Call (970) 416-0232 to schedule a dental cleaning for your pet, or
schedule a Free Estimate

Bad breath isn’t just unpleasant, it can be unhealthy.  Up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats that do not receive proper dental care can show signs of dental disease by the age of three. 

Learn more about dental care for DOGS and CATS at Aspen Grove Veterinary Care

The Truth About Anesthesia-Free Dental Care for Pets

Anesthesia-free dental care for pets , gentle dental care for pets, holistic pet dental care…these seem to be all the rage in veterinary dental care these days. But are they really all they are cracked up to be? The truth, no.

During a non-anesthetic dental cleaning, the veterinarian is extremely limited. While superficial scraping will leave the pet’s teeth visibly whiter, your veterinarian cannot clean beneath the gum line where the bacteria that causes periodontal disease actually lives. This is the bacteria that causes bad breath and extensive damage to a tooth’s root and bone structure.   Removing tarter from only the visible surfaces of the tooth is purely cosmetic and has very little effect on the pet’s health. This procedure does more harm than good because it gives pet owners a false sense of security and accomplishment.

When you Google “non-anesthetic dentals” you’ll find a plethora of information and websites touting how wonderful and effective this procedure is. Our advice to pet owners is “buyers beware.” Do a little more research before scheduling this type of appointment.

Here are some facts

The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) has issued a Position Statement discouraging non-anesthetic dental procedures stating that “non-professional dental scalings on unanesthetized pets is inappropriate…”

Dental scaling without anesthesia does not allow sufficient access to all surfaces of the teeth for comprehensive cleaning and evaluation. What does that mean and why is it important?

Basically, it means this; because the patient is not anesthetized they will move. This motion inhibits the technician (or whoever is performing the procedure) from being able to thoroughly exam and clean all surfaces of the tooth, including below the gum line.

As you’ve learned from your dentist, tarter firmly adheres to the surface of the teeth, both above and below the gum line. The most important part of a dental cleaning is scaling the subgingival space between the gum and the root, where periodontal disease is active. This process is uncomfortable, and even painful, causing the patient to move and try to escape. This movement makes access to the subgingival area of each tooth impossible.

4 direct benefits of anesthesia

Routine anesthesia is very safe with a low rate of complication. Occasional problems can arise due to pre-existing conditions not evident during physical exam. You can prevent anesthetic complication with pre-anesthetic blood work.

Using anesthesia for a dental procedure is beneficial for four specific reasons:

1. It eliminates the problem of the patient moving during the procedure.
2. It manages the pain associated with proper examination and scaling.
3. It protect the patient’s airway from accidental aspiration of tarter and bacteria.
4. It allows for a complete and comprehensive oral exam (when the patient is not anesthetized, area’s of disease and discomfort are likely to be missed during exam).

The post Help Us Celebrate Dental Month & Save Money! appeared first on Aspen Grove Vet.

It’s spring and if you’re an outdoor lover, you and your pup are probably already enjoying Northern Colorado’s many recreation areas. As it warms up, the rattlesnakes will be, too. Protect your dog with a rattlesnake vaccine this year.

Each year, about 300,000 dogs and cats in America are bit by venomous snakes. Vaccination for dogs has been reported to experience less pain, swelling and tissue damage and faster recovery, including less permanent injury than non-vaccinated dogs.

Vaccination vs. Acclimation

Technically speaking the rattlesnake vaccination isn’t a vaccine. Vaccines work introduce antibodies that fight microorganisms that cause illness, and rattlesnake toxin isn’t a microorganism.

Instead, the rattlesnake vaccine introduces a small amount of venom into your dog’s system. While not enough to produce side effects, it helps create a tolerance for the toxin in your dog’s body. (Think of that classic scene from The Princess Bride when the Dread Pirate Roberts survives the battle of wits after building up an immunity to iocane powder.) This process is acclimation, allowing your dog to build up resistance to the toxin.

It’s formulated to protect against the western diamondback rattler, and won’t help your pooch if it’s bitten by one of the venomous snakes not native to Northern Colorado.

Like conventional vaccines, your dog must receive a booster of the rattlesnake vaccine a few weeks after the initial dose to insure it’s effective.

What to Do with a Bitten Dog

A vaccination doesn’t make your pooch invulernable to rattlesnake bites. If a treated dog is the victim of a rattlesnake strike, it’s critical to receive veterinary care as soon as possible. A vet can determine if your pet needs a dose of antivenin to supplement his natural immunity.

Aspen Grove offers Urgent Pet Care to treat snakebite – and other urgent issues – for dogs until 8:30 p.m. weeknights and Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon.

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Summer’s almost here, and you and your pets are ready to enjoy everything the Colorado climate has to offer. You may also face some summer pet dangers as you’re out and about, and protecting your four-legged buddy starts with awareness.

You’re a smart and responsible pet owner, so we’re not going to harp on the dangers of leaving your pooch in your car this summer, especially with risks that are less obvious, but no less dangerous to your pets.

Heat Stress: Dogs and cats get hot, too, so watch out for signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion in your pets. Some breeds, such as pugs, struggle with heat more than other, and thick-coated dogs and cats will, obviously, have more issues with heat. Make sure you provide plenty of water, a shady place to rest, and know the signs of heat stress: lethargy, sunken eyes, loss of appetite and poor skin elasticity are among the most common.

Creepy Crawlies: Insects, spiders and snakes all love the summer just as much as you and your pet do. While you’re probably aware of the poisonous ones (rattlesnakes, black widows and brown recluse spiders in Colorado), there’s a host of critters that may spend their summer on your pet: ticks, fleas, lice and heartworm may want to feast on your pet.

Cookouts: Just like holiday menus can be bad for your pet, barbecues open up a host of bad mealtime choices for dogs. Barbecued meats may seem delicious, but they can lead to upset stomachs and diarrhea, and corn on the cob’s are not digestible and can cause intestinal obstruction. Likewise, ice cream can lead to stomach problems in dogs and cats with sweet tooths.

Swimming Pools: Just like you’ll need to keep a close watch on children around backyard pools, you’ll want to keep track of your pets. Getting out of a pool can be difficult or impossible for four-legged swimmers, so even enthusiastic doggie-paddlers may find themselves in pools they from which they can’t escape

Fishing Tackle: What’s the difference between all those pieces of string and fish line with a fish hook on it? To your cat’s eyes not much. Until she gets the hook stuck in a paw or her mouth, that is.

The post Summer Pet Dangers appeared first on Aspen Grove Vet.

We know there’s not a lot of heartworm in Fort Collins, but that doesn’t mean we can pretend it doesn’t exist. As Aspen Grove Veterinary Care lead veterinarian Dr. Bobby Cawthron explains, it’s critical to keep monitoring your dog for heartworm.

Part of Pet Care: Heartworm tests are still a very important part of pet care, and should be performed even in Colorado. These days, it’s not about monitoring your dog to prevent adverse reactions with heartworm medication, but staying in front of any treatment.

Early Detection: Heartworm is difficult to treat, but the earlier it’s detected, the easier it is to effectively treat. Tests can catch the parasites early on, giving your pet the best chance to recover.

Prevention Is Key: Dogs that never contract the parasite are, obviously, better off than those that do. Heartworm prevention is critical, so stay on schedule with heartworm treatments.

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Heads up, pet owners! Two Colorado dogs recently tested positive for rabies, the first reported cases in Colorado since 2003. Is your pet vaccinated? Learn more about rabies and how to protect yourself and your pets below.

Both dogs and cats are susceptible to rabies and both can pass it to humans. The incubation period can vary from 10 days to one year or longer. In dogs, the incubation period is typically two weeks to four months. Incubation in a cat is generally less than a dog and is typically three to eight weeks. Death usually occurs within 10 days from the first onset of symptoms.

Following a bite from a rabid animal, the disease progresses in stages. In the first, or prodromal phase, the pet undergoes a marked change in temperament. Quiet pets become agitated and active pets become nervous or shy.

Following this stage, there are two recognized from of the clinical disease.

• Furious rabies (most common in cats, but can occur in dogs) occurs when the rabid pet becomes highly excitable and displays evidence of a depraved appetite, eating and chewing stones, earth and rubbish. Paralysis eventually sets in and they may be unable to eat and drink. Hydrophobia (fear of water) is not a sign of rabies in pets; it is only a symptom of rabies in humans. In this form of rabies, the pet finally dies in a violent seizure.
• Dumb rabies is most common in dogs. There is a progressive paralysis involving limbs, distortion of the face and a similar difficulty in swallowing. Owners will frequently think the dog has something stuck in the mouth or throat. Care should be taken in examination since rabies may be transmitted by saliva. Ultimately, the dog becomes comatose and dies.

How do you test for rabies?

There is no test for rabies. The only way to determine if an animal has rabies is to test the brain, which is done through necropsy samples.

Rabies Vaccination

The rabies vaccination promotes the production of antibodies but is only effective if given before the virus enters the nervous system. Rabies vaccine is required by law for all dogs and cats, and their only protection against the disease.

It is important to ensure that your pets are up to date on their vaccines. Contact the experts at Aspen Grove Vet care if you have any questions.

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Summer’s on its way, and that means you’ll be spending more time enjoying Fort Collins. As a dog lover, it also means your four-legged buddy likely be spending a lot of that time with you. Make plans for you and Fido to enjoy some Fort Collins dog friendly events.

Fire Hydrant 5K: The perfect kick-off to the summer for active owner and their pets, the Fire Hydrant 5K marks its 25^th year in 2017. Featuring a dog-friendly 5K – and a crowd of pets on parade – the event supports the Larimer Humane Society, and features many dog-and-human costume combinations. Learn more about the June 3 event here.

CSU Lagoon Concert Series: Running Tuesday nights at 6:30 from June 14 to Aug. 2 at the Colorado State University Campus Lagoon (south of Lory Student Center), the series has been a favorite for local music lovers for 24 years. This year features Wendy Woo, Danielle Ate the Sandwich and Slow Caves, among others. Bring a blanket and a leash, and let you and your pooch soak up some tunes. See the full lineup and more details here.

Pooch Plunge: Everyone, including dogs, loves a swim. Lifeguards tend not to be too happy about your dog, though – except each year at the Pooch Plunge. Before City Park Pool drains for the winter, the City opens it doors to doggies for the Pooch Plunge. Let your pup enjoy the best outdoor pool in Fort Collins. Traditionally held on the Monay of Labor Day weekend, visit City Park Pool’s web page for full details as they’re announced.

Tour de Corgi: For owners of Corgis, or just fans of the diminutive puffballs, Tour de Corgi is a chance for breed owners to meet one another, while enjoying the squeals of enjoyment from crowds gathered to adore the breed. Visit the official website for full details.

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Nearly all dog owners know that our canine companions stay cool by panting, not sweating. While that’s usually a fact to hold onto for trivia night, at this time of year it means that it’s essential as a pet owner you know about keeping dogs cool in summer heat.

Fun in the sun with your dog is always on the agenda in the summer, but by being aware of fido’s summertime needs – and how they differ from yours – you’ll keep him happy, comfortable and ultimately healthy.

• Mind the Thermometer: When the mercury climbs above 85 degrees, leave your pooch at home. Soaking up rays at Horsetooth can be fun for people, but when you’re covered in fur, even slightly warm temperatures can get unbearable.
• Stay Hydrated: It’s good advice for dogs and humans! Keep fresh water avaialable wherever your dog hangs out. When you’re at home, that means more than keeping the water bowl filled: It means keeping it clean and water fresh, as some dogs can be very finicky about the water they drink.. When you’re out and about, take an extra water bowl and a water bottle to let your pooch cool off.
• Walk Wisely: Those midday walks are pretty awesome in the fall and spring. In the summer, they’re especially rough on your four-legged buddy. Stick to early morning and evenings – when you’re most comfortable, too – to avoid the hottest part of the day. After baking in the sun all day, concrete and asphalt can absorb so much heat they hurt dogs’ paws.
• Go For a Swim: You don’t need to walk your pup next to the Poudre or at the reservoir to give her a chance to let evaporation cool her off. Grab a kiddie pool and keep it filled to give your pooch a chance to dowse off and stay cool.
• Get a Haircut: Grooming isn’t just a matter of style in the summer, particularly for shaggier breeds. Stay up on grooming to reduce the amount of heat trapped under fur.

Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t extoll how important is to never leave your dog in a parked car. Even on moderate days, the temperature in a car can skyrocket as it collects heat.

Summer’s here! Get out and enjoy it with your four-legged buddy – and both of you, stay cool.

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Is your dog eating dirt or grass? Dogs aren’t picky eaters, and most dog owners recognize that. Even when owners know about their poochs’ questionable eating habits, we get a lot of questions about why they’ll munch on those things – even when there’s healthy food nearby.

Usually, they’re not suffering from a nutritional deficiency – as Aspen Grove Veterinary Care’s Dr. Bobby Crawthron talks about why some of the reasons dogs chomp on, which may include:

• They just want something to chew on. When grass is covered in dew, it can seem like a crisp early-morning treat for a dog.
• They’re doing it to try to settle their stomach: Presence of grass in vomit doesn’t mean it’s causing a dog’s upset stomach.
• When playing in the dirt, many dogs get it in their mouth, and end up chewing and swallowing some of it.

In most cases, it’s not a huge deal, and is just part of a dog’s life. If there’s a large amount of vomit or gas or other gastrointestinal symptoms, seek the advice of your veterinarian. Learn all about it in Dr. Crawthron’s video.

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You (hopefully) brush your teeth twice daily, and still end up with a dental problem now and then. Your pet? Probably not as fastidious on the oral hygiene as you are. So why be surprised that your four-legged friend has dental issues?

Did you know that dogs are about five times more likely to get gum disease than humans are, or that the majority of them do by their third birthday? Your pet may already be suffering from dental problems. Understand the signs that your pet may need dental work to alleviate minor issues before they become large ones.

• Bad Breath: Your pet’s mouth isn’t going to smell like rosebushes if you put your nose into it, of course. By the same token, it shouldn’t be stinking up the room. Bad breath is one of the most common signals that your dog or cat is having dental problems.
• Changes in Eating Patterns: Most pets aren’t picky eaters, so if yours suddenly loses interest in food, or avoids one type of food in favor of another one where he didn’t before, it may be a sign that his teeth or gums are hurting.
  Tartar Buildup: If you’re a typical pet owner, you’re probably not peeling back your animal’s lips to inspect her mouth. You should be. A visual inspection of your pup or kitty’s mouth can reveal yellow tartar and plaque accumulating along the gums. If her teeth are collecting plaque, it’s time for a cleaning.
• Bleeding or Inflamed Gums: It’s probably a no-brainer, but if you notice your pet’s gums are bleeding, angry or inflamed, it’s a sign it’s time to visit the vet. Of course, you may not know until you take a peek inside your pet’s mouth.
• Drool: Some dogs may drool occasionally. That’s normal. But if drool frequency and volume increase suddenly (or your cat stars drooling), it’s often a sign that teeth or gums are bothering him.

Like dental care is an essential part of your healthcare, it should be a staple of your pet’s veterinary care. Call Aspen Grove Veterinary Care to schedule your pet’s visit today.

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Dr. Bobby Cawthron, Lead Veterinarian at Aspen Grove Veterinary Care, addresses one of the most commonly asked question in a veterinary’s office: When can my puppy play with other dogs? Although there are risks for exposure, young puppies need new experiences, interaction with other pets and social opportunities that keeping them inside prevents.

Cawthron discusses concerns and tips for gradually socializing your puppy with others including:

• Disease:  Catching a disease from other pets is a common worry with new pet owners and rightfully so.  Young pets go through vaccinations that increases vulnerability for disease contraction.
• Peak Age: The first 16 weeks, is vital to learning social skills and helping your dog become independent. If owners wait until all vaccines and shots are taken care of, the independence learning opportunity would be lost.
• New Experiences: During this peak age, exposure to new experiences is crucial for boosting a dog’s confidence in his or her surroundings.

Overall, we encourage all new owners to not be afraid and take pets out in the world as long as check-ups and necessary health vaccinations are practiced.  Learn all about it in Dr. Crawthron’s video.

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As homes fill with holiday spirit, new sights, smells and tastes may intrigue your pets. While you’re enjoying the season, you may be endangering your four-legged friend. Keep an eye out for pet health hazards that surface over the holidays.

Christmas Wrappings 

As you wrap up your holiday gifts, pets might mistake tinsel, ribbon, wrapping paper and gifts as chew toys. If swallowed, this foreign matter might not show up on an x-ray. If diagnosed, surgery is needed for removal of matter that does not pass on its own. No matter how cute your dog looks wrapped up in a bow, or how adorable your cat looks pawing at tinsel, keep them far away from Christmas wrappings.

Holiday Lights

A little twinkle on your tree or in your yard may be a holiday tradition, but it can be deadly for pets. String lights above your pets’ reach whenever possible, and make sure extension cords are cleared and out of the way. It’s not just a chewing hazard: frayed cords can be an electrical shock risk if your pets come in contact with them.

Overindulgence 

Whether dropped on the floor or fed by hand, pets overindulge during holiday meals just as much as their owners do. These foods cause everything from stomach pains to pancreatitis, which is comes from eating fatty foods. Instead of giving out human food, have a bowl of holiday pet treats for family and guests handy so your pets can indulge healthily.

Chocolate

What are the holidays without sipping hot cocoa on a cold winter night or enjoying chocolate pie? Chocolate is a wonderful snack for human. To dogs and cats, it’s toxic and sometimes fatal. With all the chocolate in circulation this holiday, stay alert for symptoms of chocolate poisonings – everything from diarrhea and  vomiting to tremors and seizures. Contact a veterinarian immediately if you think rover exhibits any symptoms.

Mistletoe

Even though you want to find your partner under the mistletoe this holiday season, make sure to keep your pets far away. Mistletoe is toxic to pets and if ingested seek veterinary consultation immediately.

For holiday accidents, Aspen Grove provides Urgent Pet Care for pets needing immediate response. Walk-ins are welcome; however, we strongly encourage you to call first so that we may prepare for your arrival. Aspen Grove’s Urgent Pet Care hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. through 8:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. through noon.

The post Holiday Health Hazards for Pets appeared first on Aspen Grove Vet.

Call (970) 416-0232 to schedule a dental cleaning for your pet, or
schedule a Free Estimate

Bad breath isn’t just unpleasant, it can be unhealthy.  Up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats that do not receive proper dental care can show signs of dental disease by the age of three. 

Learn more about dental care for DOGS and CATS at Aspen Grove Veterinary Care

The Truth About Anesthesia-Free Dental Care for Pets

Anesthesia-free dental care for pets , gentle dental care for pets, holistic pet dental care…these seem to be all the rage in veterinary dental care these days. But are they really all they are cracked up to be? The truth, no.

During a non-anesthetic dental cleaning, the veterinarian is extremely limited. While superficial scraping will leave the pet’s teeth visibly whiter, your veterinarian cannot clean beneath the gum line where the bacteria that causes periodontal disease actually lives. This is the bacteria that causes bad breath and extensive damage to a tooth’s root and bone structure.   Removing tarter from only the visible surfaces of the tooth is purely cosmetic and has very little effect on the pet’s health. This procedure does more harm than good because it gives pet owners a false sense of security and accomplishment.

When you Google “non-anesthetic dentals” you’ll find a plethora of information and websites touting how wonderful and effective this procedure is. Our advice to pet owners is “buyers beware.” Do a little more research before scheduling this type of appointment.

Here are some facts

The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) has issued a Position Statement discouraging non-anesthetic dental procedures stating that “non-professional dental scalings on unanesthetized pets is inappropriate…”

Dental scaling without anesthesia does not allow sufficient access to all surfaces of the teeth for comprehensive cleaning and evaluation. What does that mean and why is it important?

Basically, it means this; because the patient is not anesthetized they will move. This motion inhibits the technician (or whoever is performing the procedure) from being able to thoroughly exam and clean all surfaces of the tooth, including below the gum line.

As you’ve learned from your dentist, tarter firmly adheres to the surface of the teeth, both above and below the gum line. The most important part of a dental cleaning is scaling the subgingival space between the gum and the root, where periodontal disease is active. This process is uncomfortable, and even painful, causing the patient to move and try to escape. This movement makes access to the subgingival area of each tooth impossible.

4 direct benefits of anesthesia

Routine anesthesia is very safe with a low rate of complication. Occasional problems can arise due to pre-existing conditions not evident during physical exam. You can prevent anesthetic complication with pre-anesthetic blood work.

Using anesthesia for a dental procedure is beneficial for four specific reasons:

1. It eliminates the problem of the patient moving during the procedure.
2. It manages the pain associated with proper examination and scaling.
3. It protect the patient’s airway from accidental aspiration of tarter and bacteria.
4. It allows for a complete and comprehensive oral exam (when the patient is not anesthetized, area’s of disease and discomfort are likely to be missed during exam).

The post Help Us Celebrate Dental Month & Save Money! appeared first on Aspen Grove Vet.

No owner enjoys leaving their furry friends behind, but unfortunately, this is the case sometimes. Boarding pets can be a scary unknown, but consider the following do’s and don’t’s for preparation.

Do: Vaccinate – Most kennels require pets to be up-to-date on all vaccinations before boarding. Chat with your veterinarian to see if your pet is due for shots.  Ask for a copy of veterinary records for the kennel.

Don’t: Change Diet – Continue to use your pet’s regular food leading up to boarding. You do not want to leave your pet with digestive problems while you are away.

Do: Bring Pet’s Favorites – Bringing your pet’s bed, blanket and a few toys creates a feeling of home. Double check with your kennel on what you are allowed to bring during boarding.

Don’t: Forget Schedule – Type up your pet’s day-to-day schedule for the kennel doctors and workers. This will ensure your pet will resume life as if he/she was at home.

Do: Collar – Update your pet’s collar with correct name spelling and owner information.

Don’t: Panic – Do not make a fuss when dropping off your pet. Not only will this upset you, but your pet as well. Stay calm and happy to create a relaxed atmosphere.

While you are away, there is no need to worry about your pet. With overnight dog boarding at The Cabins at Aspen Grove, your pet will be cared for, played with and under the watchful eyes of dedicated experienced and professional kennel team. Come tour the facility (noon–2 p.m.), Monday–Friday or call (970) 416-0232 for more information.

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Flu season is in the air. While we are laid in bed “sick as dogs,” don’t forget to watch out for your furry friends. Dog flu, or canine influenza, doesn’t always have symptoms but it can easily spread from dog to dog, especially if left untreated.

The Spread 

Dog Flu passes between dogs through virus particles in the air like coughing or sneezing or by physical contact, dog kisses, with other dogs. This disease is also transmitted indirectly through infected food bowls or toys and through human clothing if not properly cleaned.

What to Look For 

Dog Flu symptoms range in forms depending on the dog. Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Continue Coughing
• Decreased Appetite
• Lethargy
• Greenish Discharge from Nose and Eyes
• Pneumonia

Prevention Techniques 

If your dog has shown any signs of Dog Flu infection, help prevent the spread by:

• Keeping your dog at home and away from other dogs for at least three weeks.
• Cleaning your dog’s toys, food and water bowls with soap and water.
• Wash your clothing after exposure to infected dogs to avoid transmitting the infection.
• Be aware of any information about outbreaks in your area.

For symptoms of Dog Flu, bring your pet to Aspen Grove’s Urgent Pet Care. Walk-ins are welcome; however, we strongly encourage you to call first so that we may prepare for your arrival. Call us at 970.416.0232 for immediate response. Our hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. through 8:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. through noon.

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What is TPLO? TPLO, or tibial-plateau-leveling osteotomy, is a surgery performed on dogs to stabilize their torn cranial cruciate ligament, also known as Dog ACL.

Preparations 

Once the surgery is over, your dog will need to heal and repair the infected area. As an owner, you want to make sure your home is prepared for your post-operative dog.

• If you are kenneling your dog after the surgery, get your dog familiar with his/her new place well before surgery.
• Cover all windows. Dogs love to see the exciting outdoor life, but during this time rest and recovery is most important.
• Have different types of food on hand in case your dog will not eat regular food. Examples: chicken stock, rice, boiled meat and pumpkin.
• Due to high volumes of fluid given to your dog before, during and after surgery, he/she may wet themselves their first night. Make sure to lay down plastic where your dog will be sleeping.
• If you have non-carpet floors, cover every inch with non-skit carpet to ensure no slipping or falling.
• Use gates and barricade to block staircases.

TPLO Recovery 

Following TPLO surgery, the first 12 weeks are an important and critical time of recovery and rehabilitation. To develop and resume your dog’s full use of the affected limb, you must have your dog undergo certain activities and exercises.

After the surgery, every time the dogs goes to stand or put weight on the leg, the femur slides/rubs on the back of the tibia. This rubbing causes pain and inflammation, which is very uncomfortable. Most dogs will not put any weight on the leg, or if they do, lightly touches the leg to the ground.

Alternatives to TPLO Surgery

When deciding which type of TPLO surgery, there are several things that should be considered to choose the correct one.

• Age of the dog
• Size & weight of the dog
• Disposition of the dog
• Financial considerations
• After surgery care
• Degree of joint disease
• Access to a canine rehabilitation facility

If you are concerned about your dog undergoing this type of surgery, talk with your veterinary about options. To schedule an appointment with one of Aspen Grove‘s trained veterinary, call 970.416.0232 or visit us Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

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Many behavior problems in dogs are due to the lack of physical contact and socializing with other dogs. When dogs stay indoors and have no activity in their life,  boredom, loneliness and obesity set in. Keep your dog happy, healthy and out of trouble through exercises and interaction with other canines at dog parks. Benefits of going to a dog park include:

• Physical & Mental Exercise – Off-leash playing, investigating new smells, wrestling with other dogs and fetching toys are all done at a dog park. Some dogs are so drained mentally and physically after a day at the park, they crash for hours and hours.
• Social Skills – Just like people, dogs enjoy spending time with their own kind. At dog parks, your dog practices being around other dogs, using communication skills and meeting new dogs. These types of experiences lower the development of fear and aggression toward other dogs and people.
• Happy Owners – Dog are not the only ones who benefit from dog parks, dog parents enjoy the fresh air and seeing the happiness these parks bring their furry friends. Not to mention the bond that is created between dog and owner by practicing off-leash play and training skills.

Residents of Fort Collins are lucky to have a variety of dog parks. Below are some dog-friendly parks for your favorite tail-wagger to meet other four-legged friends.

Spring Canyon/Horsetooth Dog Park – 2626 W Horsetooth Rd

• Water for dogs and owners
• Grassy off-leash park with play structures
• Separate area for small or shy dogs

Soft Gold Dog Park – 520 Hickory St

• Small and friendly off-leash area
• Grassy and shady places to run
• No running water

Fossil Creek Dog Park – 5821 S Lemay Ave

• Running water
• Grassy and shaded field for off-leash play
• Separate area for small and shy dogs

Twin Silo Dog Park – 5480 Ziegler Road

• Separate area for small and shy dogs
• Grassy and shady field for off-leash play
• Running water

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Spring is in the air! Which means – in between Colorado’s rogue spring snowstorms – you and your dog are starting to enjoy the warm weather. While it’s a great time for both of you to stay active, avoiding spring dog dangers should be on every dog owner’s mind as you venture out.

With more time outdoors comes increased exposure to common outdoor dangers. The transition from the couch-potato to active lifestyle can also put strains on your dog’s physiology as she attempts to shed the fat and regain the muscle she built up during the summer. Take it easy with moderate outings the first few weeks that you and your pup return to outdoor action.

As your pooch gets back in shape for the summer, be wary of other springtime dangers:

• Thin Ice: While your pup may have enjoyed frolicking on frozen-over ponds and lakes in December, ice thicknesses may not be enough to support your dog’s weight. Keep rover off the ice now that thaws are a common occurrence, and avoid risking hypothermia or drowning.
• Lawn Care Products: You may be also working on getting your home’s curb appeal back as your yard wakes up. Fertilizers and weed killers contain chemicals that are toxic to pets – even natural ones. Keep rover off areas freshly treated with garden supplements – and be mindful of neighbors’ use of those products.
• Ticks: You and your dog aren’t the only ones enjoying spring. Ticks come out as the weather warms up. They’re more than just a nuisance, too. They can transmit many diseases. Learn more about the importance of anti-tick treatments with an Aspen Grove video blog.
• Allergies: Just like humans, dogs also get hay fever in the spring. Springtime allergens affect dogs by making their skin itch, so watch for scratching. Early intervention for seasonal allergies lessens the severity of the allergy attacks.
• Spring Cleaning Products: It’s time to open the windows and give your home a good, old-fashioned spring cleaning. Many of your cleaning products (again, even natural ones) contain chemicals that can be harmful to your dog. Leave fido in another room while you clean and until all surfaces are dry of ammonia, bleach and other cleaners.

Be vigilant, but not scared this spring. With proper supervision and a handle on spring dog dangers, you and your four-legged buddy can enjoy everything the season has to offer.

The post Top 5 Spring Dog Dangers appeared first on Aspen Grove Vet.

Recreational marijuana use has increased an average of over 75 percent in the past ten years. This steep rise not only means that marijuana is becoming more socially available, but also that our pets are becoming increasingly exposed to a potential toxin. Marijuana effects pets differently than humans, and in dogs can be significantly more toxic. Because of this, it is important to understand the ways your pet may become exposed and steps you can take to understand what that exposure means.

A pet may become exposed to marijuana in several ways. The first is investigating and ingesting leaves and buds of the plant as well as ingestion of plant extracts such as wax or oils. While people typically do not ingest the plant in this manner, we all know that it is not uncommon for dogs to eat foreign objects and plants. If ingested directly, your pet is susceptible to both the toxic effects of the plant as well as several gastrointestinal side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Vape pens, oils, butters and waxes also pose a serious health risk to your pets because they contain extreme concentrations of THC. While meant to be metered and dosed in humans, ingestion of even moderate amounts of these substances can prove extremely toxic to our pets.

Pets are also susceptible to toxic effects of cannabis-laced edible items as well. These items pose not only a significant risk due to their THC content, but fats, flavoring agents, sugar-free alternatives and other substances in these items can lead to pancreatitis and GI upset, as well as carring their own toxicities.

Secondhand smoke also poses a significant risk to pets. Pets who are exposed to secondhand smoke experience the same toxic effects as ingestion, but carry additional concerns for smoke inhalation, bronchitis, asthma and other airway diseases. Dogs exposed to secondhand smoke have been shown to have more eye infections, allergies, and respiratory issues including lung cancer. A study at Colorado State University demonstrated that dogs living in smoking environments also had an increased incidence of nasal cancer as well.

If your pet does become exposed, the most important thing you can do is consult with your veterinarian as quickly as possible after ingestion. The majority of marijuana toxicities are not fatal, but they do require supportive care and treatment. Symptoms of marijuana toxicity include a staggering or stumbling gait, also known as ataxia, muscle tremors, paranoia, leaking urine, low blood pressure and low heart rate, as well as low body temperature. If you notice theses signs in your pet, or if you witness your pet ingesting a toxin of any kind, it is important that a veterinarian examines your pet as quickly as possible. Treatments typically include induction of vomiting if ingestion was recent and activated charcoal to absorb toxins, as well as fluids and other supportive measures to ensure your pet recovers well. Marijuana toxicity, if treated appropriately, often carries a good prognosis.

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So your dog ate a grape, or maybe a couple of raisins. What happens next? The answer is largely based on how quickly you seek veterinary care.

What Causes the Problems?

Grape and raisin toxicity is a somewhat strange phenomenon that many dog owners are not yet aware of. Stories of dogs reacting to the seemingly innocuous fruit have gradually risen to notoriety in the last five or six years as dog owners have begun to experience their pets going into kidney failure after consuming grapes or raisins.

It is not yet known what exactly about grapes and raisins is toxic to dogs. Researchers have investigated whether pesticides, some type of fungus or another factor may be leading to these issues, but no single cause has yet been determined.

How Much is Too Much?

Some of Aspen Grove’s clients state that they give their dogs a few grapes as a treat on a regular basis, but our doctors strongly advise against doing so. However, researchers have determined that toxicity in grapes and raisins is a dose-dependent issue. This means that bigger dogs may not be noticeably or immediately affected by eating small amounts of grapes or raisins, while small dogs experience considerable ill effects from even a harmless-looking raisin or two.

In both small and large dogs of all breeds, these ill effects include kidney disease and even kidney failure. Common symptoms of this include irregular eating and drinking habits: Affected dogs often lose their appetites and begin to drink excessively.

What Do I Do?

Seek veterinary care immediately. You can prevent many of the negative effects of grape or raisin consumption if your dog is treated quickly enough.

Once you get to a vet, the treatment plan for your dog is very simple. It often begins with induced vomiting to remove the fruit from your dog’s system. After that, there is no specific antidote for exposure to grapes or raisins, and all doctors can do is support your dog’s kidneys.

As with many dog-unfriendly foods like chocolate and cannabis, the best preventative measure is simply keeping grapes and raisins away from your dog whenever possible. If your dog has recently gotten into raisins or grapes, contact Aspen Grove Veterinary Care immediately.

The post My Dog Ate a Grape, What Do I Do? appeared first on Aspen Grove Vet.

“Who’s a good boy? Who’s a good boy?” For most pet owners, talking to their dog is second nature. And why not? They’re great, non-judgmental listeners who hang on your every word. While it may seem silly from the outside, science offers a host of reasons why you should talk to your dog.

While, your pooch may not be able to understand the intricacies of how your day was or your views on politics, she is able to understand the tone and emotion behind it. Research indicates that dogs are actively engaged when they hear you speak in your “dog voice,” that baby-talk lingo that comes naturally to most dog owners. They’re more engaged when you speak in this manner than when you speak to them in the same tone as you would a human – so don’t feel silly about it!

Research has also shown that most dogs do recognize words and phrases if used frequently enough in their lives. If you’ve ever suspected that Fido knows what terms like “walk,” “treat” and “bath” mean, it’s likely he does.

All that doggy-talk isn’t just idle chatter, either. Talking with your dog strengthens the bond between the two of you. Talking with your dog, whether it’s when you’re out for a walk or just lazing around the house, is a great way to keep her attentive and engaged.

It’s not just Fido that benefits from your chat. Having a non-judgmental listener is a great way to vent about your problems and get them out in the open. Therapists have long known that simply talking over problems gives people an opportunity to reflect on them, and can help lead to clarity.

It’s natural to feel embarrassed when a neighbor or stranger overhears you talking to your dog, but you shouldn’t be. There are several reasons why you should talk to your dog, and, as far as we’re concerned, zero reasons why you shouldn’t.

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