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January 2026 surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com 970-856-4474
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Human Care Influencing Pet Care Inventions and Innovations
Benjamin Franklin, who would have celebrated his 320th birthday on Jan. 17 this year, was well known as an accomplished inventor. He is among many inventors over the centuries who created objects that make our lives a little easier. Many of these inventions and innovations have advanced our understanding of medicine and health. Our knowledge has advanced to the point where we have significantly increased our life spans, and, in turn, these advancements also benefit our pets. Many of the inventions used by humans have also been adapted for veterinary practice. X-rays, for example, were first used in 1896 to see inside the human body. However, the technology was quickly adopted by veterinarians just a year after it was invented. Today, veterinarians worldwide use X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and advanced laboratory testing. With these types of equipment now used in every veterinarian’s office, we can offer more care, diagnosis, and treatments for pets who are ill. While our equipment has expanded the way we care for our pets (and ourselves), so too has our use of medicine. When it comes to our pets’ lives, two inventions come to mind that have significantly impacted them in the most positive way. One is vaccines, and the other is dental care. People have used vaccines for hundreds of years, and eventually, chemists began working to create vaccines for animals. The first animal vaccines were actually developed for farm animals to prevent diseases, such as chicken cholera (1879) and anthrax for cattle and sheep (1881). Then, in 1884, the rabies vaccine was developed for animals, and after a year of success, it was then used on humans. Ever since, vaccines have become a necessity for a pet’s health and wellness, and they have only improved in the last 100 years. One of the newest vaccine creations is for the highly contagious canine parvovirus, which was created in 1979. With these and many other beneficial vaccines administered to our pets, their life expectancy and overall quality of life have increased significantly.
The second most significant development in pet care is dental care. Just as with humans, our pets’ oral health can impact their overall health. Poor oral health can lead to numerous health issues, including periodontal disease, tooth loss, and gingivitis. When diseases such as gingivitis are left untreated, they can lead to an infection that can enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body. To ensure our pets’ overall health, veterinarians today will encourage pet owners to schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups for their pets. Today, our pets live longer and happier lives than ever before, thanks to the inventions of the past. But even more beneficial innovations are sure to come in the years ahead. We can’t wait to see those new developments! –Dr. Susie & Jeff Hirsch
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PROTECT YOUR PET FROM HYPOTHERMIA AND FROSTBITE BRINGING HOME A NEW PET? Freeze Warning!
Bringing home a new pet for the first time can be exciting and nerve- wracking. One moment, you might be thinking of quiet nights curled up on the couch with your new furry friend, and then suddenly catch yourself worrying whether your carpets and furniture will survive. That mix of feelings is perfectly normal, but preparation can help keep your stress levels down. Start by getting your house ready. Tuck away cords, move toxic houseplants, and set up an area with food and a bed. Puppies and kittens are like curious toddlers. They always seem to find the one thing you missed, so assume anything left out could be chewed, batted, or swallowed. Food is another early test. For dogs, real meat should be at the top of the list. Cats need the same, since grain-heavy diets don’t do them any good. Birds, reptiles, and other unusual pets have their own needs, so it’s worth doing a little homework before buying. Routine also makes life easier. Feed them at the same times, build in bathroom breaks, and play regularly. Miss a walk, and your dog will remind you in no uncertain terms. Socialization matters, too. If you have a puppy, try mixing up your walking routes. Exposing it to different streets with new sights, sounds, and smells stimulates it in a good way and reduces anxiety. Kittens should be given space to explore without being pushed. A rescue cat may take weeks before it relaxes, but patience usually wins. Quick Tips to Start Pet Life Right
Playing outdoors in the snow with your pet can be a highlight of the winter months. But despite their fur coats, dogs and cats are vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite just like humans. The risks rise sharply when temperatures fall near or below freezing. Here is what you need to know to protect your pet. Signs of Trouble Learning to recognize and respond to signs of hypothermia can save your pet’s life! Symptoms in dogs include shivering, muscle stiffness, lethargy, weakness, disorientation, and shallow breathing. Your pet’s gums will become pale, their eyes will dilate, and their ears, legs, feet, and paws will feel
cool to the touch. In severe cases, the shivering will stop, and your pet may collapse. Their breathing will become irregular, and their heart rate will drop dangerously low, risking neurological damage and death.
Symptoms in cats are similar. As mild hypothermia sets in, they may shiver and breathe more rapidly as their blood pressure and heart rate increase. As their condition worsens, they may become weak and lethargic and exhibit abnormal heart rhythms.
Frostbite is a cold-weather risk that pet parents may not notice. Frostbite shows up on the skin as pale or discolored areas that are swollen or tender to the touch, usually in the paws, ears, or tail areas. Pets with second-degree frostbite may also develop blisters or ulcers on exposed areas. Ways to Help Small dogs, senior dogs, puppies, and canines with short coats are all more vulnerable to cold weather. Older pets or those suffering from chronic medical conditions, such as heart or kidney disease, are also at greater risk. Recent exposure to anesthesia is another risk factor. For pets with mild symptoms, bring them indoors and warm them gradually, wrapping them in a towel or blanket. Never apply heating pads or hot water bottles directly to your pet’s skin, as this may cause burns or even induce shock. Meanwhile, contact your veterinarian. Your vet can check your pet’s temperature and symptoms to determine the severity of their condition and, if needed, administer more advanced internal treatments to warm your pet gradually and safely. And anytime your pet becomes unresponsive or feels cold to the touch after exposure to the cold, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. The best defense against all these risks is a good offense. Sweaters can protect dogs and cats against hypothermia and frostbite, and booties can be helpful for dogs. Above all, avoid exposing your pet to the cold for long stretches of time!
And don’t delay that first vet visit. Even if your pet looks fine, an early exam can catch problems and set you up with a vaccine schedule.
The first few weeks as a new pet owner can be messy. Shoes might get chewed, accidents happen, and sleep takes a hit. Over time, though, the rough edges fade into stories. Before long, the same animal that kept you on your toes will become one of the best parts of your household.
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DEHYDRATION ALERT! Signs Every Dog and Cat Owner Should Know
Staying hydrated is a hot topic among health and fitness buffs. But drinking enough water is just as essential to your pet’s health as it is to yours. Hydration is vital to pets’ ability to regulate their body temperature, support digestion, deliver oxygen to organs and tissues, and keep joints moving smoothly. A wide range of conditions can cause a dog or cat to become dehydrated, including hot weather, dry air, traumatic injury, chronic disease, or vomiting or diarrhea resulting from an illness. Puppies, kittens, and older pets are especially vulnerable. Dehydration can easily go unnoticed until your pet is at serious risk. So, here are three ways to monitor whether your pet is getting enough water. Wellness Check A dehydrated pet generally will not feel well and show it by becoming lethargic, fatigued, or weak, and their eyes may appear sunken. Dogs may pant more than usual, even if they’re not exercising. In cats, dehydration can also cause labored breathing or panting. Skin-Tent Test In young, healthy animals, a loss of skin elasticity can signal dehydration. Gently pinch and pull up a thin fold of loose skin on the
back of your pet’s neck or over the shoulders, then release it. In
well-hydrated pets, the skin returns to its normal position immediately. But if the skin forms a tent for a few seconds before falling back into place, your pet may be dehydrated. One caution: This test may not be reliable in older pets, whose skin can be less pliable due to their age. Gum Check Your pet’s gums should be pink, moist, and shiny. If they’re tacky, causing your finger to stick to the gum when you touch it, your pet may be dehydrated. Also, a dehydrated dog’s saliva tends to be thick, sticky, or ropy, clinging to their mouth, and their nose is likely to be dry rather than moist. In cats, a capillary refill test can be a helpful guide. Press on a spot on your cat’s gums and see how quickly the gum returns to its normal pink color. A lingering grey or white hue can signal poor hydration. Symptoms of dehydration can also be a sign of chronic illness, making veterinary treatment more urgent. If you have any concerns that your pet is dehydrated, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
UnNtiloFtiucrether Due to a staffing shortage, SCVC will be closed on Saturdays until further notice. SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM 3 We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
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• At the time of scheduling a
dental or surgery appointment, a $250 deposit will be required. This deposit will be applied to the procedure bill. If you need to cancel the appointment, and you give us at least a 24-hour notice, the deposit will be refunded.
• Due to the increasing cost of
credit card processing, there is now a 3% service charge added to all clinic services and products. If paying with cash, check, or PIN debit, there is no charge.
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1 2 The Best Inventions for Pet Care inside this issue A First-Timer’s Guide to Pet Prep
Keeping Your Dog Safe From Winter Weather Hazards
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Catching Early Signs of Dehydration In Your Pets
New SCVC Policies
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Tiny Paws, Big Rescue: Kitten Helps Man Survive Mountain Ordeal
SMALL HEARTBEAT, BIG RESCUE Kitten Keeps Trapped Climber Alive in Mountain Blizzard NC aenwc eAl l aptpi ooni nPt mo leinc yt When you cancel with less than 24-hour notice, we now require a prepaid $50 deposit to reschedule. If you keep your rescheduled appointment, we will apply the deposit to your veterinary bill. If you miss your rescheduled appointment, the fee is nonrefundable.
Trapped in an icy mountain ravine, soaked and nearly frozen, 28-year-old Vladislav Duda contemplated what he feared would be the last night of his life. Escape from the ravine, more than 430 yards deep, was out of the question. Suffering from fatigue as hypothermia set in, Duda believed only one thing separated him from death: the furry warmth of his months-old kitten, Peach, huddled against his chest beneath his coat. Duda, a Ukrainian journalist, had undertaken a perilous journey in late 2024 across the Carpathian Mountains into Romania to avoid being drafted to fight in Ukraine’s war against Russia. Four days earlier, he had run out of food for his cat and himself, and they were surviving on icy water from melted snow. Rescue workers from a regional mountain team had tried to reach Duda by helicopter, but hazardous blizzard conditions forced them to
turn back. Instead, more than a dozen ground workers battled through deep snow in 14-degree temperatures into the ravine. When they finally reached Duda, they opened his coat and found the tiny orange tabby kitten curled against Duda’s chest. “The cat was warm, and was warming him,” Dan Benga, director of the Maramures Mountain Rescue Service, told The Associated Press. “He saved his life.” Asked if he was okay, Benga says that Duda told his rescuers, “I’m happy because my cat is alive. I got a chance from God for a new life. The happiest moment is because the cat is here with me.” Although climbing out of the ravine took more than five hours, Duda held Peach close to his chest the entire way. Forced to turn the kitten over to rescue workers when he was placed in an ambulance, Duda begged them, “Please take care of the cat.” When Duda was rescued, he was one of roughly 160 Ukrainian men saved while crossing the mountains to avoid the draft. Sixteen others died trying. The rescue was “like a dream, after all I have been through,” Duda said. “Peach kept my heart warm, and he kept my faith alive.” Duda was treated for hypothermia at a nearby hospital. Peach was taken to a veterinary clinic nearby and, at last report, survived the ordeal in good health.
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