Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital Newsletters::January 2010

Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital

January 2010 News Letter

Happy New Year. I hope you all have a great year in 2010. The decorations are put away, the tree is down, the family and friends have gone home and things are returning to normal once again. Now is the time for resolutions. UGH, mine never last for more than a week or so. I hope you have more devotion than I do. This month I am offering some helpful hints of resolutions to do with and for your pets. January is "Walk Your Pet Month" Those of us with cats know that they don't or won't walk unless THEY want to.

Cat and Dog Resolutions:

1.    Put your pet on a diet and stick with it
2.   Walk your dog at least 2 blocks longer
3.   Arrange your schedule to have 10 more minutes of play time with your pet
4.   Give all preventative medications on time and do not skip a dose
5.   Have interactive play time with your cat everyday.
6.   Attempt to comb or groom my pet more frequently
7.   Brush my pet's teeth daily (if possible)
8.   Have your pet vaccinated on time.
9.   Make your geriatric pet more comfortable
10. Teach your puppy a new trick each week
11.   Switch out the pets old toys for the new ones
12. Plan to take your pet with you on a pet friendly vacation

Walk your Pet

Exercising with your pet is beneficial to you as well as for them. If your pet is a senior and can't go the distance with you, plan a new strategy that will include them but not be too hard on them. For instance, take them on a small walk before you go on your run or long walk. They will get some needed exercise that will not tire them too much or put a strain on them. If your senior pet and you went to a park for your walk or run, then plan on taking them on a ride for something else such as visiting friends or to go for burger. For those with younger pets take your pet for a longer walk and more often if you can fit it into your schedule. It will be good for you to get the exercise and them as well.

When walking your pet it is necessary to have the right collar, harness, leash and accessories. If your pet is large and pulls you then you might want to consider a Halti Collar or a Gentle Leader. These prevent the pet from pulling. For small pets a harness or collar is the best but make sure it is tight enough so the pet isn't able to slip out of it when you are on your walk. Bring several bags with you to pick up any stools your pet may pass on the walk. Remember most people do not appreciate having a pet potty in their yard or where they may step in it. Your pet may not be able to walk as fast or as long as you are used to.

Many pets have a bad reaction when they are first put on a leash. It is something that may take a while to get them used to. Putting the leash and collar on the pet and allowing them to roam around the house with no restraint may help them. Try doing this for longer periods of time and then eventually holding the leash and walking around the home with them. Giving them a treat for a good session will encourage them.

Spring is around the corner so getting your pet familiar with the tools of the walk will speed up the transitional period and you will be out there walking in the spring air with your pet by your side in no time.

Pet Insurance

It is a new year and now is the best time to consider health insurance for your pet. With the rising cost of medicine and treatment, pet insurance can often lessen the cost of routine vaccinations along with the expense of complex treatment. We have information on several different insurance companies that we recommend. Ask us for a brochure. They all have different coverages and levels to choose
from. You can tailor them to fit your budget and needs.

Healthy treats

The following are healthy snacks to feed your pets, they all should be used in moderation.

Carrots
Apple slices without seeds
Cottage Cheese
Grilled or boiled chicken (boneless)
Hard boiled egg slices
Pumpkin (cooked or from the can)
Broccoli
Green beans

Simple Weight Loss Tips

1. Measure the food
     Use a measuring cup or scoop to measure out the correct amount of food
2. Remember:
     Don't give your pet people food
3. Get Moving
     A walk can keep your dog from thinking about food. It's a great distraction and it's healthy for them and you.
4. Brief the household
     Let everyone know the new rules for feeding and giving treats to your pet. If everyone is on board the weight should come off.

Keep Cats Thinking Inside the Box

One of every 10 cats will have a litter box issue at least once in their lifetime. Here are some hints to keep them thinking "inside the box".

Get a check-up----misses can be a sign of a medical condition. Call your veterinarian at the first sign of trouble. Regular 6 month check-ups are very important as well.

Provide privacy----Keep the litter box in a quiet out of the way place. Some cats prefer a place that has an easy exit and access. In a multi-level house, one box per level is recommended.

Set the stage----Place the box on a rug or astro-turf and fill it 2/3 full with litter. Use an easy to enter box. You should have at least one litter-box per cat and many say one extra.

Take the litter test----There are 3 main types of litter, non-clumping clay, clumping based clay and non-clumping silica gel based. Use whichever one your cat prefers.

Minimize disruptions----Avoid moving the litter pans once your cat becomes accustomed to it's place. If you must move it, only move it an inch or so per day to minimize confusion.

Keep it clean----Most cats are very particular about their place of business. Scoop out solids at least once a day and dump and clean the entire box every other week (or sooner in necessary).

Staff News

As of right now the Bayer Company does not have a promotion on any of their products, but according to the Representative, they may be coming out with a special in February. Products by Bayer include Advantage, Advantage Multi, and Advantix.

We would like to thank all our clients for their patronage last year and we hope you and your pets have a great new year. Remember that twice a year check-ups are recommended and keeping vaccines up to date can help prevent serious and fatal illnesses. Call our office for an appointment 615-361-4646.

If you would like to be removed from this mailing list please contact our office at 361-4646 or email me at PLVH@bellsouth.net.