Lowell, MA  February 21, 2012 — There are 82 million pet cats in the U.S., compared with 72 million dogs,¹ making cats the most popular pet. Yet studies show the number of feline veterinary visits is declining steadily each year. For example, a recent industry survey revealed that compared with dogs, almost three times as many cats hadn’t received veterinary care in the past year.²

 The disparity may be related to common myths about cat health, such as:

   • Cats are naturally healthier and more problem-free than dogs

   • Feline health problems come from outside and don’t affect indoor cats

   • Cats will display visible signs of illness like dogs do

 The truth is, cats need regular veterinary care, including annual exams and vaccinations, just like dogs do. And because they are naturally adept at hiding signs of illness, annual exams are especially important for early diagnosis of health problems.

 That’s why Lowell Veterinary Clinic is participating in the “Have we seen your cat lately?^™” national awareness campaign and taking steps to raise awareness about the importance of regular veterinary care for cats.

 “We have added “Cats-Only Wednesdays” which are morning appointments only for our feline patients.  We wanted to make It easier for cat owners to bring their cats Into a less stressful and dog-free environment.,” said Dr. Nancy Kopec.

 Lowell Veterinary Clinic wants to encourage all cat owners to call their veterinarian today to schedule wellness exams for their cats.  

 The nationwide “Have we seen your cat lately?” awareness program is sponsored  by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.

¹AVMA. U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook. 2007 ed.
Schaumburg, IL: American Veterinary Medical Association; 2007:1-27.

²2009 – 2010 APPA national pet owners survey.
Greenwich, CT: American Pet Products Association, Inc.; 2010.

Also known as International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day, National Dog Biscuit Day is always celebrated on February 23^rd each year.  Whether the origin for the “holiday” was created by a dog biscuit manufacturer, a dog lover or perhaps a dog loving organization is unknown.  One thing is definite about National Dog Biscuit Day: this is a day for cherishing the dogs at Wignall Animal Hospital and Lowell Veterinary Clinic: bring in your pooch on February 23^rd for a special dog biscuit treat!  Visit Kids Corner for a “Dog Biscuit Day Craft”!

The winning photograph will be featured in the lobby of our hospital as well as on our Facebook page, our hospital newsletter, and our website home page. Don’t have a photo you want to submit? Then participate by voting!  Just make sure you’re our “Fan” on Facebook and vote on our “Spring Fever Contest” page for all the photos you like! The pet with the most votes by April 16, 2012 wins! So, tell all your friends, neighbors, co-workers and family to catch “Spring Fever” with us.

Photo entries should be submitted between February 15th – March 15th. by using the entry form on our Facebook page.

Here’s how it works on our Facebook page:

1. Become our Facebook fan (just click “Like” under the first posting on our Facebook wall)
2. Go to the “Spring Fever Contest” page (contest button is on the left side of our Facebook page)
3. Submit your pet’s photo—ANY photo you think other fans will adore—February 15, 2012-March 15, 2012.
4. VOTE! March 16, 2012-April 16, 2012.

Over the past 2-3 years, hospital owner, David McGrath DVM, has been watching the trends as new companies have emerged, in some cases overshadowing the “old timers” of the pet insurance industry. There are so many different features to each insurance company’s plans, that it is almost impossible to compare “apples” to “apples” in order for clients to make an informed decision. Some won’t cover certain breeds; some will only cover dogs or only cats; some will only cover puppies and kittens; and others will only cover a pet under age 7. It is a huge challenge for anyone trying to find a good plan for his/her pet(s) AND also be able to understand what is included!

In an attempt to rescue our clients from this maze of information, after extensive research and consideration Wignall Animal Hospital and Lowell Veterinary Clinic are pleased to announce Trupanion as the insurance of choice. The decision is based on many things, including the expeditious manner in which Trupanion reimburses policyholders based on actual veterinary cost. The Trupanion Policy Overview states “Trupanion covers 90% of the actual costs of veterinary care should a pet become sick or injured. This includes diagnostic testing, surgeries, medications, supplements, therapeutic food, orthotic devices, prosthetic devices, and carts. Pet owners can choose any veterinarian, including emergency veterinary clinics and veterinary specialists.” Trupanion provides free online and phone customer service support 24/7 and we feel this is very important for our clients. If you have an insurance question, you need help now—not tomorrow after 9am!

As a Wignall Animal Hospital/Lowell Veterinary Clinic client, you are eligible for a 30 Day Trial of Trupanion at no obligation. The special 30 Day Trial Registration Forms are available only at the hospital. Clients are strongly encouraged to contact Trupanion directly as soon as the 30 Day Trial is initiated, in order to learn as much information as possible by speaking with a Trupanion Customer Service Representative. Click here for an overview of Trupanion coverage, or visit them online at Trupanion.com.

To obtain your no cost Trupanion 30 Day Trial Registration Form, contact Wignall Animal Hospital (978-454-8272 or info@wignall.com) or Lowell Veterinary Clinic (978-454-0044 or info@wignall.com).

In November 2011, Mary-Ann, a Pets In Need Rescue volunteer, noticed Phoenix frequenting her backyard in Lowell. Her new visitor did not have any pet identification that she could see. After a few days in her yard, she believed he was a stray and began her campaign to rescue him! Although he was very timid and would not come near her, she persisted trying to make friends with him. She started putting food outdoors for him in her yard and little by little, she was able to get closer and closer to him. It was slow going, after all he had been on the road for months at that point and Mary-Ann had no way of knowing what he had been through before finding safety in her yard. Mary-Ann continued to build her relationship until she was able to get Phoenix to enter her home and be fed! As time went by, Mary-Ann thought Phoenix—whom she had nick named “Sparkles”— might be a good candidate for help from Pets In Need Rescue, Dracut, where she volunteers. The rescue agreed and Mary-Ann scheduled the little guy for surgery to be neutered at Wignall Animal Hospital, Dracut where medical care for Pets In Need Rescue is provided

When the Wignall Staff examined him on January 27, 2012, they discovered that he had a Home Again Microchip! Good news became Great news when the staff researched the microchip number and realized that this “stray” was a Wignall patient whose owners reported him lost many months ago. Wignall contacted Shannon and Ryan to report the good news, Phoenix (aka “Sparkles”) was treated for a minor medical issue and reunited with mom and dad the next day!

50 Games To Play with Your Cat
By Jackie Strachan

Cats are commonly misconceived as sedentary creatures that need little if any exercise. In reality, cats require the same sort of mental and physical stimulation as any other pet in order to be healthy and happy and to alleviate boredom.

In 50 Games to Play with Your Cat, discover a complete compendium of games appropriate for cats of all ages and activity levels. The simple instructions make each game easy to set up and play in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. The book features activities that challenge your cat both mentally and physically, helping to satisfy her instinctive hunting skills while keeping her fit and happy. Many of the exercises utilize items often found lying around the house, such as empty boxes or shopping bags and even soap bubbles. It also includes expert tips that explain your cat’s playful behavior and shows you how to coax a cautious cat into play or calm an
overexcited cat.

For the cat owner who wants to help his or her pet stay active and engaged, 50 Games to Play with Your Cat offers enjoyable game ideas that are appropriate for all ages and activity levels of both cat and owner.

February 2nd – Groundhog Day

February 20th – Love your pet day

Love Your Pet Day is the official day to pamper your pet with a little extra love! Your pet brings a smile to your face when you’re having a rough day, curls up next to you on the couch when you’re feeling lonely, and loves you unconditionally. They certainly deserve a whole day of love and attention!

Pets provide excellent social support, stress relief, and many other health benefits to their owners — even more so than human companions! Research shows that when people had to perform a stressful task, they experienced less stress when their pets were with them than when a supportive friend or even their spouse was present. So whether you have a cat, dog, hamster, or goldfish, make sure they get lots of extra love from you today!

Here are some ideas you can try to make Love Your Pet Day a special day:

• Take your pet to do his favorite activity, whether it be running around the park or taking a drive in the car.
• Try cooking up a tasty treat made from meat, rice and/or vegetables. (Just stay away from onions, peppers, garlic, and spices which may upset your pet’s stomach).
• Bring home a new toy or treat.
• Sign your pet up for a day of grooming or do it yourself. If you really want to go all out, you can book him in a pet spa.
• Don’t forget the pets that are still looking for homes. Adopt a pet or donate a bag of pet food to your local shelter.
• Single out your pet owner friends by sending them a card (or e-card) reminding them to celebrate the day.
• If you don’t know your pet’s birthday (and many of us don’t), make Feb. 20th the day to celebrate his arrival into the world.

February 23rd – Dog Biscuit Day

Also known as International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day, National Dog Biscuit Day is always celebrated on February 23^rd each year.  Whether the origin for the “holiday” was created by a dog biscuit manufacturer, a dog lover or perhaps a dog loving organization is unknown.  One thing is definite about National Dog Biscuit Day: this is a day for chrerishing the dogs at Wignall Animal Hospital and Lowell Veterinary Clinic: bring in your pooch on February 23^rd for a special dog biscuit treat!  Visit Kids Corner for a “Dog Biscuit Day Craft”!

February 27th – International Polar Bear Day

To celebrate this magnificent animal, Polar Bears International has designated February 27th as International Polar Bear Day. Polar Bears International is dedicated to conservation through research, stewardship and education. If you are interested in learning more about PBI and polar bears, visit www.polarbearsinternational.org.

February 28th – World Spay Day

Spaying or neutering your pet is an important decision for pet owners. As animal lovers who value our pets, it is important to understand the impact of this decision.

Spaying is a general term used to describe the ovariohysterectomy (removal of uterus and ovaries) of a female animal. Neutering is a general term used to describe the castration (removal of the testicles) of a male animal. The surgical procedure, performed by a veterinarian, renders the animal unable to reproduce. Through spaying/neutering, you can help your dog or cat live a happier, healthier, longer life.

Better Health

• Spaying eliminates the constant crying and nervous pacing of a female cat in heat.
• Spaying a female dog also eliminates the messiness associated with the heat cycle.
• Spaying females prior to their first heat cycle nearly eliminates the risk of mammary cancer and totally prevents uterine cancer and uterine infections, such as pyometra.
• Neutering of male dogs and cats can prevent certain undesirable sexual behaviors, such as urine marking, humping, male aggression and the urge to roam. If you have more than one pet in your household, all the pets will generally get along better if they are neutered.
• Neutering males prevents testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate gland, and greatly reduces their risk for perianal tumors.

Overpopulation

Whether you own a pet or not, everyone is affected by animal overpopulation. Millions of tax dollars are spent annually to shelter and care for stray, abandoned and unwanted pets. Much of that money is spent to euthanize these animals when homes cannot be found.

In the United States alone, there are an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year. Approximately 3.7 million animals are euthanized at shelters each year, due to the sheer fact that there are not enough willing adopters. Many of these animals are young, healthy pets who would have made great companions. They are not the offspring of homeless “street” animals—these are the puppies and kittens of cherished family pets and even purebreds. In fact, 25 percent of shelter dogs are purebreds.

Many people believe that their pet’s puppies or kittens would never become homeless shelter animals. But the reality is that even if they are placed into homes, it is still possible for them to end up in shelters once they become “hard to handle,” or for them to reproduce further and for the next generation of puppies or kittens to wind up homeless. Spaying and neutering is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats.

www.americanhumane.org

Coming up in March…

3/5 – Iditarod Sled Dog Race Begins

3/6-12 – National Professional Pet Sitters Week

3/23 – National Puppy Day

Buy one get second one at 50% off on all Hill’s t/d dental diet’s during Dental Health Months!

*February 1^st – March 31^st

WHAT EVERY PET OWNER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DENTAL DISEASE AND PET HEALTH

Many pet owners are unaware that-just like with humans-good dental health is essential to the overall health of pets!  According to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medicine Association) and AVDS (American Veterinary Dentistry Society), dogs and cats need regular teeth cleanings and a healthy diet in order to maintain good oral health.  Poor dental health in pets-just as in humans-results in other health problems. For pets, this may include bone infections, tooth decay resulting in extractions, systemic infections damaging the heart and kidneys; loss of appetite resulting in weight loss and other medical problems caused by chronic bacterial infection.  These clinical issues can be costly to treat and painful to for your pet.  Read some comments from real clients whose pets had dental cleanings. (click here for our Pet Dental Health Testimonials)  While the idea of dental cleanings at home and by your veterinarian may seem silly, the photos below demonstrate how much damage is done to teeth, gums and bone if your pet’s dental care is neglected.  Investing in your pet’s dental health is a wise investment that curbs the potential for discomfort for your pet as well as remains a cost effective approach to good health. For more information, call us and visit this link.  Know the facts about dental health.

Each time we see your pet, we evaluate his/her teeth using a Dental Grading System. The teeth are graded from I to IV, depending on the condition of the teeth, gums and other oral tissue. The real photos below demonstrate each Dental Grade and the description explains the condition of the pet’s mouth, as well as what is required to treat the pet.  After you review the photos, you can do a quick “Pet Dental Health Assessment” on your pet’s dental health to help you see how your pet is doing.   If you think that your pet might have a Dental Grade of II, III or IV, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. To access the Pet Dental Health Assessment tool, click here.

Grade I / NICE JOB! No sign of plaque or tartar

Home dental care is needed to maintain these healthy teeth and gums.  Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly is ideal.  There are products available to help make home dental care easy and hassle free, such as tooth sealers, rinses and food.

Grade II / Mild Gingivitis-Early Periodontal Disease

Gum is inflamed and swollen.  You may notice a thin red line along the gum line.  You will see plaque beginning to cover the teeth. A dental prophylactic cleaning and polishing is indicated within the next few months.

Grade III/ Moderate Gingivitis-Established Periodontal Disease

Gums are inflamed and swollen.  Your pet’s mouth is painful and odor is noticed. Gum pockets allow bacteria to flourish.  Now, moderate amounts of plaque build up.  Dental cleaning to remove tartar is needed within the next 30 days.  Tartar control diet and home dental care are needed afterward for prevention. Extractions may be needed.

Grade IV/Severe Gingivitis-Advanced Periodontal Disease

Your pet has periodontal disease, red and bleeding gums.  Gum is damaged by infection and tartar.  Sore mouth and bad breath odor are notoiceable.  Dental cleaning to remove tartar is needed immediately. Gum pockets and extractions are expected. Chronic infection is destroying the gum, teeth and bone.  Bacteria are spreading through the body via the bloodstream threatening the kidneys, liver and heart. Extractions and suturing is necessary.  Tartar control diet and home dental care are needed to prevent recurrence.

Visit the Pet Health section of our website to get more information on the Importance of Dental Health.

Helpful Tips…

Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth