big thank you to BarknBig for guest writing this blog, as part of our monthly Business Partner Program. BarknBig manufactures premium canine treats and chews, and is located in Loveland, CO. They can be reached at Barknbig.com and (970) 663-4561.
It’s hard to look at a smiling dog without smiling ourselves. Their bright eyes, wet noses, and an uncanny ability to swindle a bit of free lovin’ from everyone they meet are just a few of the reasons why we love our dogs – and most other people’s dogs too!
While few people comment on a dog’s beautiful smile, healthy teeth and gums are an important part of every dog’s life – dogs use their teeth every day, after all. Beyond contributing to a dog’s overall wellbeing and quality of life, you will enjoy the absence of bad breath that can be downright offensive.
What Contributes to Poor Dental Health in Pets?
Most pet owners understand that not brushing their pet’s teeth or getting dental check-ups are direct contributors to poor dental health. But there are other, sometimes unusual incidents that can also play a role. Take our dog, Guthrie. He is a 25-lb. Basenji with a TON of energy whose favorite thing in life – next to getting treats – is playing with his Kong toy.
We have a raised patio in our back yard. Guthrie uses the patio as a launch pad to catch Kongs on the fly. Kongs come in different sizes, and the larger ones are heavier – apparently heavy enough to loosen poor Guthrie’s teeth. We noticed that Guthrie wasn’t even trying to pick up the Kong when it was on the ground….VERY unusual! We eventually put two and two together to figure out that the large, heavy Kong was too much trauma for his young teeth. We switched to a smaller Kong and gave his teeth time to heal. He couldn’t be happier.
Aside from losing a tooth, do you know what else can be painful for dogs? A chipped or cracked tooth. Some dogs chew rocks – why, I have no idea – but rocks can break dogs’ teeth. Most tooth fractures occur when dogs chew on objects that are too hard, like ice cubes, bones, hard nylon chews, antlers, and horse or pig hooves. Sometimes an accident can chip or cause a hairline crack to a dog’s tooth. When a dog’s tooth is hurting, you’ll notice a decreased interest in eating their food or chewing on tough things like bully sticks or bones.
For a chipped or fractured tooth, seek veterinarian care. When a chipped tooth exposes the pulp (which is where nerves and blood vessels are), not only can that be painful for your pup, but it’s not going to heal itself. Leaving the tooth untreated can allow bacteria to enter areas of your dog’s mouth that can lead to a more serious infection, especially down the road as your pup ages and age-related eating issues can start.
People vs. Dogs – Dental Health is Different
Dogs and people experience some of the same oral diseases. Whereas the most common dental disease in people is tooth decay or cavities, tooth decay in dogs is rare – representing less than 10% of all dental problems.
The most common dental problems seen in dogs are fractured teeth and periodontal disease. We talked about fractured teeth above, so now we’ll switch gears to talk about periodontal disease.
It is estimated that more than two-thirds of dogs over three years of age experience some degree of periodontal disease, making it the most common ailment affecting people’s dogs. Gingivitis (inflamed gums due to plaque and tartar build-up) is the first stage of periodontal disease and is the only truly reversible stage.
Untreated dental disease can lead to painful abscesses or other infections that can spread throughout your dog’s body. In extreme cases, it can lead to permanent jaw damage and even heart disease. As with people, heart disease can shorten your Best Friend’s lifespan.
How to Maintain Your Dog’s Dental Health
Teeth are a tool. Much like shop tools and garden tools that work better and last longer when they’re periodically cleaned, dogs’ teeth also need to be cleaned, at least occasionally (and more often if you can convince your dog to be a willing participant).
Bad breath and tooth loss are early indicators that your dog’s dental health needs some attention. I don’t know if dogs mind when their breath stinks – it sure doesn’t seem like it – but their owners, other family members, and guests most certainly notice bad breath. Think about your poor pup, especially if they have lost a tooth or two. Daily pain often precedes tooth loss. Because of the pain, your dog may avoid eating which is definitely not good.
Beginning with the easiest and least expensive option and progressing to professional cleanings by a veterinarian, below are suggestions about things you can do to help keep your pets’ dental health in tip-top shape.
- Water Additives / Powders to Add to Food / Topical Sprays & Gels – As with small children and medicine, it’s easier to get them to take it if you’re able to sneak it into juice or something else that they like. There are a number of products on the market that have been shown to reduce the accumulation of plaque/tartar build-up on pets’ teeth and have therefore been accepted by the Veterinarian Oral Health Council (VOHC.org) to assist pet parents with their dogs’ and cats’ dental health. Water additives and powders that can be sprinkled on your pet’s food will likely be the least offensive approaches, at least in your pet’s opinion. The key is consistency. By using these products regularly, they are able to effectively do their job and will hopefully eliminate the need for more hands-on approaches. If you are a cat and dog household, there are options where the same product can be given to both felines and canines.
- Dog Treats & Chews – Whether online or found at local retailers, hundreds of different types of dog treats and chews are readily available. You can find dog treats that have been formulated to specifically remove plaque buildup and often contain ingredients that freshen breath and will clean your dog’s mouth. When it comes to dog chews, almost all of them have teeth-cleaning properties. The act of gnawing on dog chews helps scrape plaque off dogs’ teeth. Chews also contribute to brain stimulation and help to relieve boredom. Look for 100% natural chews (such as com’s bones, bully sticks, tendons, and antler sheds) which contain health-promoting substances like glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, and other minerals.
- Tooth Wipes / Toothbrushes & Toothpaste – While not as passive as water additives or powders, there are at-home wipes and toothpastes that have been formulated specifically for dogs – in flavors like chicken and peanut butter to lessen their resistance. Keep in mind, however, that wipes are more of a surface cleaning option designed to freshen breath and won’t get into the crevices between teeth the way a toothbrush will. Note to self: cats DON’T DO wipes or toothbrushes!
- Professional Cleaning – The best way to clean and maintain your dog’s oral health is to schedule a professional cleaning with your veterinarian. This is the most expensive option – usually several hundred dollars – since it requires anesthetizing your dog during the procedure and, in some instances, requires pre-op blood tests, but this approach also allows your veterinarian to prevent, locate, and treat any issues that could go unnoticed by dog parents, simply because our pups can’t always tell us when something is wrong. Professional cleanings are more common with certain breeds because they are necessary. Because of the sedation aspect, the risks to your pup can be higher as they get up in years. Your veterinarian can discuss the risks and benefits with you based on the breed and age of your pup and can advise if one of the lesser options mentioned above can serve as a suitable alternative.
Owning pets is a big responsibility and a beautiful gift that you give yourself. Oral health is an important part of pet ownership. Fortunately, most dental disease is preventable with regular, at-home care and occasional professional dental cleanings.
In today’s trying economic times, tight budgets have added an obstacle to caring for our beloved pets. According to the latest consumer price index, the cost of pet products and services is up by more than 9% year over year. Due to rising costs, people are forced to choose between meeting their own needs and the needs of their pets, and Larimer Humane Society feels that no family should ever have to face this decision. To help keep pets and people together, , we were thrilled to support Animal Friends Alliance in offering a Healthy Pets Clinic to an under-resourced community in Fort Collins. The clinic provided people and their pets with complimentary pet services, supplies, and veterinary expertise.
On Saturday, April 22, Animal Friends Alliance and Larimer Humane Society came together to care for the pets in Harmony Village, a residential community in Fort Collins. Veterinarians, veterinarian technicians, and many volunteers transformed the clubhouse at Harmony Village into a free remote pet clinic.
“With the weather being overcast and rainy, we were anticipating a slow day,” said Dr. Garcia, Supervising Veterinarian, DVM at Larimer Humane Society, and volunteer at Healthy Pets Clinic. “It was anything but that,” laughed Dr. Garcia. With the clinic set to open at 10:00, residents started forming a line at 9:15. With the clinic scheduled to close at 2:00, there were so many residents and their pets waiting to see a veterinarian that the event did not end until 5:00. “We saw around 123 animals in total,” said Dr. Garcia.
Offering vaccinations, healthy check-ups, microchips, spay and neuter surgeries (scheduled for another day), and a variety of pet food and supplies, this year’s Healthy Pets Clinic served 123 pets that may have otherwise gone without care. “It was so amazing to see people who love their pets, and want to do the right thing for them, come to the clinic,” said one of the event’s volunteers. Along with free services and supplies, the veterinarians handed out a variety of informational sheets pertaining to pet wellness. From heart murmur aftercare to your dog experiencing separation anxiety, all visitors were equipped with knowledge and guidance depending on which topic(s) their pet related to most. “Almost everybody left with a stack of handouts and literature,” said Dr. Garcia.
Amidst the busy remote clinic and eager residents to help their pets, one dog in particular, Jezebel, needed immediate care. “A little, white dog was in the lobby sitting perfectly still in her owner’s lap, when all of a sudden it started screeching and yelping very loudly,” said Dr. Garcia. The owner, startled and panicked, brought her dog up to the table where Dr. Garcia was stationed and looked at her with wide eyes. Dr. Garcia quickly examined Jezebel for symptoms and noticed that she had stepped into the metal clasp of her owner’s purse. “The clasp had attached to the dog’s Achilles tendon,” Dr. Garcia said. “We needed to cut the purse strap in order to relieve pressure from the clasp.” Within minutes, the clinic went into “all hands on deck” mode to help this poor little pup who was screeching in pain.
Working around a language barrier, Dr. Garcia used body language and gestures to ask the owner if she could cut her purse. “Si, si” the owner said nodding her head enthusiastically. Dr. Garcia cut the strap and that helped loosen the clasp stuck on the dog, but it still had a grasp on the Achilles tendon. Using a pliers, she carefully pried the clasp apart and off the dog’s leg. “It was an intense moment,” said Dr. Garcia. “At first, I thought I would need to send them to the ER, but we were able to remove the metal clip without causing further damage to the dog’s leg.” Jezebel’s leg was freed from the purse trap and only a small bruise could be seen, no tearing of the skin or long-term injury. “We were pretty fortunate, the clasp was on there pretty good,” said Dr. Garcia. After being well cared for and making a few friends, Jezebel was back to sitting quietly in her mama’s lap.
Jezebel was one of 123 pets that received complimentary care that day. “We hope that events like these helps build trust in the veterinary and rescue community,” said Dr. Garcia. “That we’re really here to help – not judge – and to provide care to their animals.”
At Larimer Humane Society, we wouldn’t be able to fulfill our mission without the hard work our volunteers dedicate to the shelter animals. Each of our volunteers combine their love for animals with their unique set of skills, providing the best care possible for our animals in need.
Two of our volunteers, Anna Lane and Gwen Anderson, who lend their services to our Behavior Department, have been practicing alternative healing methods, acupressure and Reiki healing, with several of our adoptable animals who need a little extra comfort and love.
Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique intended to relieve physical pain and stress. In treatment, physical pressure is applied to specific points on the body, with the goal of correcting imbalance throughout the body. This is Anna’s approach when providing acupressure to some of our animals, helping to balance the body’s system. “If ever there’s a medical or behavioral problem [in an animal], the system’s out of balance, and by adding in energy work we can help to balance out the system,” said Anna.
In a demonstration with one of our cats, Anna points to a few major energy points along the cat’s body. These are known as Chakras, and they can be responsible for different ailments and different behaviors in an animal when they are out of balance. Anna demonstrated how to find the heart Chakra on a cat or dog. “You put one hand on the chest and then one hand right where the neck joins the shoulder. That’s for animals who have had trauma or they need calming or grounding,” said Anna. Balancing this Chakra is important for some of our shelter animals who might struggle with acclimating to shelter life. Providing stress management to our animals is an important step to increasing their chances of being adopted.
Reiki (pronounced “ray-key”) comes from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning spirit, and “ki,” meaning energy, which translates to spiritual energy. The practice of Reiki healing has proven to reduce stress and anxiety through meditation or gentle touch in both humans and animals. This form of healing has several positive impacts on animals, such as reducing stress, calming destructive behaviors, and easing pain.
Volunteer Gwen Anderson practices Reiki healing as a form of meditation with our animals. Kathleen Prasad, a prominent figure in the animal Reiki community, inspired Gwen to use a different approach to Reiki healing in animals. Understanding that not all animals like to be intruded upon or touched, Gwen integrated Kathleen’s approach where she invites an animal to meditate with her, rather than entering their space. Gwen has found this to be time-efficient in the shelter environment because there are so many animals with varying needs.
By providing the animals the choice to engage in the meditation or not, it is more meaningful and impactful when the animal chooses to engage. “I kind of extend the energy beyond me, so that they’re invited into it,” said Gwen. “Sometimes if they get quiet and they’re all settled down, I just extend it to the whole area.” Gwen added that if the animal walks away and chooses not to participate, then that is their prerogative and she can come back another time.
Gwen told us the story of Charlie, an anxious and jumpy dog who did not buy in to Reiki healing right away. “I shared Reiki with Charlie for three weeks in a row. At first, he would bark anxiously and jump at the gate. Then, he allowed me to sit outside his kennel and offer Reiki as he would lie down by the gate, but would jump and bark once I stood up to leave. The last time I shared Reiki with him, when I stood up to leave, he remained still and just looked at me. He was really peaceful and calm, and I thought I could see a big change in him.” One week later, Charlie was adopted.
The alternative healing methods that Anna and Gwen practice help create the foundation for a positive future for adoptable animals at our shelter. By creating a space where our animals can gain a sense of confidence, trust, and happiness, Anna and Gwen contribute to helping our animals get adopted into forever homes, and we are grateful to them for lending their talents and experience at our shelter!
Dental Health for Dogs
A big thank you to BarknBig for guest writing this blog, as part of our monthly Business Partner Program. BarknBig manufactures premium canine treats and chews, and is located in Loveland, CO. They can be reached at Barknbig.com and (970) 663-4561.
It’s hard to look at a smiling dog without smiling ourselves. Their bright eyes, wet noses, and an uncanny ability to swindle a bit of free lovin’ from everyone they meet are just a few of the reasons why we love our dogs – and most other people’s dogs too!
While few people comment on a dog’s beautiful smile, healthy teeth and gums are an important part of every dog’s life – dogs use their teeth every day, after all. Beyond contributing to a dog’s overall wellbeing and quality of life, you will enjoy the absence of bad breath that can be downright offensive.
What Contributes to Poor Dental Health in Pets?
Most pet owners understand that not brushing their pet’s teeth or getting dental check-ups are direct contributors to poor dental health. But there are other, sometimes unusual incidents that can also play a role. Take our dog, Guthrie. He is a 25-lb. Basenji with a TON of energy whose favorite thing in life – next to getting treats – is playing with his Kong toy.
We have a raised patio in our back yard. Guthrie uses the patio as a launch pad to catch Kongs on the fly. Kongs come in different sizes, and the larger ones are heavier – apparently heavy enough to loosen poor Guthrie’s teeth. We noticed that Guthrie wasn’t even trying to pick up the Kong when it was on the ground….VERY unusual! We eventually put two and two together to figure out that the large, heavy Kong was too much trauma for his young teeth. We switched to a smaller Kong and gave his teeth time to heal. He couldn’t be happier.
Aside from losing a tooth, do you know what else can be painful for dogs? A chipped or cracked tooth. Some dogs chew rocks – why, I have no idea – but rocks can break dogs’ teeth. Most tooth fractures occur when dogs chew on objects that are too hard, like ice cubes, bones, hard nylon chews, antlers, and horse or pig hooves. Sometimes an accident can chip or cause a hairline crack to a dog’s tooth. When a dog’s tooth is hurting, you’ll notice a decreased interest in eating their food or chewing on tough things like bully sticks or bones.
For a chipped or fractured tooth, seek veterinarian care. When a chipped tooth exposes the pulp (which is where nerves and blood vessels are), not only can that be painful for your pup, but it’s not going to heal itself. Leaving the tooth untreated can allow bacteria to enter areas of your dog’s mouth that can lead to a more serious infection, especially down the road as your pup ages and age-related eating issues can start.
People vs. Dogs – Dental Health is Different
Dogs and people experience some of the same oral diseases. Whereas the most common dental disease in people is tooth decay or cavities, tooth decay in dogs is rare – representing less than 10% of all dental problems.
The most common dental problems seen in dogs are fractured teeth and periodontal disease. We talked about fractured teeth above, so now we’ll switch gears to talk about periodontal disease.
It is estimated that more than two-thirds of dogs over three years of age experience some degree of periodontal disease, making it the most common ailment affecting people’s dogs. Gingivitis (inflamed gums due to plaque and tartar build-up) is the first stage of periodontal disease and is the only truly reversible stage.
Untreated dental disease can lead to painful abscesses or other infections that can spread throughout your dog’s body. In extreme cases, it can lead to permanent jaw damage and even heart disease. As with people, heart disease can shorten your Best Friend’s lifespan.
How to Maintain Your Dog’s Dental Health
Teeth are a tool. Much like shop tools and garden tools that work better and last longer when they’re periodically cleaned, dogs’ teeth also need to be cleaned, at least occasionally (and more often if you can convince your dog to be a willing participant).
Bad breath and tooth loss are early indicators that your dog’s dental health needs some attention. I don’t know if dogs mind when their breath stinks – it sure doesn’t seem like it – but their owners, other family members, and guests most certainly notice bad breath. Think about your poor pup, especially if they have lost a tooth or two. Daily pain often precedes tooth loss. Because of the pain, your dog may avoid eating which is definitely not good.
Beginning with the easiest and least expensive option and progressing to professional cleanings by a veterinarian, below are suggestions about things you can do to help keep your pets’ dental health in tip-top shape.
Owning pets is a big responsibility and a beautiful gift that you give yourself. Oral health is an important part of pet ownership. Fortunately, most dental disease is preventable with regular, at-home care and occasional professional dental cleanings.
Larimer Humane Society aids 123 pets at Healthy Pets Clinic
In today’s trying economic times, tight budgets have added an obstacle to caring for our beloved pets. According to the latest consumer price index, the cost of pet products and services is up by more than 9% year over year. Due to rising costs, people are forced to choose between meeting their own needs and the needs of their pets, and Larimer Humane Society feels that no family should ever have to face this decision. To help keep pets and people together, , we were thrilled to support Animal Friends Alliance in offering a Healthy Pets Clinic to an under-resourced community in Fort Collins. The clinic provided people and their pets with complimentary pet services, supplies, and veterinary expertise.
On Saturday, April 22, Animal Friends Alliance and Larimer Humane Society came together to care for the pets in Harmony Village, a residential community in Fort Collins. Veterinarians, veterinarian technicians, and many volunteers transformed the clubhouse at Harmony Village into a free remote pet clinic.
“With the weather being overcast and rainy, we were anticipating a slow day,” said Dr. Garcia, Supervising Veterinarian, DVM at Larimer Humane Society, and volunteer at Healthy Pets Clinic. “It was anything but that,” laughed Dr. Garcia. With the clinic set to open at 10:00, residents started forming a line at 9:15. With the clinic scheduled to close at 2:00, there were so many residents and their pets waiting to see a veterinarian that the event did not end until 5:00. “We saw around 123 animals in total,” said Dr. Garcia.
Offering vaccinations, healthy check-ups, microchips, spay and neuter surgeries (scheduled for another day), and a variety of pet food and supplies, this year’s Healthy Pets Clinic served 123 pets that may have otherwise gone without care. “It was so amazing to see people who love their pets, and want to do the right thing for them, come to the clinic,” said one of the event’s volunteers. Along with free services and supplies, the veterinarians handed out a variety of informational sheets pertaining to pet wellness. From heart murmur aftercare to your dog experiencing separation anxiety, all visitors were equipped with knowledge and guidance depending on which topic(s) their pet related to most. “Almost everybody left with a stack of handouts and literature,” said Dr. Garcia.
Amidst the busy remote clinic and eager residents to help their pets, one dog in particular, Jezebel, needed immediate care. “A little, white dog was in the lobby sitting perfectly still in her owner’s lap, when all of a sudden it started screeching and yelping very loudly,” said Dr. Garcia. The owner, startled and panicked, brought her dog up to the table where Dr. Garcia was stationed and looked at her with wide eyes. Dr. Garcia quickly examined Jezebel for symptoms and noticed that she had stepped into the metal clasp of her owner’s purse. “The clasp had attached to the dog’s Achilles tendon,” Dr. Garcia said. “We needed to cut the purse strap in order to relieve pressure from the clasp.” Within minutes, the clinic went into “all hands on deck” mode to help this poor little pup who was screeching in pain.
Working around a language barrier, Dr. Garcia used body language and gestures to ask the owner if she could cut her purse. “Si, si” the owner said nodding her head enthusiastically. Dr. Garcia cut the strap and that helped loosen the clasp stuck on the dog, but it still had a grasp on the Achilles tendon. Using a pliers, she carefully pried the clasp apart and off the dog’s leg. “It was an intense moment,” said Dr. Garcia. “At first, I thought I would need to send them to the ER, but we were able to remove the metal clip without causing further damage to the dog’s leg.” Jezebel’s leg was freed from the purse trap and only a small bruise could be seen, no tearing of the skin or long-term injury. “We were pretty fortunate, the clasp was on there pretty good,” said Dr. Garcia. After being well cared for and making a few friends, Jezebel was back to sitting quietly in her mama’s lap.
Jezebel was one of 123 pets that received complimentary care that day. “We hope that events like these helps build trust in the veterinary and rescue community,” said Dr. Garcia. “That we’re really here to help – not judge – and to provide care to their animals.”
Alternative Healing Methods to Support Shelter Animals
At Larimer Humane Society, we wouldn’t be able to fulfill our mission without the hard work our volunteers dedicate to the shelter animals. Each of our volunteers combine their love for animals with their unique set of skills, providing the best care possible for our animals in need.
Two of our volunteers, Anna Lane and Gwen Anderson, who lend their services to our Behavior Department, have been practicing alternative healing methods, acupressure and Reiki healing, with several of our adoptable animals who need a little extra comfort and love.
Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique intended to relieve physical pain and stress. In treatment, physical pressure is applied to specific points on the body, with the goal of correcting imbalance throughout the body. This is Anna’s approach when providing acupressure to some of our animals, helping to balance the body’s system. “If ever there’s a medical or behavioral problem [in an animal], the system’s out of balance, and by adding in energy work we can help to balance out the system,” said Anna.
In a demonstration with one of our cats, Anna points to a few major energy points along the cat’s body. These are known as Chakras, and they can be responsible for different ailments and different behaviors in an animal when they are out of balance. Anna demonstrated how to find the heart Chakra on a cat or dog. “You put one hand on the chest and then one hand right where the neck joins the shoulder. That’s for animals who have had trauma or they need calming or grounding,” said Anna. Balancing this Chakra is important for some of our shelter animals who might struggle with acclimating to shelter life. Providing stress management to our animals is an important step to increasing their chances of being adopted.
Reiki (pronounced “ray-key”) comes from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning spirit, and “ki,” meaning energy, which translates to spiritual energy. The practice of Reiki healing has proven to reduce stress and anxiety through meditation or gentle touch in both humans and animals. This form of healing has several positive impacts on animals, such as reducing stress, calming destructive behaviors, and easing pain.
Volunteer Gwen Anderson practices Reiki healing as a form of meditation with our animals. Kathleen Prasad, a prominent figure in the animal Reiki community, inspired Gwen to use a different approach to Reiki healing in animals. Understanding that not all animals like to be intruded upon or touched, Gwen integrated Kathleen’s approach where she invites an animal to meditate with her, rather than entering their space. Gwen has found this to be time-efficient in the shelter environment because there are so many animals with varying needs.
By providing the animals the choice to engage in the meditation or not, it is more meaningful and impactful when the animal chooses to engage. “I kind of extend the energy beyond me, so that they’re invited into it,” said Gwen. “Sometimes if they get quiet and they’re all settled down, I just extend it to the whole area.” Gwen added that if the animal walks away and chooses not to participate, then that is their prerogative and she can come back another time.
Gwen told us the story of Charlie, an anxious and jumpy dog who did not buy in to Reiki healing right away. “I shared Reiki with Charlie for three weeks in a row. At first, he would bark anxiously and jump at the gate. Then, he allowed me to sit outside his kennel and offer Reiki as he would lie down by the gate, but would jump and bark once I stood up to leave. The last time I shared Reiki with him, when I stood up to leave, he remained still and just looked at me. He was really peaceful and calm, and I thought I could see a big change in him.” One week later, Charlie was adopted.
The alternative healing methods that Anna and Gwen practice help create the foundation for a positive future for adoptable animals at our shelter. By creating a space where our animals can gain a sense of confidence, trust, and happiness, Anna and Gwen contribute to helping our animals get adopted into forever homes, and we are grateful to them for lending their talents and experience at our shelter!