Check out our November newsletter!
NOVEMBER 2019
903.587.2210
Pet Gazette
From Your Hometown Vet
WWW.LEONARDANIMALCLINIC.COM
What’s on the Menu? Hard Truths About Pet Food and Nutrition
When it comes to food, my family has a list of very specific things we want on the table for Thanksgiving dinner. The two biggest must-haves are broccoli rice casserole and sweet potato casserole. Now that my sisters and I are grown, we split up the work so everyone is responsible for a side dish. I’m a big fan of broccoli rice casserole, so I’m happy to make it. I’ve never really liked sweet potato
are extremely rare, especially in dogs. It can happen, but when it does, it’s usually the protein in the food causing the problem, not the grain.
casserole, but I’ll still make it when it’s my turn. It’s tradition, after all!
Planning our Thanksgiving dinner has gotten me thinking a lot about the food we give our pets. Next to behavior, nutrition is one of my primary focuses as a veterinarian. I’m even certified as a Hill's Veterinary nutritional advocate. First, I have to say, no matter how much your pets beg, don’t feed them any table scraps, and make sure no one else is sneaking them Thanksgiving treats either. Diarrhea and pancreatitis are big problems after Thanksgiving, especially in dogs. Stick to pet treats and pet food.
Another common misconception about pet food is price. A lot of people assume expensive food is automatically better. This isn’t necessarily true. The best indication of pet food quality isn’t the price tag. If you want to know if your pet’s food is complete and balanced, check the bag for the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) approval. This will usually be under the feeding instructions. AAFCO is a regulatory organization that sets labeling, ingredient, and nutritional requirements for pet food. While AAFCO isn’t a government organization and has no regulatory authority, it does help protect consumers and safeguard the health of animals. Checking for the AAFCO seal on your pet food is a good way to make sure your pet is getting the nutrients they need. Good nutrition in pets is a passion of mine. I’m glad to be able to give my dog two complete and balanced meals a day. That’s something I don’t usually get myself! If you have any questions about pet food and treats or just nutrition in general, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m happy to help everyone let their pets eat as well as we do on Thanksgiving — with more reasonable portion sizes, of course.
“A lot of people assume expensive food is automatically better.”
Speaking of pet food, for a long time, a big trend has been grain-free diets. Clients have asked me what the best grain-free food is for their dog or cat. Unfortunately, research from just the last six months has shown these grain-free diets are implicated in heart disease in some dogs. Going 100% grain-free means some dogs aren’t getting the amino acids they need to keep their hearts healthy.
Many people have chosen grain-free diets for their pets because they think their dog or cat has a food allergy. The reality is that food allergies
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Your Hometown Vet
903.587.2210
LEONARDANIMALCLINIC.COM
Want to treat yourself this holiday season? We can help! From now until Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, for every friend or family member you refer* to Leonard Animal Clinic, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM™ bag. How the Drawing Works: 1. Send a friend or family member to Leonard Animal Clinic. 2. Make sure they give your name at the front desk, or you could miss out! It’s that easy! Best of all , when the person you refer brings their pet in, you both are entered to win the Louis Vuitton™ bag! The more people you refer, the more entries you get for the grand prize. First referral = 1 entry
We’re Giving Away a LOUIS VUITTON Bag! ™
Second referral = 2 entries Third referral = 3 entries
… And so on! By your third referral, you’ll have 6 chances to win! With unlimited entries, the more people you send our way, the more chances you have to
score that Louis Vuitton™ bag. Referrals must come in by Friday, Dec. 13, 2019. Winner will be drawn on Monday, Dec. 16, 2019. Good luck! *Referral must be a paid service client
Puppy NOT included!
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Your Hometown Vet
903.587.2210
LEONARDANIMALCLINIC.COM
A Place to Rest Your Paws What You Need to Know About Pet Boarding
Going out of town to spend Thanksgiving with the in-laws?
play and exercise, cats enjoy as much — or as little — attention as they want, and you can rest assured knowing your pet is receiving proper care. Leonard Animal Clinic is proud to offer reliable pet boarding to make sure your pets are well cared for during your trip. We provide your cat or dog with a comfortable “home away from home” where they will be safe while you’re away. Our trained veterinary team is on-site to care for your pet during their entire stay, and we’re ready to accommodate any special care or needs your pet has. We provide high-quality food and treats, but feel free to bring your own. If your pet has favorite toys or other washable personal items that will make their stay more comfortable, those are welcome, too. Call 903.587.2210 to learn more about boarding pets with your veterinarian and make your reservations today.
Planning a tropical getaway over winter break?
If your holidays are full of travel, don’t wait until the last minute to make a plan for your pets. Some families are fortunate to have a close friend who can stay at their home and watch over their fur babies, but hiring a pet sitter isn’t the best option for everyone. Dogs and cats alike need routine. Having their family gone for a long period of time and being fed by a stranger twice a day can cause a great deal of stress for some pets. Being left alone can lead to behavioral problems, including vocalization or destructive tendencies. For many families, boarding their pets is a safer alternative to hiring a pet sitter. With pet boarding, dogs enjoy plenty of safe
PAWSitively Hilarious !
Food Hounds !
LEFTOVER THANKSGIVING DOG TREATS
If the leftovers are your favorite part of Thanksgiving, then this recipe is for you! Show your dog how thankful you are for them with these post- feast dog treats.
Ingredients
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1/2 cup cooked sweet potatoes, plain and mashed
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2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped 2 cups whole wheat flour
• •
3/4 cup water
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1 egg
Directions
1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. In a medium bowl, combine sweet potatoes, water, and egg. Add turkey and flour and stir again until dough is thick and sticky. 3. Use a rubber spreader to spread dough evenly on parchment-lined baking sheet, about 1/2-inch thick. Cut dough into small rectangles using a knife or pizza cutter. 4. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the dog treats are lightly golden brown. 5. Remove from oven and let treats cool completely. Break treats apart along score lines. 6. Serve fresh or store in refrigerator for up to two weeks. Inspired by TwoHealthyKitchens.com
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Your Hometown Vet
903.587.2210
LEONARDANIMALCLINIC.COM
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
400 HWY 69 South Leonard, TX 75452
903.587.2210
WWW.LEONARDANIMALCLINIC.COM
Inside
What’s in Your Pet’s Food?
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Win a Louis Vuitton Bag for Christmas!
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Traveling for the Holidays?
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Post-Feast Dog Treats
The Legend of Sergeant Reckless
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The Greatest American War Horse The Legend of Sergeant Reckless
Animals have acted as companions to humankind for thousands of years. They’re a near-constant source of companionship, comfort, and aid. Unfortunately, military animals don’t often get the recognition they deserve. One horse, in particular, was essential to the success of her regiment during the Korean War. Meet Sergeant Reckless. Bought for $250 in 1952 by a U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant at a Seoul racetrack, Sergeant Reckless was trained to carry ammunition for the 5th Marine Regiment. Her name was a play on the “recoilless” rifle ammunition she carried and a nod to the daredevil attitude of the soldiers who used them. Reckless was pivotal for her regiment in more ways than one. As Robin Hutton notes in her book “Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse,” "Because horses are 'herd' animals, the Marines became her herd. She bonded so deeply with them that Reckless would go anywhere and do anything to help her adopted family."
Sergeant Reckless’ greatest achievement occurred during the final stages of the Battle for Outpost Vegas. During the bloody five-day campaign, Reckless made 51 trips to resupply guns over the course of a single day. By the end of the battle, she had carried 386 rounds of ammunition by walking 35 miles through rice paddies and mountain trails. After dropping off the ammunition, Reckless would then bring wounded soldiers back to safety. Reckless was trained to lie down when under fire and avoid barbed wire, and her ability to do so without needing human command saved many lives during the battle. Reckless would close out her war career with two Purple Hearts and the rank of staff sergeant. She spent the rest of her years at Camp Pendleton in California. To learn more about this legendary mare, be sure to check out "Sgt. Reckless: America's War Horse” by Robin Hutton.
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Your Hometown Vet
903.587.2210
LEONARDANIMALCLINIC.COM
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