Town & Country Veterniary Clinic - January 2019

Just a Number Don’t Let Old Age Define Your Pet

It’s time to retire the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” The truth is, older dogs can be trained just as easily as puppies! Older dogs often have a longer attention span, so they may learn new tricks even faster. And though notoriously difficult to train at any age, older cats should also not be counted out. Age shouldn’t define your pet, regardless of how old they may be. Here are a few ways you can help your senior dog or cat feel like a new pet again. Learn a New Trick Not only can older pets still learn and enjoy new things, mental stimulation and challenges are also good for their overall health! New games, toys, food puzzles, or even taking a different route on your morning walk can give your pet a much-needed brain boost. Change Up the Menu Senior pet foods aren’t just another marketing strategy from pet food companies. Older pets really do have different dietary needs. But before you grab the first bag

of senior cat food at the grocery store, chat with us about what specialized foods can help with your pet’s specific health and activity level. Remember: Old Age Isn’t A Disease Never discredit a major change in your pet’s mood or behavior as they grow older. While getting old will certainly bring changes in your dog or cat, old age alone doesn’t cause sudden weight loss, decreases appetite, dramatic hair loss, or changes in bathroom behavior. Illnesses like diabetes, arthritis, dental problems, hyperthyroidism, or Addison’s disease may be the real culprit. If you can get your pet properly diagnosed and treated, you will see great improvement. You can’t turn back the clock, but you can help your pet enjoy all their years of life, no matter how old they are. This month, our clinic wants to help senior pets lead happy, healthy lives with 10 percent off senior wellness packages. Start the new year by helping your senior pet feel young again!

Food Hounds ! PAWSitively Hilarious ! CHICKEN CHOP SUEY Ingredients

2 teaspoons sugar

2 large or 4 medium chicken thighs

2 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 4 tablespoons water

3 pounds bok choy, cut into 3–4-inch ribbons

2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 tablespoons oyster sauce

Directions 1. In large pot, boil three cups of water. Add chicken and reduce to simmer, cooking for 30 minutes. Remove chicken and let cool. Once cooled, remove skin and bones, chop, and set aside. Reserve the cooking liquid. 2. In a large skillet over high heat, heat vegetable oil. Once simmering, add bok choy and cook for 1 minute, stirring throughout. Add half of reserved cooking liquid, cover skillet, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Transfer bok choy to a plate. 3. Add remaining cooking liquid and chicken to the pan, maintaining high heat. Heat chicken, then add oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch-and-water mixture, sesame oil, and bok choy. Season to taste, toss together, and serve over rice.

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Treating Your Pets Like Family

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