Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital, PLLC
361-4646
October 2009 News Letter
Happy October!!!! It's here, fall is officially here. I am so
glad, it won't be long and the trees will be donning their brilliant fall
leaves. I know that raking the leaves is not a welcomed chore. I personally
love the aroma of burning leaves, bon fires, apple cider, seeing the pumpkins in
the field, the cooler days and nights and the scent of fall in the air. As you
might be able to tell, I love fall and look forward to it every year. A
reminder though, do not stop your flea and tick or heartworm prevention. They
often make a huge come back in the fall and you want to be prepared.
Microchipping
Is your pet microchipped?
Microchipping is the safest way of recovering your pets if they get lost. It is
a rice sized, surgical glass that houses a tiny transponder. When a pet is
found as a stray, many shelters have a scanner that checks to see if the pet has
been chipped. If the microchip is registered, the shelter or vet clinic can
report the number to the proper agency, who gets in touch with the owner. It is
very important to register the chip after the application. It is always a good
idea to put one contact number of someone in another state or area. As an
example, in Florida, when hurricane Andrew hit, the whole southern part of the
state was devastated, and animals were everywhere, the same happened in New
Orleans with Katrina. If a pet was found, scanned and registered in that area
only, no one would have been reachable. On the other hand, if a party had been
registered in another area, or state then the pet could have been claimed by
that named person. Microchipping, is great for cats, dogs, ferrets, and
birds. If your pet hasn't been microchipped, you might want to consider having
it done as soon as possible. It is the best thing for you and your pet. If you
have any questions about microchipping please give us a call at 361-4646, and we
can schedule an appointment for you and your pets or address any questions you
may have.
Halloween
It's That time of the year
again when ghosts and goblins will be coming to your door begging for candy and
treats. It is important that you know your pets' reaction and plan ahead for
this night. Many pets are fearful and protective and react strongly to the
disturbance. If your pet is one of these types, then the best action is to put
them in another room and close the door. It is also a good idea to put a radio
or TV in the room with the volume loud enough that they won't become alarmed
each time the door bell rings. If your pet runs out the door when it is opened
then the same thing should be done for them. Most pet owners know their pets
well enough to recognize a possible problem, if you are unsure, then closing
them up is the best solution. Another danger would be if the pet gets into the
Halloween candy that your child brings home. It can be very dangerous to the
pets. If the pets do get into the treats, call your veterinarian immediately
for advice on what to do.
Thunder and
Lightning
Is it
storming out and you are lying awake listening to the clash of thunder and the
flash of the lightning? Or are you listening to the panting, whining, shaking,
howling, and drooling of your faithful companion, who is scared of the storm?
There are
many ways to keep your dog from being terrified and robbing you of your much
needed rest. There are many different medications that can be dispensed by your
veterinarian. Now, low and behold, they have "Thunderwear", such as ear muffs,
head halters, and swaddling attire, including a snug leotard for animals called
a sheep suit that can calm stressed dogs. Not all dogs are the same and their
reaction to these different measures vary as well. What works for one dog may
not have an effect on another. Many dogs never get over this phobia and some
can detect a storm before it ever reaches the horizon. It is thought that many
react to the static electricity of the storm or the barometric pressure changes
that a storm produces. A DVM from Tufts University, believes that dogs get
charged by the static electricity and look for places to hide where they won't
feel the charge. Here are some tips to lessen your pet's reaction: Turn up
the television or stereo to try to mute the sound of thunder. Don't scold the
dog or discipline it when it is anxious. Let the dog stay lose to you, but don't
coddle it. Try to distract the dog with a fun activity or a tasty treat,
perhaps starting in overcast weather and gradually moving on to mild storms.
Find a safe place for the dog such as a basement, crate with the door open, or a
safe room with no windows. If you are interested in giving your pet a
medication for this problem, call your veterinarian or take your pet in to the
office and ask which method they will suggest to remedy this situation.
Adopt a pet month
October is adopt a pet month. If you
or someone you know is looking for a new pet for their house, there are so many
pets in shelters that need loving homes. Many people are abandoning their pets
and their homes in this economic situation. Shelters and Humane Societies are
filled to their capacity. These pets are innocent of the times and need loving
homes. Many have had their vaccines and have been spayed and neutered. They
are of all ages, sizes and breeds. It is nice to purchase a full bred puppy, if
that is what you are interested in. If you do not want to start with a small
puppy, then a shelter or a rescue may be something you would be interested in.
Many of these pets have been inside pets and are partially trained. They just
need a loving home. Not all of these pets are abandoned, some were found
running loose and many were surrendered for other reasons. The shelters and the
rescues are usually aware of any personality problems. There are many shelters
and rescues in this area. We have a list at our office,, please give us a call
615-361-4646, if you have any questions.
FYI
Veterinary Pet Insurance
reports that the 10 animals most responsible for pet injury claims in 2008,
excluding dogs and cats, were (in ascending order): snakes, coyotes, raccoons,
squirrels, scorpions, javelinas, porcupines, ground hogs, skunks, and rats.-
VPI.com
Researchers testing the notion that self-affirming statements such as "I
accept myself completely" boost mood and self-esteem found it to be true, but
only in people who started out feeling good about themselves. Those with low
self-esteem actually felt worse.-Psychological Science
Clinic
News
This month
we are having another drawing. This time to promote micro-chipping. We are
going to give away a $25.00 gift certificate to the winner. When you have your
pet micro-chipped, we will put your name in a hat and at the end of the month
draw a name for the prize. Micro-chipping is the best way to have your pet
returned to you if it runs away or is the victim of a natural disaster. To make
an appointment for this procedure, call our office at 615-361-4646.
The winner of the heartworm prevention giveaway last month was the Hurst family,
and they received a year supply of Triheart for Duke.
If you would like to be
removed from this mailing list all our office at 515-361-4646 or email me at
PLVH@bellsouth.net