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Pets First Monthly
October 2026
Garfield may be America’s favorite fat cat, but he’s far from a role model for your furry friends in the real world. FIT AND FURRY Better Health for Beloved Pets Just like humans, our pets can have weight problems with serious consequences. It’s estimated that 59% of dogs and 61% of cats are considered overweight. Obesity in dogs, in particular, can shorten their lifespan by up to two years. Among other health issues, it can make your cats and dogs more susceptible to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, and even cancer. It can also complicate the process of putting them under anesthesia. In many instances, owners are unaware that their animal companions are too heavy. There’s no better time to consider your pet’s weight and overall health, as October is National Pet Wellness Month and Oct. 14 is Pet Obesity Awareness Day. First and foremost, it’s important to bring your pets in to see us once or twice a year (depending on their age) so we can assess their health. During their visit, we will measure their body condition score, which ranges from 1 (too thin) to 5 (obese). Ideally, your pets will be scored a 3. As part of their health checkup, we look at their waistline to confirm whether there is a curve. If their waistline goes straight back, it’s likely they’re experiencing a weight issue. We also feel for their ribs. If we can feel them without pushing hard on their chest wall, that’s a good sign. If we can’t feel the ribs, that definitely indicates they’re at a higher body condition score. If we can feel their ribs too easily, they could be too thin.
Once your pets are placed on a diet to address their obesity, we recommend bringing them in monthly for a weight check and to confirm the diet is progressing as intended. Just as when humans change their food intake, adjustments may be needed to ensure proper nutrition. It’s also important to consider how many snacks and treats they get. Ideally, those will account for only 10% of their daily caloric intake. Be mindful of any table scraps they receive, and remember that any food you use to hide medications also counts. ( Here’s a pro tip for treats: Pets who get very excited when they receive a treat can’t tell how big it is, so breaking it into smaller pieces is a good way to reduce their caloric intake while still keeping them happy.) If your pet has reached senior age (8 years or older), we strongly recommend bringing them in every six months for a health checkup. We send texts and emails throughout the year to remind clients when their pets are due for a visit. Additionally, we’re happy to offer our clients the PetDesk app to help them stay on top of appointments, know when to administer medicines for their pets, and more. This National Pet Wellness Month and Pet Obesity Awareness Day, be the best pet parent you can be by helping your beloved animals feel and live their best. Nutrition, exercise, and weight management could not only help them feel better every day but also help them live by your side for a few more precious years. Please let us know if we can help you build an ideal health plan for your pet. A little extra care and prevention today can help avoid serious problems in the future.
–Dr. Emily Saunders
PetersenPetHospital.com
SUBWAY A KITT
Hello there! It’s the world’s most popular (and perhaps only) cat scribe, back again with another column! This time, I thought it would be nice to answer a few kitty-cat-related questions my human friends at Petersen Pet Hospital hear from clients all the time. (Think “Dear Abby” but with whiskers.) Anyhoo, here goes … Why is my cat hiding? Not to alarm you, but cats sometimes hide when they don’t feel well. We’re pretty stoic animals, so we tend to go off by ourselves when
we’re sick or in pain. If we’re not in our usual spots and seem a little (or a lot) less social than usual, you should definitely bring us to Petersen Pet Hospital instead of waiting for our annual exam. I’m not suggesting that all hiding indicates a possible health concern, but it’s something to keep an eye on. Why do cats sometimes stop using their litter box? Okay, this one is a little embarrassing for us cats, but I’ll answer it by asking you a few questions. Have you changed your cat’s litter lately? Has anything stressful happened in your home lately? These things could possibly make your cat go outside of their
Dutton is a handsome, 4-year-old Olde English Bulldogge who visited me for an eye recheck. Dutton has a history of severe entropion , particularly affecting his right eye, which has caused episodes of corneal ulcers, squinting, and tearing over the years. Entropion occurs when the eyelid rolls inward, allowing the surrounding hair and eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye. The condition causes irritation and discomfort and, in more severe cases, leads to painful corneal ulcers, scarring, and other eye complications. Entropion is common in bulldogs, pugs, shar-peis, chow chows, and other breeds with short noses or prominent facial folds. After monitoring Dutton’s eye and discussing the available options with his family, surgical correction was ultimately chosen to help provide him with greater long- term comfort. I performed this correction, the Hotz-Celsus procedure, on both the upper and lower right eyelids. During the surgery, I meticulously removed crescent-shaped pieces of skin just along the edges of the eyelids. When the edges of the cut skin were stitched back together, it pulled the eyelids outward into their normal position. This mitigated the surrounding hair from rubbing against the cornea. The goal of surgery is not simply to improve the appearance of the eyelid; it is to protect the eye and improve the pet’s comfort. By reducing the chronic rubbing caused by entropion, surgery can help decrease the risk of recurrent ulcers and other painful eye conditions. Dutton returned to our office two weeks after surgery to have the sutures removed. He was the perfect patient and was no longer squinting or tearing! Dutton’s story is a wonderful reminder that chronic eye conditions can often be managed in various ways, and the best approach can vary for every pet and family. We’re excited to see Dutton enjoying a more comfortable future with happier eyes! Dutton’s Bright-Eyed Breakthrough AN ENTROPION ESCAPE
—Dr. Krystal Knutson
Contact us! 319-743-0554
Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (Closed Fridays from 12:30–2:10 p
Y’S CORNER
Meet the Chihuahua That Helped Save Its Owner’s Life in the Swiss Alps Sometimes, a lifesaving hero weighs less than 10 pounds, has four tiny paws, and refuses to leave their favorite human’s side. That’s exactly what happened recently in the Swiss Alps, where a determined Chihuahua proved that courage has nothing to do with size. According to Air Zermatt, a Swiss rescue, training, and transport company, a man was exploring the Fee Glacier when he broke through a snow bridge and plunged nearly 26 feet into a hidden crevasse. Thankfully, he had a walkie-talkie and managed to contact someone nearby, who alerted emergency responders. There was just one problem: No one knew exactly where he fell. For about 30 minutes, a rescue helicopter searched the vast glacier without success. Then someone on the rescue crew noticed something unusual … a tiny, fluffy Chihuahua pacing back and forth on a rock. That little dog wasn’t wandering aimlessly. It was waiting. The rescue team flew closer, and as they focused on the Chihuahua, they finally spotted the opening to the crevasse where the man had fallen. Rescuers rappelled down, safely pulled him out, and flew both the man and his loyal companion to a nearby hospital. According to Air Zermatt, the Chihuahua’s persistence made all the difference. Air Zermatt spokesman Bruno Kalbermatten summed it up best: “Imagine if the dog wasn’t there. I have no idea what would happen to this guy. I think he wouldn’t survive this fall into the crevasse.” The company didn’t hesitate to give credit where it was due, calling the Chihuahua a “four-legged hero” that likely saved its owner’s life. Stories like this are a wonderful reminder that our pets often understand far more than we realize. They comfort us when we’re sad, celebrate us when we come home, and, every now and then, remind the world that loyalty is one of the greatest superpowers of all. When a Tiny Dog Made a Huge Difference
TY CAT Q&A
box. There could also be a medical reason for their accidents, so be sure to take your cat to the vet for some testing.
Why is teeth cleaning so important? Remember when I said that cats are very good at hiding health problems? That includes problems with our teeth as well. Getting our teeth cleaned is a great way for vets to identify issues with our choppers.
How can we help our cats not get bored? Just like humans, cats need play and enrichment. We love scratching posts and opportunities to climb on stuff, and we love puzzles (like the ones in the front lobby of Petersen Pet Hospital) that stimulate our minds and help with behavioral issues. We also love window perches. Putting your couch close to a window so we can hop up on the top and check out the world outside helps keep our minds engaged. If you have any additional questions, please call Petersen Pet Hospital! Until next time, I remain your faithful feline health expert.
CANINE CANDY CORN INGREDIENTS
So, the next time someone jokes that Chihuahuas are all bark and no bite, you can tell them about one fearless little dog who helped rescuers find his owner.
• 8 3-oz paper cups • 1 1/2 cups nonfat plain yogurt, divided
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée • 1–2 small bananas
DIRECTIONS
1. Fill each cup about 1/3 full with yogurt (about 1/2 cup total), then freeze until set. 2. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup yogurt and pumpkin purée. 3. Pour the yogurt/pumpkin mixture over the frozen yogurt, leaving enough room for another layer. Freeze until set. 4. Mash the bananas in a small bowl and mix in the remaining 1/2 cup of yogurt. 5. Pour the yogurt/banana mixture over the frozen pumpkin layer, and freeze until set. 6. Peel off the paper cup and let Fido enjoy!
PetersenPetHospital.com
p.m. for team meetings) | Sat: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. | Sun: Closed
Lost Paths, New Crossings Animal Bridges Are Reconnecting Nature
The forest is on the other side. You can smell it. You know the path because your family has traveled it for generations. Then the trees suddenly end, replaced by roaring traffic speeding past at 70 miles an hour. Crossing isn’t just difficult anymore. It could be your last mistake. For countless animals, that’s the reality of modern life. Roads cut through habitats and migration routes, but animal bridges, also called wildlife crossings, offer a safe way over or under busy highways. How Do Animals Know to Use Them? One of the first questions people ask is, “How do animals know where to go?” It might seem like deer, bears, or elk are somehow taught to use these crossings, but that’s not the case. The answer comes down to instinct, smart design, and a little patience. Most wildlife crossings are built alongside long stretches of fencing that gently guide animals toward a safe crossing rather than letting them wander onto the road. Once an animal
discovers the route, it’s likely to use it again because it’s familiar and less dangerous than crossing traffic.
Researchers have found that different species adapt at different speeds. Elk often begin using wildlife crossings fairly quickly, while more cautious animals, including bears and wolves, can take years to trust these new pathways. Over time, though, many crossings become part of an animal’s normal travel route. Built to Feel Like Home Engineers and conservationists carefully design each bridge to blend into the surrounding landscape. Native trees, shrubs, grasses, rocks, and natural soil help create an environment that feels familiar. The design also depends on the animals expected to use it. Large mammals like deer, elk, and moose generally prefer wide, open overpasses where they can easily see their surroundings. Species such as black bears, cougars, and smaller mammals favor enclosed underpasses that provide cover.
Better for Wildlife and Drivers Wildlife crossings don’t just save animals! They also help protect people. Every year, collisions between vehicles and large animals cause injuries, fatalities, and millions of dollars in property damage. Giving wildlife a safe place to cross dramatically reduces those risks while reconnecting habitats that roads have divided. As more communities embrace wildlife crossings, these incredible bridges are proving that thoughtful engineering can make a real difference. Sometimes, helping nature isn’t about changing where animals go, but rather about giving them a safe way to continue the journey they’ve been making for generations.
CLIENT REFERRAL PROGRAM
Referring a loved one or friend is the greatest compliment you can give us. We appreciate your trust in us, and your referrals mean the world to our team. To say thank you, we’ve created a special referral program just for you! Here’s how it works:
• Refer a new client to our pet hospital by giving them a referral card. • Once they come in for their first appointment and bring in the card, you’ll receive a Petersen Pet Hospital gift certificate. • The more you refer, the more you earn!
REFERRAL REWARDS: •
1st referral: $5 gift certificate 2nd referral: $10 gift certificate
• •
3rd referral: $15 gift certificate
•
And it keeps growing, there’s no limit!
Gift certificates can be used for any service or purchase in the clinic.
PROGRAM DETAILS: • You must be a current client in good standing. • Referred clients must complete their first appointment. • Gift certificates are sent after the first visit is completed.
Your loyalty and support mean everything to us, and we’re so grateful to be part of your pet’s care. Thank you for continuing to share your friends and family with us! ⭐ LOVE YOUR EXPERIENCE? LEAVE US A REVIEW! Your feedback helps us grow and continue providing the best care possible for your pets. If you’ve had a great visit with us, we would truly appreciate you taking a moment to leave us a Google review. Not only does it help our team, it also helps other pet owners in our community find a veterinary clinic they can trust. Here’s how to leave a review: • Search for Petersen Pet Hospital on Google.
• Click “Write a Review.” • Share your experience. Thank you for your support; it truly makes a difference! 💙
Contact us! 319-743-0554
Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (Closed Fridays from 12:30–2:10 p.m. for team meetings) | Sat: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. | Sun: Closed
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