Interesting Pet Information

At Budreau Veterinary Clinic in Cedar Falls, IA, we're dedicated to keeping your pets healthy and happy by providing valuable information on interesting pet topics.

Here are some key insights and services we offer:

Relief from Allergies

If your dog exhibits itching, scratching, and skin licking or shakes its head and scratches its ears, it could be suffering from allergies. We offer two revolutionary medications for relief:

Apoquel: A daily pill that targets the nerves causing itching.
Cytopoint: An injection that controls symptoms for up to 3-4 months. Our veterinarians can determine the right treatment for your dog after examination. Call us at 319-988-4760 to schedule an appointment.

Routine Blood Screening Tests

We recommend yearly blood screening tests, especially for dogs and cats ages six years and up, to detect early organ problems. These tests can be done during your pet's regular check-up and help in managing various health conditions effectively.

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Dogs That Chew: A Lifelong Beneficial Behavior

Every new puppy owner wonders, “Will this teething and chewing ever get better??”

The fact is that puppies should be encouraged to chew from early puppyhood through their golden years.

Obviously, chewing on inappropriate or dangerous items must be discouraged. Encouraging chewing on safe toys, filled bones (pictured), deer antlers, etc. is essential for maximum dental health. Veterinarians can usually tell right away when doing an oral exam on a canine patient whether or not he or she is a “good chewer” at home. Chewing prevents buildup of tartar, plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums which in turn prevents periodontal disease. Often times, daily chewing can prolong or eliminate the need for a professional dental cleaning and/or tooth extractions in their future.

Thyroid Disease Awareness

Thyroid disease is common in middle-aged to senior dogs and cats. We offer thyroid tests as part of routine blood screening to detect and treat conditions like Canine Hypothyroidism and Feline Hyperthyroidism. Early diagnosis improves treatment success.

Benefits of Spaying Your Older Pet

Spaying is essential for preventing life-threatening conditions uterine infections (Pyometra) in female dogs and cats, regardless of age. It reduces the risk of mammary tumors, uterine cancer, and other health problems, ensuring a healthier life for your pet.

Early Detection of Kidney Disease

Our clinic offers advanced testing for early detection of kidney disease in dogs and cats. This test can identify issues when only 40% of kidney function is lost, enabling prompt intervention for better treatment outcomes.

XYLITOL POISONING IN DOGS

Xylitol is a product used to sweeten “sugar free” candies, gums, chocolate bars, toothpastes, mouthwashes, cough syrup, chewable vitamins, low/no sugar peanut butters, “skinny ice cream, puddings, sugar free drink mixes, cakes, muffins, other baked goods, and the list goes on. You may research the full list of items that could be in your house. CHECK YOUR LABELS CAREFULLY for any product that is “sugar free” or “reduced sugar” to see if it contains xylitol as xylitol is a hundred times more toxic to dogs than is chocolate! Furthermore, almost all of the products containing xylitol are enticing to dogs due to their yummy, sweet flavor. Xylitol also occurs naturally in raspberries, strawberries, mushrooms and cauliflower to name just a few. Cats are less likely to be poisoned by xylitol as they generally aren’t as tempted by sweets. In addition, their body’s reaction to xylitol is generally not as extreme as it is in dogs. After a dog ingests xylitol, it will be quickly absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream causing a rapid rise in insulin. This leads to a life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Dogs will then begin to vomit, become less active, weak, and uncoordinated. Lastly, they will collapse, begin having seizures and in many cases die shortly thereafter. If your dog does ingest any product(s) containing xylitol, call your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

At Budreau Veterinary Clinic, we're committed to providing comprehensive care for your pets and keeping you informed about their health needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services. Your pet's well-being is our top priority!