Animal Clinic of Kalispell - February 2024

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Pet Press KALISPELL

FEBRUARY 2024

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HOW OUR OFFICE UPDATES KEEP YOUR PETS HEALTHY Advances in Pet Dentistry and Diabetic Treatments

big dog might take an hour or more in surgery. Other processes always included are full mouth radiographs and ultrasonic cleaning and polishing. These treatments are essential, and the costs can add up quickly, which is why it’s important to maintain your pet’s oral health.

never been on insulin before. This new drug lowers glucose levels via urine and is an oral medication, so the cats (and owners) don’t have to endure injections. We had the opportunity to use it on our first cat and saw great results.. Before I end this letter, I wanted to share a fun story with all of you; we have two lovely clients who moved with their cat from Japan to Kalispell. Qoo the cat has several health problems and is a bit of a cranky patient.

Innovation and Training In our ongoing pursuit to provide our patients with the best possible care

Oral health and dental maintenance are crucial to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life.

Did you know February is National Pet Dental Health Month? Oral health and dental maintenance are crucial to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life. Studies show that in dogs over 3 years old, the rate of periodontal disease is a concerningly high 80%–90%. Dental diseases are often the beginning of severe health problems, so it’s important to manage your pet’s oral health. We want to ensure your pet is happy and healthy, and this month, we plan on starting at the mouth. Like many goods and services in other industries, pet dentistry has gotten significantly more expensive. Unlike treating a person’s teeth, there are additional costs and factors to consider when it comes to pet dentistry. While most people don’t require anesthesia, IV fluid therapy, or bloodwork for dental work, pets do. These extra steps are necessary to ensure their safety. Extractions are also common in pet dentistry, which is costly and time-consuming. Two or three extractions on a

and give you the best value, Dr. Ball and Dr. Steele have recently undergone extensive additional dental training in the past year. They are so passionate about

For every appointment with them, we aim to make it out of the exam room with no Band-Aids. His owners are good sports about it and very conscientious. More about Qoo inside.

dentistry, and I’m proud of the work they’ve put in to better our practice. When people bring their pets to us for dental work, I know they get the best dentistry available. A New Treatment for Diabetic Cats There have also been recent innovations in treating diabetes in cats with the introduction of a new drug called Bexacat that is sort of like Glipizide that people take for Type 2 diabetes. There is a VERY specific group of cats that are candidates for this oral drug. This drug is currently only effective on newly diagnosed cats that have

We will continue innovating, training, and adapting to provide you and your pets with the best possible service. Remember to bring your pet in for an oral exam this National Pet Dental Health Month. -Dr. Jevon Clark

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ALL ABOUT ME Pet Spotlight: Q

DISCOVER 4 CAPTIVATING BOARD GAMES FAMILY GAME NIGHT MAGIC

Hello! My name’s Qoo. I’m 17 years young and they call me a senior cat.

I’m an experienced world traveler. I’m from Sado Island, located off the coast of Northern Japan. Some humans rescued my brother and me, taking us to mainland Japan and then to America. The trip to my new home was an adventure! I rode a bullet train and even flew in an airplane. Ever since, I’ve been a proud member of the Animal Clinic of Kalispell family. I love my new home even though I get grumpy. I like to hang out with my fellow cats — Zoba, Kuro, and my brother — even though they annoy me sometimes. My favorite snack is lickable treats, the delicious paste that comes in a tube.

Welcome to the enchanting world of board games, where fun competition and family bonding intertwine to create unforgettable memories. Here are four new board games that offer unique experiences to spice up family game nights. Pandemic — Work Together to Stop the Spread Pandemic is an intense cooperative board game for 2–4 players in which players work together to stop the spread of four diseases. Players fight the viruses by drawing cards to stop the spread of the disease (with a cure, for example) or trigger a deadly outbreak with epidemic cards. Pandemic is challenging for young or inexperienced gamers but has introductory, standard, and heroic difficulty levels so all players can enjoy fighting back against fake COVID-19! Ticket to Ride — A Journey of Strategy and Collaboration Ticket to Ride transports players across continents via an enthralling railway adventure. In this strategic board game, collect train cards to build routes connecting iconic cities worldwide. Every player’s decisions can impact others, making it a great lesson in strategy and cooperation. As players traverse this make-believe world, they pick up geographic knowledge, making it educational and fun for the whole family. Azul — A Colorful Challenge for All Ages Dive into the artistic world with Azul. Players compete to embellish the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora with ornate tiles. The game combines aesthetics with strategy, as players select tiles to complete patterns on their boards. Azul is a feast for the eyes and a test of tactical thinking, appealing to the young and the young at heart. 7 Wonders Duel — A Dynamic Game for 2 7 Wonders Duel offers a compact but profoundly strategic experience, perfect for two players. You’ll navigate your civilization through various stages of development, engaging in scientific, military, and cultural pursuits. It’s an excellent way for siblings, friends, or a parent and child to engage in an intellectually stimulating and entertaining head- to-head challenge. These board games bring a new flavor to your family’s gaming collection. From mythical adventures to artistic endeavors and strategic conquests, they promise entertainment and opportunities for learning, collaboration, and creating cherished family moments. Get ready to roll the dice and let the family fun begin!

Ingredients Homemade Gr

4 tbsp plain, sugar-free beef or fish gelatin

1 cup water, room temperature

2 cups chicken stock (no salt or seasonings added)

Meat scraps (optional)

Carrot cuttings (optional)

Inspired by Hepper.com

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Qoo

Tips and Tricks to Extend Your Pet’s Lifespan 4 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR PET HAPPY AND HEALTHY

I also like to jump up on people’s shoulders and admire the view. I used to be pretty chatty and had a lot to say, but lately, I’ve grown tired of talking so much. Another one of my hobbies is staring out of windows. There’s a whole world out there, plus someone has to keep us safe! Not all of my life is treats and shoulder rides. I’ve got a few health problems, but there’s nothing I can’t handle. First, I’ve got diabetes and have to get my insulin tested twice a day. I also have back arthritis,

Our pets are not just our friends and constant companions; they’re our family. We all want our pets to live long, healthy lives at our side, and we’re here to help make it happen. Here are four ways to keep your pet healthy for as long as possible. Maintain a Good Diet and Exercise If you have a dog or a cat, regular exercise is crucial to their health and goes hand in hand with a proper diet. A proper diet and regular exercise help your pet maintain a healthy weight, preventing obesity, which can cause myriad health problems, including diabetes, respiratory disorders, kidney diseases, some cancers, and especially arthritis. To keep your pet at a healthy weight, feed them foods high in essential nutrients, make sure they exercise, and always make sure they have plenty of clean water. If you’re unsure what to do, contact our offices to learn more about what kind of exercise and diet is best for your pet. Be Alert to Sudden Changes Not all changes in your pet’s mood or behavior mean something is wrong. But pay attention to your pet, and if you notice significant changes in their eating habits, energy levels, and temperament, it may be the result of a health problem. Communicate these problems to your veterinarian immediately so your pet can get the help they need.

which Dr. Clark said is the worst he’s ever seen on a cat, but I disagree. I like to jump on the kitchen counter, no matter what anyone says. Lastly, I’ve got kidney disease. I’d like to give a quick shoutout to Dr. Ball. He and the Animal Clinic helped me get better, even though I’m a little sick. Everyone over there’s been great. Now that I’m old, I can’t do everything I used to. I used to travel and have even gone to Oregon and Arizona. Now, I spend most of my time in my comfy bed, although I make sure to eat all the snacks and food I can. Even though I’ve got health problems, I’m a lucky cat: My humans keep me happy, comfortable, and healthy. What more could a cat ask for?

Keep Them Groomed and Keep Their Teeth Healthy Grooming your furry family members can help identify underlying health issues. You don’t have to pay for a professional groomer to get these benefits for your cat or dog; using a home kit with a brush can help you identify hidden lumps, pests, and dandruff on your pet. Just like humans, your pets need to have their teeth cleaned often to remain healthy. Lack of proper dental hygiene can lead to tooth loss and even heart problems. Brush, brush, brush those teeth. There are also specialty treats to keep their teeth healthy, but we can help ensure their teeth are professionally cleaned by the veterinarian. Schedule Regular Vet Appointments Pets are a lot like people; most of us never want to go to the hospital unless we have no choice. But just like us, scheduled visits with your local veterinarian can help you maintain a healthy pet and detect and cure illnesses and injuries at their earliest appearances. Early detection is one of the keys to a longer, healthier life for your pet. At the Animal Clinic of Kalispell, we have the expertise, patience, and the newest equipment in pet care that allows us to treat your pet with the same love you give them. Book your pet for an appointment today.

ravy for Cats

Directions 1. In a glass bowl, combine gelatin and water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the liquid becomes clear and gains volume. 2. In a pot over medium heat, add chicken stock, meat, and carrots. Boil until carrots are soft. Make sure the carrot and meat pieces are small enough for the cat to eat safely! 3. Incorporate the boiling stock into the gelatin, stirring well. You can do this by hand or use a blender. 4. Let it sit until the gelatin starts thickening. Pour a small amount on top of dry kibble and serve!

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406.755.6886 WWW.KALISPELLVET.COM 1408 AIRPORT ROAD KALISPELL, MT 59901

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Inside

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The Importance of Your Pet’s Oral Health

2 Family Game Night Magic

2 About a Cat — By a Cat

3 Homemade Gravy for Cats

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Fun Exercises to Do With Your Dog

4 Meet Tank, a Canine Companion and Protector

In a remarkable display of courage and instinct, a German shepherd named Tank recently became an overnight sensation. His heroic act, captured in a TikTok video with over 45 million views, showcased the extraordinary bravery of our canine companions. Tank’s story begins on an ordinary day that quickly turned extraordinary when he saved his owner’s 6-year-old son from a dog attack in November 2022. The Bravery of Tank the German Shepherd A HEROIC HOUND’S STORY protectiveness, making them the first choice for families seeking a dependable guardian. Like many German shepherds, Tank possesses a unique blend of courage, intelligence, and loyalty. These dogs are not just pets; they are devoted protectors and family members willing to put themselves in harm’s way for their loved ones. Tank’s story is more than a viral sensation; it’s a testament to the deep bond between dogs and humans. His actions remind us of dogs’ invaluable role in our lives, offering unconditional love and unwavering protection when needed.

As the young boy played in the front yard of his South Florida home, a neighboring dog, unrestrained and aggressive, charged toward him. In an instant, Tank leaped into action. The dog pushed the boy to the ground and then placed himself between the boy and the oncoming threat, averting a possible tragedy. Tank’s quick thinking and fearless stance saved him and demonstrated the innate protective nature of German shepherds.

The boy’s mom wrote on social media that Tank is their “highly skilled professional home security officer.”

“This is Tank, and no, he is not professionally trained. He’s just a man with killer instincts, who loves a good chew toy,” she wrote after posting a video of Tank playing with his favorite toy. In today’s world, Tank stands out as a true hero. As we watch Tank’s story, we are reminded of the extraordinary capabilities of our four-legged friends and their profound impact on our lives. It’s a reminder that sometimes, heroes don’t wear capes; they have four paws and a tail.

German shepherds are a breed recognized by the American Kennel Club for their loyalty and

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