Pet Dental Health | Why Exams are So Important
Just like humans, dental health is extremely important for dogs and cats. Yet dental disease is all too common – it is the number one illness affecting pets. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums can prevent Periodontal disease, which is linked to other health problems including kidney, liver, and heart disease. To make sure you’re taking the best care of your feline or canine companion, here are some things you can do to ensure that dental health remains a top priority.
Yearly Exam
Dogs and cats should have their teeth and gums examined by a veterinarian once a year. Veterinarians will check your pet for broken teeth or roots, periodontal disease, abscesses or infected teeth, and other dental issues.
Watch for Signs of Trouble
There are several warning signs of dental problems. If you notice any of the following, you should visit your veterinarian:
- Bad Breath
- Broken or Loose Teeth
- Discolored Teeth
- Tartar Buildup
- Pain, Swelling, or Bleeding in/around Mouth
- Reduced Interest in Food or Refusal to Eat
Dental Surgery
If your veterinarian notices any issues with your pet’s teeth, they will recommend dental surgery. Dental surgeries include a thorough cleaning as well as any other necessary procedure such as extractions and/or filings. The veterinarian will take x-rays before the surgery begins to get a better picture of your pet’s dental health. Your pet will be placed under anesthesia during the dental procedure to minimize stress and pain. Most pets can go home the same day of their surgery and will just be a little groggy afterwards.
The American Veterinary Medical Association also recommends brushing your pet’s teeth at least a few times per week at home, but some dogs or cats may not be tolerant of this practice even with training. There are various dental products, treats, and diets you can try, however, you should always consult your veterinarian about what is appropriate for your pet.
Prevention and treatment of dental disease are key. In fact, pets that receive good dental care live 20% longer! Talk with your veterinarian about what you can do to improve your pet’s dental health.
Todd Eichman | In Service to the VBSPCA for 25+ Years
Todd Eichman has been serving on the Virginia Beach SPCA Board of Directors for over 25 years. “I have had an affinity for animals since I was very young,” he says. “We always had dogs and cats in the house, and the ability to help speak for those who can’t drew me to help the VBSPCA.”
As an experienced CPA and CFP, Eichman shares his financial expertise with the VBSPCA. He is currently a partner with Sterling Benefits, LLC in Virginia Beach, where he assists small businesses and individuals with retirement planning. Prior to that, Eichman spent 11 tax seasons at a large accounting firm. He lives in Suffolk with his wife, two daughters, two cats, and a cockatiel.
Eichman is a strong advocate for the VBSPCA’s spaying and neutering services, which he believes have had a major impact on the number of unwanted animals in our community. “We have spayed and neutered thousands upon thousands of animals during my tenure on the board and I can’t imagine where we would be as a community without [those services],” he says.
Eichman not only contributes to the VBSPCA mission by sharing his financial guidance, but through his hopeful outlook on animal welfare as well. His words of advice to the public? “Everyone should visit the shelter – it is not a sad or depressing place – it is a place of hope! Find somewhere in the organization where you can donate money or time and see what happens!” Todd, we so appreciate your many years of dedicated service to our animals!
If you are interested in serving on the Virginia Beach SPCA Board of Directors, please email Derby.Brackett@vbspca.com for more information.
Happy Tails | Leroy
Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Leroy came to the shelter when his family was moving and couldn’t take him with them. For Tasha, it was love at first sight – she saw him on our website and was immediately smitten. Once Tasha and Leroy met in July 2017, there was no turning back.
How did you find Leroy and/or how did you know Leroy was the one for you?
About two years prior, my dog passed away. I was starting to get the itch for a new bud and I started checking the VBSPCA webpage every few weeks. I figured Leroy would be scooped up immediately, but when I called they told me he had a cough and was not taking visitors. I waited the seven days and visited him the day he was “released”. The first thing I noticed was his energy. I went back the next day and took him outside with the tennis ball and never looked back.
How is Leroy doing in the home?
Leroy has been the PERFECT dog since day one. Crate trained, well behaved, fun, snuggly. He’s the epitome of a little best bud.
What sort of activities do you and Leroy do together?
Leroy has a TON of energy. We run and walk A LOT. His favorites include: car rides, trail runs at First Landing, chasing the ball for hours, swimming, and snuggling. Whenever we go on an adventure, Leroy comes too!
Does Leroy have any funny quirks?
Leroy’s best quirk is his need to snuggle CLOSELY and UNDER the covers. If there’s a blanket on the couch, he will get himself positioned just right under it. When we let him on the bed, he will inch his way under all of the bedding. He must be as close as possible at all times.
Why do you think people should consider adopting a pet from a shelter?
There are SO many amazing dogs just waiting to be taken home and loved. Our shelter dog has changed our life just as much as we changed his. Adopt before you shop!
Building Trust – Keeping Kids and Pets Safe
The home should be a safe environment for everyone, including children and pets. Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, adopting a new pet, or having young visitors in your home, it can take some time for everyone to adjust. By being proactive you can create a harmonious environment for humans and animals alike.
For the Kids:
- Monitor children and pets who don’t know one another. Introductions should always be done under close adult supervision. Make sure your child knows to ask an adult for permission before approaching or touching any animal they don’t know.
- Teach kindness and respect. Simple things like showing children how and where to pet the animal, letting them know that animals have feelings, and asking them to not to touch your pet’s food or toys can go a long way.
- Talk about how animals communicate. Let your child know that if your cat or dog is growling, hissing, cowering, or trying to get away from them, they need to leave the animal alone.
For the Pets:
- Create safe zones for your pet. Make sure your pet has a place to eat and an area to sleep and relax where children know he should not be bothered.
- Allow your pet to decide whether to interact with children. Some animals are leery of kids since they tend to move fast and can be noisy. If their go-to response is avoidance, respect your pet’s wishes and try to create trust between the pet and the child over time.
- Intervene when play gets out of control. It doesn’t matter if it’s a child or a pet who gets a little too rambunctious – quickly calm the situation down so no one gets hurt.
Interactions with pets and other animals can be very beneficial to children. Caring for a pet can teach children empathy, kindness, and responsibility. Pets also provide companionship and even boost confidence and lower stress levels! By setting your children and your pets up for success, everyone will be able to enjoy their time together safely.
To learn about our humane education programs visit vbspca.com/education.
Selecting Safe Pet Toys For Your Furry Friends
Most animal lovers enjoy spoiling our pets with love and toys. If you’re shopping for your furry friend, you are not alone – pet products continue to grow in popularity in the US and around the world. The good news is there are plenty of options when it comes to entertaining your pet. But while it can be fun to pick the cutest or silliest toy you can find, it is important to consider your pet’s safety when you are buying toys.
Size Matters
When you are buying toys for your pet, be sure to think about the size of your animal. Small toys can be a choking hazard for larger pets, and large toys may be hard for a smaller pet to carry around.
Look Closely
Even appropriately sized pet toys can be hazardous because of the way they are made. Common hazards include “eyes” on soft toys, strings, ribbons, or any part of a toy that can easily be chewed off and ingested.
When in Doubt, Test it Out
Whenever possible, it is a good idea to supervise your pet with new toys. You’ll quickly realize whether your dog has a tendency to tear the stuffing out of soft toys and eat it or your cat often gets string or feathers stuck in his mouth. You may find that you have two categories of toys in your home: ones that can be left for your pet to play with at any time, and others that are put away and only used when under your close supervision to prevent any safety issues.
Choose Your Chews Wisely
Dogs naturally like to chew, but edible chews can be extremely dangerous. As your pup chews off pieces of the treat, it can get lodged in his throat or digestive tract. Carefully choose the size and shape of any edible chew, and only let your pet have it when you can watch them.
If you’re looking for something you can leave with your pets when you are not home, treat-dispensing toys can be a great option. You may also want to consider chew toys made of hard rubber, which are much less likely to become a choking hazard.
By thinking through your pet’s play behaviors and closely looking at the toys you buy, you’ll be able to enjoy playtime and worry less about unexpected trips to the veterinarian.
Happy Tails | Rambler
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, our November Happy Tails highlights an adopter for whom all of us at the Virginia Beach SPCA feel a tremendous amount of gratitude – our very own Derby Brackett. Derby has been serving the VBSPCA since September 2017. She first joined the organization as a board member, then stepped in as Interim CEO 6 months later, and she took on the official CEO position in March 2019. However, it wasn’t until January 2020 that Derby adopted VBSPCA pup Rambler, and together they represent one of over 2,700 happily ever afters from this past year.
Rambler’s Story
Rambler and his 8 littermates arrived at the VBSPCA on December 26, 2019. They were barely 6 weeks old, motherless, and all of them in need of medical care for serious parasitic infections. After the puppies were treated in our clinic, our shelter team placed the puppies in foster homes where they would be able to rest and recover until they were ready for adoption. Placement for all 8 pups was secured in less than 24 hours, and our Director of Philanthropy, Emily Peck, had signed up to take Rambler and one of his brothers home on foster. However, Emily was out of town for the holiday weekend, so Derby stepped in to foster Rambler and his brother until she returned.
This was Derby’s first foster experience, and her weekend with the puppies was both challenging and rewarding – but mostly rewarding. Resident 
pet Rainey Storm warmed to the pups’ presence in the home, and her nerves shifted to curiosity. Everyone was friendly in no time. A few days of fostering turned into a few weeks of fostering, and when it was finally time for Derby to bring the puppies back to the shelter, Rambler was already home.
His First Year with Derby
At the end of this year, Rambler will celebrate his one year anniversary with Derby and her husband Doug, and what a year it has been. Despite the chaos us humans were experiencing throughout 2020, Rambler experienced a year of chasing waves at the beach, digging holes in the backyard, walking in the park, and playing with his big sister, Rainey Storm. He spent much of the year taking up too much space in the bed, being startled by the vacuum, and harmonizing with the sirens. He made a few appearances in Zoom meetings and ruined a few shoes, but overall he brought immense joy and unlimited entertainment to his humans. For Rambler and all of our animal friends, 2020 was a year of being loved by their human companions, and that love is central to everything we do at the VBSPCA.
In Thanks
We offer our thanks to Derby for providing Rambler with a loving, forever home, and we thank her for the compassionate leadership she uses to guide the entire VBSPCA team every single day. Derby leads with compassion and dedication – and, as 2020 has taught us – when nothing goes as planned, compassion and dedication matter most.
Brad Kuether | In Service to the Animals Since 2013
Brad Kuether has been serving on the Virginia Beach SPCA Board of Directors since 2013. His initial involvement with the organization began through our volunteer program, through which he donated his time and energy to both our kennel and foster programs. Eventually he was approached by leadership to join the board as a representative of our shelter volunteers, and he has been in board service ever since.
Brad’s professional life has been a mixture of military service in the US Navy and working in private industry. He spent 24 years as an Officer in the Navy, starting out flying A-6E Intruder aircraft, later serving as an Instructor at the Naval Aviation Schools Command, and completing tours at a Tactical Air Control Squadron, CINCLANTFLT, MIDLANT, and finally at Second Fleet. Brad also worked as the Training Development Manager for Coastal Training Technologies and as a contractor on several training development projects including developing the first computer based SCUBA knowledge training. For the past 13 years, he has worked for General Dynamics Information Technology as a Project Manager. He has managed projects for various customers including the US Navy, NATO, FAA, and currently to develop F/A-18 Pilot training for the Finnish Air Force. Brad’s board service has allowed him to remain involved with animal care, and he continues to foster kittens on a regular basis. He has served as co-chair on our Mutt Masquerade planning committee and has been a committed running participant in the event for years. Brad encourages members of our community to join the VBSPCA mission through volunteerism, event attendance, and donations.
Brad Kuether’s voice on the board is important as he represents the many members of our community who share in his experiences, interests, and passion for animal welfare. Thank you, Brad, for your dedication to the Virginia Beach SPCA.
If you are interested in serving on the VBSPCA board, please email Derby.Brackett@vbspca.com for more information.
Caring for Senior Pets – Wellness in the Golden Years
Sooner or later, age catches up with all of us…. even our furry family members. While senior pets tend to be more mellow and easier to manage, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you are providing the best care for your four-legged friend. Read our following tips below, and download our infograph to share with senior pet parents in your community.
Stay active
- Physical exercise is critical at any age, as both mobility and cardiovascular fitness are keys to longevity. Continue to take walks for exercise, but make sure to adapt your route based on your pet’s ability. If your pet is experiencing joint or muscle stiffness, you can blend gentle massages with short walks around the house to keep the joints mobile.
- Brain health is as important as physical fitness, so make sure to provide mental enrichment to aging pets. Take new routes on your walks to expose your pet to different sights and smells. If walks become challenging, try wandering the yard instead. You can also hide treats around the yard or house and encourage your pet to locate them. This provides the opportunity for discovery, which is good for the brain at any age.
Be proactive with health and nutrition
- Senior pets often have special diet and nutrition needs, and these needs can vary depending on your pet’s overall health. Whether you’re dealing with obesity or a more complex systemic imbalance, consult your veterinarian to ensure that you’re feeding your pet the right food.
- Regular vet checkups become increasingly more important as pets age, and it is recommended that senior pets see a veterinarian every 6 months. These regular checkups are key to early detection of common senior illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and liver disease.
Know the Signs
- If you notice any of the following signs, your pet may be in need of additional care: excessive itching or hair loss, changes in appetite or vomiting, incontinence or frequent urination, mouth soreness or tenderness, movement issues, or changes in activity levels. If any of these signs present themselves, see your veterinarian.
Being present for the golden years can provide some of the most rewarding moments of pet companionship. Yes, the medical costs can increase and more tender care may be required, but the bond that exists is extremely special. The end will always be inevitable, but as compassionate, attentive pet parents, we can provide a final chapter that is rich in the moments that make living worthwhile. We are their whole world.
If you are looking to welcome a senior pet into your home, visit our adoptable animals page here.
Why Senior Pets Make Great Companions
Senior pets make great pets! A dog or cat is considered a senior if they are seven years or older. If you are considering adopting a furry family member, here are some reasons to consider welcoming an older pet into your home:
Senior pets are often long term shelter residents. Seniors often struggle to catch the eye of an adopter, as puppies and kittens are more appealing to many. Adopting a senior is an extra gesture of kindness.
Age is just a number. Dogs and cats live for 10-15 years on average, and many live even longer than that. A “senior” pet has lots of love left to give, and many special memories are yet to be made.
Train less, enjoy more. Most adult dogs are already house-trained so you won’t have to go through the difficult stages of teaching house manners and cleaning up after accidents. Also, your shoes are probably safe since they are out of the puppy chewing stage.
Easier Introductions. Senior pets are often on the mellower side, and they can be easier to introduce to resident pets. They are also known to settle into new environments with a bit more ease.
Health problems can arise at any age. Some adopters are concerned about the health issues and expenses that can come with an older animal, but the reality is that health issues can arise at any age. When adopting an older animal, you have a better idea of what to expect, especially when adopting from the VBSPCA. All VBSPCA seniors have special bloodwork done before adoption to make sure adopters are prepared with the information they need.
It makes you feel good! You can be a hero to a deserving animal. Almost without exception, people who adopt older animals feel a special sense of pride and purpose in opening their heart to a harder-to-adopt pet. Doing a good thing really does make you feel good!
It takes a special person to adopt a pet knowing you may have a shorter amount of time together than you’d like, but adopting a senior pet is the the ultimate gift of generosity. Next time you think about welcoming a new pet into your home, consider the older animals who are just as deserving of a forever family. You’ll be the love of their life. It’s worth it.
Annual Partners
Last Updated: June 1, 2022 by vbspcaadmin
Happy Tails – Apollo & Neptune
Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Apollo and Neptune came to our shelter in November 2019 when their owner could no longer take care of them. The cats were very attached to each other and needed to go to a new home together. About a month later, Sylvie and her three teenagers met the pair and fell in love. We recently caught up with Sylvie to check in on Apollo and Neptune.
How did Apollo and Neptune come into your life?
How are your cats doing in the home?
It’s their home now; they just let us live here. I have invested in two air purifiers and a Roomba, though.
What do the cats like to do at home?
How have they enriched your life?
I cannot believe I used to live alone. My three teenagers live with me part-time, so they’re here some days, but I can’t imagine ever coming home to an empty apartment, especially during this past year. The term “emotional support animal” shouldn’t just apply to a particular animal; they’re all emotional support animals as far as I’m concerned (and almost all of us could benefit).
Why do you think people should consider adopting a pet from a shelter?
Cats are easy because they like to do their own thing most of the time, but I do spend a lot of my time during the day taking pictures of my cats; they’re always doing something cute or funny. I like that I was able to choose two cats that get along so well already – and also knew how to use the litter box. There are so many gorgeous pets who need homes. It’s a great feeling to be able to provide one.
