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Pets First Monthly
June 2026
Calm Companions, Confident Care Vet Visits Made Easier
Bringing our pets to the vet is essential to keeping them happy and healthy, but not all of our animal companions feel that way. At Petersen Pet Hospital, the pets who visit range from incredibly happy to see us to overly nervous, anxious, and fearful of being in our presence. For some pets, being placed inside a carrier and driven to the vet can be a daunting experience, leaving them filled with anxiety by the time they enter our facility with their owners. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are five helpful tips to make your pet’s visit with us less stressful. Handle carriers with care. Imagine being lifted from your comfy bed, shoved into a carrier, hoisted into the air, and placed in a vehicle that starts moving. It would be pretty jarring, right? Well, just think of how a kitty cat feels! To help reduce your cat’s anxiety about being inside a carrier when the big day comes, consider keeping the carrier out all day long with the door open for
at least a few days before the planned visit. You can add a pheromone spray (such as FELIWAY) inside the carrier to make it more welcoming and comfortable. Spray it in there a few times, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. If your cat likes a particular treat, you can use it to lure them into the carrier.
Set the mood. You know the absolute best way to keep your pets calm when they’re here at Petersen Pet Hospital? Be calm yourself. Our pets definitely feed off our moods and emotions, so try to carry a calm demeanor on the car ride over and in our facility. Playing some nice, calming music on the way here may do wonders for you and your pet! End on a high note! Once you and your pet are back home, give their trip a happy ending by taking them for a nice walk, giving them a special treat, or sitting on the couch for all-important cuddle time. After all, they deserve it (and so do you)! We hope these quick tips make your next trip to see us more enjoyable, and we’re happy to provide more pointers if your pet is especially prone to anxiety as their visit approaches. We can’t wait to see you and your pet again and help make that next visit a nice experience from start to finish! –Dr. Emily Saunders
When moving cats or dogs in a carrier, make sure to support the bottom so it doesn’t sway back and forth. You may also want to put a towel that smells like home inside the carrier to further reduce your pet’s anxiety. Put off mealtime. Bringing in your pets when they’re at least a little hungry is one of the best (and most overlooked) ways to make their visit more enjoyable. By avoiding feeding your dog or cat right before leaving for the appointment, you’ll help reduce the risk of motion sickness on the way and make them more receptive to treats, which are often a great way to make them feel welcome and more relaxed. And if your pet has that one special treat or toy they love more than anything else, feel free to bring it along with you and give it to them here. Lessen your pet’s leash stress. As for dogs specifically, we definitely want them to come in on a leash for their safety. Taking them out for a walk on a leash to get them used to wearing one before the visit can be very helpful in making them more comfortable.
PetersenPetHospital.com
A New Solution for Your Dog’s Year-Long Safety Goodbye Guesswork
Time flies for most people, but it can go by even more quickly for pet owners.
In our everyday hustle and bustle, it’s common for even the most loving and dedicated animal guardians to inadvertently skip a vet appointment or forget to stay up to date on their companions’ other needs. Everyone has a tendency to forget things from time to time as life gets busy, but administering your dog’s flea and tick preventive should not be one of them. Sometimes, a client will bring in their dog to receive an annual ProHeart heartworm preventive and believe that’s it. But at some point, the pet owner also has to stay on top of flea and tick prevention (often monthly via chewables). To help our clients rest easier, we’re excited to announce that we are now offering Bravecto Quantum, a flea and tick preventive that provides protection for a full year. Bravecto Quantum is delivered through a sting-free injection. Now, you no longer need to worry about being late in having a preventive administered to your pet!
Tiny is a sweet little leopard gecko who presented to my team after her recent adoption. Her new owner was concerned about problems with Tiny’s eyes and tail. Tiny’s previous owner had kept her in an enclosure that was inappropriate for a leopard gecko, which led to her current problems. Tiny had retained shed stuck on her right eye, and it was unclear whether the underlying eye was still viable. After a warm-water soak, most of the retained shed was removed, and it appeared she had an intact eye underneath. She also had discoloration to her tail, which raised concerns about “tail rot” or damage to the tail from an improper shed. At this time, it was unknown whether it would heal with time and proper hydration or would require surgery. Tiny was started on eye drops, antibiotics, pain medication, and warm water soaks. Her eyes were doing better during her recheck, but her tail had worsened and required amputation. Her eye continues to have difficulty sometimes when she is shedding due to permanent damage from her previous retained shed, so she requires medical assistance every few months. Tiny’s story demonstrates the importance of maintaining proper husbandry. Exotic species have adapted to very specific environments, and they need those environments and diets to thrive when brought into our homes as pets. Reptiles often can survive in poor-quality environments for a while, but they don’t thrive. These environments can have long-term effects on a gecko’s health, such as the ones Tiny’s experienced. A Gecko’s Glow- Up Journey TINY’S TAIL TURNAROUND
After learning about Bravecto Quantum late last year, we introduced it to our team members here and offered it to anyone who wanted it
When considering getting an exotic species, it is important to research what they require so you can provide the right environment and lifestyle.
—Dr. Justina Conrad
Contact us! 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
FROM BROKEN PUP TO COMMUNITY HEALER A RESCUE DOG’S SECOND CHANCE FOR SERVICE A dog who survived a fighting ring spent her life helping people calm down. That is the short version of Vivian Peyton’s story, who was named one of the ASPCA’s 2025 Dogs of the Year alongside a younger dog named Ralphie. Vivian’s start was brutal. She was used as a bait dog before being surrendered and brought to the SPCA in Philadelphia. At around a year old, she entered New Leash on Life USA, a prison-based program where incarcerated people preparing to reenter society trained her through daily structure and care. That structure mattered. It helped Vivian go from surviving to learning. In January 2012, Michele Pich adopted Vivian, and her world kept getting bigger. Vivian went on to pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program and began therapy work through the University of Pennsylvania’s VetPets Program. She spent time with terminally ill children and their families at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House and provided support to people grieving beloved pets. Vivian also became a Therapy Dog Ambassador for the National Dog Show. Later, she was part of the launch of the Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program at Rowan University, where Pich built the program, and Vivian served as the founding “DOGrector.” Alongside her other work, Vivian supported COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics, which earned her a Neighborhood Hero Award from the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union. Around the same time, Michele adopted another dog. Ralphie, a cattle dog and pit bull mix from Lucky Dawg rescue, came into Michele and Vivian’s life in late 2021. Like Vivian, he passed his Canine Good Citizen test and served as a Therapy Dog Ambassador for the National Dog Show. Vivian was still doing her work then, and Ralphie became the next chapter in the same mission. Vivian passed away in the summer of 2025, but Ralphie is continuing her work. Today, he serves as the Associate “DOGrector” at Rowan, where he helps students, first responders, and grieving families. Ralphie also stepped in to accept the Dogs of the Year honor on Vivian’s behalf during the 2025 ASPCA Humane Awards. Both Vivian and Ralphie show how a second chance can turn into years of service that benefit an entire community.
for their dogs. We have now decided to offer it to our clients’ pets for added convenience.
Dogs must be at least 6 months old to receive Bravecto Quantum. If you have a fast-growing, large-breed dog, we recommend waiting until they’re 1 year old before administering it. As with any new medication introduced to your pet, side effects are possible. Although minor vomiting has been noted in very rare cases, we haven’t seen that effect with any of the dogs who’ve received it. Please let us know if you’d like to learn more about Bravecto Quantum and its benefits. Hopefully, we can help you meet your dog’s care needs without stressing so much about your calendar! –Dr. Emily Saunders
CHICKEN LIVER PÂTÉ FOR CATS Best served in moderation to avoid excessive vitamin A, this rich dish can be a delicious treat for your feline friend.
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken liver • 1/4 cup cooked chicken breast • 1 tbsp water or unsalted chicken broth
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook the chicken liver and chicken breast until fully done. 2. Blend the liver, chicken, and water/broth in a food processor until smooth. 3. Serve in small amounts as a treat or to supplement a meal.
PetersenPetHospital.com
BRINGING HOME A NEW PET? Quick Tips to Start Pet Life Right
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.
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.
Referring a loved one or friend is the greatest compliment you can give us. We truly appreciate your trust in us — and your referrals mean the world to our team. To say thank you, we’ve created a special referral program just for you! Here’s how it works:
• Refer a new client to our pet hospital by giving them a referral card. • Once they come in for their first appointment and bring in the card, you’ll receive a Petersen Pet Hospital gift certificate. • The more you refer, the more you earn!
REFERRAL REWARDS: •
1st referral: $5 gift certificate 2nd referral: $10 gift certificate
• •
3rd referral: $15 gift certificate
•
And it keeps growing — there’s no limit!
Gift certificates can be used for any service or purchase in the clinic.
PROGRAM DETAILS: • You must be a current client in good standing. • Referred clients must complete their first appointment. • Gift certificates are sent after the first visit is completed.
Your loyalty and support mean everything to us, and we’re so grateful to be part of your pet’s care. Thank you for continuing to share your friends and family with us! ⭐ LOVE YOUR EXPERIENCE? LEAVE US A REVIEW! Your feedback helps us grow and continue providing the best care possible for your pets. If you’ve had a great visit with us, we would truly appreciate you taking a moment to leave us a Google review. Not only does it help our team, but it also helps other pet owners in our community find a veterinary clinic they can trust. Here’s how to leave a review: • Search for Petersen Pet Hospital on Google.
CLIENT REFERRAL PROGRAM
• Click “Write a Review.” • Share your experience. Thank you for your support — it truly makes a difference! 💙
Contact us! 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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