Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital Newsletters

Newsletter for March 2007

Veterinarians Rate high on Honesty and Ethics:

Veterinarians are rated highly by Americans.  Their profession ranks third among 23 occupations for honesty and ethics in a recent Gallup poll.  Veterinarians rated high or very high in about 71% of survey respondents rating honesty and ethic standards.

The top 5 in this survey were as follows:

1.  Nurses     84%
2. Pharmacists   73%
3.  Veterinarians   71%
4.  Medical Doctors    69%
5.  Dentists    62%

 

Crate Training:

Crate training can eliminate the damage to your belongings.  Dogs will not usually soil where they sleep if possible.  The trick is to buy the crate small enough so the dog can’t use one end as a bathroom and the other end as a bedroom.  It should be large enough for the dog to turn around in a tight circle and  lie down.  If the puppy is going to grow into a large dog, buy a large crate and divide it off and move the divider as the pet grows.  Never use the crate as punishment.  It must be a place where the dog feels safe and happy. 

The puppy should be in the crate the following times:

1.  Nap time: After playing pups tend to fall sound asleep......pick it up and put it in it’s bedroom and close the door.  Eventually he will go into the crate himself when he gets sleepy.
2.  Nighttime: When you go to bed put your puppy to bed.  Even if he has fallen asleep elsewhere.
3.  Mealtime: This is one of the best times to put your puppy in the crate...when he’s eating.  It will guarantee that his focus is on his food.
4.  When you are busy: This is great when you are busy or sick and can’t watch the puppy constantly.

 

LIFE LESSONS YOU MAY LEARN FROM YOUR CAT

1. Keep a birds eye view-(top of the cabinet?) A new perspective
2. Catch a siesta- (play hard and sleep some.) Catch a midday rest on a weekend.
3. Explore your curiosity-(check out that new paper bag) try something new
4. Cuddle up- (curl in your lap) After a bad day or at the end of a good day, curl up to a loved one or your furry buddy.
5. Find a hideaway- (hide in a closet?) Find somewhere to go for some alone time.  Don’t come when you’re called.
6. Primp and groom-(preen and rub) Scrub enough to let your glow shine through.
7. Take a break-(set in the middle of the paper) Take a break from work.  Allow your mind to rest.
8. Be silly-(run from couch to chair and back again) Let loose, dance a jig, sing out loud and out of tune.
9. Stop, look and listen-(stare out the window) Listen to the wind...watch the shadows as the sun sets..stop and take some time to enjoy
10.Be a survivor-(Alley cat) If times get tough...think of the alley cat and the way they survive.

 

ROOM AND BOARD

Here are some steps to follow for boarding your pet

Step 1.
Check to see whether it is a loving staff, convenient location, and cost comparative.   Make a list of things essential to you.

Step 2.
Locate kennels and compare them to your needs list from Step 1.  Visit their web sites and schedule a tour of each facility.

Step 3.
When visiting, look at the kennel’s security, supervision, safety and sanitation first.

Step 4.
Once a kennel meets these criteria, ask about accommodations, daily schedules, services and amenities that your pet might need or enjoy.

Step 5.
Select a kennel and board your pet for a few days before deciding on an extended stay.

 

PETS AND SENIORS

Unfortunately many senior citizens feel lonely and isolated as they retire and loved ones move or pass away.  Many studies have proven that pets, especially cats, can play an important role in providing companionship and love to these people.  One study of older adults found that cat owners had a  better self esteem and well being than non-cat owners. Men that own cats had the lowest incidence of stress and anxiety, while men that were non-cat owners had the highest.  Another study of elderly women determined that pet owners had higher morale with less loneliness and agitation, more optimism and higher activity levels then those without pets.

 

Staff News

If you have been to our hospital lately and thought you heard a sound that was unlike any cat or dog, you might be right.  It was the sound of Princess Rae and Herman Martin, Laura's 2 kids (goats) that were abandoned by their mothers and that Laura brought in to bottle feed.  They think of her as their mother now and follow her wherever she goes and cries when they hear her voice.

 

Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital,
Doctors and Staff