Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital, PLLC
September 2009 Newsletter

 
Here it is The beginning of fall again.  Now the air will get cooler and the humidity will be lower and the nights will be great.  It won't be long now before the trees start turning their brilliant colors, and the aroma of burning leaves will fill the air.  School is in session and the regular routines are back in play.  I hope your summer was a fulfilling one and that you got to enjoy your time in the sun.  Have a safe and Happy Labor Day.  Can you believe that the next holiday will be Thanksgiving?  Ok, we won't think of that yet, time goes by too fast as it is.

Rabies Awareness Month
September is Rabies Awareness Month.  Many clients took advantage of the rabies clinic at the schools in March.  Those of you that haven't gotten your pets vaccinated should.  There are many wild animals that have been seen in neighborhoods that carry rabies.  Skunks, raccoons, and bats are the most common carriers of rabies.  A rabies vaccination is inexpensive and required for all dog, cats and recommended for ferrets yearly in Tennessee.  Tennessee requires a yearly vaccination and registration with the county in which you reside.  Of course not all raccoons, bats and skunks carry the disease but if, for example a skunk is seen wandering around your neighborhood during the middle of the day, it would be wise to contact animal control.  Being bit by a rabid animal can be very serious.  If you do have an encounter with an animal that you are unsure about, contact your doctor immediately.

My pet needs my help             

What can you do when your pet is sick and not enjoying his life?  We, as pet owners, have the right to make a decision to prevent our pets from  ''suffering in silence''.  It is not an easy decision, but one that ,at times, is what is best for your pet and not necessarily what is best for you.  Saying good bye to your pet is comparable, in many cases, to loosing a good friend or a family member.  When your pet isn't living a quality life and you are unsure which route to take, ask your veterinarian.  There are tests and treatments to make your pet more comfortable.  If you feel that the time has come to have your pet euthanized (put to sleep), call your veterinarian for an appointment and talk to him if you have questions or concerns.  At Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital, we administer an injection of sedative first so the pet relaxes.  The second injection we administer is a strong anesthetic that is injected into the vein and stops the heart and breathing.  Within several minutes it takes effect and your pet passes away peacefully.  You are welcome to stay with your pet during this time.  Many people prefer to leave the room, but we leave that choice up to the owners.  I only write about this topic because many clients have questions and concerns and do not know what to do about it.  It is a delicate issue and one not to be taken lightly.  If you have any questions or are battling this dilemma, please give your veterinarian a call and make an appointment for your pet to be examined.
Now What?

You've decided that it is time to have your pet put to sleep (euthanized).  It is a hard decision and one that is never taken lightly.  After the euthanasia, what next?  There are many options for you to choose from.  I am writing about these options, because many clients do not want to think of this detail when it has been a tough decision from the start and they certainly don't want to have to make another decision when they are feeling sad and heartbroken. 

1. General cremation- a mass cremation, no ashes to be returned
2. Private cremation- your pet is cremated alone and the ashes are returned to you in an urn or a box
3. Private burial- a pet cemetery where your pet is buried in a plot.
4. Burial at home
5. Tradition grave service- a funeral at the place of your choosing.

These are just some suggestions.  If your are unsure which plan you would be interested in, contact your veterinarian with any questions you may have.  This is something that is best done before you are in the office and upset.  If you have been contemplating this decision and you have questions concerning which services we recommend, please don't hesitate to give us a call.  615-361-4646.

Fun Facts

Seven percent of Society of Human Resources Management members surveyed in 2008 report offering pet insurance as a benefit.  It's popularity has more than doubled since 2004.  Pet insurance has become one of the most frequently requested voluntary benefits--Press release

The ASPCA reports that cats are more susceptible to illness and death as a result of the misuse of spot-on flea and tick control products than dogs.  The data, collected by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, also indicate the overwhelming majority of animal illnesses associated with proper use of spot-on flea and tick control products are mild.---Press release

A recent study revealed that a human tendency to attribute a "guilty look" to a dog is attributable to whether the owner believes the animal has done something it shouldn't have.  This study sheds light on anthropomorphism, the natural human tendency to interpret animal behavior in human terms.--Science Daily


While the Children are at School

When it is time for the children to go back to school, you know that you will miss them but don't forget the family pet, they will be lonely too. Here are some tips that will help your four legged friend not be quite so lonely.
These are some of the things that you can do to make the time you are in school a better time for your pets.  I know that homework is a priority, but make the extra time you spend with our pets, part of your homework assignment.

Socialization of your pet

Adolescent dogs are getting older but it doesn't mean his confidence is fully developed.  Don't stop your socialization training.  Here are a few tricks to try:

1. Take him to a local Little League or soccer game
2. Go on several short and long car rides
3. Stay in a dog-friendly hotel or with friends  
4. Take him to an outdoor mall to shop and meet different types of people
5. Go hiking on a dog-friendly trail
6. Visit a lake or a beach
7. Walk in an "old town" area

Who is this strange dog?

Sometimes when a dog is going through adolescence, their coat goes through changes as well.  The puppy coat starts shedding off and leaves mats and bald spots as the immature coat gives away to coarse adult hair.  Your pet's coat may lighten or darken  or feather at the legs and tail, especially in setter breeds.  A soft downy undercoat may also develop to help protect him from cold and moisture.  Often these transformations change the total appearance of your pet.


Clinic News

Dr. Pennington went to Birmingham, Alabama for his C.E. last month and will share his new information with us at our September staff meeting.
 
Remember that fleas are still alive and living in the area.  We are still getting many complaints of high flea infestation from our clients.  Make sure that you continue your flea and heartworm preventions year round.  Fleas are very hard to control if the infestation gets out of hand.  Keeping your pet on prevention year round is the best way to curtail a future problem.

Good news for clients.  Effective September 1, 2009, we will be giving our clients a $17.00 gift certificate for all referrals you send to us.   We appreciate all the referrals you give us and we know that it is one of the highest compliments you can pay us.   Thank you for all you the clients have sent to us in the past.

If you would like to be removed from the mailing list, please give us a call 615-361-4646  or email us at:
plvh@bellsouth.net.





Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital :  2704C Murfreesboro Rd., Antioch, TN  37013


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