Valley Vet Supply

Dental Treats for Healthy Smiles

Dogs love dental treats. Equal parts chewy, delicious, gum massaging, teeth cleaning compulsion. While dogs crave them for the tasty chewing satisfaction, dental treats actually provide real oral care benefits. Dental treats help minimize bacteria and plaque build up on teeth to prolong the time between veterinary cleanings.

Nutri Dent Dental Chews and Greenies have a texture that dogs can really sink their teeth into. Gnawing and chewing help to massage the teeth and gums, cleaning away plaque, tartar and food particles.

CET Hextra Premium Chews are rawhide strips fortified with chlorhexidine and enzymes for antimicrobial cleaning and plaque prevention.

New Advanced Oral Care Dental Bars are crunchy treats fortified with chlorophyll and Denta C to reduce plaque and bacteria. The bars can be fed alone, or used inside the compatible treat holder for extra challenge and fun.

Proper dental health keeps your dog’s mouth cleaner and healthier. Fresh breath is a bonus! Lori H

Valentines for your Dog

Just like our friends appreciate a treat that says, "I Love You," our wonderful pets do too! Are you trying to find a great Valentine for your pet?  Try some of these tried and true suggestions for a wagging tail!

Treats:

A whole 2 lbs. of Sweet Potato Strips at a sale price of only $14.36 through 4/30/12. Chewy and healthy!

Chicken Wrappers - Try the apple or banana flavors

Pig Ears - Make your gift last a long time.... 100 ears roasted in juices and the fatty part removed.  A big seller!

Toys:
Happy Moppy - Lots of ropes and color from Nylabone - double stitched at stress points

Best Clutch Ball - sturdy squeaker ball even if left outside! Easy to hold and easy on your dog's mouth

And don't forget, we have the latest Treatballs that are recordable with your voice, as well as dental treats and toys.

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours! Ellen

February Dental Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations Beth T. from Pennsylvania! You are the winner of our February Dental Month Giveaway. Tell Copper and Grizz that a care package is on the way.

Thanks to all who entered and shared their wonderful stories! Lori H

Go Dog Go!

It is hard to stop a dog that has seen something is off on a chase. Whether it is a dog that is hunting with its owner or just your average dog that takes off and goes! At some time in every dog’s life there is bound to be an injury. No matter what the injury may be, you can try to be prepared for a few events. In our family we have a short dog (Corgi) and tall dogs (Weims), and each have their own problems.

Being a short dog means your chase is close to the ground where weeds and dust are the thickest. We had noticed Ansley (the Corgi) had one eye that kept tearing up and decided to have it checked out at the vet. Amazingly, she had a sticker in the eye itself, and they recommended she go to a higher authority… our local K-State vet college. This wasn’t our first trip there for one of our animals, and they gave great attention as usual. After checking the eye out thoroughly, they removed the smallest of slivers. All should be ok, but there is a slim chance it can affect her later.

The Weims, although taller, can run through brush and have the same problems with twigs and grasses hitting them in the face. Since they are such a short- haired breed, their coats are easier to clean, but unfortunately, their skin is not protected from sharp objects. A couple of times they have caught and torn their chest or back. One night (of course it was a late Saturday night) we let the dogs in, and as one of the Weims passed by, I saw a red blur. When I caught up with Max, I noticed he had a fairly large gash on his back. It was a rather nasty three corner tear. We cleaned it up as best as possible, used liberal amounts of triple antibiotic, tried to get the flap of skin in place, and bandaged with a telfa pad and LOTS of tape. I know you can imagine that lasted about all of ummmmm, a minute?? Amazing how dexterous a dog is when it comes to the middle of a spot and licking something off themself. We re-applied everything and humiliated Max by putting one of my t-shirts on him. No flowers, but it may have been pink. Pulled up snugly and tied with a ponytail holder, he looked so nice! When Monday came we made a trip to the vet, but by then he said it could not be stitched with out trimming the edges to close the gash cleanly. He suggested letting time heal the gash as we would have to put him under anesthesia. Keeping a close watch on the wound, Max made a quick recovery and has just a slight mark to show what happened.

The lesson we learned was, if in doubt, call the vet and don’t wait. Always keep on hand good quality bandage materials, wound wash/spray, eye wash, scissors, and bandaging. A small tool box can hold all supplies for emergencies. On our website we have kits already assembled for many types of animals (large and small). Like your children, there isn’t any way to guarantee an accident can’t happen, but you can prepare the best way possible. Helen

February Dental Month Giveaway!

Winner announced!

February is dental month. Let’s celebrate! Tell your pooch to pucker up and prepare to win an awesome assortment of breath-freshening, teeth-cleaning swag.

The winner will receive:


Nylabone Nutri-Dent Edible Dental Chew Pantry Packs-Extra Fresh Flavor
Nylabone Nutri-Dent Edible Dental Chew Pantry Packs-Filet Mignon Flavor
Nylabone Nutri-Dent Edible Dental Chews-Extra Fresh Flavor
Nylabone Healthy Edibles Corn & Wheat Free Medium Chews
Nylabone Healthy Edibles Corn & Wheat Free Regular Chews
Nylabone Happytime Edible Chews
Nylabone Happytime Edible Puppy Chews
Nylabone Small DuraChew-Chicken flavor
Nylabone Medium DuraChew-Chicken flavor
Nylabone Large DuraChew-Chicken flavor
Nylabone Medium DuraChew-Bacon flavor
Nylabone Large DuraChew-Bacon flavor

FEBRUARY DENTAL MONTH GIVEAWAY!

TO ENTER:
1. Answer this question in the comments section of this blog post:

What are the names of your dogs and what is the approximate weight of the dog who will eat the most treats?

Be honest. Your dogs can’t read.

and

2. Share, Tweet or Like this post. Spread the word!

THE RULES:
One entry per person, please. (Note: Your entry will not appear immediately.) No entries after 8:00 am Central Time Wednesday February 8,2012. One winner will be chose at random and announced on Thursday.

Good Luck! Lori H

Joint Help Comes in Cosequin for Cats

Got a favorite cat you hope will be able to stay your companion for years to come? Unfortunately, cats get old too, and suffer the same joint problems as people. It can be a challenge to find a product that a cat will eat, and that actually works. If you are trying to keep an old friend comfortable, there is Cosequin for Cats.

It's a carefully studied and proven formula that Nutramax Laboratories is proud to describe. It uses a really pure form of glucosamine and a low molecular type of chondroitin that is bio-available. Most chondroitin doesn't work because the molecules are too large to enter the cells, so it ends up useless in the body. Nutramax has patented a way to make the molecule tiny enough to do its job where it's needed. They finish the formula off with 1 mg of manganese and natural flavors of tuna and chicken.

On joint products, it's important to do a "loading phase" where the amount is doubled for a few weeks until results are seen, and then it can be lowered to a maintenance dose. Cosequin for Cats is sometimes also recommended by vets for urinary bladder support.

So if you are looking for something to keep your furry friend purring, don't forget that Cosequin is a popular joint essential that dogs, horses and yes, even people use...but they also have an exclusive formula for cats. Ellen

Cosequin for Dogs

Cosequin has been used to maintain joint health in animals since 1992. Cosequin differs from other joint support supplements because of the exclusive, patented ingredients it contains. Cosequin contains TRH122® chondroitin sulfate, FCHG49® glucosamine, and manganese ascorbate. This particular combination of ingredients has been proven to work together to help support cartilage production and protect the existing cartilage from breakdown.

Older dogs are more susceptible to joint pain and decreased mobility. Part of the natural aging process involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage. Because cartilage acts as a shock absorber between joints, its breakdown can lead to joint pain and decreased flexibility. Other factors can lead to cartilage breakdown, including injury, trauma, exercise and excess weight. Some dog breeds are more susceptible, particularly large breeds or working breeds of any size.

Cosequin for Dogs is available in nine different formulas, each designed for specific needs:

Cosequin DS Chewable Tablets - Double strength formula for joint health and mobility. Roast beef and cheese flavored chewable tablets.

Cosequin DS Plus MSM Chewable Tablets - Double strength formula, plus MSM which may benefit dogs with arthritis. Pork liver flavored chewable tablets.

Cosequin DS Capsules - Double strength formula in capsule form. Capsules pull apart for easy incorporation with food. Unflavored.

Cosequin Capsules - Regular strength formula for dogs up to 25 pounds. Capsules pull apart for easy incorporation with food. Unflavored.

Cosequin Soft Chews - Contains patented ingredients chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. Liver flavored soft chews.

Cosequin Soft Chews Plus MSM - Contains patented chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, plus MSM which may benefit dogs with arthritis. Liver flavored soft chews.

Cosequin Multi - Combines Cosequin ingredients with multivitamins and minerals. Contains patented chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine, plus MSM which may benefit dogs with arthritis. Beef flavored chewable tablets.

Cosequin Hip & Joint Bonelets - Basic joint support to keep healthy dogs active. Contains glucosamine HCl and MSM. Pork liver flavored chewable tablets.

Cosequin Hip & Joint Bonelets Plus - Joint support to keep healthy dogs active. Contains glucosamine HCl, MSM and Perna canaliculus (green lipped) mussel. Pork liver flavored chewable tablets.

Since Cosequin is a nutritional supplement and provides nutrients to maintain joint health, its benefits can range from gradual to dramatic. For best results, it is important to consistently feed any nutritional supplement. Lori H

Dog Dental Health

Many dogs show signs of gum disease before their fifth birthday. Early signs of gum disease include especially offensive breath, receding or inflamed gums, tartar, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, or loose teeth. Proper dental care for your dog starts at home, and might be easier than you think. Chew toys or rawhide can fulfill your dog’s natural desire to chew.

Many dental toys are designed with dental nubs and rope, to give teeth and gums a deep cleaning. Gnawing and chewing help to massage the teeth and gums, cleaning away plaque, tartar and food particles.

Many dental chews contain chlorhexidine, an antimicrobial that helps prevent the buildup of tartar and plaque.

Enzymatic toothpaste is formulated especially for dogs and doesn’t require rinsing. It can be applied with a dog toothbrush or soft gauze two to three times per week, to remove plaque and food debris. Dental care at home is easier if you begin when your dog is young. Once your dog is used to the idea of having its teeth brushed, the routine becomes much easier and can prolong time between veterinary cleanings. Proper dental health keeps your dog healthier and happier. Fresh breath is a bonus! Lori H

Help for Cats with Matted Eyes, Sneezing & Runny Noses

Feline herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1) is one of the most common causes of respiratory infections and eye problems in cats. The symptoms of FHV-1 include sneezing, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, matted eyes, conjutivitis and corneal ulcers. Almost all cats have been, or will be, exposed to FHV-1. Following recovery from the primary infection, up to 80% of cats become carriers of the virus. Carriers may not exhibit any symptoms until times of stress, when they become symptomatic again and can pass the virus to uninfected cats. Young kittens are particularly susceptible because they are often infected by their mothers. Mortality rates can reach 30% in kittens, if left untreated.

Supplementation with L-lysine helps cats recover from infection and reduces the severity and frequency of recurrences. L-lysine is effective because it competes with arginine, an amino acid essential to development of the herpes virus. L-lysine interferes with the virus’ ability to replicate. L-lysine lessens the symptoms of FVH-1, reduces viral shedding during stress and reduces the frequency of flare ups.

Supplementation with L-lysine is quite simple and results are typically seen quickly. To prevent recurrences, most L-lysine products are recommended for long term use. Some products may reduce dosage in between flare-ups.The initial success with L-lysine has led to the development of many treatment methods.

These effective products contain L-lysine for cats and kittens:
Duralactin L-lysine. Poultry flavored paste with added Microlactin
Enisyl-F Paste. Tuna flavored paste
Viralys Gel. Maple flavored gel
Enisyl-F Lysine Treats. In a base of poultry meal, rice flour and corn flour
Viralys Powder. In a palatable flavor base. Add to pet food

I have had particular success with Duralactin L-lysine. Kittens like the flavor. The notched dial syringe makes it easy to administer. We usually see symptoms subside within one week of use. Let me know if you’ve found a successful strategy against feline herpes virus. Lori H

Fall housecleaning, now is a good time to think of a Different Coat and House… your dogs and cats.

Days are getting shorter and before everyone knows it, the Fall weather will change to Winter. As you are getting out your blankets and coats and doing Fall housecleaning, now is a good time to think of a different coat and house… your dog’s and cat’s.

Our doghouse and kennel do not see much activity during the Summer except for an occasional (too few this year!) storm. We are lucky the dog house roof comes off and can easily be hosed out. The kennel has front doors to the run and one (somewhat) larger door for me to crawl in and hose the insides out. After everything has been hosed and dried, we spray for the little critters hiding in the spaces. Remember, when you use flea and tick products, you also need to treat surroundings and yards with premise sprays. The rugs and blankets that were in the doghouse and kennel are thrown over the clothesline and hosed down before being drenched with a diluted spray of flea shampoo and water. As the chance of rain seems slim this year, we will rinse again and let dry in the sun before putting them back in the dog spaces.

Before any of the animals think they are going in to the now fresh smelling and comfy covers, they too are washed and treated for fleas. Our monthly flea and worming program is topped off with a paw-i-cure with nails trimmed. Once in a while we threaten to do some nail painting, but Ansley thinks as a “cattle/farm” dog we are pushing it. When it is vet time, and the hot pink halter collar and leash come out, she actually cringes. In human life she would be considered a definite tomboy.

Speaking of coats, if you are considering a new coat for your pup, make sure to measure carefully before ordering. Take a soft measuring tape and measure from the nape of the neck, down the back, to the base of the tail. If you have a deep chested dog, you might want to give us a call and we will be glad to pull any items and measure for you. As time does get away from us, and winter can be really rough, it is better to think about ordering now before storms arrive. You may also want to check our great line of paw protectants.
We are pawsitively certain we can help your pets be covered from head to tail. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Helen