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Pets First Monthly
September 2022
THE QUALITY AND DEDICATION FOR YOUR PETS Wouldn’t Be Possible Without My Amazing Team
I only had two employees when I opened Petersen Pet Hospital in 2003. Now, almost 20 years later, I have about 32 employees. My staff is known as my team members because we do everything as a unit. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to serve our patients to the best of our abilities. The team here at Petersen Pet Hospital runs like a well-oiled machine. We have different areas we’re involved in that help us stay on top of our appointments and ensure we are taking the best care of our clients’ furry family members. All positions play a crucial role in our day-to-day operations; one area isn’t more important than another. So, let’s look at the different areas my team
are each day and how many patients we see. Certain times of the day can be hectic, and I’m proud of our four client care specialists who tackle and overcome issues each day.
withdrawals on pets for testing, clean tech equipment, apply medications to animals, and conduct X-ray tests.
Then, we have our kennel assistant, who primarily cleans kennels and exam rooms, but they can help technicians from time to time if needed. We also have a practice manager who deals with human resources and anything team members need. Our office manager conducts inventory and will order more supplies and medicines if we’re running low. Finally, we have our veterinarians. I’ve hired several vets because I was running out of time to see some patients. So now, with more vets on our team, we can treat more animals and help those in our community more. To my staff, I want to thank each one of you for being such amazing team members and being so motivated and inspiring each day. I couldn’t do any of this without all of you. You each deserve so much recognition for the hard work and dedication you all show daily. I can’t thank you enough for everything you do for me, your fellow team members, and patients. Happy Labor Day to the best team ever!
works in and their roles in helping us take the best care of our patients.
The first area is the client care specialists. They are the lifeline of our practice and
Next are the vet assistants and technicians. Assistants are the ones who escort our patients in and out of the exam room, assist with anesthesia monitoring, and restrain pets while conducting procedures. Technicians are similar to nurses. They have to go to school for two years to become certified and use more technical skills in our practice. For example, technicians can perform blood
have one of the most challenging jobs. Their role requires multitasking skills because they schedule appointments, check patients in
and out, check on procedures, and perform other front desk responsibilities. They control how busy we
www.PetersenPetHospital.com
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Hi, newsletter friends! It’s Sam, and I’m back with a quick pet tip. As the weather gets cooler, your canine friends can develop allergies. This month is the peak of allergy season for your pets, and if your furry friend is showing signs of allergies, they could have a ruff time if it goes untreated. Here is everything you need to know about pet allergies. Why is fall considered allergy season? After the summer months, plants begin to release allergens into the air. The two common allergens that can affect your pets are pollen and dust mites. Your pet’s body can become inflamed if they inhale, ingest, or make skin contact with these substances. What are the symptoms? If you’re wondering whether your four-legged friend suffers from fall allergies, here are some things to look for: Border Collie Corner It’s Allergy Season!
Snickers is a very lovable 9-year-old Yorkshire terrier who had received a clean bill of health for her physical examination and wellness bloodwork performed at her annual exam in January with Dr. Saunders. Just one month later, Snickers’ family knew something wasn’t right when she started having urinary accidents at home. She wasn’t quite acting like herself, so they quickly made an appointment to see Dr. Green to try to get to the bottom of what was going on. Snickers’ family noted she had been having accidents all over the house, needed to go outside more frequently, was slightly more lethargic, and was drinking more water than normal. With that history, Dr. Green started to come up with a list of potential reasons Snickers could be experiencing these clinical signs. Increased drinking and urination can be caused by a variety of underlying issues, including several endocrine diseases such as diabetes or Cushing’s disease, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections, to name a few. Dr. Green began by performing a thorough physical exam of Snickers. Her weight was stable from her previous appointment just a little over one month prior, her heart sounded very strong, and her abdomen was very soft and comfortable when felt. Overall, Snickers appeared to be a very healthy girl on the outside. For most cases with increased urination and drinking signs, the first diagnostic steps include bloodwork and checking a urine sample, which is what Snickers’ family elected to do. Despite having perfectly normal bloodwork just one month prior at her annual exam, Snickers’ bloodwork from this appointment revealed that she had high blood sugar and a moderate amount of sugar was noted in her urine, which, along with her clinical signs, indicated that Snickers had in fact developed diabetes in just a month’s time. Diabetes is caused by the failure of cells in the pancreas to produce the hormone insulin, which helps to regulate blood sugar. Type I diabetes (sometimes also called insulin-dependent diabetes) results from total or near-complete destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This is the most common type of diabetes in dogs. As the name implies, dogs with this type of diabetes require insulin injections to stabilize blood sugar, which is what Dr. Green started for Snickers. Snickers has now been receiving insulin injections twice daily since her diagnosis and has gone back to feeling like her normal, happy self, and to her owners’ delight, she is no longer having accidents in the house, either. Snickers’ Road to Good Health A Lot Changed in One Month
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Licking and chewing at paws Constantly scratching their body Pawing/rubbing their face and ears
Healthy Veggie Dog Treats
Inspired by DamnDelicious.net
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Red/watery eyes Eye/ear infections
Hair loss or bumps on the skin
How can you treat fall allergies? When your pet begins showing allergy-like symptoms, you want to take them to the vet before their symptoms worsen. Your vet will start by asking questions about what allergen exposures could cause the allergies, then they will conduct a physical exam. Depending on the symptoms, they may conduct skin tests like skin scraping or blood tests. These tests will give your vet an idea of what your pup is allergic to. Are allergies curable? Currently, there is no complete cure for allergies, but the symptoms can be managed by over-the-counter antihistamines or medicated shampoos that relieve itching, depending on your pet’s needs. Your vet may recommend steroid medication or other allergy medication as well. Desensitization allergy shots are also available if needed. At home, you can prevent allergies by ensuring your pet takes flea medication, wiping their paws and belly off after they’ve been outside, and bathing them once a week.
Get Out and Explore
3 Vacation Destinations Similar to Montana
Because of the popularity of the Kevin Costner miniseries “Yellowstone,” the state of Montana is seeing an economic boom, both in tourism and real estate, as people flock to explore the natural beauty of the state. But with Montana’s increasing popularity, traveling there may not be ideal, especially if you want to avoid crowds. Here are some other destinations that offer similar sights and activities! Stanley, Idaho If the mountains are calling your name, then Stanley, Idaho, is the place to go! About three hours northeast of Boise, this gem has three different mountain ranges: the Sawtooth, Lost River, and White Cloud. This trifecta is home to whitewater rafting, hiking, sightseeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and exploring. While there’s tons to see and experience during the day, the beauty doesn’t stop at night. As Stanley is situated in the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, you’re able to see so much more in the night sky, such as the Milky Way, meteors, and even planets! Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming In Grand Teton National Park, you’ll find many sights and wildlife similar to those seen on screen in “Yellowstone.”The towering craggy peaks and luscious landscape do not disappoint, and sometimes there is no sign of human development for miles. It’s a truly remote and beautiful place to visit and explore.
If you have any questions about fall allergies, allow Petersen Pet Hospital to help. We can examine your dog to see if they are suffering from allergies, identify what is causing their irritation, and offer solutions on how you can reduce allergies from occurring.
Don’t let the veggies fool you —your dog will love these healthy treats! INGREDIENTS • 1 cup pumpkin purée • 1/4 cup peanut butter • 2 large eggs • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats • 3 cups whole wheat flour, divided • 1 carrot, peeled and shredded • 1 zucchini, shredded • 1 cup baby spinach, chopped DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Using an electric mixer, beat the pumpkin purée, peanut butter, and eggs on medium-high for about 1–2 minutes until combined. 3. Gradually add old-fashioned oats and 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed until barely incorporated. Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time until the dough is no longer sticky. 4. Add carrot, zucchini, and spinach, then beat just until incorporated. 5. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough 3–4 times. 6. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape, then place treats on a lined baking pan. 7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Cool completely before serving.
You are sure to encounter some amazing wildlife while hiking or camping — the park is home to more than 60 species of mammals and 300 species of birds.
Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming Specifically known for being remote, Bighorn National Forest is located in north- central Wyoming and offers over 192,000 acres of open wilderness and 1,200 miles of hiking trails to venture out on. The forest contains many meadows and grasslands surrounded by large, dancing mountains and rolling hills. The best part is that there are many different ways to explore Bighorn National Forest. Fishing, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, hunting, and horseback riding are just a few of the many ways to experience Wyoming’s beauty.
Are you ready to get out and explore these different areas of our nation’s beauty? Check some of these great destinations off your bucket list!
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www.PetersenPetHospital.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1031 Kacena Road Hiawatha, IA 52233 www.PetersenPetHospital.com 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
Inside This Issue
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Happy Labor Day to the Best Team
PRIMARY
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BLACK Snickers Is Back to Normal! Sam’s Corner: It’s Pet Allergy Season 50% BLACK
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Healthy Veggie Dog Treats Places to Visit Similar to Montana
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Introduce Dogs and Cats Like a Pro
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HOW TO INTRODUCE YOUR DOG AND CAT Help Your Fur Babies Find Harmony!
Everyone knows that cats and dogs don’t get along ... or do they? There are a few ways you can help encourage your pets to get along, but it starts during the early, crucial moments of your pets’ introduction. For a gentle start, try desensitization. Let’s face it: Your dog is way more excited to meet your cat than vice versa! However, your dog may react dangerously to your cat, especially if it is still a kitten. The dog’s prey drive may kick in, causing overexcitement, and even seemingly harmless playtime can lead to fatal injury. One way to solve this is to “desensitize” your dog and get it accustomed to your cat’s presence. To do this, separate your cat and dog and only allow them to view each other at specific times. You could set up a room for your dog or cat (which includes food, toys, and, if a cat, litter box), and a tall gate that your pets cannot climb or get past. Allowing them to
view each other without direct interaction can help them become accustomed to one another.
For a quick start, try a face-to-face introduction.
Many people will try a face-to-face introduction first, but you can do this after desensitization as well. Before the introduction proceeds, both animals must be calm. One person should hold your dog on a loose lead, and pay attention to the dog’s body language while approaching the cat. If your dog has been taught commands, have it sit or lie down. Dogs that are too fixated on the cat — such as staring at the cat, displaying stiff body language, and not listening when its name is called — may try to lunge and chase your cat. In that case, a desensitizing introduction will be needed. However, if the dog is relaxed, try to allow the cat to approach.
Another person should watch your cat’s body language. If the cat is calm — isn’t raising its back or hissing at the dog — it can be allowed to approach the dog. A dog training technique known as Look at That (LAT) can be viewed on YouTube, which may aid in teaching your dog to remain calm when meeting new animals and people. No matter the method, we hope this guide provides important starter tips to turn your furry housemates into best buddies for years to come!
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