Check out our March newsletter!
March 2025 www.surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com 970-856-4474
SCVC Pawprint
How a Catio Awakens Your Cat’s Inner Hunter Unleash the Wild
We recognize some offbeat holidays in our newsletter, but they allow us to cover some useful topics. One of these is National Catio Day on March 5. As readers know, we believe it is generally best to keep pet cats indoors, safe from diseases, parasites, speeding cars, and attacks by coyotes, dogs, or other predators.
The definition of a good catio is one the cat can’t escape from and other creatures can’t enter. If a suicidal mouse happens to sneak inside, of course, that’s all the better because the cat can practice stalking and killing prey and calm its wild feline brain. Research has shown that after a cat stalks, chases, misses, captures,
and finally bites its prey and tastes blood, the amount of endorphins released in the animal’s brain is massive.
The problem indoor life causes cats is that they were made to wander outdoors, stalk prey, and hunt other creatures. An indoor cat is basically a caged lion. You may live in a 4,000-square-foot
Hunting is a very calming activity for the feline brain. An indoor cat can’t really experience that unless the owner has mice or engages in hunting play with a little string toy or laser. Those simulated hunting games are not ideal, but they are better for your cat than none of that behavior at all.
house, but to your cat, it’s still a cage. Cats have an inherent need to be out hunting, killing, and risking being hunted and killed. Those activities release beneficial endorphins in the feline brain.
A catio is a halfway house between being an indoor cat and living outdoors. For readers who haven’t seen one, a catio is a “cat patio” — an enclosed outdoor space designed especially for cats. Catios range from enclosed window boxes to large screened porches with a floor, roof, and furniture. Some catios are free-standing, and others are connected to
That doesn’t mean leaving your kitty out in the catio year-round is a good idea. Old, thin cats with health problems tend not to do well in very hot or very cold temperatures. A cat that has been indoors all its life may also suffer at first in frigid weather. But healthy cats are fairly resilient if allowed to acclimate gradually to the outdoors. And in cold
weather, you can always purchase a warming bed.
the pet owner’s house via a pet door, open window, or sliding door. A catio costs less than $100 for DIY structures or thousands of dollars or more for a custom build. A catio frees your pet to experience sunshine and fresh air. Your cat can chase bugs and mimic the behaviors of cats in the wild without the risks. Is it the same thing as hunting and being hunted? No. But it’s better than being completely confined indoors. It exposes your pet to different sights, sounds, and smells.
As National Catio Day rolls around, you might consider getting a catio for your indoor cat. Not only will your pet appreciate exposure to the outdoors, but you can get a lot of enjoyment, too, in watching your pet play and explore!
1 WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM – Dr. Jeff
GUARD AGAINST HEARTWORMS!
How to Make Gardening a Family Adventure Green Thumbs in Training
As you enjoy more time outdoors this spring and summer, remember to protect your dog or cat from a growing threat to their health: heartworms. Protect Your Pet From This Unseen Threat We are seeing more heartworm infestations in our area, and sadly, some owners don’t bring their pets to us until it’s too late. We have treated numerous pets for this deadly parasite, and one dog passed away last year because we weren’t able to treat him soon enough. Don’t let this happen to your furry friends. If symptoms appear, such as coughing in your dog or frequent vomiting in your cat, treating them becomes more difficult.
There’s nothing better than spending time with your kids outside, enjoying an entertaining, creative, and informative activity. But sometimes, these activities are hard to coordinate. Thankfully, gardening appeals to parents and kids from all walks of life. All you need is a dedicated area in your yard or patio and seeds, and you’re ready to get started. Let your kids choose the plants. This is arguably the most crucial part of igniting your children’s interest in gardening. If you pick out the fruits, veggies, and flowers you want to grow and invite your kids to help plant, water, and pick, they may lose interest quickly. Instead, include them in the process from the get-go. Take them to the store and let them pick out seeds or plants. Encourage them to choose produce they already enjoy eating, making it even more fun for them! Just be sure their choices can grow in your area during the current season. Make space and plant together. After choosing your seeds, you must ensure your garden is ready to sustain life. Dedicate a section of your lawn or patio to your gardening efforts and start laying soil or filling your planters. Help your children transplant their seeds or young plants directly into the area. Now, put them in charge of caring for the plants by checking on and watering them. You may want to follow behind to ensure they aren’t over or under-watering. Make it fun and informative! You can get your kids more involved by encouraging them to research their plants and track their growth. They can even look online to see how their plants should be developing. Soon enough, those fruits and vegetables will be ready to eat, and you should let your children pick anything ripe when possible. Seeing the fruits of their labor (literally) will make this experience even more enlightening and enjoyable for them.
The best defense against heartworms is a
good offense! Interceptor+, the monthly medication we use to prevent heartworms, is especially valuable
because it also controls adult hookworms and expels adult roundworms and tapeworms. Dogs can catch gastrointestinal parasites by eating other
animals’ feces, and cats can catch them by eating mice and other rodents.
So, start the season right by protecting your pets against these deadly parasites. We’re happy to help you with any questions or concerns!
To Our Valued Clients Heads Up! Book April Appointments Early We want to provide the best possible care for your pets this spring, and we know that requires advance planning on your part. Please be aware that Dr. Jeff will be away during the month of April following elective surgery. That means we will be operating with one less vet than usual! Please help us out by scheduling essential appointments well in advance. We appreciate your help!
2 970-856-4474
Break the Chewing Habit Teach Your Dog Good Manners
The sight of a mischievous puppy shredding a pair of designer shoes or splintering a chair leg is a classic meme and a reminder of the challenges of adopting a pet. Puppies, like babies, tend to explore the world with their mouths. Older dogs can also fall into bad chewing habits because of boredom, stress, anxiety, or a lack of chew toys. Training a pet in appropriate chewing habits is the owner’s responsibility and is best done with positive reinforcement. Here are three techniques that can teach dogs, young and old, what is okay to chew.
colors and textures. And beware of inadvertently turning a chewing offense into a game! If your dog grabs a favorite slipper and takes off, don’t chase them and play tug-of-war! This will only encourage them to start that fun game again. Provide exercise. Your pet will be less tempted to shred your personal items if they get plenty of exercise. If you take your dog for a walk, give them a chance to stop and sniff along the path rather than dragging them along on a power walk.
If you have a teething puppy, freeze a rubber toy and encourage them to chomp down on it to ease their gum pain. Also, avoid punishment. Yelling or yanking an object out of your pet’s mouth can frighten them and lead to behavior problems. Instead, teach your pet to drop a forbidden item by offering to exchange it for a treat. This will be especially handy if you catch your dog chewing something scary, such as a medication bottle. Following these good training practices will protect your pet from forming bad habits, avoid damage to your belongings, and foster some fun play time as well!
Set your dog up for success. If your puppy is teething, chewing on a variety of materials can make their gums feel better. Anticipate their needs by keeping personal items off-limits, such as shoes, favorite stuffed animals, or remote controls. Block their access to closets or other areas with tempting off- limits items. Keep them on a leash with you in the house if necessary, and guide your pet’s attention to items that are okay to chew. Offer fun toys. Provide mental stimulation with puzzle toys or a rubber KONG filled with treats. Choose toys in a variety of
Marty Chartier Shauntaya Trujillo Rance Brady Clients Spreading the Word
N ePwo lSi cCi eVs C
UnNtiloFtiucrether Due to a staffing shortage, SCVC will be closed on Saturdays until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
• 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.
We Reward Referrals!
WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM 3
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM | 970-856-4474
17800 HANSON RD. CEDAREDGE, CO 81413
1 inside this issue How a Catio Benefits Your Indoor Cat
2
Engage Your Kids With Fun Gardening Projects
Heartworm Protection 101: Steps to Take in the Spring
3
Train Your Puppy to Chew Toys, Not Furniture!
New SCVC Policies
4
K9s For Warriors Is Saving Veterans, One Rescue Dog at a Time
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.
Scout’s Meaningful Mission A Black Lab’s Role in Transforming a Veteran’s Life
For former U.S. Army Cavalry Scout Ryan Finch, life after his tour of duty was a battlefield of its own. Haunted by PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and the weight of his experiences, Ryan struggled to navigate even the simplest moments of daily life. But then Scout came into his life and became a lifeline, a symbol of hope, and a steadfast partner in his journey toward healing.
when Ryan arrived at K9s For Warriors, and the trainers introduced him to his new service dog — a black Lab named Scout — it was a moment of profound healing and renewal. It was as if life had come full circle, offering Ryan a second chance at hope.
K9s For Warriors is a testament to the life-changing power of service animals. Determined to combat the devastating reality that 20 veterans die by suicide every day, this program rescues and trains dogs to become service animals for veterans grappling with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. The result is transformative. Veterans find independence, confidence, and purpose, while rescue dogs gain a life of devotion and meaning.
Scout, a vibrant black Lab, has done more than help Ryan manage his anxiety; he’s transformed his world. Crowds and loud noises, once overwhelming triggers, are now manageable with Scout by his side. Soccer games, family gatherings, and the everyday joys of life that once seemed impossible are now part of Ryan’s new normal. Scout’s presence allows Ryan to enter spaces he never thought he’d enter again, not as a man weighed down by his past, but as a father, a husband, and a human being rediscovering connection.
The impact is undeniable. Graduates of the program report mended family relationships, reduced medication reliance, and renewed joy in life. Ryan’s wife has seen the change firsthand, describing her husband as more engaged, animated, and hopeful for the future. Scout symbolizes resilience and proves that an incredible bond can heal even the deepest wounds.
The story of how Scout came into Ryan’s life feels almost destined. Before his deployment, Ryan and his wife had adopted a black Lab, coincidentally named Scout, who died before Ryan went overseas and whose loss Ryan never truly reconciled as he was away from home. So,
4
970-856-4474
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4www.surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator