If you answered 'yes' to this question, your pet may have oral disease. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of three.

Oral disease is often indicated by bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face and mouth and depression. Besides causing receding gums and tooth loss, the infection may enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting the heart, liver and kidneys.

Since February is Pet Dental Health Month, it's the perfect time to start fresh (pun intended) and commit to improving your pet's oral health. It's easier than you think, especially with the Veterinarian-approved PetzLife Oral Care Program.

PetzLife is a safe and effective formula made in the USA from all natural ingredients including grapefruit seed oil, grape seed oil and a blend of herbal extracts and oils. Available in a spray or a gel, PetzLife removes plaque and tartar, kills bacteria and freshens breath!

All you have to do is apply daily for heavy tartar build-ups or a few times a week for maintenance. If you use this product as directed, the manufacturer is so confident you will see an improvement in your pet's smile, they offer a 100% guarantee.

For more information about this product including Frequently Asked Questions, to see before/after pictures, or to purchase PetzLife products, visit www.ScalawagsOnline.com. PetzLife is also available at Scalawags, 24 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport, Maine.

Well, hot off the press is the official 2010 Visit The Kennebunks Guide! Published by the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce, the VTK Guide includes everything you need to know to plan your 2010 trip to The Kennebunks.

This helpful publication includes resources for accommodations, restaurants, shopping, sports and so much more for the communities of Kennebunkport, Goose Rocks Beach, Cape Porpoise, Kennebunk, Kennebunk Beach and Arundel. There is even a "Pets Welcome" section (pps. 20-21) for folks traveling with pets. Be sure to look for Scalawags' ad on page 21.

The VTK Guides are available through the Chamber of Commerce or you can pick one up the next time you are in Scalawags. If you are shopping at http://www.scalawagsonline.com/, you can request a copy of the Guide with your order and we will be happy to send one to you.

So, stop wishin' and start plannin'!

The Tag-It^TM Removable Dog Tag Holder from Cetacea is a big seller at Scalawags. Our customers love to change their dogs' collars often so the Tag-It is a must-have for making the switch. Tag-Its are also handy at bedtime to eliminate disruptive tag awakenings. So, what's not to love, right? They are small, simple and easy to use.

We were surprised then to find a list of "25 Great Uses for the Cetacea Tag-It" with our most recent order. We thought some of these were pretty cool ideas and wanted to share them with you.

1. Attach your dog's tags to its collar or harness. If you want to change collars or remove the tags, it's as easy as a snap of the buckle!
2. Attach ID to your dog's kennel when traveling.
3. Attach ID tags to your leash.
4. Attach a spare key to your leash, backpack or even shoelace.
5. Attach your cell phone or pda on backpack straps.
6. Attach keys to the strap on your purse.
7. Attach a small light to your bag, belt or purse.
8. Attach a whistle to your child or child's backpack in case of an emergency.
9. Attach a bottle opener to your dog's collar.
10. Attach your fishing license to your vest or belt.
11. Attach your company credentials or school ID to your belt, bag or coat.
12. Attach a chemical light stick to your children when out at night.
13. Attach your wallet safety chain to your belt.
14. Attach a safety leash to your fishing pole so it stays on your boat, kayak, or float tube.
15. Attach your whistle, key or safety light to a PFD (personal flotation device).
16. Attach a safety tether to your family radios or walkie-talkies for hiking.
17. Attach your gloves or goggles to your ski pants or parka.
18. Attach a spare pen or luggage ID to your travel bag.
19. Attach a small tool like a Leatherman to your jacket.
20. Attach a small measuring tape to your belt or jacket.
21. Attach a small coin purse to your child's backpack for school lunches.
22. Attach your reading glasses case to your purse or belt.
23. Attach lip moisturizer to your jacket when skiing or enjoying the outdoors.
24. Attach a scarf to your jacket so it won't get lost.
25. Attach a hotel keycard to your swimsuit.

And we thought it was just a dog tag holder! Tag-Its are available in assorted colors online or at Scalawags in Kennebunkport. Tag-It, your it!

It's almost impossible to not realize February is American Heart Month. Advertisements and public services announcements remind us cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation's No. 1 killer. The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign is in full swing with celebrities and "real women" alike sharing stories, health tips and news about heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. These reminders are good.

A while back the American Pet Products Association compiled some facts from various studies about the health benefits of pet ownership. We thought February was a good time to share this information. Perhaps it will inspire potential pet owners to take the plunge. Perhaps it will inspire others of us to become more active with our pets for both our health and theirs.

Healthy Benefits of Pet Ownership
(Source: American Pet Products Association)

• Pets Help to Lower Blood Pressure A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not own a pet. (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo)
• Pets Help to Reduce Stress Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)
• Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
• Pets Help to Lower Health Care Costs People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
• Pets Help to Fight Depression Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)

Did you know your pet may be susceptible to the 2009 H1N1 virus?

According to Idexx Reference Laboratories in Westbrook, Maine, the infection has been detected in household pets including ferrets, cats, pigs, birds and most recently, dogs. It is believed pets contract the infection from infected owners.

The symptoms of the H1N1 virus infection resemble those of other common respiratory infections. Signs include coughing, sneezing, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite among others. However, these symptoms may also be the sign of a more serious respiratory disease, including pneumonia.

If your pet is being tested for a respiratory infection, he can now be tested specifically for the H1N1 influenza virus at the same time. Be sure to ask for the test, especially if you have tested positive yourself.

For more information about the H1N1 virus in household pets, consult with your veterinarian or local animal hospital.