Body Conditioning System

Each time your dog or cat visits for their annual wellness exam, the doctor performs a thorough examination of your pet.  One of the the tests they measure is the Body Condition System.  This tells you as an owner whether you pet is underweight, overweight or ideal.  The scale is based on a 1-9 range with a 5 being the ideal weight range. 

Sources:
http://www.purinaveterinarydiets.com/resources/Files/dog_chart.pdf

10 Things You Can Do to Make Veterinary Visits Better For Everyone

1.   Accustom your pet to its carrier and to traveling in the car.  Place the carrier out a few days prior to your appointment and put a few treats in the carrier to entice them.  Take care rides to other destinations besides the vet clinic.  This will make car rides more enjoyable and decrease the association of a car ride and going to see the veterinarian. 
2. Drop by the clinic with your pet just to visit.  We love when people drop by with their pets just to say, "hello".  This allows us to give your pet some attention, treats and an overall positive experience.  This will help your pet feel more at ease when they do have to come for an appointment.  
   
3. If our veterinarian doesn't already have your pet's medical records on file, bring them with you or have your previous veterinary team send or fax the records. 
4. Arrive on time or a few minutes early for your appointment.
5. Know what medications your pet is receiving (including supplements), as well as how much, how often and how long it is given.  Even better would be bringing them with you. 
6. Share your observations and concerns with your veterinarian- after all, you know your pets better than anyone else does.
   
7. Ask questions.  Ask until you understand.  
8. Ask for handouts and brochures about your pet's condition.
9. Follow your veterinarian's recommendations.  They're given for one very important reason- to keep your pet healthy.
10. Relax.  Our pets pick up on our emotions and attitudes.  If you have a relaxed, optimistic outlook on the veterinary visit, your pet will feel more comfortable.  

Sources: 

AVMA  https://www.avma.org/public/YourVet/Pages/visits.aspx 2013

Spring Pet Tips!

Spring has sprung, and with the change of season, there are many things you can do to keep your pets healthy and protected.  Before you dive into your spring cleaning list or plan your holiday camping trip, here are some spring safety tips.

Ticks
If you haven't already begun your flea/tick preventives this spring, now is the time.  Iowa weather is unpredictable with snow one day and sunny 70 degree weather the next.  All it takes is one nice day for these pesky critters to emerge (let's hope the warm weather will soon stick).  The most common types of ticks in Iowa are deer ticks, brown dog tick, and American dog tick.  The deer tick transmits Lyme disease, one the more well-known tick-borne diseases.  There is a vaccine to protect your dog against Lyme disease if your dog is at high risk.  Check out Dogs and Ticks to see what ticks are common in your area.

 
Mosquitoes & Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes.  Hot, muggy days always attract the most mosquitoes, but these pesky creatures always seem to be where they are not wanted.  A few of these critters always manage to find a way into our homes each year.  All is takes is one infected mosquito to transfer this disease to your dog or cat.  So even 100% indoor pets need preventive care!  This disease can be fatal in both dogs and cats. If caught early, treatment is available in dogs, but is very expensive.  In cats, there is no treatment available. Fortunately, heartworm disease is 100% preventable by giving your pet a monthly heartworm preventive.

 
Long Walks and Dog Parks
We have already noticed many people taking advantage of the warmer days by taking their dogs on long walks or visiting the dog parks.  These are both great ways to exercise your pets and keep them mentally stimulated.  This is also a good time to make sure your pets have proper I.D. tags as well as a microchip.  If you have moved or changed telephone numbers, make sure to keep your contact information current! 

 
Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is a great time to spruce up your house and also get rid of those items no longer needed.  Remember, most cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to pets.  The key to using them safely is to read and follow label directions for proper use and storage.
During your spring cleaning, when you come across items you no longer need see what items you can donate.  Many animal shelters take donations of old blankets, towels and other items.  Contact your local shelter to see which of your items can benefit homeless pets. 

Screen Yourself
Opening up the windows and letting in the fresh air is sure sign that spring is here.  Make sure your screens are sturdy as the window sill is a favorite spot for cats to lay.  If you have adjustable screens, make sure they are tightly wedged into window frames. 

Sources:
http://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm.html
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/springtime-safety-tips.aspx

Myth or Fact: Raw Food Diet

 Myth or Fact:  A raw food diet is the most natural and, therefore, the best diet for cats and dogs.

MYTH. 

The Facts:
Raw diets may contain bacteria.

• Raw meat and poultry may be contaminated with harmful microorganisms, such as salmonella.

• Feeding raw meat to pets can expose them to bacteria, parasites and protozoa.

Preparing and feeding a raw diet can also expose your family to harmful organisms.

• Members of the household will also be exposed to the same bacteria, protozoa and parasites when you feed a diet containing raw meat to a cat or dog.

• These microorganisms pose greater risk to the young, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

Salmonella was found in 80% raw diets and 30% of fecal samples from dogs fed raw diets.  

Bones as part of a raw diet can be hazardous to pets' health.

• Raw (and cooked) bones can fracture teeth.

• Jagged or sharp points can tear the esophagus, stomach or intestines.

• Fragments of bones may become lodged in gastrointestinal tract.

Raw diets may not be nutritionally balanced or complete.

• Diets made of mostly meat or poultry and bones may be lacking in important nutrients.

• Calcium deficiency is a common problem with these diets, which can lead to impaired growth, spontaneous fractures and loose teeth.

• Vitamin A toxicity can occur if large amounts of raw liver are fed.

Sources:
http://www.purinaveterinarydiets.com/HealthAndNutrition/Myths/detail.aspx?name=RawFood

Valentine's Day Pet Safety Tips.

Valentine's Day brings many wonderful gifts from our loved ones.  However, some of  these gifts may be toxic to your pets.  Here's some friendly tips and reminders which items should be kept out of your pets reach.    



Chocolate.  Most seasoned pet owners know chocolate is toxic to dogs.  While all types of chocolate should be kept away from pets, baking chocolate has the highest level of toxicity.

Flowers.  Lilies are potentially fatal to cats.  If you are buying a bouquet for someone, request an arrangement without lilies.  Also with those sharp thorns, keep roses out of your pet's reach as well.     

Candy.  Many sugar-free candies and gums contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to pets, especially dogs if ingested.  It can cause vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and in severe cases, liver failure.    

Gifts.  Keep the ribbons and strings away from the pets.  These "fun-to-chew" items can be irresistible to cats, but if swallowed, can lodge in their throat or digestive track, causing him/her to choke or vomit. 










There are many ways that you can include your pets in your Valentine's Day celebrations.  Stop by the dog bakery for a special treat for your pooch or purchase a new toy for your kitty to treat your pets on Valentine's Day!  Or create a "Kissing Booth" like we did at SDMVC for a memorable photo op!  







Sources:
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/valentines-day-tips.aspx

Ten Tips for Preventing Pet Behavior Problems

1. Set rules immediately and stick to them.

2. Avoid situations that promote inappropriate behavior.

3. Observe the pet and provide what it needs to be cared for and attended to. 

4. Supervise the new pet diligently through undivided individual attention and training, and restrict the pet's access to a limited area of the house until training is complete.

5. Encourage good behavior with praise and attention.

6. Correct bad behaviors by providing positive alternatives. (A toy for a slipper, scratching post for the sofa.)

7. Never physically punish or force compliance to commands. This may lead to fear biting or aggression. 

8. Don't play rough or encourage aggression or play biting.

9. Expose pets to people, animals, and environments where you want them to live.

10. See your veterinarian serious or unresolved behavior problems exist.

References: AAHA, www.healthypet.com

Pet Ownership

Owning a pet is a privilege, but the benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities.

1) Avoid impulse decisions when selecting a pet.

2) Select a pet that is suited to your home and lifestyle.

 3) Keep only the type and number on pets for which you can provide appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship.

4) Commit to the relationship for the life of your pet(s).

5) Recognize that pet ownership requires an investment of time and money.

6) Make sure your pet receives preventive health care (vaccinations, parasite control, preventive care, etc) as well as care for any illnesses or injuries.

7) Provide appropriate exercise and mental stimulation.

8) Properly socialize and train your pet.

9) Limit your pet's reproduction through spay/neuter, containment, or managed breeding.

10) Obey all local ordinances, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control.

11) Make sure your pet is properly identified (tags and microchip).