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Pets First Monthly
February 2026
Winter Woes to Wagging Wins INDOOR INSIGHT FOR PET OWNERS
Boredom is just as tough on our pets’ mental state as it is on ours.
Trever loves the snow, and he’ll bury his head in it any chance he gets. Unfortunately, there are some days when it’s simply too cold outside for him to enjoy his favorite pastime. Naturally, we need to keep our bundle of energy nice and busy in the house, which inspired me to invent some special practices for him that I’d like to share to help you keep your puppies calm when they can’t go outside. Ensuring that your pet maintains consistent and simple routines is one of the most important things you can do for them. Try your best to feed them and take them outside at regular times, and ensure they follow a consistent bedtime routine. Of course, you should also try to have them socialize with people and other pets and familiarize them with different sounds. Because puppies can be very energetic, they may sometimes bite or chew on humans out of excitement. If this is the case with your little one, try to direct their biting or chewing to an appropriate toy. In some cases, simply ignoring them when they start nipping at you may also do the trick, but that’s sometimes hard to do when they’re biting your feet and you don’t have socks on! Using treats and rewards can help them learn more quickly, positively reinforce good behavior, redirect them toward better habits, and foster greater trust. Above all, focus on ways to help keep your pets’ minds sharp on days when they can’t explore beyond your four walls. In Trever’s case, we’ve been playing different games with him, such as hiding his food and treats around the house and having him use his natural hunting instincts to search for them. Additionally, rotating the toys we give him has helped keep him interested in new things.
Depending on the amount of bad weather we receive, the winter months can significantly disrupt our daily lives, forcing us to spend more time indoors. Just as humans can sometimes struggle to fill unplanned “quiet” days, our pets can become more than a little restless once the ice and snowflakes make their way to our yards.
I’ve definitely been reminded of this fact this season.
Trever also gets plenty of stimulation thanks to the two cats in the house. I can’t say the cats like their new sibling very much at this point, but he absolutely adores them … and loves chasing them all the time. Although the cats’ relationship with their new canine companion has been a little rocky so far, I’m sure they’ll learn to tolerate each other in time! All kidding aside, it’s essential to be very careful when acclimating a new pet into a home with other animals, especially when outdoor activities are limited. It’s wise to put a new puppy in a crate inside and have the other dogs or animals come over and sniff them. When you give the official first introduction outside the crate, ensure all your pets are leashed. Doing so will allow you to pull back if anything goes awry and correct negative behaviors as they arise. If you have any questions about how to make winter more comfortable and exciting for your pets, don’t hesitate to ask us! If handled properly, heaps of snow don’t need to become mountains of malaise for your furry friends … or you! –Dr. Emily Saunders
Last June, we said goodbye to Jim, our beloved dog of 12 years. Before long, we welcomed a new addition to the family: Trever, a white German shepherd puppy born in August. As anyone who has raised a puppy would understand, little Trever has been a bundle of joy and excitement. Honestly, I had forgotten what it was like to raise a puppy, and oh my gosh!
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SUBWAY CONFESSIONS OF
Daisy’s Pet Insurance Pays Off A Quill Quandary Overcome
Before I say anything else, I assure my faithful feline, dog, and human readers that I’m okay.
Owning a pet can bring us joy, love, and endless fun. They can brighten our day, make us laugh, and help us feel less alone. Pets can also be frustrating and a lot of work, especially when the unexpected happens.
Remember a few issues ago when I mentioned that cats can be coy in letting their guardians know when something’s wrong? Well, about that …
Recently, I was diagnosed with kidney disease and heart disease during a preoperative exam before getting my teeth cleaned.
Unexpected events can cause extra time, increased medical expenses, and additional financial obligations.
The news made my whiskers wilt, but it was also a big surprise to my owner, Petersen Pet Hospital’s own Dr. Saunders. Truth be told, I hadn’t been feeling 100% for a while, but … you know, cats hide things a little too well sometimes. You see, cats evolved as both predators and prey, so we have a natural tendency to hide our pain from others. We’re so good at putting on a brave face that even the most diligent pet owner, like Dr. Saunders, may not immediately notice our distress without proper testing and regular vet visits. We’re not
Unforeseen situations, such as when our pet eats a foreign object that gets stuck in their intestines and requires surgery, when they receive a diagnosis that involves a lot of treatment and rechecks, or when they fall off the deck and break a leg, can create significant challenges.
Daisy’s story is one example of these situations. She is a 5-year-old Bernese mountain dog who lives with another 2-year-old Bernese mountain dog named Gracie. Daisy was in Michigan with her family when
she and Gracie unknowingly stumbled upon a porcupine while running ahead on a hike. Their owner heard a commotion
and came upon the dogs with porcupine quills in their faces. The dogs were taken to the closest veterinary clinic, where the visible quills were removed. But for both dogs, this was not the end, especially for Daisy. Daisy had multiple trips to Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine for advanced imaging to search for quill pieces. She had many delicate surgeries performed to remove these pieces, many of which were located on her face, lips, mouth, and around her eyes. She also had a trip to Colorado
State University College of Veterinary Medicine for additional ophthalmology and surgery opinions.
Weeks later, she continues to have quill pieces migrate out of their hiding places, and they are being pulled out at home and here at Petersen Pet Hospital. All these visits take
time and money. Daisy’s owner had previously purchased pet insurance for her, so all these trips have been much more manageable, knowing there wouldn’t be a substantial financial burden. Pet insurance is a valuable investment that helps provide veterinary care when unexpected expenses arise. It’s best to get insurance when your pet is young so there aren’t any preexisting conditions that will not be covered. Let us know if you have any questions about pet insurance, and we’d be happy to guide you to some resources.
—Dr. Sarah Young
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Y’S CORNER Trained to Protect The Service Dog That Changed a Child’s Life F A PURRING PRETENDER the kind of animals to limp, whine, or cry when we don’t feel good, so problems with our health can go unnoticed for a long time.
The family of JJ, a preteen troubled by debilitating seizures, was struggling to manage the condition and allay its devastating effect on his learning and well- being. They tried numerous treatments and therapies, but nothing worked well enough to stabilize JJ’s health. Then, JJ’s community stepped up in a way that changed his life forever. Military veterans at Sun Outdoors, an RV community where JJ and his family live in Sarasota, Florida, learned about the difficult situation his family faced and took the initiative to help.
So, how can you tell when we’re not feeling well? If we’re not grooming ourselves as much as usual, that could be a sign that something’s up. If we’ve been sleeping in a new spot lately, especially if it’s a place that’s hard for you to reach, your catdar should be activated. And if we’re
losing weight or not playing as much as usual, please try to figure out why. Oh, and (eek!) if we miss when using our litter box, you’ll definitely know things aren’t right. Even if your cat(s) are not showing signs of illness, please take them to Petersen Pet Hospital at least once a year (and twice a year if they’re 8 or older) for a check-up. The earlier a health problem is detected, the earlier we can receive treatment and start feeling better.
Enter Ezra, the service dog.
The veterans reached out to Canines for Heroes, a Sarasota-based nonprofit founded by Air Force veteran Mark LaFlamme. As a highly decorated Air Force veteran of three combat operations in the Middle East, LaFlamme knew firsthand the challenges of dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); two of his fellow officers succumbed to the pain and took their own lives. As a way of coping with their loss, LaFlamme set out to help others by giving them access to the healing power of trained service dogs. Canines for Heroes has years of experience matching service dogs with individuals in need. So, Mark LaFlamme and his wife, Sandra, matched JJ with Ezra, a dog trained to detect oncoming seizures and provide emotional support. Ezra is a Czech shepherd, a Central European herding breed known for intelligence, alertness, intuitive ability, and loyalty.
Until next time, keep an eye on all your furry friends and help them live their best lives!
Service dogs’ sense of smell is more powerful than any machine and can detect changes instantaneously. They have been likened to a live-in medical alert system. They can also be trained to notice anxiety or discomfort and offer comfort and companionship, interrupting potential panic attacks by calming their human companions. With training by Julie Madison of Top Tier K9, a professional dog-training company, Ezra learned to detect seizures by using his ability to sense subtle changes in scent or behavior. He was also taught to alert JJ and those around him before any visible signs of a seizure appeared, allowing a few crucial moments for JJ to take
Tasty Tuna Cat Treats
INGREDIENTS
• 1 egg • 1 can of tuna in spring water, drained
DIRECTIONS
1. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 330 F. 2. Crack open the egg and separate the white from the yolk. Discard yolk. 3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form. 4. In a blender, add the tuna. 5. Add 2 tbsps of whisked egg white to tuna. Blend until mixture is a smooth paste. 6. With a spatula, remove the mix and fold into remaining egg white. 7. Transfer mixture into a piping bag. 8. On the baking sheet, pipe the mixture into small rounds. 9. Place in the oven for 20–25 minutes. The treats should feel dry and be easily removed from the parchment paper. 10. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. 11. Keep in airtight jars for up to 2 weeks.
medications to curtail the seizures and ensure he was in a safe place.
Ezra’s presence led to striking improvements. Not only did JJ experience a sharp decline in
seizures, but the entire family felt less uncertainty and fearfulness. As the story of JJ and Ezra demonstrates, bonds between animals and humans can yield near-miraculous benefits.
Inspired by Supakit.co.
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PRIMARY Inside This Issue
Puppy Peace in Polar Months
PMS4655
BLACK
50% BLACK
Mountain Dog Meets Porcupine
Clues to Critical Cat Conditions
SECONDARY
Meet the Canine Hero That Warns of Seizures
PMS258
PMS292
PMS5635
PMS1215
Tasty Tuna Cat Treats
Mastering the Art of Cold- Weather Camping
CREATE THE ULTIMATE WINTER CAMPING EXPERIENCE FROM FROST TO FIRELIGHT
Ground protection matters. You’ve hauled all this gear out into the cold, so don’t let the frozen ground steal your warmth. A solid sleeping pad acts as insulation between you and the ground. Choose one with a decent R‑value (thermal resistance) or layer two simpler pads to block the chill. Then add a sleeping bag appropriate for the low you’re expecting. If your bag is rated for milder temperatures, a liner can extend its comfort zone by several degrees. Choose your spot wisely. A beautiful winter campsite still requires a smart choice. Avoid the bottom of slopes (cold air settles there) and the top of ridges
There’s something magical about stepping outside into a hush of freshly fallen snow, pitching your tent beneath stars that feel crystal‑clear, and inhaling air so cold it feels pure. Winter camping allows you to experience nature in slow motion. The frozen landscape creates a peaceful stillness you won’t find on summer outings. Layer smart to stay cozy. Whether you’re trudging into a snowy clearing or setting up camp under a frosty sky, your number one ally is layering. Start with a snug “base”
layer that traps warmth against your body. Next, add something insulating, like a fleece or down. Your final layer should protect you from wind and snow. Skip cotton because it soaks up moisture, and getting wet accelerates frostbite.
(wind bites). Instead, look for flat terrain, shelter from the wind, and a nice snow‑bed you can compress by walking on it before you pitch your tent. Your tent door should face away from the prevailing wind. Make the evenings cozy. Once the sun dips and temperatures slide, it’s all about comfort! A warm drink by the campfire, flipping through a good book, chatting quietly while the stars shimmer overhead: These are the moments that make winter camping memorable!
Keep your feet dry. Wet socks are the quick route to misery in cold weather. Snow melts, boots get damp, and you sweat while hiking. So, aim to stay dry from the get‑go with waterproof boots, gaiters, and maybe even snowshoes if you’re in deep powder.
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