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Owners should brush pets' teeth
Many pet owners don't know they should be brushing the teeth of the their pet dogs and cats. Some 80 percent of dogs and cats show some signs of oral disease by age 3, the American Veterinary Dental
Society said. Periodontal disease begins with plaque build-up on tooth surfaces. As a result, bacteria can begin to irritate the gum, causing an inflammatory condition called gingivitis. If inflammation of the gum is left untreated, the bone around the roots of teeth can begin to deteriorate. As the bone tissue is destroyed, teeth may become loose or fall out, and eventually the infection has the potential to damage the pet's heart, liver or kidneys.
"It's vital for owners to routinely check their pets for dental trouble spots," said Ken Capron, a veterinarian at Capron Veterinary Hospital and Dental Clinic for Pets in Tulsa, Okla. "In addition, dental cleanings, annual checkups and proper nutrition are crucial in preventing serious problems down the road.
How we behave toward cats here below determines our status in heaven.
Robert A. Heinlein
Hypokalemia is a term meaning low potassium. Low dietary potassium causes lethargy, muscle weakness and sometimes loss of appetite. Older cats are particularly vulnerable. Make sure to feed your older cat a high quality diet specifically formulated for seniors to ensure that she is receiving adequate levels of potassium.
