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Proper dental hygiene is just as important for pets as it is for humans.

Like us, pets develop periodontal disease. Pet parents need to work with their veterinarian to prevent it or detect it in the early stages. As it advances, it can cause intense pain and severe problems associated with kidney, liver and heart muscles.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the teeth and tissues, above and below the gum line. It starts as a bacterial film called plaque. As the bacteria attaches to the teeth, it hardens if it isn't brushed off or rubbed off by chews or hard food. In a few days, plaque can harden into calculus, furthering gingivitis. The combination of infection and inflammation can lead to bone loss in the jaw, loose teeth and chronic pain.

Dogs and cats are excellent at hiding periodontal disease, but some signs include bad breath, only eating on one side of the mouth, no longer wanting to chew on

Your sweetest friend deserves extra love on Valentine’s Day.

Look Fantastic

Everyone wants to look their best on Valentine’s Day. Add a Huxley & Kent bow tie or flower to spruce up any outfit. Complete the look with a red collar, harness or leash. For red-to-toe look, add fleece-lined Canada Pooch wellies to protect your dog’s paws from salt, cold and winter conditions.

Snacks?!

Valentine’s Day isn’t complete without a few extra goodies to munch on. For dessert-loving dogs, treat them with Puppy Scoops ice cream for dogs. Add extra crunch on top by crumbling Mutt Mallows, Wild Meadow Farms jerky treats or freeze-dried kibble on top.

If you want a simple solution, find a cute heart-shaped treat that’s the right shape and siz

Question

I currently free feed my 4 cats. They have been getting sick a lot recently. I am wondering if the best way is to no longer free feed to limit the food intake. I feed them a grain free diet with a “treat” of canned grain free food once a week. I am wondering if this is a good way to hopefully reduce their vomiting. How do I stop the free feeding while reducing the stress on them of no longer free feeding?  Thank you kindly for your help, my four-legged children thank you as well!

Answer

Although cats do get sick on occasion for many different reasons you want to avoid having them get sick on a regular occasion especially if you are not sure why they are vomiting. I would want to ask several specific questions about the situation to try to get to the reason for the vomiting as it could be because they are eating too fast, a possible food allergy/intolerance, stress, or something more medically related. My suggestions would vary depending on certain circu