08.23.08
Posted in Health Topics, Its A Vet's Life at 5:55 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
Well, it is truly the dog days of summer now. While watching the Olympics (particularly the swimming events), it occurred to me that many times I hear from clients that their dogs don’t like to swim. While some pets (cats) are naturally going to avoid the water, some dogs, even the ones bred to swim don’t always enjoy the experience.
Some of this is due to the lack of exposure, and some is due to the wrong exposure. Sink or swim is not a good idea for anyone, but dogs sometimes jump into pools only to find out it is very cold and deep! Never fear, even dogs with bad past experiences can be helped to enjoy water safely.
It is best to ease them into it by walking along the edge of shallow water. Ocassionally toss a toy in a little deeper (not too deep) and let your dog grab it to play. Gradully their confidence will build and they will probably try a little floating. Some dogs splash alot when they first encounter deeper water. The are trying to get on the surface and cannot, so they panick and start to sink. Shallow water will help as they can touch the bottom if they sink a few inches relieving the anxiety they feel.
In some cases a floation vest will be best. For dogs that haven’t learned to swim or for dogs that are older and arthritic and need some help swimming, this is a great idea. I have one of these fitted to my oldest companion, Jazz. She is 12 1/2 years old now and has arthritis. Swimming is great therapy, but she tires easily. With the life vest she can be in the water longer (which she loves) and I worry less (which I love). Life vests can be found in a variety of sizes and styles and pet stores and on line.
Swimming has wonderful benifits in both calorie burning and helping keep them limber and in shape. A safe start can pay off big when you and your dog can enjoy the water together.
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08.02.08
Posted in Weedy's World at 2:17 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
Weedy loves icecubes, but for a really fun treat try this:
Freeze water with a dog treat (hard cruchy treats work best) insmall disposable treat containters. For containers I use snack sized Glad disposables. Do not overfill.
Once the treat is frozen, pop it out of the container and share. Your dog will love the cool lickable, cruchable treat that only contains a few caories.
Recipe variations are endless: I’ve frozen carrots, green beans, a bite of melon or apple, lots of stuff inside the treats. Anybody can do this treat! Enjoy!
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Posted in Health Topics, Weedy's World at 2:02 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
Wow! Today is a hot one, and the forcast for next week is for hotter yet! Be sure to remeber to beat the heat with your pets too. Keep them inside and cool during the heat of the day. Cats can overheat too, so be sure to keep them inside.
Lots of access to water is a must. Consider a puppy pool (a small wading pool with some cool wateer in in). If they are out side very long, even playing in the sprinkler can help. Try an ice cube treat. (See the recipe in Weedy’s World and in recipe pages). Cats enjoy melon (especially cantalope), but be sure they are not on a special diet first.
Bug repellants are also important. Flea season is far from over. Look for those little pests to be a problem until a good hard freeze. Using Frontline will keep the pests away. We do suggest that outdoor cats use Revolution as it controls ear mites as well (and heartworm in cats). Sunscreen for pets that do not have alot of fur is also a good idea, or use a pet shirt to protect the skin for burning.
We want everyone to have a safe and fun summer. If you have questions be sure to leave a comment here or call our office!
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07.03.08
Posted in Health Topics, Weedy's World at 2:33 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
I sure hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July! Be sure to safe guard your pets! Fireworks and loud noises are dangerous for pets and can frighten them.
Keeping them inside and in a quiet place will help. Cotton balls in the ears can help muffle the noise as well as playing a radio or television. Don’t forget to take the cotton back out of the ears after the noise has passed.
Other hazards of this great holiday include too much people food and the heat outside. Remember- if you are hot so are they!
Justin reminds us all of how to be safely patriotic as he shows off his uncle Sam duds!
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06.26.08
Posted in Health Topics, Upcoming Events at 6:32 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
The allergy seminar was well attended this week as we finished our 5th topic in the series. While we will not have a seminar in July due to timing and travel, the next one in August will probably be popular since the topic is behavior. I’ve done several behavior lectures before, and have found time to be the most limiting factor. We’ll be covering several topics this time, but I won’t have aggression as one of them. I have found that to be far too involved to cover in a seminar of only an hour and a half in length.
If you have a question regarding aggression, you can contact our office and we will be happy to try and help. Meanwhile, if you’d like to attend our upcoming seminars, please call the office for your reservation. Seating is limited and is filled as you call. Hope too see you there!
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06.18.08
Posted in Health Topics, Upcoming Events at 8:25 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
As I sit and write the notes for the upcoming allergy seminar, I think about the future upcoming topics. Since we have so many areas of veterinary medicine, I’ve decided to ask you what topics you would be interested in. Leave me your ideas in the comments here, and I’ll try to come up with presentations or handouts on those topics. I look forward to hearing what you’d like more info about.
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06.01.08
Posted in Health Topics, Uncategorized at 6:49 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
I sure hope everyone had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful weekend with your pets. It was lovely outside and cats and dogs alike will have enjoyed the fresh air. Please remember a few safety issues. All pets must be leashed in Peoria County. Cats too! A fun way for your cat to enjoy the great outdoors is to wear a harness and be under supervision. Remember that cats that go outdoors need different (additional) vaccinations than cats that don’t. All pets that go outside should be protected against fleas and ticks.
There were plenty of outdoor events this weekend. As summer goes on, remember, not all pets enjoy crowds and strangers. Keep your pet protected from the stress and think about what they will enjoy before asking them to participate. For example, fireworks are very frightening and hurt the dog’s ears, so lets not take them to the Fourth of July celebrations. Instead, they will prefer a peaceful night in and will be very understanding if they are not asked to participate.
Summer is full of fun in the sun, enjoy it safely.
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05.24.08
Posted in Upcoming Events at 8:10 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
Hey group, sorry I haven’t had a chance to take those pics on CPR yet. I haven’t forgotten so check back and I’ll try to have them set up soon. Hope you all enjoyed the seminar. I felt we had a great group in attendance.
I’ll plan to have the pics by next weekend, until then have a great day.
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05.17.08
Posted in Open House, Upcoming Events at 7:41 am by Nancy Hayes, DVM
Today we are holding our Open House. Lots of neat displays have been made, the staff has put together wonderful pictures of some of our patients, and generally all the cool stuff will be out for show and tell. Check out the ultrasound with a chance to scan, look inside a pepper with the endoscope, see the surgery suite we use when your pet needs surgery and much more. Raffle tickets and door prizes will be given away today, and we hope you all can make it.
I’m very proud of the Whitney crew as they have really worked hard to make this a wonderful experience for attendees. Our goal is to allow behind the scenes access and a chance to see some of the technology used to help us keep pets healthy and happy.
Its a lovely day and I hope everyone can attend. I’ll post some pictures after the event.
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05.08.08
Posted in Its A Vet's Life at 2:34 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
I get asked often why I chose to be a veterinarian. I think the simple answer is I really do love animals, but the answer is really more complex than that. I really do enjoy pets, but I really like people too. I have always wanted to help people with their pets, so it really is more than just the love of animals. For me, I enjoy helping people find that truly deep relationship they have with their dog or cat. I love to help the animals feel better of course, but I also want to help the families help their pets have better health and quality of life.
I’ve been asked a number of times when I decided on veterinary medicine, and I can truly say that its all I’ve ever wanted to do. I did study other fields in college to be sure I wasn’t missing out on some other area of interest, but I always came back to the idea of medicine and surgery. We all chose our favorite things as we go through life. I feel very blessed and grateful to be allowed to do what I love every day.
Truthfully, most veterinarians I know have found this career path in a similar fashion, and most can say they always wanted to have this job. As a group, we enjoy the human animal bond. New potential veterinarians come in often, and as they start their path through the schooling and experiences that bring them to the practice of medicine, I am delighted to be able to give them the help they need to continue on. Not all days are easy, and some are down right heartbreaking, but in the end, every day is worth the journey.
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