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Pets First Monthly
October 2025
Few things are more beautiful than seeing a beloved pet live well into old age. Comfort Tips for Older Pets At Petersen Pet Hospital, we want all the dogs, cats, and exotics who bring joy and happiness to their human companions’ lives to stay happy and healthy for as long as possible. With October being National Pet Wellness Month, I’d like to share a few tips for helping our senior pets stay safe, comfortable, and secure as they age. This topic is especially meaningful for us this month, as one of our newsletter’s most prolific writers, Subway the cat, has officially hit senior status. Generally, we consider dogs and cats “seniors” once they reach age 8, while larger-breed dogs tend to show signs of age faster than smaller-breed ones. Senior pets are more likely to develop chronic diseases or medical conditions, such as arthritis. They can also get lumps or bumps and are more susceptible to diabetes, cancer, and dental, kidney, and liver diseases. In some cases, older dogs can develop canine cognitive dysfunction, which is similar to Alzheimer’s in humans and can cause them to forget things. Sometimes, our pets are really good at hiding their symptoms. They may not display signs of limping or have trouble walking up stairs. They may take extra time getting up in the morning or not eat as well as they used to. Sometimes, they may become less social and start hiding or show less interest in their favorite activities. Fortunately, you can do plenty of things to make the lives of your senior pets easier. First, they need to receive veterinary checkups at least twice annually, as their health can change quickly at this stage of life. If your home’s floors are slippery, consider putting down rugs or getting ToeGrips for your dogs. Additionally, make sure they have easy access to their food and water. If they love sleeping on the bed, consider placing a ramp or pet stairs next to it so they don’t need to jump up. An orthopedic dog bed may be helpful to them as well. Special harnesses, such as the ones for dogs offered by Help ’Em Up, can be of great assistance for elderly pets with neurological issues or mobility problems. If your cat is becoming a senior, make sure it has easy access to its litter box. Some litter boxes have high entrances that make it difficult for them to maneuver. This accommodation is critical for arthritic cats, who may relieve themselves on the floor instead of attempting to step into a high-entrance box. Similar consideration should be given to their access to food and water bowls.
the things they loved when they were younger, and we need to do whatever we can to meet their needs.
I hope these tips help you better care for your dear senior pets. By making their surroundings more comfortable and accessible, you can help ensure their elderly years are happy. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s particular health or logistical needs — and be sure we see them at least once every six months! Together, we can help their later years be a time of comfort, safety, and love. –Dr. Emily Saunders
Above all, changing our expectations for our senior pets is the best way to help them. There may come a time when our dogs and cats simply can’t do all
PetersenPetHospital.com
Subway’s FELINE FEELINGS
Hello, readers! I’m excited to return to my writer’s chair for another newsletter. Although not every cat has my amazing ability to type in perfect English, we all have interesting ways of communicating with the humans in our lives. One of the main ways we interact with you is through vocalization. When we meow, we could be saying “Hello!” “Feed me!” or “Pay attention to me!” When we purr, it often means that we’re content; however, it could also be a way to soothe ourselves when we’re sick or anxious. When you hear us let out a little chirp, it could mean we’re greeting you or want you to follow us. Our tails can tell humans a lot about us as well. When they’re upright and high, it often means we’re friendly or just curious about what’s going on. When our tails are low or tucked in, we’re fearful. If our tails are thrashing rapidly, it’s a good sign we’re agitated or annoyed and shouldn’t be bothered until we calm down.
Kinnick’s Tense Tummy Tale Kinnick is a 9-year-old white Siberian husky who was presented to Dr. Conrad and her team this summer after not eating for three days. He A ‘PLICATION’ PREDICAMENT
Now, let’s talk about our ears. If they’re facing forward, we’re showing interest in something. If they’re flat, we’re usually angry and shouldn’t be touched or played with at that time. If they’re pointed backward, we’re telling you we’re stressed out or afraid of something.
was also lethargic, acting as if he were uncomfortable, and would vomit any time he drank water. He has a history of eating socks and towels, so Dr. Conrad promptly recommended bloodwork and X-rays. The X-rays showed that his intestines were dilated with gas in irregular shapes. These images suggested that Kinnick was experiencing “plication,” a condition in which the intestines start to fold up like an accordion — a hallmark sign of a linear foreign body.
Kinnick was hospitalized and put on IV fluids and supportive care until my team and I took over the next morning. I performed an exploratory laparotomy to remove the foreign material, which had started in his stomach and extended down throughout most of his small intestine. His intestines were all bunched up. I made four incisions into his intestines and another in his stomach to entirely remove the foreign material, which was most likely a torn-up towel. Kinnick did well during surgery and was hospitalized for another night. Over several days, he continued improving and soon returned to his usual self. I was happy to see him back two weeks after surgery to remove his skin staples. He was a wonderful patient!
Ensuring he received the best care was a team effort, and everyone at Petersen Pet Hospital is glad to see him doing well!
—Dr. Krystal Knutson
Contact us! 319-743-0554
Corner S REVEALED
Cats are often accused of being coy with their feelings toward humans. Well, if you really want to know
Mission Im-paw-sible FLORIDA CAT’S EPIC GETAWAY FROM THE VET
how we feel about you, slowly blink your eyes at us. If we blink back, it’s a sign of agreement — meaning we like and trust you! If we don’t blink back, we’re probably not that into you at that moment. (Sorry!) Marking territory with our scent glands is another way we often communicate. We might “mark” you by rubbing against you or giving you a little headbutt. These actions mean that we consider you a safe person.
No one likes going to the doctor, but for one Florida feline, a routine visit to the vet turned into a daring escape. Just after being neutered at SPCA Florida, George the cat put his kitty GPS to the test when he broke out of his cage, trying to make his way home. As if his daring getaway wasn’t impressive enough, the tabby scampered across 3 miles full of obstacles to return to his owners’ doorstep. On the day of the incident, George managed to pop his cage open and scurry out in a matter of seconds. Still loopy on anesthesia, the housecat evaded clinic staff, scaling up fencing before disappearing. Employees did everything they could to stop the escape artist, lifting each other over fences, but George was too quick and determined to catch. Owner Bob Beasock was heartbroken by the news and searched for his little buddy alongside clinic staff for nearly a week. Just when it looked like they might never find his furry companion, Bob found him at home, curled up in his favorite armchair in the carport. “There was George, stretched out in his chair in our carport, looking like he had just returned from a grand adventure,” Bob told reporters. “He was a bit thinner, clearly hungry, but otherwise no worse for the wear.” Though George was unscathed, his journey home was no walk in the park. He had to trek through multiple subdivisions, maneuver around a couple of lakes, and cross five or six roads to reach his destination. Cats are skilled navigators who use a combination of scent, visual markers, and even geomagnetism to find their way around. But George’s journey wasn’t all prompted by a deep instinct or fear of the vet; he just wanted to get back to his owner. Though they express it more subtly than dogs, research has found that cats love their humans and form a deep attachment with their owners.
I hope these explanations give you some fresh insight into feline language. Until next time, keep enjoying the fall — and be sure to give your friends a headbutt to show how much you like them!
Healthy Slow Cooker Dog Food Inspired by ACupFullOfSass.com
INGREDIENTS
• 3 lbs ground turkey (85% lean, 15% fat) • 1 1/4 cups frozen sweet potatoes • 1 1/2 cups mixed frozen peas and carrots • 1 cup frozen spinach • 1 1/2 cups brown rice, uncooked • 4 cups water
DIRECTIONS
1. Add ground turkey, frozen sweet potatoes, peas and carrots, spinach, brown rice, and water to a slow cooker. 2. Break up ground turkey and mix well with other ingredients. 3. Cover with lid and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6 hours (until meat is cooked). 4. Let cool completely before serving. 5. Store leftovers in an airtight container and place in either the refrigerator or freezer.
Bob was relieved to find George safe and sound, but said he would have done it just a little differently if he ever found himself fleeing his doctor’s appointment.
“If I had been stuck there, I would’ve called an Uber. But George didn’t have that option.”
PetersenPetHospital.com
1031 Kacena Road Hiawatha, IA 52233 PetersenPetHospital.com 319-743-0554 Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (Closed Fridays from 12:30–2:10 p.m. for team meetings) Sat: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. | Sun: Closed
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PRIMARY Inside This Issue
Care for Senior Companions
PMS4655
BLACK
50% BLACK
A Foreign Body Fight Won
Cat Chat
SECONDARY
Healthy Slow Cooker Dog Food
PMS258
PMS292
PMS5635
PMS1215
A Daring Kitty GPS Test
Spooky Movie Magic Without the Scares
KID-APPROVED HALLOWEEN MOVIES FOR COZY NIGHTS FRIGHT LITE
It’s that boo-tiful time of year when jack-o’- lanterns line every porch, costumes come out of hiding, and the witching hour is for scary movie nights! Whether you’re in the mood to giggle over ghouls or spot some not-so-spooky specters, your Halloween film fests don’t have to scare your little ones to deliver family-friendly chills this season. We’ve conjured up the best kid-approved holiday horror movies that are more treat than trick — perfect for popcorn, blankets, and fun-filled evenings with your little monsters! ‘Hocus Pocus’ If you like your witchy watches to be the perfect potion of comedy and nostalgia, 1993’s “Hocus Pocus” will leave your kids spellbound. This Halloween classic follows a group of local kids who accidentally awaken the Sanderson Sisters, a trio of witches out to steal children’s souls
so they can stay beautiful forever. Filled with fun characters, a spooky atmosphere that’s more silly than scary, and even a catchy musical number, this movie remains a favorite for goblins of all ages. ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ For generations, families have watched alongside the Peanuts gang as they carefully waited for the Great Pumpkin to arrive. The Charlie Brown Halloween special is a cute, scare-free option that’s sweet and full of heart. Appropriate for even the youngest ghouls, this short movie captures the festive spirit of fall without giving anyone nightmares (unless you have bad dreams about Lucy pulling the football away just as Charlie Brown is about to kick it). This is the perfect option for little ones who might not be ready for scary stuff.
‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ “Nightmare Before Christmas” combines creepy charm with the warmth of Christmas as two very different worlds collide. Using impressive stop motion, the story follows Jack Skellington of Halloween Town as he tries to bring Santa and Christmas traditions to his community. Though it has plenty of spookiness, it has enough humor and whimsy to keep it lighthearted. The character design, infectious songs, and overall theme of staying true to yourself make this an excellent watch for either holiday. So, grab your candy corn, dim the lights, and let these not-too-scary classics bring frightful fun to your family!
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