The Benefits of Kennel Training

 

The Benefits of Kennel Training

While veterinarians and behaviorists generally agree that crate training is ideal for both puppies and adult dogs, many pet parents confess they cannot bear the thought of seeing their pets "locked in a cage." Our dogs' wild ancestors, however, spent much of their time in dens. The den was where they would sleep, hide, shelter from the elements, and raise their litters. Kennel training simply takes advantage of the natural instincts our pets still possess as descendants of these early den dwellers. 

A kennel trained dog will perceive their kennel as a safe space in which to ride out thunderstorms, take a break from a bustling party, or duck out of reach of a curious, but overbearing toddler. Dogs who know they can retreat to their own space are better equipped to cope with anxiety, and therefore less likely to bite. Additionally, crate trained dogs are happier at boarding facilities, meaning we pet parents can travel with greater peace of mind. When we decide to bring our pets along for the trip, the kennel provides instant familiarity and comfort. While the surroundings may be new and strange, kennels allow our dogs to feel like they are traveling with their own special room, as well as joining us in our adventures. And the only thing more fun than discovering the world, is discovering it with a dog.

Kennel trained dogs make great travel buddies!

It's Pet Dental Health Month!

 

It's Pet Dental Health Month!

Many longtime pet parents are aware of the Veterinary Oral Health Council's recommendation of annual dental cleanings for cats and dogs. What is not yet common knowledge, however, is that dental radiology, or x-rays, are rapidly becoming the standard of care in veterinary medicine. 

While many pets return home from a dental cleaning with fresh breath and sparkling teeth, it is possible they are also leaving the hospital with untreated oral infections. This is due to the fact that without taking x-rays of the teeth, it is impossible to see the many signs of decay and disease that often fester beneath the gum line. In fact, the teeth of dogs and cats are best likened to icebergs, with five eighths of each tooth living under the gums, and only three eighths living above them. With so much happening beyond our field of vision, it is vital that radiology be used to spot the unseen causes of suffering in our furry friends. When booking your pet's next dental cleaning, be sure to ask if the procedure will include this important tool in diagnosing and treating painful dental disease. 

There's more to a canine tooth than meets the eye!

Meet Lola, Our February Pet Of The Month!

 

World, meet Lola - our February Pet of the Month!

Lola is a six-month-old calico cat who absolutely rules the roost. When she's not posing for pictures or lobbying to go along on road trips, Lola can be found living her best life in her super comfy kitty bed. Lola boasts the rare feline trait of being both a feisty calico, and a laid back love bug. She's even chill for her veterinary exams, which means extra cuddles and fear free visits. 

Congratulations, Lola and share with all your friends- you're our Pet of the Month!

"I can haz vacation?"

Routine Blood Work For Pets

 

Routine Blood Work For Pets

In 2021, many new pet parents will be visiting a veterinarian for the first time. During these visits, it is possible your pet's health care team will recommend routine blood work. This may come as a surprise, as it can seem counter intuitive to run tests on pets who are seemingly healthy, and in some cases, fairly young.

Routine blood work is instrumental in finding many cases of diabetes, kidney disease, Cushing's  disease, liver problems, and many other conditions before the onset of clinical signs. This can save pets needless pain and discomfort, as well as arrest the progress of diseases before they become complicated and expensive to treat. In young dogs and cats, baseline blood work can allow your veterinarian to know which readings are normal for your specific pet at their peak of health. This allows your pet's health care team to see any future abnormal readings in a better context, and thus be better equipped to develop treatment plans which are better suited for your particular pet. 

Meet Troy, Our January Pet Of The Month

 

World, meet Troy, our January Pet of the Month!

Troy is a three-year-old Boxer mix who rescued his humans. Naturally, the humans think it's the other way around, but the pets know the truth. 

When he isn't sunning himself or patiently waiting for treats, Troy can be found hanging out on the sofa with his humans, watching the Miami Dolphins. And while he's a little sad about missing the playoffs, Troy continues to remind us that when all is said and done, life is good - especially for a big, happy rescue dog.

Congratulations, Troy and share with all your friends - you're our Pet of the Month!

Sad Troy...

 

Happy Troy!

Kitty's First Christmas

 

If you follow this space, you already know that for many families, 2020 was the year of the pet. Puppies and kittens were added to homes in record numbers. And now that the holidays are upon us, these youngsters will be entering the challenging phase of adolescence. Like human teenagers, adolescent puppies and kittens can be defiant and prone to mischief. When combined with standard holiday decorations, these traits can lead to veterinary emergencies, especially for kittens and cats. 

Young cats are often drawn to indoor plants. The holiday versions of such greenery, particularly poinsettias, amaryllis, holly, and lilies can be toxic to cats when ingested. Additionally some of the seasonal essential oils we use to scent our homes in December cannot be processed by the feline liver, and can lead to severe illness and death. Finally, tinsel is irresistible to most young cats, and if swallowed can cause a linear intestinal foreign body. This life-threatening condition requires risky emergency surgery. It has always been my recommendation that cat parents avoid these products when decorating for the holidays. 

Somebody's on the naughty list!

                                                                                      

The Free-Feeding Fail

 

The Free-Feeding Fail

As 2020 begins winding down, the puppies and kittens who joined our families when Covid forced us to stay home have begun to mature. For many of us, our lock down routines may be starting to change as well. Maybe our children are back in brick and mortar school. Or perhaps the home office is empty and the commute has returned. As our routines change, our pets' lives will change with them, and disruptions to their feeding schedules often occur. When this happens, many pet owners give up on scheduled meal times and leave food down at all times so their pets can eat at will. Known in veterinary circles as free feeding, this type of feeding schedule often creates far more problems than it solves.

Pets who are free fed can develop behavioral problems and are more prone to finicky eating. This becomes problematic as pets enter the stages of life when long term medical problems become more common. Many health concerns can be managed with supplements or medications, some of which must be given with regularly scheduled meals. Liver support supplements and insulin are just two examples of treatments that cannot be given independent of meals. Additionally, many pets require prescription diets which may not be especially palatable. Pets who lose their food drive as a result of having constant access to food may not be eager to accept such changes. It is therefore always recommended to maintain scheduled meal times as your pet matures, and to remove any uneaten food fifteen minutes after presenting it.

                                        Remove all uneaten food fifteen minutes after presenting it.