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April 2023 www.surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com 970-856-4474
SCVC Pawprint AWHe i gehatv oyn YHeoaulrthDog’s CANINE OBESITY IS A GROWING CONCERN Numerous studies show that more than half of American dogs are overweight, and our neck of the woods isn’t immune to the trend. Surface Creek Vet sees overweight and obese dogs all the time, and we know all too well the toll that excess fat takes on their bodies. April is Canine Fitness Month, so I want to share the importance of keeping your dog active and at a healthy weight.
several young dogs with severe arthritis caused by obesity. But their lives almost certainly could have been extended without pain. Good habits start early, and walking your dog is one of the best things you can do for their health. The benefits go beyond exercise. Walks also teach your dog to obey commands and stimulate their minds. They’re good for your health, too; a recent study showed that brisk walking for 20 minutes a day significantly reduces the risk of early death. And if you’re too busy or physically unable to walk your dog, there is no shortage of teenagers who would be glad to do it for extra cash. All dogs are not equally active. Some have tons of energy, while others prefer to loaf around. But few healthy dogs will turn down a walk on a nice day. And while some canines will gladly entertain themselves in the backyard, others need motivation. Playing fetch or throwing around a Frisbee goes a long way toward better health and fitness. If your dog is already overweight, exercise will help — but I recommend focusing primarily on their diet. Some dogs are so obese or arthritic that going for a walk is physically painful, so they’d benefit from dropping weight before getting active. One simple change you can make is switching to mealtimes instead of letting your dog graze all day. Dogs with access to food only a couple of times a day tend to be leaner and healthier than those that can snack whenever they want. But in my experience, it’s rarely the dog’s regular food that’s the problem — it’s usually everything else they nibble on throughout the day. Maybe they
get some table scraps with breakfast and a few more with dinner. And then they get a treat every time they go to the bathroom, plus every time the owner comes home, or the dog completes a basic task. It all adds up very quickly and often turns into more calories than they receive from their official “dog food.” Puppy dog eyes are very compelling, but it’s unhealthy to give your dog treats just because their face is cute. In my experience, behavior modification for our human clients is much more difficult than for our canine patients. But remember that you have the power to keep your dog healthier. Fitness is everything, and preserving it for your four-legged friend is the most loving thing you can do.
Obesity presents many risks to your dog, including a greater
likelihood of developing heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. But one of the most heartbreaking consequences we see is excess weight causing a dog’s joints to give out. Sadly, we’ve euthanized
–Dr. Jeff
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The New Girl in Town The Best Companion
NEVER DOUBT A CANINE’S SENSES One Sniff Can Save a Life Dogs are known for their keen sense of smell — on TV, you will often see dogs that can find missing people or even search for drugs and bombs. When dogs use their extraordinary senses for a particular job, they’re often trained for that one purpose, but even without training, dogs do seem to know something is wrong.
Roger, the Jack Russell terrier-poodle mix, is a great example.
Our newest receptionist, Tara Sayers, may be new to both Cedaredge and Surface Creek Veterinary Center, but she has hit the ground running. “This is my first vet office,” she says, “but everyone has been super great at helping me learn.” Tara relocated to the area from Kremmling last August. “It’s a huge change,” she says. “Kremmling is up in the mountains, so it’s very snowy. It’s a lot nicer down here!” She joined our office at the beginning of the year, and her previous work as a receptionist has proved helpful. “I answer phones, check people in, and make reservations,” she explains. “In the morning, we usually print out paperwork for surgeries, and when the animals come in, we take them back to the kennel techs. In the afternoons, we do our regular exams and vaccines.” Her favorite part? Duh! “Getting to see all the creatures.” Though this is her first time working in a veterinary office, it’s a natural fit for Tara. “Growing up, we had all sorts of animals, from cats and dogs to llamas,” she says. Today, she still has a house full of pets. Tara, her husband, and their 2-year-old son Nathan live with an American bulldog named Arrow and a Labrador mix named Duchess. The family also recently added a feline brother and sister, Ariel and Bitty. Thankfully, family members of all species get along well. “My dogs have been around cats their whole lives,” she says. “This is the cats’ first time around dogs, but they don’t seem to mind them at all.” When they’re not at home with their son and pets, Tara and her husband like to spend their time four- wheeling and attending rock concerts. Our patients are Tara’s passion, but she’s sure to note that she also loves the humans that visit our office — especially when we make their furry friends feel better. “Our clients are so friendly,” she says. “Sometimes, they’re a little overwhelmed when their animals are really sick, so we’re there to comfort them. MEET RECEPTIONIST TARA SAYERS!
Our story takes place in Ringwood, England, in December 2022. Winter was in full swing, with temperatures below freezing. No one wanted to find themselves outside in the cold for too long because it could be dangerous. Unfortunately, that’s what happened to 94-year-old Morris Cohen, and he almost died. Cohen just got home and parked his car in the garage when he found himself in a spot of trouble. As he tried to exit his vehicle, his walking stick suddenly snapped in half. Unable to keep his balance, Cohen fell and became wedged under his car’s brake and clutch pedals. The man called for help several times, but unfortunately, no one could hear his pleas, and he remained stuck overnight. The next day, Roger’s owners let him roam around outside. Roger began sniffing around Cohen’s home (some believe Roger had heard the man’s calls for help), and once Roger found the elderly man, he didn’t leave his side for the rest of the day. After a couple of hours, Frances Wall, Roger’s owner, began calling for Roger. When he didn’t immediately come home when she called, she started looking for him, and that’s when she found Roger and Cohen. She immediately called emergency services, and three firefighters came by the home to free Cohen. They quickly took him to the hospital because they worried about hypothermia. Over a week later, medical staff released Cohen from the hospital, and now he gives Roger treats whenever he sees him. “I owe my life to that dog. They [health care professionals] said that if I would’ve been there for a few more hours, I would have been a goner,” Cohen told Bournemouth Daily Echo.
Fortunately for Cohen, Roger’s amazing canine senses saved the day. It’s always great to have a furry friend around — you never know when their incredible skills will come in handy!
“But,” Tara concludes, “our doctors are fantastic, so they usually leave in a great mood.”
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SLEEPY HEADS Why Pets Spend So Much Time Snoozing With busy lives and countless responsibilities, it’s difficult not to look at our pets and feel slightly envious. They live such easy lives — and seem to spend most of them sleeping! You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered why your cat or dog snoozes for so many hours each day, and the answer comes down to biology. Further, their natural hunting hours are between dusk and dawn, so it’s instinct to rest during the day.
Most dogs and cats don’t sleep long and tend to nap over several sessions throughout the day. Some people worry their pet is lazy, but this shut-eye is
essential to your pet’s health. Sleep helps humans and animals alike form memories, learn new things, and boost their immune systems. Depriving your pet of needed rest will usually worsen their health, not improve it. But there is too much of a good thing. Some dogs and cats sleep more than they should because they’re bored. It’s always wise to review the enrichment you’re giving your pet and determine how you can do better. More exercise, toys, and other activities will keep them mentally stimulated. Poor nutrition can also produce low energy in pets.
Christine Hamilton Amanda Cerise Jenni Morlang Mark Drummond Clien th ts e SWpr o e r a d ding Dogs sleep for an average of 12–14 hours each day. Larger dogs spend more time sleeping than small dogs because it takes more energy for them to move around. Puppies and senior dogs also tend to clock extra hours in bed because they need additional time to recharge. Working dogs, however, typically have more stamina and are less likely to nap in the middle of the day. Meanwhile, cats sleep so much they have a type of nap named after them. The Sleep Foundation reports that most cats sleep 12–18 hours daily, with 40% sleeping even more than 18 hours. Cats are wired to sleep so much because they’re predators, and hunting takes a lot of energy.
Crucially, you should schedule a visit with your veterinarian if you notice a shift in your pet’s sleep pattern. Too much sleep and regular grogginess can be a sign of kidney disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and arthritis in both cats and dogs. Similarly, too little sleep can be a sign of health problems. But if your pet has sufficient enrichment and follows their usual sleep patterns, they’re only doing what nature tells them.
Do you have a picky feline who will turn its nose up to everything you offer? Try this homemade cat food that even picky eaters can’t refuse! CHaot mFoemo dafdoer Picky Pets Inspired by TopDogTips.com
INGREDIENTS
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1/4 cup chicken breast, unseasoned
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1/2 oz canned clams, chopped (with liquid)
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1/2 cup long-grain rice
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1 tbsp beef or chicken broth
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook chicken in oven or on stovetop until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F. Cook rice according to package instructions. 2. Once the rice and chicken are cooked, in a large bowl, combine rice, chicken, canned clams, and broth. Mix until all ingredients are combined. 3. Let mixture cool completely, then place in your cat’s food bowl and serve.
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Why Your Dog’s Fitness Matters inside this issue
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Roger to the Rescue
Meet Our Newest Receptionist!
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Why Do Pets Sleep So Much?
Homemade Cat Food for Picky Pets
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Combating Spring Allergies
New Appointment Cancellation Policy When you cancel with less than 24-hour notice, we now require a prepaid $50 deposit to reschedule. If you keep your rescheduled appointment, we will apply the deposit to your veterinary bill. If you miss your rescheduled appointment, the fee is nonrefundable.
NIPPING SPRING ALLERGIES IN THE BUD When Pollen Strikes
Remove pollen from indoor air. It’s inevitable that pollen will get inside your home and vehicle. To combat this, utilize your air conditioning or invest in a certified allergy air filter! A dehumidifier and/or an air purifier will help to lower the pollen spore count in the air. Rinse out your sinuses. When pollen overwhelms your sinus passages, one of the best things to do is to rinse out your airways. A sinus flush with a saline solution is one of the easiest and most effective ways to eliminate the pollen that irritates your respiratory system. Take over-the-counter medications. After checking with your doctor or health care provider, choose an over-the-counter medication that is right for your symptoms. Medications like oral antihistamines, oral decongestants, and corticosteroid nasal sprays are all beneficial in reducing the effects of seasonal allergies.
Spring has arrived! However, rebirth and renewal aren’t the only things in the air. During spring, trees, weeds, plants, and grasses release small grains of pollen into the air to fertilize other plants. Because the pollen is small and light, it travels through the wind and frequently causes allergic reactions. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include congestion, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, an itchy throat, watering eyes, and irritation in the roof of your mouth. If you’re prone to experiencing allergies all spring long, here are some useful tips to keep them at bay. Reduce your exposure. During spring months, keep the windows in your home and car closed. On particularly windy or dry days, avoid spending time outdoors, and do not hang your clean laundry outside to dry. After you have been outdoors, remove your clothing and wash your hair and skin to remove any traces of pollen. Do not cut the grass, pull weeds, or do any gardening.
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