Petersen Pet Hospital - December 2019

Monthly Pets First

December 2019

Puppy Under the Tree WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE ADOPTING A CHRISTMAS SURPRISE

“Sam joined our family back in early October, so technically she’s a really early Christmas present.”

As Stacey and I prepare to celebrate Christmas, we have to keep an eye out for a small family member who likes to get underfoot: our new puppy! Stacey and I adopted a four-month-old border collie puppy from a rescue over in Illinois. Her name is Sam, and she’s been keeping us very busy. It’s been 20 years since Stacey and I had a puppy, so we’re really refreshing our memories on puppy care. So far, we’ve got plenty of toys to keep her mentally stimulated. Her favorite is a stuffed duck with a squeaker inside. Stacey and I have also been teaching Sam obedience commands and got her into puppy classes so she’s well socialized. I almost forgot howmuch work comes with a new puppy, but Sam’s been doing great so far! We’re even entertaining the idea of getting her into agility courses when she gets older. Our previous dog was a border collie mix, and we loved the breed. They’re so athletic and smart, and we expect Samwill help keep us active as we get older. Sam joined our family back in early October, so technically she’s a really early Christmas present. This time of year, a lot of families might be considering bringing a new pet into their lives. Surprising the kids with a new puppy under the Christmas tree is guaranteed tomake the holidays merry, but it’s not something anyone should do on a whim. Pets are a big undertaking. As a veterinarian, I advise against getting a new puppy or kitten as an impulse. There’s a big financial undertaking that comes with a pet. You have the initial supplies and toys, as well as veterinary bills, ongoing food costs, and pet insurance, which I highly recommend. Pet health insurance can go a long way to covering emergency medical bills your pet may have in the future.

It’s also important to consider the time demands. New puppies need to be trained and socialized in order to grow up to be well-behaved dogs. If you aren’t able to give your new dog the attention it needs in the first six months, you could have a lot of issues later on. If you are ready to bring a new pet into your household, make sure you pick an animal that’s right for your family. Some people fall in love with the look of a breed of dog they

see online but don’t realize the dog’s personality doesn’t match their lifestyle. Great Danes don’t do well in small apartments, older seniors might not be able to keep up with energetic huskies, and busy families often aren’t able to give wirehaired griffons the exercise they need. Behavioral issues are common when a dog isn’t suited for their new family’s lifestyle. Whether you’re thinking about adopting a pet around the holidays, or any time of year, my biggest advice is to match the temperament and activity level of your pet to your lifestyle. Make sure you will be able to give your dog or cat the attention it needs so you can enjoy many happy years together.

If you’re bringing a new pet into your family, we look forward tomeeting them soon! In the meantime, I wish you all a merry Christmas and happy holidays!

www.PetersenPetHospital.com

Meet Ashley, Ma OUR FANTASTIC NEW

This month, we’re thrilled to welcome three new veterinary assistants to our team! Allow us to introduce Ashley, Madison, and Morgan.

Ashley spent her childhood on the family farm in a small town called Walford. Growing up on a farm instilled her with a deep love and respect for animals. She pursued a degree in animal science at Iowa State University and recently moved back to her hometown before joining the Petersen Pet Hospital crew as a veterinary assistant.

SECOND CHANCES

When Pet Health Insurance Saves the Day

Tracy and her cat Squiggy were living in Long Island when their lives were turned upside down. One September evening in 2009, Tracy got a knock on her door and met a stranger who told Tracy they’d hit her cat, offered a brief apology, then promptly left. Tracy found Squiggy beneath his favorite bushes, where he’d dragged himself after the accident. She rushed him to the nearest veterinary office, where tests revealed Squiggy’s back had been broken in two places. Squiggy had also gone into shock and was suffering from internal bleeding. The veterinarian was able to stabilize Squiggy and helped him fight through the night. The next morning, when Squiggy licked Tracy’s hand, Tracy knew she would do anything to help Squiggy come home again. The veterinarians warned that Squiggy’s medical bills would be expensive. He needed extensive surgery, and there was no guarantee Squiggy would ever walk again. Fortunately, Tracy had pet health insurance, so she could afford to take that risk. Nine weeks later, Squiggy surprised everyone when he was walking and climbing again. Insurance can give pets a second chance. With the unconditional love and support they offer, it’s no wonder pets become part of our family. Most pet owners are willing to do anything for their four-legged friends, only to find themselves powerless when faced with a steep emergency veterinary bill. Pet health insurance can help families cover the costs of care, giving pets a chance to recover and enjoy many more years of life. Pet insurance also helps avoid health emergencies through preventive care. This insurance can be used to pay for annual wellness exams, dental cleanings, vaccines, and breed-specific conditions. The goal is to help keep your pets healthy throughout their whole life. Which pet insurance should I get? There are a variety of pet health insurance plans available. Some human insurance providers even offer pet insurance plans at a discounted rate. If you’re not sure what to get, start by looking into these veterinary-approved options: Squiggy’s veterinary bills cost $12,169. Embrace Pet Insurance reimbursed Tracy $10,000.

One of the things Ashley loves most is her “fur family.” She has two dogs, Lilly the corgi and Sadie the German shepherd, as well as two horses, Hawkeye and Cobalt.

Madison had many pets throughout her childhood, from hamsters to hermit crabs. From a young age, she learned to care for animals of all sizes, including a diabetic cat and an epileptic dog. It was while caring for these pets that Madison realized she wanted to help other fur babies, not just her own. She realized early on that quality

Gingerbread Dogs

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Nationwide (PetInsurance.com) Trupanion (Trupanion.com) Embrace (EmbracePetInsurance.com)

Emergency veterinary bills are not cheap. Having pet insurance available to cover a life-saving surgery can mean the difference between saying goodbye and enjoying many more happy years with your best friend.

ison, and Morgan

Yurt Sweet Yurt

ETERINARY ASSISTANTS

care was key to helping pets live long, healthy lives, a lesson she took with her when attending Iowa State University.

Glamping in Beautiful Locations

Both Madison and her twin sister, Morgan, studied biology with an emphasis in animal ecology. When she isn’t caring for pets at Petersen Pet Hospital, Madison is busy training and playing with her own pets: a cavachon named Lola, a cockapoo named Lady, a calico cat named Sophie, a hamster named Ted, and a turtle named Dude.

The allure of the great outdoors calls to many, but pitching a tent and cooking over a fire isn’t for everyone. If that describes you, consider the yurt: a small, permanent structure often

Morgan grew up with many pets to take care of, too, including hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, frogs, puffer fish, turtles, hermit crabs, cats, and a cocker spaniel named Shiloh. Taking on the responsibility of caring for these pets at a young age was very rewarding, and ever since Morgan was a young girl, she knew she wanted to help animals.

outfitted with electricity, plumbing, and other modern amenities. Expertly nestled in remote locations, they provide comforts of home in the midst of nature. Here are just a few around the United States available for rent.

Treebones Resort, California For those new to the glamping scene, this is a great choice for an easy transition. With picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, the Treebones

Morgan shares this passion for taking care of animals with her identical twin sister, Madison. They both attended Iowa State University, studying biology with an emphasis in animal ecology. After graduating in December 2018, Morgan moved back to Cedar Rapids with her sister, her cockapoo, Lady, and her hamster, Ted. These days, the house is packed, so when Morgan isn’t hanging out with her pets, she enjoys reading about marine biology, running, hiking, and surfing when she gets to visit her family in California.

Resort in Big Sur has an array of spaciously comfortable yurts to choose from. The resort has heated pools, a cozy lodge, and even a sushi bar. About an hour up the coastline, you can find a few shops, restaurants, and art galleries if you decide you’ve gotten your dose of nature for the day. Spruce Hole Yurt, Colorado Nestled in the San Juan Mountains about 10 miles north of New Mexico, this yurt is a snow-lover’s paradise. Skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking trails are plentiful in this backcountry location. At the end of a chilly day, come home to comfy beds, cooking supplies, and decor made to feel like you’re camping — but with sturdy walls to keep out the cold. Falls Brook Yurts, New York For the glampers who truly want to get away, hike just under 1 mile into the woods of the Adirondack Mountains to discover rustic yurts beckoning you to cook over a fire or bundle up with a book. At night, the yurt’s domed skylight offers excellent stargazing. For those keen on winter activities, skiing and snowshoeing trails start right outside the front door. In the summer, enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming.

‘Tis the season for holiday cheer! Share some cheer with your four- legged friends with these special holiday dog treats.

INGREDIENTS:

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1 cup molasses 4 tbsp honey

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6 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon

1 cup water

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp dried powder ginger

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350 F.

2. In a medium bowl, combine molasses, honey, water, and oil, and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing well until dough forms. 3. Separate dough into four equal balls. Wrap dough balls in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3–5 hours. 4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled dough to 1/4-inch thick. Use dog-shaped cookie cutters to cut out treats. 5. Bake for 20–25 minutes on baking sheet until cookies start to brown. Carefully remove treats from the oven and let them cool completely before serving to your dog. Inspired by GoneToTheSnowDogs.com

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

1031 Kacena Road, Hiawatha, IA 52233 www.PetersenPetHospital.com 319-743-0554

Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (Closed Fridays from 12:30–2:10 p.m. for teammeetings) Sat: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Sun: Closed

Inside This Issue

Dr. Petersen’s Early Christmas Present

PRIMARY

Could You Afford to Save Your Pet’s Life?

BLACK Who’s That?

PMS4655

50% BLACK

Homemade Gingerbread Dog Treats

SECONDARY

Yurts: Glamping at Its Finest

Peyo the Therapy Horse

PMS258

PMS292

PMS5635

PMS1215

Horsing Around

MEET A DIFFERENT KIND OF THERAPY ANIMAL

Horses have been loyal and useful companions to humans for centuries. But unbeknownst to many who fear these long-legged, 1,000-plus-pound mammals, horses are also naturally intuitive and extremely sensitive to the moods of people around them. These traits make them excellent therapy animals for those with autism, cerebral palsy, chronic illnesses, and PTSD, among many more. In fact, there are dedicated horse-riding camps geared toward chronically ill children and adults all over the world. However, riding horses isn’t the only way to benefit from equine therapy; horses are also fantastic comfort animals that can relieve anxiety and promote a positive environment for bedridden patients — as long as the doorway is big enough. Meet Peyo, the 14-year-old “love stallion” from Dijon, France, who is cheering up chronically ill patients one nuzzle at a time. This accomplished artistic dressage competitor accompanies his owner, Hassen Bouchakour, on visits to hospitals and nursing homes, bringing joy with every clop of his hooves. Patients suffering from all manner of ailments blossom when Peyo comes to visit, laughing and smiling while being nudged by his soft nose. He seems to have a keen sense for patients who are truly suffering, and though his handler

is always nearby, Peyo often chooses which rooms to enter of his own volition.

Having a horse in a hospital room may not sound very sanitary, but Peyo goes through a strict grooming regimen to be deemed hygienic enough to be around patients.

His hooves are greased, his mane and tail are braided, and his entire body is rubbed down with antibacterial lotion before being covered by a blanket.

Before Peyo became a therapy horse, he was almost put up for sale by Bouchakour, who had a hard time wrangling Peyo’s fiery personality. But, over time, when they traveled to shows and competitions together, Bouchakour noticed the horse was drawn to the injured and disabled and would instantly calm at their touch. “It is one of the most pure, honest, and sweet things,” Bouchakour says. “They like each other very much without asking for anything else.”

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