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April 2024 www.surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com 970-856-4474
SCVC Pawprint Pampered Paws SECRETS TO BEING A TOP PET PARENT
One of the things I love about my work is seeing the great pet owners we serve. Many of our clients work hard to care for their pets. Great human parents work hard to provide medical care, exercise, healthy food, and stimulation for their children. Great pet parents do the same for their pets. On the last Sunday of April, we celebrate a holiday that is very important in my world — National Pet Parent Day. Without good pet parents, where would we be? We would certainly have a lot more feral cats and dogs, and my job might be reduced to spaying and neutering them for the government. In appreciation for anyone striving to be a great pet parent, here is how to reach that goal. Exercise. I am always hounding my clients, “Don’t give your dog a treat. Give it a walk!” A treat is a lot easier for a human to give, but a dog would prefer a walk over a treat any day. I see so many dogs with behavior problems. When I ask the owner if they walk their dog, they might say, “Oh yes, two times a day.” If I ask how far, they might say a half-mile. A half-mile walk for a dog is like walking out to my mailbox and picking up the mail. It is barely any exercise at all. Exercise for a dog, especially for working breeds such as huskies, border collies, and heelers, has them running until their tongues are dragging on the ground. Dogs need exercise. If you don’t let them get that energy out, they will have
behavior problems. The more docile breeds need exercise, too. Take them on a walk so they can savor the outdoor smells. Those
activities stimulate their brains. Exercise is just as healthy for cats. Get a laser light or feather toy and play with them.
Mental Stimulation. Cats are the ultimate predators. To mimic conditions that spur them to hunt in the wild, set up opportunities for them to stalk and “kill” things — even if it’s just a stuffed mouse. That kind of exercise is soothing and releases endorphins in cats’ brains, making them happier and healthier. This stimulation is especially important if you keep your cat indoors. A Healthy Diet. My clients often ask me, “What’s the best food?” The best food is what enables your dog or cat to thrive, whether it’s raw, cooked, in a bag, or in a can. I once wrote a cookbook for dogs, but today, pet parents can find countless healthy menu options online. I caution clients, however, that I’m not a big fan of raw diets because of the risk of humans contracting various infections. You might pick up E. coli or salmonella while preparing raw foods for your dog.
preventives, and other necessary medicines. They also watch their pets’ dental health for problems, such as gingivitis or tooth tartar. Taking your pet for periodic dental cleanings and digital X-rays may reveal painful dental problems causing them to suffer in silence. Compassionate end-of-life care is important, too. We recommend regular geriatric checkups, and we have a growing number of treatments for stiffness and arthritis, including a therapy laser. Just as a person might take medications to ease pain from a stiff back or arthritis, your pet may benefit from pain-relieving therapies.
We are fortunate to have so many great pet parents among clients at our clinic!
–Dr. Jeff
Good Veterinary Care. Good pet parents ensure their pets get the vaccines, heartworm
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For Dr. Susie Hirsch and her husband, Dr. Jeff, practicing veterinary medicine has long been a family affair. Since the birth of their first child, Winnie, in 2003, the Hirsch children have been involved in their parents’ work. PEOPLE SKILLS, CATCHING PUPPIES: A KID’S LIFE AT THE CLINIC Paws and Play
In a heartwarming tale of courage and resilience, a pit bull named Kilo defied the odds after being shot in the head while bravely protecting his owner. The incident unfolded when an intruder invaded Kilo’s home. In a shocking turn of events, Kilo’s instinct to shield his owner led to a life-threatening injury, but “Super Pitty” survived, capturing many hearts, too. One Saturday evening 12 years ago on Staten Island, a gunman posing as a FedEx deliveryman rang the doorbell of Kilo’s home. He didn’t wait long before he pushed his way into the apartment. Kilo’s human, Justin Becker, told CBS, “He barged in. My first reaction after seeing the gun was to push him out, so I pushed him to the door.” Becker’s girlfriend, Nicole Percoco, had been holding Kilo during this encounter and let him go. Kilo jumped into action, fighting back against the invader, unfortunately getting shot in the fight. Luckily, the bullet just missed Kilo’s skull, entering and exiting right under his ears, said Dr. Gregory L. Panarello, the medical director of South Shore Animal Hospital. After a 40-minute surgery to remove bullet fragments, he was patched up and even given a superhero insignia on his bandage. Three days later, Kilo was up and going on every dog’s favorite pastime: walkies. Kilo’s story is a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of canine companions and the strength of their love for us. Even 12 years later, Super Pitty Kilo’s story still spreads love and happiness. Give your pet an extra cuddle tonight so they know just how much you love them! Kilo’s Amazing Bravery and Survival SUPER PITTY!
“Our kids practically grew up in the clinic,” Dr. Susie says of their four children, now 20, 18, 17, and 13. After Winnie’s birth, Dr. Susie cut back to part-time hours at the animal hospital in Phoenix, where
she and Dr. Jeff were practicing at the time, and brought Winnie to nap in a quiet room there. “Some clients would schedule their appointments around Winnie’s naps so they could see and play with her. She would go out there and work the lobby.” While Dr. Susie gained her early experience with animals working as a camp counselor and visiting her
great aunt’s Morgan Horse Farm, her four children have never had to leave home to enjoy animals. As their family grew and moved to Colorado in 2009 to open Surface Creek Veterinary Center, all the children learned to help with cleaning, restraining, and caring for pets and livestock. “We were lucky. Having our own clinic, we could always bring our kids to work,” Dr. Susie says. “They learned people skills, they learned an appreciation for what is going on here, and they developed a good work ethic. If we were here after hours doing a C-section on a dog, they were catching the puppies.” At home, the family has three indoor cats, five outdoor cats, and a Great Pyrenees who helps guard their livestock. Their youngest child, 13-year-old Gus, has developed the construction skills required to help his parents build the barn behind the clinic, among other projects. Meanwhile, Dr. Susie handles large animal care and most surgeries at the clinic. After more than a quarter-century of practice, the work continues to reward her. “They call it practicing medicine for a reason,” Dr. Susie says. “The more you see, the more you learn. In surgery and medicine that experience really makes a difference.” While the Hirsch children have developed an enduring love of animals, none of them are currently planning to enter veterinary school. However, the next generation of clinic kids has already begun, with the arrival of Dr. Jessica Neil’s baby daughter last June. “She’s taking the same path,” Dr. Susie says. “We made a space in the closet for her to take naps.”
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Crack the Kitty Code Signs Your Cat Needs Veterinary Care
Cats can be aloof and difficult to read. They have evolved to avoid appearing weak or sick to keep larger animals from preying upon them. As a result, it isn’t always easy to tell when your feline friend isn’t well. Here are five signs your pet may need a veterinarian’s attention. Appetite A marked change in appetite may signal a problem. Cats with liver or kidney disease may eat less and drink more. A hearty appetite and increased thirst may signal a metabolic disease like diabetes. If your cat stops eating or drinking for 24 hours or more, seek help. Energy Level Sick cats usually exhibit less energy than usual. They may sleep more, refuse to play, or carry themselves differently, sitting in a hunched position or awkwardly holding their tails. An abnormal increase in energy can signal a malfunctioning thyroid gland. Also, potentially serious respiratory problems can be detected if your cat is panting or breathing faster than usual. Grooming Habits A cat with matted, clumpy, or dandruff-filled fur is an obvious sign something isn’t right. At the other extreme, overgrooming that causes fur loss or irritated skin may signal an allergy or parasite, such as fleas, mites, or ringworm. If your cat is concentrated on overgrooming near their tail,
it could be a bladder or digestive tract problem symptom.
Litter Box Issues Diarrhea is relatively easy
to spot in a litter box and may be temporary, but it can signal a variety of ailments, including parasites or
infections. Constipation is more difficult to notice but still important. If your pet’s stools are small, hard, and dry, have them checked out. Get help immediately if your pet hasn’t peed normally for 24 hours or if you notice blood or worms in their urine or feces. Dehydration Ailing cats often become dehydrated. Gently lift the skin over your cat’s shoulder blades up and away from their body, then release it. If the skin remains tented over the shoulders rather than contracting immediately, your cat is most likely dehydrated and may need veterinary care. If you see any of these signs or other changes in your cat’s behavior or condition that worry you, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to look at your feline friend and help however we can.
New SCVC Policies • 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 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.
Clien th ts e SWpr o e r a d ding
Aimee Olson Valerie Harlan Bruce Joss John Gavan Jennifer Matamoros
We Reward Referrals!
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The Hard Work Behind Pet Care Success inside this issue
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Protective Pup Takes a Bullet for His Owner — And Survives!
Dr. Susie Reflects on Bringing Her Kids to Work
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How to Tell When Your Cat Is Sick
Thanks for the Referrals!
New SCVC Policies
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Discover the Healing Wonders of Hot Springs
EARTH’S GEOTHERMAL WONDER The Allure of Hot Springs
Soaking in the heated waters of a hot spring is an experience you’ll want again and again once you try it. And there is much more to this geothermal wonder than meets the eye. The naturally heated, mineral-rich water nourishes the body and mind, allowing you to shed stress as you easily float on the surface. How Hot Springs Work Hot springs are heated by geothermal energy. Water meets volcanic hot rocks, resulting in boiling mineral-rich water. Regions far away from volcanic activity can also have hot springs; those occur when a spring runs so deep that it hits rocks close to the Earth’s crust. These rocks are naturally very hot, which then heats the water. How Minerals and Heat Improve Your Health The water in hot springs contains a plethora of minerals, so the water can be healthy and rejuvenating, providing benefits for your skin,
cardiovascular system, and more. Every spring has a unique mineral makeup and varied health effects, but here are four of the most common.
enough, you can find one anywhere. Some hot springs are deep in the mountains, so you’ll have to hike in. They often have specular views and are worth the journey. If you don’t want to trek up a mountain, you’ll find many spas built around hot springs that offer amenities besides the spring, such as restaurants and saunas. So, the next time you’re traveling, locate the hot springs in your area and put a visit on your itinerary!
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Improved Blood Circulation: Minerals like calcium, iron, and sodium bicarbonate are great for blood circulation, as they promote oxygen flow. Radiant Skin: Nitrogen, silica, and other minerals are excellent for exfoliating skin. Less Stress: As the warm water melts stress away, the magnesium and lithium improve your mood. Pain Reduction: Sulfate helps reduce pain, while hot water soothes muscles and reduces inflammation.
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Where You Can Find Hot Springs The western part of the U.S. has a higher concentration of hot springs, but if you look hard
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