Valentine's Day is the day we celebrate love.  Love for our significant others, our families, and our friends.  Why not celebrate the love we share with our pets too?

The bond shared between ourselves and our pets is unlike any other.  What they give to us as owners is remarkable, genuine, and completely unconditional. The way our pets make us feel everyday is the reason we bring them into our lives and what gives us so much joy.

Why is this?  How do these amazing animals cause humans to want to cuddle, care for, and love them so much?  How is it that animals can bring together two entirely different people and make them smile?  It truly is incredible and makes us wonder, what do they know that we do not?

The human-animal bond has been researched thoroughly and proven time and again.  Here are a few facts that perhaps you have experienced yourself.
   -People with pets in their lives have lower blood pressure
   -Senior citizens with pets cope better with the stress of entering the health 
    care system.
   -Pet owners feel less likely to become a victim of a crime when sharing a home 
    with a dog.
   -Pet owners have fewer minor health problems
   -Pets in nursing homes increase social and verbal interactions among residents
   -Dog owners have better physical health due to exercise with pets.
   -Dogs have preventative and therapeutic benefits against stress
   -Pets make us feel less lonely and isolated.
   -Positive self-esteem is experienced by children exposed to pets.
   -Children with pets are more actively involved in chores, hobbies, and clubs.

These are only a handful of the positive things that pets bring into our lives.  They make us laugh, smile, and exercise.  They are willing to do anything for us.  No wonder we love them so much!

The interactions between humans and animals has changed dramatically over the last 20-30 years.  Many pets today are considered "part of the family" and are often referred to as "children!" 

The American Animal Hospital Association recently surveyed pet owners asking them who would they take with them if they were stranded on a deserted island.  Over half of those surveyed chose their pets over human companionship.  This certainly says a lot about the bond we share with our pets!

This Valentine's Day don't forget to thank the furry and fluffy companions in your life for all the love they share with you.

Regardless if you plan to keep your cat completely indoors or decide to allow them to spend some time outdoors, it's important you know about a feline infectious disease called Feline Leukemia Virus.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is an infectious disease that can be transmitted from one infected cat to another through transmission of saliva, feces, urine, lactation, blood and respiratory secretions. This virus can weaken the immune system, allowing your cat to be susceptible to other infectious diseases. In some cases FeLV can also contribute to the formation of tumors or leukemia which are forms of cancer.

Some cats can be carriers and not show any obvious symptoms, but they can still transmit the disease. This is important to consider if you plan to introduce a new feline into your family. At Carver Lake Veterinary Center, we strongly encourage testing for this infectious disease in a kitten as early as 6 weeks of age. If you have adopted a new adult cat, we recommend testing immediately, especially before introducing this new friend to your feline family at home. The test consists of a simple blood test, performed in the clinic with rapid results, which tests for Feline Leukemia Virus, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Heartworm Disease.

There is no cure for Feline Leukemia, so prevention is key. Be aware that a reliable vaccine is readily available at veterinary clinics. If you have not vaccinated your cat, ask yourself these questions:

Does your cat spend any time outdoors? This would include felines that are allowed access to your deck, porch, yard or free-roam the neighborhood.

Does your indoor cat sit at the door waiting for the chance to escape?

Do you know your cat’s history? Did you adopt your feline friend or has he/she been in your care for years?

Are you looking to introduce a new cat with your current one? If so, please make sure that your current cat has been recently tested for FeLV and FIV. Remember, some felines can be carriers and may not show any signs of illness.

If you have any further questions regarding Feline Leukemia or other feline infectious diseases, please do not hesitate to contact our professional medical team at Carver Lake Veterinary Center for the most up to date information, treatment and prevention options available.

Can you imagine how it would feel to not brush your teeth for months?  Well, that is how most pets feel.  Dental care is as important for pets as it is for people.  Periodontal Disease can lead to larger problems such as tooth loss, heart problems, and major infections.  In order to prevent these problems watch for the following signs of periodontal disease.

• Bad breath
• Yellow-brown crust on teeth
• Red or bleeding gums
• Tooth loss
• Abnormal drooling
• Change in eating or chewing habits

If you notice any of these signs, bring your pet in for a dental health evaluation.  Visiting your veterinarian is the first step to better oral care for your pets.  The second step is an at-home dental care routine. 

There are several things you can do at home to help your pets maintain healthy teeth and gums.  Brushing is the best form of defense.  Be sure to use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for pets.  Oral rinses are also available and help to prevent infections.  Finally, there are treats and food that are good for your pet's teeth.  All of these products are available at our clinic.

During the month of February get your first bag of Hill's t/d dental diet 25% off!!  If you are interested please stop in.

Your pets depend on you to provide them with the best care that you can.  By taking care of their teeth and gums you are preventing more serious problems and helping them stay healthy and happy.  Please call to make an appointment for your pet's dental health evaluation and let our staff show you how to care for your cat or dog's teeth successfully.

Learn more about Dental Health at www.cetdental.com.

On Saturday, February 4th,Dr. Hunter's dog Ansel will be inducted into the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association's (MVMA) Animal Hall of Fame!

Ansel is certainly deserving of this prestigious award. Dr. Hunter adopted him from the Animal Humane Society over 12 years ago. Since then he has earned the title "Canine Good Citizen" from AKC, Obedience degrees, agility certificates, two levels of Rally, and a title in Musical Freestyle!

Ansel comes to work everyday with Dr. Hunter and has several duties here at the clinic. He helps demonstrate to clients the ins and outs of canine tooth brushing, pill & injection administration, and more. He also helps the staff and students training at Carver Lake Veterinary Center learn canine anatomy by allowing them to practice handling, nail care, bathing, and many other diagnostics.

Ansel also loves to help children. He often entertains children in the clinic by playing fetch with them up and down the hallway. He works with Carver Lake's "Bite Prevention Team" visiting classrooms and events around the community teaching children how to be safe around dogs.

As if this list of amazing attributes isn't enough, Ansel has also worked as a canine model! He has been featured in 3M's print ads for veterinary products, and has worked as a demo dog for both 3M and Premier Pet Products.

Ansel and Dr. Hunter both certainly deserve this award and we are so proud of all that they have accomplished together and all the great things they have done for the community. Thank you Dr. Hunter and Ansel - we're very proud of you!