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Pets First Monthly
May 2024
Practicing Fear-Free Techniques in Our Office PAWS-ITIVELY PEACEFUL
Fear, an instinctual response deeply ingrained in humans and animals, can significantly influence our emotions. Fear can lead to stress and discomfort, whether it’s the anxiety of a routine check-up or the apprehension surrounding unfamiliar surroundings. However, understanding the complexities of fear and its effects allows us to confront it head-on as we strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment.
visit, we may recommend medication to alleviate any anxiety, and upon arrival, we will not forget to reward them!
We also encourage pet owners to bring their pet’s favorite treats from home so we can maintain a diverse selection of snacks that appeal to most pets. We aim to swiftly transition each pet into a designated room, away from
potentially stressful triggers such as other animals or loud noises. Emphasizing this approach allows pets to acclimate at their own pace. When a pet is visibly agitated, we may advise rescheduling the appointment to a time when they are calmer, prioritizing their well-being over immediate treatment. What sets Petersen Pet Hospital apart is its state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge medical technology, and dedicated team of professionals. Unlike conventional veterinary clinics, Petersen Pet Hospital embraces a holistic approach that addresses the physical ailments of animals and their psychological and emotional needs.
At Petersen Pet Hospital, creating a welcoming and stress-free environment for animals during veterinary visits is essential for their well-being and treatment success. At the heart of effective pet health care lies the commitment to ensure fear does not dominate the experience. Over the past decade, fear-free handling has become crucial
By implementing fear- free handling techniques and creating a nurturing environment, we strive to ensure each visit to our clinic is a positive and comfortable experience for our furry friends.
in pet care, involving various measures to minimize anxiety and fear. Our dedicated staff members are trained to recognize and address
signs of stress by taking an annual eight-hour continued training course. Thoughtful techniques and specialized training help us make every visit a calm, reassuring experience for the animals in our care.
By implementing fear-free handling techniques and creating a nurturing
environment, we strive to ensure each visit to our clinic is a positive and comfortable experience for our furry friends. We understand that a stress-free veterinary experience contributes to your pet’s overall quality of life. Petersen Pet Hospital is committed to prioritizing the well-being of your beloved animals above all else.
When transporting pets to our clinic, particularly cats, we focus on strategies such as placing them in a carrier and covering it with a blanket, accompanied by soothing music and gentle driving. Classical music has proven effective in calming the nerves of dogs and cats; the calming effect stems from its rhythmic patterns and tonal qualities, making it a valuable tool in veterinary care settings. Ensuring a comfortable car ride, using seat belts for safety, bringing pets in on an empty stomach, and offering treats are all integral parts of our fear-free approach to pet care. Before their vet
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SHARP TEETH, BUT AN EVEN SHARPER MIND SAM’S CORNER:
The Tale of Winston’s Tail
A (Short) Happy Ending
Winston is an almost 2-year-old Great Dane who really loves his family. Every time his owners would open their garage door, Winston would hear it and know his parents were home and that he was about to get a lot of love. As a very happy boy with a very long and strong tail, this always resulted in him very rapidly wagging his tail. On one day in December, he was so happy and wagged his tail so strongly that he whacked it against the inside of his kennel and cracked the end of his tail open. You can only imagine the surprise and mess that his owners arrived home to. They bandaged the tail to the best of their ability and contacted us for an exam. On presentation, Winston continued to be a happy boy and wagged his happy tail despite being at the clinic and his tail being sore. A large scab had formed at the end of his tail. Dr. McGinty discussed with Winston’s owners that because of the thin skin, the potential for reinjury from hitting it again was high. Plus, with the large number of blood vessels in the tip of the tail, it takes a long time for the tail to heal properly while bandaged. The potential for having to amputate his tail was also discussed if it didn’t heal appropriately with time. An empty syringe case was taped to the end of his tail to protect it from further injury. A large amount of bandage tape and vet wrap was used to secure the cap in place, extending about one-third of the way to his tail end. This wrap
KEEPING YOUR MIND HEALTHY
Woof! Hey there, fellow furry friends, it’s Sam! Did you know it’s Mental Health Month for us dogs? Yup, that’s right! Like humans, we pups have
our own feelings and moods, and taking care of our mental well-being is super important. From stimulating activities to spending quality time with humans, Mental Health Month reminds us to pay attention to our emotions and ensure we live our best doggy lives. So,
let’s bark it out loud and proud: Mental Health Month is here, and we are ready to sniff out some happiness!
was left on for two weeks, and poor Winston had to live life in a cone when not under 100% supervision to prevent him from chewing at the bandage. The bandage was changed about every two weeks until the scab had resolved, and his tail looked healthy again. Unfortunately, not even two weeks later, despite his owners padding the inside of his kennel, Winston once again cracked the end of his tail open. This time, bandaging eventually failed, and his tail continued to get more sores. After discussing options with his owners, Dr. McGinty moved forward with the
As a dog, I know how important it is to keep my mind engaged and stimulated.
amputation of his tail, leaving about 4 inches of a short but cute tail left. After two weeks of healing, his remaining tail looked great and he was able to return to normal activity. Winston’s owners reported that they did not miss his whip-like tail at all and were very happy to not be hit by it themselves. Tail tip injuries are very common in long-tailed dogs such as Labrador retrievers and Great Danes. This typically results from the same wagging tail tale behavior that Winston was doing, resulting in the name of “Happy Tail Syndrome.” As Winston’s owners had done, contacting a veterinarian right away and having a bandage with tail protection placed is the best acute option in these cases. In many cases, these will heal with several weeks or months’ worth of bandage changes, but in some cases, such as Winston’s, the ultimate outcome is tail amputation so patients fully heal and prevent future injuries. Either way, these dogs do very well and return to happy lives and normal activity.
Liver Bites for Dogs
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
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Seeing the same surroundings daily can get boring, and that’s when I sometimes act out; and boy, do I get sad when I’m in trouble! I just want to make my humans proud. Since my human knows I get bored easily, they give me many different toys to play with. Playing with different toys keeps me entertained and helps me stay mentally sharp. Sometimes, when I’m feeling a bit down, a new toy or treat can lift my spirits.
Food is central to every culture. The what, why, and hows of culinary history are diverse and fascinating. From the forgotten Roman condiment to the short-lived hot soda, there’s no end to the depth of interesting food facts. No. 1: Double-Dip Faux Pas The nobility of the Ottoman Empire followed a complex but rational code of culinary conduct. After washing with soap and water, they ate primarily with their hands. Once the meal began, they followed rules much like ours. Double dipping and lip-smacking were frowned upon, and eating more than one bite of a dish was rude, too. Luckily, meals had dozens of unique dishes. No. 2: The Lost Condiment The Romans left behind a vibrant legacy. Aqueducts are still used throughout Europe, while their language is the basis of many other languages. One thing that hasn’t stood the test of time is garum. They poured this condiment on almost everything they ate. Made from fermented fish, garum’s salty, fishy flavor no longer appeals to the average Westerner’s palate. No. 3: Hot Beverage Fail Dr. Pepper, like most sodas, is best enjoyed cold. This means there are fewer soda sales during the winter when people opt for comforting, warm beverages. To remedy this, the soda company tried to push hot Dr. Pepper in the 1960s. Meant to be served warm with lemon, they marketed it to magazines, television, and radio. The campaign was unsurprisingly unsuccessful. No. 4: Roaming Ramen Ramen is one of Japan’s most iconic dishes, but it doesn’t actually originate from Japan. The noodle soup comes from China, where it is known as shina soba . It became popular in Japan after World War II. The country had undergone a food shortage for years but had finally started importing supplies. Chinese food was believed to be nourishing and filling, so street vendors offering cheap but delicious ramen became a mainstay. Once instant ramen was invented, the noodle soup became associated with Japan worldwide. Whenever you sit down for dinner, consider how you eat and the odd traditions you unconsciously observe. We’re all part of a marvelous culinary culture and should celebrate what makes us unique. 4 FASCINATING HISTORICAL FOOD FACTS
Going for walks is another favorite activity of mine. Exploring different routes and encountering new smells stimulates my senses and keeps me curious
about the world. Even practicing obedience commands with my humans is a fun mental exercise that strengthens our bond and challenges my brain. Although no dog is perfect, I sure try to be, but overall, I feel so grateful my humans always look out for my mental well-being. We make each other so happy; I make them laugh and smile, and in return, they always take the best care of me to keep my tail wagging with joy.
–Sam
INGREDIENTS • 1 cup rolled oats • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 lb chicken livers, rinsed and trimmed
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2 large eggs
•
1 tbsp vegetable oil, or more as needed
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish and line it with parchment paper. 2. Add oats to a food processor; pulse until finely chopped, 10–15 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl and mix in flour. 3. Place livers in the food processor and process until smooth, 10–15 seconds. Add eggs and blend until well combined. Add oil and process until incorporated. 4. Add liver mixture to oat and flour mixture; stir until well blended. Spoon into the prepared baking dish and level the top. 5. Bake until firm to the touch but not hard and crispy, 30–40 minutes. 6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into about 50 pieces.
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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 team meetings) Sat: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. | Sun: Closed
Inside This Issue
Petersen Pet Hospital Is Certified Fear-Free!
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PRIMARY
The Tale of Winston’s Tail
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PMS4655
BLACK May Is Mental Health Awareness Month! 50% BLACK
Liver Bites for Dogs
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SECONDARY
Food History Facts That Will Amaze You
PMS292 When a Shark Became a Lifesaver PMS5635 PMS1215
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PMS258
THE UNBELIEVABLE SHARK ENCOUNTER
Sharks are powerful, violent creatures. They can have thousands of razor-sharp teeth. They swim about 12 mph when attacking — twice the speed of a (very fast) human swimmer. The mere presence of a shark is enough to close down a beach and frighten movie audiences. That Saved a Man’s Life
Not surprisingly, blunt force trauma was causing his pain, befitting a large shark ramming him
Apparently, some sharks are different. One shark even saved a man’s life.
in the back. However, this wasn’t the only diagnosis he received that day, nor was it the most severe. While examining Eugene, doctors discovered a walnut-sized tumor on his right kidney. They quickly rolled him into the operating room and removed the cancerous tumor before it could progress.
Eugene and his family were enjoying a warm summer day in Huntington Beach, California. As he swam in the ocean, enjoying the cool waters of the Pacific, he was struck by a sudden tremendous force, pushing his neck backward. He later described the sensation as “instant whiplash.” After a difficult and painful swim, he reached the shore. Eugene’s daughter asked why his back was so bloody. He was shocked to find a giant gash across the center of his back, as well as several teeth marks on one side. The family headed home as lifeguards closed the beach, fearing more attacks. That evening, Eugene was in severe pain from the injury and was rushed to the hospital.
Whether the shark intended it or not, it may have saved Eugene’s life. Undetected, the tumor might have metastasized and spread to the rest of his body. Without that attack, he may not have known about the cancer before it was too late. Because of that fact, we are confident the shark is a hero, whether it knows it or not.
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