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Pets First Monthly
October 2024
FUN, COSTUMES, AND SAFETY TIPS Pet-Friendly Halloween
Halloween has always been one of my favorite times of the year. There’s something magical about the crisp fall air, the joy in the eyes of trick-or-treaters, and of course, the chance to see our furry friends dressed up in adorable costumes. But as much as we love including our pets in the festivities, it’s important to remember that Halloween can be a stressful and potentially dangerous time for them. First and foremost, let’s talk about trick-or-treating. Even though we might want to bring our dogs along, it’s usually best to leave them at home. The crowds, the costumes, and the general chaos can be overwhelming for our pets. I’ve seen firsthand how even the most well-behaved dogs can get spooked by all the unfamiliar sights and sounds. If you do decide to take your pet out, make sure they’re securely on a leash and watch for signs of anxiety. When staying at home, creating a calm environment for your pet is key. The constant ringing of the doorbell can be unsettling, so try to find a quiet, comfortable spot for them away from the front door. You might even consider sitting outside to greet trick-or-treaters, avoiding the doorbell altogether. Distracting your pet with a favorite TV show or some calming music can also help keep them relaxed. Costumes are another big part of Halloween fun, but they can pose some risks for our pets. If you’re planning to dress up your pet, make sure the costume fits properly — loose enough to allow for
easy movement, but not so loose that it could trip them up. It’s also important to ensure your pet can see, hear, and breathe easily while wearing the costume. Keep any costumes with small parts like buttons or strings on for just a quick photo session, as these can be choking hazards if ingested. Then there’s the issue of treats. Halloween candy is definitely a no-no for our pets. Chocolate and xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in many candies, are both toxic to dogs. Even the wrappers can be dangerous, as they can cause blockages if swallowed. Make sure to remind your kids not to share their candy with the family pet, no matter how cute those begging eyes might be! And let’s not forget about pumpkins and decorations. While a little pumpkin might be fine for your pet, too much can lead to digestive issues. Be particularly careful with old, rotting pumpkins, which can harbor harmful bacteria. As for decorations, watch out for things like corn cobs, which can cause blockages if eaten, and candles, which pose a burn risk. Despite these precautions, Halloween can still be loads of fun for you and your pet. At our clinic, we look forward to our annual pet costume contest every year. It’s such a joy to see our clients bring in their pets, all decked out in their creative costumes. We’ve had everything from dogs and cats to guinea pigs join in the fun! Keep an eye out for announcements about this year’s contest — we’d love to see what you come up with.
Winners from 2023 Pet Costume Contest
So, as you prepare for Halloween, remember to keep your pet’s safety in mind. With a little extra care, you can enjoy all the spooky fun the season has to offer, knowing your furry friend is happy and safe.
Happy Halloween from all of us at the clinic!
–Dr. Emily Saunders
www.PetersenPetHospital.com
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SUBWAY’S CORNER
Dental Diligence Pays Off
GRONK AND PAISLEY’S SPARKLING SMILES
Hello, my fellow fur-covered royalty and our beloved humans! It’s your pal Subway, back with another purr-sonal insight into feline health. Today, we’re tackling something close to my heart (and belly) — cat obesity. Yes, it’s a touchy subject, but it’s one we need to talk about because our health depends on it. Why does cat obesity matter? Obesity isn’t just a little extra fluff. Nearly 60% of U.S. domestic cats are overweight, and this can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and even certain cancers. Being overweight also makes it harder to groom ourselves, leading to skin infections and matted fur — definitely not the look we’re going for! Why are we getting so plump? Let’s be honest: Our humans love us a bit too much with treats and extra meals. Combine those extra calories with a lack of exercise (yes, chasing laser pointers does count as exercise), and you’ve got the purr-fect recipe for a plump cat. My vet mentioned that a healthy Body Condition Score (BCS) for us cats is a 3 out of 5, meaning our ribs should be easy to feel, and our waistline should curve inward. THE WEIGHTY ISSUE OF CAT OBESITY
Gronk and Paisley are two very sweet and happy papillons that are 7 and 6 years old, respectively. They both presented to Dr. McGinty in July for routine
teeth cleanings. Their owners know the importance of dental hygiene and periodontal disease prevention, and both dogs have been receiving routine teeth cleanings since they were about 4 years of age. To prepare for their teeth cleanings, both dogs had blood drawn to check their basic organ functions and had electrocardiograms performed to help determine their heart health. These tests all returned as normal for both and confirmed they were safe to move forward with anesthesia and a full cleaning. Gronk and Paisley were both placed under general anesthesia in which a technician routinely monitored their blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen level, anesthetic depth, EKG, and all other important vitals. Full mouth dental radiographs (X-rays) were performed to determine the health of all teeth and look for any abscesses, tooth fractures, or jawbone loss. Approximately 70%–80% of dental disease lies below the gum line, and dental X-rays are the only way to determine if it is present. Both dogs’ images showed healthy, normal teeth and jaws. Dr. McGinty then performed a thorough oral examination of each dog, assessing the health of each tooth and surrounding gum tissue. He also looked for any oral masses and checked the health of the tongue and tonsils. Gronk did have a chipped incisor tooth that Dr. McGinty removed to prevent pain and secondary infection. The technician performed a thorough cleaning of each individual tooth with an ultrasonic hand scaler. Once the tartar and plaque were removed, their teeth were polished with a special paste designed to help remove any micro-scratches from the tooth crown. This helped to prevent bacteria from attaching more easily after a cleaning. All paste and plaque were then flushed out of their mouths after the cleaning and laser therapy was used to help with any gum inflammation and swelling. A fluoride foam was then applied to help strengthen their teeth. Both dogs recovered well from anesthesia and were very happy to see their owners at discharge, complete with their clean teeth and fresh breath. Periodontal disease and any secondary infection can cause systemic health issues for pets, and it is important to be proactive with oral health. Secondary infection and inflammation can predispose pets to heart disease and kidney disease. To prevent this at home, daily teeth brushing with a pet-approved toothpaste and a toothbrush are the best first line of prevention. “Healthy Mouth” water or food additive is another option, especially for pets that don’t tolerate brushing well. This helps to flush bacteria from the teeth and prevent plaque accumulation. Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved dental chews and toys are safe and effective for pets. This label is on approved products and include Veggiedent Chews, which we carry at the clinic; we send a sample home with all our teeth-cleaning patients. We also recommend avoiding harder objects such as ice cubes, hard animal bones, and antlers as these put pets at higher risk for fracturing teeth. —Dr. McGinty
Slow Cooker Chicken and Quinoa Dog Food Inspired by DogChild.co
Contact us! 319-743-0554
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When we think of court jesters, we often picture colorfully clad figures in pointed hats dancing and jesting for the entertainment of royalty. However, these medieval performers’ roles and responsibilities were far more complex than today’s caricatures. The Origins of Court Jesters We can trace the court jester’s roots to the comedic actors of ancient Rome. As the Roman Empire cracked down on these outspoken performers, many became traveling entertainers, sowing the seeds for the Middle Ages and Renaissance court jesters. Historical references to these “fools” became more common between the 12th and 15th centuries, with the term “jester” gaining popularity in the 15th and 16th centuries. Jesters: Entertainers and Advisors While the jester’s primary role was to entertain royalty through stories, music, acrobatics, and flatulence, they were also often highly intelligent advisors. Jesters could critique political decisions and social norms under the guise of humor, providing valuable feedback to the nobility. They even accompanied soldiers to the battlefield, distracting the enemy and delivering dangerous messages. The Evolving Jester By the 17th century, as live theater was booming, jesters began transitioning from court entertainers to professional actors and comedians. Figures like Richard Tarlton, the beloved jester of Queen Elizabeth I, became renowned performers in their own right. As jesters found fame outside the court, they paved the way for generations of comedians, satirists, and performance artists. Though the court jester institution largely died out by the 18th century, the legacy of these multifaceted performers lives on. From Shakespearean fools to modern stand-up comedians, the spirit of the court jester continues to entertain, provoke, and enlighten audiences. So, the next time you see a fool in a pointy hat, remember the rich history and complexity behind this enduring archetype. MEDIEVAL MISCHIEF-MAKERS The Antics of Court Jesters
How can humans help us slim down? Humans, you can help us by sticking to a measured feeding routine. Consider a healthy weight or prescription diet, and be mindful of those extra treats. Automatic feeders can help by providing smaller, more frequent meals, but make sure they’re working properly so we don’t miss out on food. If multiple people are feeding us, try having one designated feeder or using a checklist to avoid extra meals. And keep our food secure — no more sneaking into the bag! Admitting we have a problem is the first step. With a little help from our humans, we can shed those extra pounds and improve our quality of life. Let’s team up to stay active, slim, and ready for whatever adventures come our way! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to chase a laser pointer. It’s all part of the plan, after all!
INGREDIENTS • 4.4 lbs boneless,
• •
1/2 cup wheat germ
skinless chicken breasts
2 1/2 tbsp freeze-dried beef liver • 1 tbsp eggshell powder • 1 tbsp turmeric • 1 tbsp ground ginger • 3/4 tbsp salmon oil • 1 tsp dried kelp • 1 tsp wheat germ oil
•
3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups diced sweet potato • 1 cup bone broth (no onion) • 3 cups kale • 2 cups chopped broccoli
DIRECTIONS 1. In a slow cooker, cook chicken for 4 hours in enough water to cover. 2. Add vegetables, quinoa, and wheat germ to the slow cooker. Add more water if needed. Cook on low for another 4 hours. 3. Mix in beef liver, turmeric, eggshell powder, ginger, salmon oil, dried kelp, and wheat germ, and serve a regular dinner-size portion to your dog.
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www.PetersenPetHospital.com
1031 Kacena Road Hiawatha, IA 52233 www.PetersenPetHospital.com 319-743-0554
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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
PRIMARY Inside This Issue Keep Your Pet Safe and Happy This Halloween! PMS4655 BLACK 50% BLACK 1
Papillons’ Pearly Whites
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Subway on Staying Slim and Trim
SECONDARY
Slow Cooker Chicken and Quinoa Dog Food
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PMS292 Tracing the Court Jester’s Origins PMS5635 PMS1215
PMS258
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Loyal Pup Risks Life to Protect Loved Ones
FROM RESCUE TO RESCUER PONCHO’S INSPIRING STORY
In a heartwarming story of canine courage, a rescue dog named Poncho has emerged as a hero after putting his life on the line to defend his family during a home invasion. The events unfolded on a fateful night in early June when an intruder broke into Poncho’s home in northern New Mexico.
Remarkably, the family ended up at the doorstep of Española Humane, the same rescue organization where they had adopted Poncho. The dedicated staff immediately sprang into action, performing extensive surgery to clean and repair Poncho’s traumatic neck wound. The brave pup stopped breathing at one point, but the veterinary team successfully revived him.
Poncho, an 8-year-old rescue pup, sprang into action the moment the intruder entered the home. Without hesitation, the brave dog leaped at the would-be criminal, determined to protect his family at all costs. In the ensuing struggle, Poncho suffered a deep neck wound that miraculously missed his vital organs. But the attack didn’t stop there — the intruder then proceeded to kick Poncho repeatedly.
Despite his severe injuries, Poncho has steadily regained his strength. His tail never stops wagging, and he responds enthusiastically whenever he hears the words “good boy.” Poncho’s dad promised him a lifetime of rib-eye steaks to reward his heroic actions. Poncho’s story is a powerful reminder of the unwavering loyalty and bravery rescue animals can possess. If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, consider visiting your local animal shelter or rescue organization. You never know — you might just find your very own guardian angel, just like Poncho’s family did.
Undeterred by his injuries, Poncho managed to hold the intruder at bay until others could
intervene and restrain the criminal. Poncho’s family then embarked on a desperate two-hour journey to Albuquerque, searching for emergency veterinary care.
Contact us! 319-743-0554
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