Pet dentistry has become an established aspect of good veterinary care. And for good reason!  One of the best things a pet owner can do to insure the overall health of their pet is to do routine checking of the teeth, gums and oral cavity.

 Look at the two photos below — one shows a healthy state of oral hygiene, and the other … well, you can see for yourself that this dog has some major problems.

The dog whose photo is on the right runs the risk of toxin absorption into the blood stream. Bacteria, too, can invade the body through the blood stream by gaining entrance into the oral lesions. This is called bacteremia.

If the bacteria get a chance to settle and reproduce in the lining of the heart or heart valves, a serious condition may result called bacterial endocarditis. Kidney damage and joint problems are a result of bacterial invasion via the unhealthy oral cavity.

A healthy mouth with normal bacterial flora and sound gums and minimal plaque buildup.

Be sure to take a good look in your dog’s (or cat’s) mouth and inspect it for any foul looking or smelling characteristics. If you are suspicious that something isn’t right, make an appointment with your veterinarian for a dental checkup.

 Both you and your pet will feel better when oral hygiene is an important part of your pet health care routine. There is no excuse for allowing a pet’s oral health status to deteriorate to conditions like the dog on the right. It’s up to you to keep a look-out for teeth and gum problems.

Call today to schedule a dental cleaning in February to save $25 and more importantly to keep your pet healthy!

Bailey Cunningham, a handsome yellow lab, has been selected for the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association’s Pet Hall of Fame!  Dr. Janssen nominated Bailey for the Professional category of the Hall of Fame because of Bailey’s personal assistance to his owner, Tom,  who has a progressive visual impairment.   Tom relies on Bailey “twenty four, seven” for help negotiating the world – for the last 9 years! 

While Bailey has all the wonderful Labrador traits such as intelligence, enthusiasm and strength, Dr. Janssen was particularly impressed with his conscientiousness and remarkable self control.  When his working harness is off he is one bundle of energy and movement – think Marley and Me.  However, once that harness is put back on, he snaps back into his on-the-job mode and you would never know he has his other instinctual self.  It is this ability to override his instincts that makes him a true member of the Professional Pet Hall of Fame .

The award will be presented to Bailey and his family, Tom and Midge Cunningham, at the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association’s Winter Retreat in Wisconsin Dells on March 3, 2012.  For more information about the Pet Hall of Fame go to www.wvma.org and search Pet Hall of Fame.  The WVMA established the Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame to give Wisconsin veterinarians the opportunity to honor the outstanding contributions our animal companions make in human lives. The Pet Hall of Fame celebrates the strength and meaningfulness of the bond between humans and animals. Nominees are living pets who, through unselfish accomplishment, exemplify the affection, loyalty, security and value of the human-animal bond.

‘TC’, who  was a fixture on the front desk at the Janssen Clinic for Animals for 18 years, passed away yesterday.  From the day he arrived at my house in late 1993 as a stray kitten he was a friendly, but assertive purr machine.  He loved to command the front desk, requesting petting and treats from anyone who came in.  He also enjoyed not only the people but the other pets.  He was never upset by other cats, and he even appeared intrigued by their carriers, never missing an opportunity to get into them if they were left unguarded.  Dogs were also interesting, although he learned over the years that some dogs were more interested in cats a meals than as playmates!

We will all miss ‘TC’, but feel glad that he was with us for so long and lived a good life where he was well loved by all.

PGJ DVM

'TC' sleeping in the sun.

For NEW  CLIENTS

♥FREE HEALTHY PET EXAM with Purchase of Vaccines♥

As our way of saying we believe in The BEST CARE for YOUR BEST FRIEND Janssen Clinic for Animals offers one free exam with the purchase of vaccines for each pet during a New Client Visit.

Please call 608-836-0600 to schedule the Free Exam and Vaccine appointment and bring in this notice to receive your Free Exam. One free exam with the purchase of vaccines for each pet during a New Client Visit. One offer per household.