DAMARISCOTTA VETERINARY CLINIC NEWSLETTER DR. CHRISTINE WELCH Winter 2017-18

www.damariscottavetclinic.com Find us on Facebook

Caring for your pet for life Our pets are our family members, and we want to enjoy their companionship for as long as we can. Keeping your pet active and engaged with the whole family can do wonders to help your pet stay feeling and acting young, no matter what life stage. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends a senior well-ness screening for all dogs and cats in middle age, as well as regular physical exams every 6 months once they reach senior status. Based on an individualized assess-ment of your pet, we will recommend specific care for your pets’ age and health. As your pet ages, the risk of illnesses and conditions such as arthritis, cancer, cognitive dysfunction, and heart, kid-ney, and liver disease increases. Fortunately, we can help prevent certain diseases and sometimes manage others more effectively if we catch them early. That’s why it’s important for us to get a baseline senior wellness screening exam and then have your pet visit us more fre-quently as a senior. And as always, if you notice any changes in behavior or health or if something just doesn’t seem right, get in touch with us right away. Pets are living longer than ever before and our goal is to help them live a high quality longer life. Don’t let a little slowing down or gray hair make you think there’s nothing we can do to help your pet savor the senior years. Con-tact us to create a senior wellness program specific to your pet and enjoy your time with your happy healthy pet.

Signs That Something Isn’t Right We want to make sure your pet remains as healthy, happy and

comfortable as possible during the golden years. Call us if you notice

any of these signs: * Bad Breath

* Bumping into furniture or walls

* Change in activity level

* Change in appetite or weight

* Confusion or disorientation

* Increased drinking / urination

* Lack of energy or enthusiasm

* Lack of interest in normal activi-ties * Loss of housetraining

* Pawing at the mouth

* Reluctance to walk, play or climb stairs. * Restlessness

* Stiffness or limping

* Vomiting, diarrhea or any chang-es in bowel habits.

563-3934

WE OFFER:

FELINE BOARDING

AND

HOUSE

CALLS

We Love Referrals!

Your referral of a friend or neighbor to our office is one

of the finest compliments you can give us.

We appreciate you taking the time to tell others about us.

In a spot on treatment once every 12 weeks

Top 10 obesity-related pet conditions:

Dogs Cats

1. Osteoarthritis 1. Cystitis/Urinary disease

2. Cystitis/Urinary disease 2. Chronic renal disease

3. Hypothyroidism 3. Diabetes

4. Hepatitis/Hepatopathy 4. Asthma

5. Cruciate Ligament injuries 5. Hepatitis/Hepatopathy

6. Diabetes 6. Osteoarthritis

7. Intervertebral disc disease 7. Hypertension

8. Chronic renal disease 8. Congestive heart failure

9. Congestive heart failure 9. Gall bladder disorder

10. Lipomas 10. Spondylosis

Stressors and Fear in Pets

Our pets are just as prone to stress as we are. Just as we can snap under pressure, so too can our pets

crumble with the strain of what sometimes surrounds them.

It could be your holiday guests, thunderstorms, fireworks, visit to the veterinarian or groomer, a new

pet in the household. Whatever the cause of fear or stress

Composure™Pro can help your pets conquer it.

Composure™ Pro helps with all types of stressors including travel, boarding, separation anxiety, con-

flicts with other animals in the household, etc. Call it strain, fear, tension,

stress whatever you like, Composure™ Pro will help your pet conquer it.

Composure™ Pro works by promoting your cat or dog’s calm response by ad-

dressing the functions of the brain that relate to over-excited

behavior, without causing drowsiness. * Only sold through your veterinarian.

For

buying

local!

In a spot on treatment once every 12 weeks

Don’t Ignore Your Pet’s Bad Breath!

Dental disease can

lead to heart, liver

and kidney problems.

Bad Breath is often a

warning sign of den-

tal disease.

Protect your pet with regular

check-ups and a home dental care

routine.

DID YOU KNOW…

...rather than being fillers in pet food, whole grains con-

tribute valuable nutrients including protein, vitamins,

minerals, essential fatty acids and fiber.

...dogs and cats can efficiently digest and use nutrients

from grains. Food allergies from grains are not common

in pets and most food allergies are to a protein source.

...most grain free products substitute whole grains with

highly refined starches such as potato and tapioca which

provide less fiber and nutrients, costs more and adds

empty calories.

...the first 5 ingredients on the pet food label are the ma-

jor components of the diet?

...studies have demonstrated that commercial novel lim-

ited diets, commonly used for dogs with allergies, fre-

quently contain traces of ingredients not listed on the la-

bel? This could lead to allergic flare ups of unknown

origin.

The contents of this newsletter are not designed to replace professional veterinary advice. Contact our office regarding any concerns you have.

Payment is expected

at the time of service.

We do accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover

American Express and CareCredit.

Accounts not paid in full within 30 days are billed a

$2 fee each month and 1.5 % interest per month.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Please let us know if your address,

phone number or email have

changed.

Pet Pantry Donations

We accept pet food donations for the

United Methodist Church

Pet Pantry.

The Pet Pantry is open

the first Tuesday of every month

from 9 to 11 am

Located on Church Street

in Damariscotta

OFFICE HOURS by appointment

Monday, Thursday, Friday

8 to Noon and 1 to 5

Tuesday 8am to Noon & 2 to 6pm

Wednesday 8am to Noon

(doctor is not in)

Saturday 8am to Noon

(Dr. not always in)

House calls available.

Please call for an appointment

563-3934

After hours emergency

273-1100

www.damariscottavetclinic.com

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EDUCATION

Dr. Welch attended the New England Veterinary Conference in September for Continuing Education in

Endocrine diseases and Fear Free practice. In November she attended a continuing education

lecture series on Early Diagnosis of Kidney Disease, Feline Ophthalmology and Vomiting in Dogs and Cats.

207-273-1100