Pets of the Week Need a Home

Animals offer us unconditional love, complete loyalty, and many hours of entertainment. They give us a reason for getting up when life has thrown us a curve and offer complete support when we seek out new challenges. It’s scientifically proven that the shared bond between us has substantial health benefits for both sides. 

There are plenty of animals at the Cobb County Animal Control shelter ready to step up and offer companionship, with at least one for every person interested. The adoption fees are low (ranging from $30 - $40) and you’ll receive a certificate for a free health exam and 20 percent discount on spay/neuter surgery with participating local veterinarians. Why not make the move and begin a new relationship today?    

This week’s spotlighted pets are Queen and Daphne. These two calm, rather shy animals will make wonderful pets. 

Queen was brought in this past week by her owners. The owners said she wouldn’t eat so they couldn’t keep her anymore. It turned out that Queen, a not quite 2-year-old, 41-pound retriever mix dog, had a large mat of fur behind her ear that was causing her pain. The vet tech removed the mat and she is eating once again. The shelter attendants are working to teach her commands such as sit, lie down, and shake. They say she is a quick learner. A very sweet dog, she is good with kids, housebroken, and has already been spayed. Although shy around strangers, she handles herself well. ID No. 527729.

This beautiful, pure white cat, known as Daphne, has been at the shelter since the first of December. She is so quiet and calm that she is easily overlooked; having said that, one look at her striking gold eyes and she won’t soon be forgotten. 5-year-old Daphne was brought in as a stray and sits in her cage without protest. She is very personable, talking back to you quietly when you speak to her. She enjoys the attention but is not demanding. She would be the perfect cat for a first time cat owner. ID No. 525702.     

Animals at the shelter have only two ways out – adoption or death. If you are looking for a new furry friend, please check out the animals at the county shelter…save a life and make a life-long friend.

Vet Tip of the Week 

Routine dental care is extremely important for the overall health of your pets. Dental disease leads to a chronic bacterial infection in the mouth that not only destroys healthy teeth, but may spread to the bloodstream and damage the heart, kidneys and liver.

Preventative measures should be taken:

• Brush their teeth at least 3 times a week with a pet-safe toothpaste. 
• Target the outside surfaces of your pet’s upper teeth when brushing. 
• Give dental chews to help decrease the formation of dental tartar and gingivitis, but do not substitute for regular brushing.
• Have your pets’ teeth cleaned by a veterinarian. (Cleanings must be performed under general anesthesia for proper scaling of tartar off the teeth AND under the gum line.) 

 85 percent of dogs and cats have some stage of dental disease by the time they are 3 years of age. Get their teeth checked and start their dental regiment now - regardless of their age.  Don’t risk your pets’ health.    

Dr. Lori Germon is a veterinarian at Chastain Animal Clinic in Smyrna. You can find information on pet introduction and other pet topics at their website. You can also find them on Facebook.