In support of Pet Dental Health Month, here are some facts about your pup’s dental health and the importance of maintaining those pearly whites.     

• Puppies have 28 temporary teeth - 14 in the upper jaw and 14 in the lower jaw. These deciduous teeth erupt at about three to four weeks of age.
• Dogs have 42 permanent teeth - 20 on the top and 22 on the bottom. These begin to emerge at about four months of age.
• Dogs have 6 permanent teeth that have three roots each and 14 teeth that have two roots each.
• Puppies should lose a puppy tooth before the corresponding adult tooth emerges. If a puppy tooth is still in place when an adult tooth begins to show, it is called a retained deciduous tooth. If this occurs, see your veterinarian so the dog's occlusion is not affected.
• Studies show that by age three, 80 percent of dogs exhibit signs of gum disease. Symptoms include yellow and brown buildup of tartar along the gum line, red inflamed gums and persistent bad breath.
• Facial swelling below the eye is usually due to an infection of the 4th premolar (carnassial) tooth.
• Sneezing and nasal discharge may be due to an infection of the upper canine tooth. The infection may lead to an opening between the mouth and the nasal cavity. This is called an oronasal fistula.
• Small dog breeds are more likely to develop periodontal disease than large dogs because the teeth of small dogs are often too large for their mouths, according to veterinary dentistry experts.
• A broken tooth is a common problem, especially among outdoor dogs. The canine teeth of working dogs are essential to allowing the dogs to carry prey and other objects. If these teeth become broken, a canine dentist can prepare a metal crown.

source: Doctors Foster and Smith 

Take that extra step in keeping your pet healthy and contact your veterinarian today to book your pup’s annual teeth cleaning! 

For more information about dental health and other pet health issues, visit Petsecure pet insurance's www.pethealthipedia.com

February is Pet Dental Health Month! Here are some dental facts to help you better understand about your cat's dental health.  

• Kittens have 26 temporary teeth - 14 in the upper jaw and 12 in the lower jaw. These deciduous teeth begin to erupt at about two to four weeks of age.
• Cats have 30 permanent teeth- 16 on the top and 14 on the bottom. These emerge at about three to four months of age.
• Cats have 2 permanent teeth that have 3 roots each, and 10 teeth that have 2 roots each.
• The hair-like structures on the rough tongue of a cat are called 'papillae' and aid in grooming.
• The first symptom of a fractured upper canine tooth (the large fang) in a cat may be sneezing.
• The most common oral tumor in cats is squamous cell carcinoma. These tumors often start under the tongue.
• Studies show that 70 percent of cats show signs of gum disease (gingivitis) by age three. Symptoms include yellow and brown build-up of tartar along the gumline, red inflamed gums, and persistent bad breath.
• Oral disease is a common finding in cats infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline calicivirus (FCV).
• Feline dental resorption lesions, commonly called cervical line lesions or neck lesions are the most common dental disease of domestic cats, and the most common cause of tooth loss. The lesions often begin below the gumline, so they may develop undetected.

Source: Doctors Foster and Smith

Take that extra step in keeping your pet healthy and contact your veterinarian today to book your cat's annual teeth cleaning!

For more information about dental health and other pet health issues, visit Petsecure’s www.pethealthipedia.com.

Meet Chogan, adopted from the Delta Community Animal Shelter by his pet parents Colin and Michelle, from Surrey, BC. Through Petsecure's Adoptsecure shelter program, Chogan's unexpected illness was...All taken care of. 

When we got our three month old, bearded collie and lab mix, Chogan from the Delta Community Animal Shelter, he came with Adoptsecure - a six week trial pet health insurance coverage policy. 

Within days of being home, Chogan became very ill and was diagnosed with an intussusception - his intestine had telescoped into itself and was causing a blockage. After undergoing surgery, Chogan appeared to be on the road to recovery until his relapse which resulted in more surgery. 

After learning about our $3000 in vet bills plus the upcoming second surgery, through our vet clinic, Petsecure pet insurance called us and suggested we convert our trial policy to a full coverage policy, which would then cover the costs of Chogan's surgeries. We were absolutely astounded and extremely happy that Petsecure made this offer! 

Now, at nine months old and after a few more visits to the vet clinic, we've learned Chogan is wheat intolerant too. We know that without the support of Petsecure pet insurance, Chogan's visits would be much more difficult for us and him. Having the security that his medical expenses are covered by Petsecure pet insurance, allows us the freedom of taking him to the vet whenever he needs without worrying about the cost. 

Because of all the wonderful care he receives, Chogan is a happy boy with loads of character! Thank you, Petsecure, for helping us care for our boy!

To submit your True Tail, visit: www.petsecure.com/TrueTails/index.aspx

Does your pup have low energy? Have they fainted or had a nose bleed? If so, they could be suffering from Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA).

AIHA is a blood disorder that reduces the number of red blood cells and platelets in the blood, causing serious danger to a dog’s health. 

Red blood cells and platelets: Two contributors to AIHA 

In a healthy pup, the immune system attacks viruses and bacteria to keep them healthy. When a dog has AIHA, their immune system doesn’t work properly -it attacks the red blood cells, thinking they’re foreign. Low levels of red blood cells can cause many issues such as lethargy and fainting. 

Platelets also play a role in AIHA. Platelets help clot the blood should an injury occur. When platelet levels are low in the blood it’s called Thrombocytopenia. With low levels of platelets, the blood will not clot and a dog will bleed uncontrollably which in turn reduces the number of red blood cells. 

When it comes to this blood disease there are many important symptoms to look for.  

Common symptoms of AIHA 

AIHA is similar to human anemia and therefore the symptoms are also similar. A dog’s lips, gums and eyes will appear pale due to the low level of red blood cells. The pale or yellowish look is called jaundice, which occurs when the immune system is attacking, reducing and breaking down the red blood cells. In breaking down red blood cells, the hemoglobin (which carries the oxygen in the blood) is reduced. The effects of hemoglobin can also affect the colour of a pup’s urine by making it appear dark or tea-coloured. 

Reduced red blood cells means less oxygen in the blood and reduced oxygen can cause low energy levels or lethargy and can result in fainting episodes.   

Low platelets, on the other hand, cause nose bleeds or bleeding in the stool. 

These visual symptoms are serious and should be reported to your veterinarian immediately. If left untreated, AIHA can cause death. The harder the heart has to work, the higher the risk of heart failure. With low platelets and no blood clotting it will take longer for a dog to heal from any cuts. 

Managing AIHA 

The most common way to manage AIHA is through steroid therapy. Prednisone is most commonly used as it suppresses the immune system which helps to prevent the destruction of red blood cells. In some severe cases, a blood transfusion may be required. 

Managing AIHA can take months. Although recovery is possible, the condition often reoccurs.  

For more information about AIHA and other illnesses, visit Petsecure’s Pet Healthipedia at: www.pethealthipedia.com

Here in Manitoba, our deep freeze has begun! This is when we go into survival mode by taking precautions to stay warm and to drive safely. Here are a few tips to help keep your pet safe, during the winter season.

1.)    Keep your pet indoors as much as possible. When letting your pets out for a break make sure you keep a close eye on them.  This is the time of year when we hear of pets being left outside for too long.  A 10-minute break outdoors in -30C weather can be dangerous to our furry friends. Make sure your pet has a dry, warm place to keep warm if they do stay outdoors for longer period s of time - keeping them out of the cold and wind is a good idea. A garage is an option if you don’t have a dog house. 

2.)    Keep your pet hydrated. Just as you would in warmer temperatures, always make sure your pet has access to fresh food and water. Snow and ice is not suitable replacement for fresh water. 

3.)    Pets and Cars: To stay warm and out of the elements, cats will climb up into the hood of a car to get to the residual heat from the engine.  Before starting your car, bang on the hood of the car to make sure no small animals have taken coverage. 

If you’re out and about, this is a good time to leave your pets at home. Bringing your pets along and leaving them in the car while you run into a store is not in your pet’s best interest. The interior of a car can cool down quickly and contribute to hypothermia or frostbite.  In older pets the cold can affect their arthritis. Leaving your pet at home, safe and warm, is a much better option. 

4.)    Anti-Freeze and other products.  At this time of year, we use different products to help us get through the winter– from salt on the roads to anti-freeze for our cars. It’s very important to make sure your pet doesn’t ingest any of these products. 

Anti-freeze is poisonous and can cause death in both cats and dogs. It’s the sweet taste of ethylene glycol (EG) that attracts animals to the product.  One teaspoon can kill a small cat while an ounce can kill a 15lb dog. 

If your pet accidentally ingests anti-freeze, take them to veterinary emergency immediately. Ingested anti-freeze will cause shortness of breath, vomiting, excessive thirst and urination, and a rapid heart rate that can lead to a coma and death. 

Salt on the roads can cause dry cracked paw pads. After a walk outside, make sure to wipe down your pet’s paws to get rid of any salt residue from the roads.  This will ensure your pet doesn’t ingest the salt by licking their paws clean and it will help to alleviate sore paw pads. Natural shea butter creams or lotions can help soothe cracked and dry paw pads.  

For more tips on how to keep your pet safe this winter, watch our video: