Green Acres Kennel Shop

by Don Hanson, CPDT-KA, BFRAP, CDBC

Our pets, like us, can suffer from stress, anxiety and trauma. Unfortunately, just like with people, these experiences can be debilitating. Whether it is from separation, being attacked, visits to the veterinarian or groomer, loud noises, loss of a companion, or shock and physical injury, there is nothing more heartbreaking then seeing an emotionally distraught pet and feeling helpless to relieve their anguish. With Bach Rescue Remedy®, you no longer need to feel helpless.

The “Woof-Meow” show is on every Sunday at 8:30PM on WVOM, 103.9FM, the Voice of Maine. Hosted by Don Hanson of Green Acres Kennel Shop, the show focuses on educating dog and cat guardians about their dogs and cats.

AIR DATE: Sunday, February 5th, 2006

GUEST: Dr. Mark Hanks, Kindred Spirits Veterinary Clinic

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in dogs and cats, and while 80% of people brush their own teeth every day, most do not do the same for their pets. Periodontal disease is a disease of the gums; it can lead to infections of the mouth. Left unchecked, the bacteria causing these infections can spread through the bloodstream and cause life-threatening conditions. Infections from periodontal disease have been linked to diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and other life threatening disorders as well as tooth loss. The AVMA estimates that by age two, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of periodontal disease.

An annual “well-pet” exam, by your pets veterinarian, is one of the best investments you can make in your furry friend. However; a growing number of veterinarians and pet owners are rethinking the wisdom of annual vaccinations.  There is increasing evidence that annual vaccinations may be unnecessary, and may in fact be harmful, especially if your pet is not in perfect health.

Why is spaying and neutering important?

Spaying and neutering is not only important from the perspective of pet overpopulation, but these procedures also have major health advantages for dogs and cats. Unlike humans, our pets do not go through life changes where their hormone levels decline and because of this they suffer from an increased risk in reproductive cancers as they age.

As summer approaches, not only do the temperatures rise, but we also tend to spend more time outside enjoying the beautiful weather.  With the warm weather come some potential dangers and several things that need to be considered if we are to keep our pets safe and healthy.

The “Woof-Meow” show is on every Sunday at 8:30PM on WVOM, 103.9FM, the Voice of Maine. Hosted by Don Hanson of Green Acres Kennel Shop, the show focuses on educating dog and cat guardians about their dogs and cats.

AIR DATE: Sunday, January 22nd & 29th, 2006

GUEST: Dr. Mark Hanks, Kindred Spirits Veterinary Clinic

Tikken - Vaccines, Aggression & Homeopathy

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In April of 2000, our Golden retriever Tikken went to her veterinarian for her annual examination and received a two-year rabies booster. At the time, Maine law required a rabies vaccination every two years even though the vaccine was labeled as effective for three years.

It was in July of 2000, when my sweet, cuddly Golden Retriever suddenly, and without warning or provocation, transformed from Tikken to Cujo, just like Dr. Jekyll turned into Mr. Hyde. One moment all of our dogs were lying calmly on the floor as my wife Paula watched television. Suddenly Tikken just exploded and within seconds she had ravaged Crystal, our Pekinese, causing the loss of Crystal’s left eye.