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September 2025 surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com 970-856-4474
SCVC Pawprint
Stop Dental Disease Before It Starts Healthy Teeth, Healthy Pets
SET REGULAR CHECKUPS Many pet parents only bring their pets in when they have a problem. Being proactive about setting regular checkups will produce much better results and probably save you money in the long term. Every human year is comparable to 5–7 years for dogs and cats; their bodies grow old faster than ours. So, for your pet, that annual checkup is actually a seven-year check-in. A yearly dental visit is fine for young animals, but we recommend checkups at least every six months as pets age. Smaller dogs should also see us more often. We always perform an oral exam during these sessions and take dental X-rays. Unlike humans, whose teeth are half crown and half root, pets’ teeth are one- third above the gum and two-thirds root, so X-rays are essential in detecting and diagnosing problems. We also perform extractions and cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth. Pets tend not to cooperate and hold their mouths open while we work, so we use anesthesia for this procedure. We understand that you may be nervous about this, but our doctors and veterinary technicians are trained to administer these drugs as safely as possible, with an IV catheter and continual monitoring throughout. DENTAL CARE AT HOME We humans brush daily, and your pet should, too. A baby or soft-bristle brush can work well for an animal’s teeth, and some owners prefer silicone brushes that slip onto your finger. Use toothpaste formulated for pets — not human brands. Another dental-care option is a water additive that kills bacteria in your pet’s mouth, or an oral rinse to reduce harmful bacteria and plaque buildup. Cleaning your pet’s teeth will pay off in the long run! We look forward to seeing you soon, and helping your pet enjoy good dental health and a longer, healthier life!
Many dog and cat owners assume their pets’ teeth naturally care for themselves. We aren’t sure where that idea comes from, but it’s a misconception. Regular dental care and check-ups are as important for our pets as they are for us! Since September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month, now’s a good time to focus on how essential good dental care is for dogs and cats alike. All of us here at Surface Creek promote oral health as often as we can, and we are proud of our regular clients for their good track record. But we’ve been seeing a significant number of new patients whose owners aren’t as aware of this aspect of responsible pet ownership. As a result, we’ve been pulling a lot of decayed and abscessed teeth.
Just because your pet is eating and behaving normally doesn’t mean they aren’t hurting from tooth decay or gum disease. An estimated 80% to 90% of dogs have gum disease by age 3, and 50% to 90% of cats over age 4 have dental disease of some kind. The bacteria that cause these problems invariably affect other parts of your pet’s body, leading to other health problems. If you do nothing else to protect your pets’ health, ensure they get essential vaccines and good dental care.
– Dr. Jeff
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When you think of ancient Roman warfare, you probably picture armored legions, powerful generals, and grand strategy. What you might not picture is a group of chickens playing a vital role in battle decisions. But believe it or not, sacred chickens were once the military advisors of the Roman Republic — and what they had to say (or rather, eat) could determine the fate of an entire campaign. These weren’t just any chickens. Known as the sacred chickens of Rome, they were kept and consulted by priests, called augurs, who specialized in interpreting the will of the gods. These priests didn’t just observe the sky or animal behavior — they observed the chickens’ eating behaviors. Before a military campaign or major political decision, augurs would scatter feed in front of the sacred chickens and closely watch how they ate. If the birds pecked enthusiastically, spilling grain from their beaks, it was seen as a good omen and a green light for action. If the chickens refused to eat or acted uninterested, the message was clear: Don’t proceed. The gods were not in favor. One of the most infamous stories involving these chickens came in 249 BCE during the First Punic War. Roman naval commander Publius Claudius Pulcher wanted to attack the Carthaginians, but the chickens gave a bad omen by refusing to eat. Pulcher, annoyed by their lack of cooperation, reportedly threw the birds overboard, saying, “If they won’t eat, let them drink!” Unfortunately for him, his fleet suffered a devastating defeat shortly afterward — a loss many blamed on his disrespect for the sacred ritual. It might sound ridiculous today, but in ancient Rome, religion, superstition, and state affairs were deeply intertwined. Consulting omens was spiritually and politically expected. Ignoring them could spark public outrage or be viewed as inviting divine punishment. The sacred chickens are a strange reminder of how even the most powerful empires often relied on symbols and rituals that seem bizarre by today’s standards. Whether you believe in signs or not, one thing is clear — in Rome, you didn’t mess with the chickens. The Bizarre Battle Rituals of Ancient Rome WHEN CHICKENS CALLED THE SHOTS
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The Case for Adopting a Mixed-Breed Mutt
Some people choose purebred dogs as pets to avoid surprises about their animal’s future size or temperament. Others buy purebred puppies as a status symbol or conversation piece. While these are understandable motivations, there are reasons why a mixed-breed dog can be a better long-term choice. Choosing a mutt from a shelter can save you a lot of long-term heartache and expense. Purebred dogs are great when bred responsibly, but they’re generally at a higher risk of hereditary disease, such as the airway obstructions seen in pugs and English bulldogs, the hip dysplasia common to German shepherds and Labrador retrievers, or eye diseases that tend to plague miniature poodles and cocker spaniels. Vet bills for treating these problems can add up over the years. A mixed- breed pet has a better chance of living a long, healthy life due to hybrid vigor. Adopting a shelter pet is also cheaper up front. The cost of purebred puppies ranges from hundreds of dollars for more common breeds to thousands for rarer breeds, compared to roughly $50 to $200 for adopting a shelter pet. You can feel fairly confident that your mixed-breed pet didn’t come out of a puppy mill. Plus, when you adopt a mutt, you’re often saving a life. Mixed-breed pets run a higher risk than purebreds of being euthanized in shelters. About 2.9 million dogs entered shelters in 2024. Most were mixed-breed animals, and 60% of them were strays. While 2 million of these animals were adopted, 334,000 were euthanized, according to the ASPCA. And if you’re curious about your mutt’s heritage, we can run blood tests to discover what breeds make up your mixed-breed pup. If you are considering adopting a pet this year, consider making it a mixed-breed pooch. Not only will your wallet benefit, but you may gain a good feeling in your heart as well!
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GAME ON!
Bonding With Your Pet Through Play Time
While your pet’s diet and checkups are important, pets also like to play! Play time has far-reaching benefits, from improved fitness to a deeper bond with you. Here are three ideas for games around the home. ACTIVE PLAY Cats love to chase almost anything — from a laser-pointer light to a piece of string. Try pitching a few fluffy pom-pom balls across the floor and watch your feline pounce. Cats love to bat at paper bags or “disappear” inside fabric tunnels. Or entice your cat into a dry bathtub and toss in a ping pong ball. Presto: Bathtub hockey! For your dog, consider creating a ball pit: Fill a kiddie pool with plastic balls, sprinkle kibble on top, and watch your pet get all kinds of exercise retrieving it. Or try a canine version of hide-and-seek: Teach your dog to “stay” while you slip into a hiding place elsewhere in the house, then call out and reward them with praise or a treat when they find you. And cats and dogs alike might enjoy chasing bubbles you blow outdoors with a bottle of non-toxic bubble liquid. PUZZLES Pet supply makers offer a variety of entertaining puzzles. Drop kibble into an open plastic maze for your cat to dig out, or tuck food among the dividers of one of the many enclosed, box-shaped puzzle feeders on the market.
For dogs, make a DIY “treat burrito” by laying treats across a towel, rolling it up, and serving it to your pooch to unroll and enjoy. Or put kibble in a muffin tin and cover each opening with tennis balls, for your dog to sniff out. For another DIY puzzle, stand several empty toilet paper rolls upright in a shoebox side by side and drop treats into each one for your pooch to sniff out. Another favorite is a snuffle or foraging mat — a soft puzzle that requires your pet to forage for treats hidden in folds or pouches.
BRAIN GAMES Your dog will love the positive attention it receives when you teach it the five top tricks — sit, stay, high-five, spin,
and down. Another cool trick is stop-and-go: Call your pet, but order them to “stop” just before reaching you and offer a treat each time they comply. Also, elevate your pooch’s vocabulary by teaching them to retrieve their favorite toys by name. While every game won’t work for all pets, trying a few can lend enjoyable insights into your dog’s or cat’s personality. Have fun!
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Clients Spreading the Word
Melanie Cooper Derek Udy Ben Capron Louise Beecham Joyce Row Jamie Clinard
Katie Tomei Laurie Conner David Kennedy Keith Kralik Susan Powell
• At the time of scheduling a
Due to a staffing shortage, SCVC will be closed on Saturdays until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
dental or surgery appointment, a $250 deposit will be required. This deposit will be applied to the procedure bill. If you need to cancel the appointment, and you give us at least a 24-hour notice, the deposit will be refunded.
• Due to the increasing cost of
credit card processing, there is now a 3% service charge added to all clinic services and products. If paying with cash, check, or PIN debit, there is no charge.
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1 2 Sacred Clucks and Roman Conquests inside this issue
Protect Your Pet From Dental Pain and Disease
Are You Sure You Want That Designer Dog?
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Treat Burritos and More: Games to Delight Your Furry Friend
New SCVC Policies
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One Dog’s Daring Escape Uncovered a Nightmare
JAILBREAK FOR JUSTICE How a Senior Hound’s Escape Changed Dozens of Lives NC aenwc eAl l aptpi ooni nPt mo leinc yt When you cancel with less than 24-hour notice, we now require a prepaid $50 deposit to reschedule. If you keep your rescheduled appointment, we will apply the deposit to your veterinary bill. If you miss your rescheduled appointment, the fee is nonrefundable.
When a 10-year-old basset hound fled from her neglectful home, she didn’t just rescue herself from abuse and poor conditions; she ended up saving more than 30 other animals from unimaginable suffering. Hero, as she’s since been named, was in bad shape when animal rescuers first discovered her. Emaciated and dirty, her overgrown nails had twisted, making it painful for her to walk. She had a painful bladder infection and heartworms. Despite the pain she was in, she made a daring escape, and her ID tag led animal control to a house of horrors. Officers found 36 other dogs, a chicken, and a cat at the location, suffering from various ailments and signs of abuse. Some animals lived in small, dirty cages; others had injuries and signs of malnutrition. All of them were dirty and had a medical issue of some kind. It was clear they needed help.
even gave her a last name, Salvare, which means to save and protect. They described her as “a friendly girl with the softness of a sweet old lady” who deserved a quiet home as she recovered. Hero has since found her forever home and was adopted the next day after the shelter searched for a new owner. Thanks to the kind and persevering hound, many other dogs from the home have also been adopted. “Despite Hero’s sad backstory, she’s proof that dogs are resilient creatures that only show love that is unconditional,” the shelter wrote. Hero may have started as a victim, but she ended a chapter of abuse as a rescuer. Her quiet bravery saved her and transformed the lives of dozens of others, proving that even in the darkest places, hope can come on four legs and floppy ears.
The Humane Society of Concord took in 15 of the dogs, including Hero, and other local rescues housed the rest. When the sad story of these neglected dogs reached the community, people heard the call and donated funds to help cover their medical and care costs. If it had not been for Hero’s life-saving feat, there’s no telling what would have become of her furry friends. The shelter that named her Hero
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