Petersen Pet Hospital - April 2020

Border Collie Corner SAM’S SECRET TO HEALTHY TEETH

Hello, everybody!

This is Sam the border collie. I live with Dr. Petersen and Stacey, so I often get to visit the pet hospital. During my visits, I sometimes get to meet other pets who ask me how I keep my teeth so nice. This month, I want to share my secrets for keeping my teeth clean and healthy. I snack onVeggieDent Chews. These are special treats that help prevent tartar build up and freshen my breath. The shape of the treats scrape plaque and food bits off my teeth. Plus they’re fun to eat! I add HealthyMouth to my water. We recently started using a water additive called HealthyMouth. Adding a tablespoon or so of HealthyMouth to my water bowl helps keep my teeth clean and free of nasty bacteria. That’s because HealthyMouth is the only veterinary- approved water additive that’s proven to prevent tartar.

TREKKING AFTER APRIL SHOWERS Your Top Early Spring Hiking Tips

I get help brushing my teeth. The very best way to keep your teeth clean is by giving them a good brushing. I don’t have thumbs, so I can’t brush my teeth myself. Fortunately, Stacey and Dr. Petersen are willing to brush my teeth on a regular basis. It’s pretty fun, and I really like the taste of the toothpaste!

Many nature lovers look forward to enjoying their favorite hiking trails right after winter. However, some may skip the spring months to avoid muddy encounters. Between the snowmelt and the rainfall, traversing muddy paths can be messy and dangerous. Here are some tips to keep equipment — and the trail — in good shape while trekking through the muck! Bring Trekking Poles Avoiding falls is one of the most important parts of mud hiking. Not only will a fall mess up your gear, but you’ll also risk serious injury. It’s hard to tell how deep a mud puddle really is, so by bringing a trekking pole, you can test a puddle’s depth. If it’s too large to jump over, a trekking pole will help distribute your weight as you pass through it. Plus, you’ll save energy by using a helpful walking tool! Watch Your Shoes It might seem obvious, but don’t lose track of your shoelaces, especially if you’re crossing deeper mud —mud can pull your boot right off if you step into an unexpectedly deep puddle. Check every so often to make sure your shoelaces are tied tight! And when the hike is over, line your car with a plastic tarp, not plastic bags, to protect the interior. Then you’ll only have to clean the vehicle out at the end of the muddy season. Blaze the Trail’s Center Although trails are often the soggiest this time of year, staying at the trail’s center is your best strategy for safety and trail preservation. The trail is most vulnerable to erosion during the early spring, so mud hikers can help maintain the trail by staying in the center, even if it’s tempting to walk on the edges or off it entirely. Step on rocks where it’s safe, use a trekking pole for added stability, and avoid widening the trail where you can. Being “lost” in the beauty of the changing season can be one of the many appeals of mud hiking, especially in the early mornings when the mud tends to be more firm. So, check out your available local trails and stay safe! Removing the mud from your shoes is also important, as mud left on leather will dry out the material and cause cracks, ruining its weatherproofing capabilities.

The Season’s Best Dog Biscuits

Spring has arrived, and blueberry season is right around the corner! Share the fresh flavors of the season with your dog by cooking up these springtime treats.

Inspired by TheRedheadBaker.com

Contact us! 319-743-0554

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