FEBRUARY IS PET DENTAL MONTH!

We brush our teeth daily, make annual or semi annual check ups at the dentist and teach our kids to do the same. But, do we do the same for our pets?

Bad breath is not always just "doggy breath". It can be a sign that something is wrong. Are you're pet's gums red at the base of the teeth? Do they have a yellow/brown crust on them? Do the gums bleed easily if you touch them or while he's chewing? Does he have any broken or missing teeth? This needs attention. Pets can get periodontal diseaseand gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) too. Periodontal disease can not be reversed once it's taken hold. If left undetected and untreated, infections can form and enter the blood stream. Now you're looking at some serious illness and risk to you pet.
February is Pet Dental Month. It's aimed at making owners more aware of the need for dental hygiene in pets. There is some great information on this at the Doctor's Foster and Smith Pet Education website. You can help your companion by regularly brushing his teeth. If you have a pup or a kitten - get started now!! The younger the better. Make it a pleasant experience with lots of treats. Encourage chewing on appropriate chew toys.

Your vet can perform annual cleanings just like your dentist does for you. In the meantime, you can help by brushing his teeth daily and by getting his teeth brushed when he comes into Best Friends for a grooming! Don't dismiss this important element of your pet's care. It's up to us. Call us today to schedule an appointment. (978)443-2351

Puppy Kindergarten!

Last night our puppy training classes began with 5 new friends. 
Training classes are held every Monday here in our lobby at 7pm.
Our classes include: Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Manners, Attention, Board and Train and Private Lessons.

Our new friends are Rosie (Welsh Terr.)          Danny (Fox Terr.) 

Carbon(little black Am.Bulldog), Lucas(blk Lab mix) and Baxter (brown Lab mix)

Need a day at the spa?

Monday-Saturday Grooming for all breeds!



Daily Walk-In nail trimming availible.

Pink and Red Retail Sale

                                  

In the Spirit of Valentine's Day and Puppy Love everything in the store that is Pink or Red is 25% off until February 15th!
(excludes dog food and Frontline)

Salmonella found in dog treats

FDA warns about salmonella finding in dog treats

         

January 14, 2010 10:32 PM EST | 

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WASHINGTON — Consumers should not use certain beef dog treats distributed by Merrick Pet Care because the pet food might be contaminated with salmonella, health authorities warned on Thursday.

Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs were distributed nationwide through retail stores and the Internet. No illnesses linked to the products have been reported, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA warned that contaminated pet food could also infect people if they handled the dog treats and have not thoroughly cleaned their hands.

The Merrick Beef Filet Squares were packaged in a 10-ounce green, red and tan resealable plastic bag. They are labeled "best by 111911."

Last month, the FDA conducted routine testing of the treats and found evidence for salmonella. Another inspection found deficiencies in the packaging and manufacturing.

Humans infected with the salmonella can experience fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. It could also cause more serious problems such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract problems. In pets, salmonella can cause diarrhea, fevers, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and abdominal pain.

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On the Net:

FDA warning: http://tinyurl.com/yb9tv23

Cabin Fever is GONE!

GOT GUINEA PIGS?

Over the past week we were visited by 7 Guinea Pigs!!!! 

Tip Toe

SkittlesCascade

Hannah

Emma

 Deliah

And last but not least

ESPN!!!!