ZOOM SOFT CHEWS Product Overview
What are they?
Zoom soft chews are a nutritional supplement for dogs with a comprehensive blend of ingredients including Glucosamine HCL (500mg), Chondroitine Sulfate (400mg), MSM (300mg), Rimoxen - a naturally derived COX 2 (anti-inflammatory agent) derived from HOPS, Essential Fatty Acids, and a complete multi-vitamin. These chews are low allergen and are cheese flavored. The chews are fed daily based on weight. A 50# dog would take one chew a day for the first 4-6 weeks, then take ½ chew per day as maintenance.

Who should take them?
Any dog who is suffering from joint problems, including arthritis. They can also be given preventatively to any dog.

When should I start?
As soon as possible, the best efficacy is noted when signs are subtle. It is, however, never too late to start.

Are they safe?
Yes!

What about other drug interactions?
No worries - these actually work together to enhance other forms of arthritis medications!

Are they expensive?
No, that's the best part - a 60 count tub costs only $44 (this will last a 50# dog four months once on maintenance dosing)!
 
Mention this issue of ACOC News for $5 off a 60 count tub. Offer expires 10/1/09


TIPS TO KEEP YOU ON YOUR TOES Practical Information For Pet Owners
Recognizing Pain in Our Pets
Because our pets cannot tell us where or how much it hurts, we have to rely on the observation of our friends behaviors, actions, and reactions to determine if they are painful or uncomfortable.  Some of the signs may be very obvious (such as a limp, crying out, or refusing to eat) or they may be very hard to detect (such as a rough hair coat, chronic weight loss, or less social behavior). 

Symptoms of pain can include:

• Guarding or protecting an area or body part: Pulling away a leg, twitching skin, growling/crying when an area is touched or examined, running away or hiding. Change in posture: Hunching up, crouching, tucked abdomen, stiff or rigid body, refusal to lift head, laying flat on a side. Restlessness: Repeatedly getting up and down, constantly shifting positions, unable to get comfortable. Lameness:  Holding a paw or limb off the ground, uneven movement (head bob, shoulder or hip hike), inability or refusal to stand. Self mutilation: Repeated licking, biting, or scratching of an area (sometimes creating hair loss or a wound.) Vocalization:  Squeaks, squeals, crying out, yelping, teeth grinding, growling, hissing, grunting, or whimpering.Change in personality: Antisocial, reclusive, depressed, anxious, agitated, aggressive, sedate, clingy, attention seeking, or lethargic. Change in behaviors: Awake at night, asleep during the day, loss of housetraining, change in normal routines or habits. Decreased activity, energy, or enthusiasm. Rough hair coat:  Loss of grooming due to joint, muscle, or mouth pain, lethargy, or nausea. Loss of appetite or weight loss: Complete anorexia is obvious, but partial loss of appetite can be subtle. Animals with dental pain may chew awkwardly, drop food, or bolt their food down in bursts. Increased or decreased drinking. Panting. Heat or cold seeking behavior: Many arthritic pets prefer a cold hard surface to a padded dog bed. Some prefer to lie near heat sources.
• No change at all! Because showing pain in the wild may make an animal appear to be an easy target, animals tend to minimize or intentionally hide their symptoms.

 
Pain can begin at any age, and may be mild or severe.  Being old is not a disease, nor does it make it acceptable to allow pain to go untreated.  Pain is the result of injury, inflammation, and disease.  These days we have many options for alleviating and managing both acute and chronic pain in our pets.  These include some older and many newer medications, nutriceuticals, diet therapy, massage, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and therapeutic laser to name a few.  While pain is best treated before it starts, it is never too late to give your pet the best quality of life possible.  It is up to us to act as our pets advocate and to treat their pain. If you suspect that your friend is not as comfortable as he or she might be, please call to schedule a thorough evaluation for your pet.


Animal Clinic of Chardon
656 Water Street Chardon, OH 44024
440-285-9191

Dr. Tom Frankmann | Dr. Wendy Frankmann | Dr. Jessica DeMarco