The Least We Can DR. ANN EIKE’S LONG COMMUTE As children, we’re often told we can be anything we want to be when we grow up. Dr. Ann Eike never needed this motivation. She knew exactly what she wanted to be from day one. “I was born to be a vet,” says Dr. Eike. “Never once during my childhood did I want to do anything else. I’ve always loved animals, and all animals do is love you. No matter what happens, they offer unconditional love. And they don’t ask for much. Helping them is really the least any human can do.” Dr. Eike attendedWestern Illinois University for her undergraduate work before getting her doctor of veterinary medicine degree at the University of Illinois in 2008. She met her husband while attending veterinary school and together, they moved to his home state of Iowa. After graduating, Dr. Eike spent some time working at a small mixed animal practice. “After seven years, I felt like I wanted to do more,”Dr. Eike says. “I wanted to work with companion animals somewhere I would have colleagues to bounce ideas and diagnoses off of. I started looking for a new opportunity right around the time Petersen Pet Hospital was looking for a new veterinarian. It was a great fit! The environment is wonderful, the people are wonderful, and I knew from my first interview that this was where I wanted to be. Every day, I commute an hour to and from work. I think that says something about how much I like my job and the people I work with.”
Stop the Fur From Flying
HOW TO BRING YOUR CAT TO THE VET
Cats are famously stoic, which is why they may look healthy to the untrained eye. It’s important to bring your cat to the veterinarian to make sure your cat really is healthy throughout their whole life. The trouble is that our feline friends aren’t usually pleased to be taken outside of their homes. If taking your cat to the vet is always a struggle, Dr. Ann Eike has some tips on how to make the trip more comfortable for everyone. Don’t Make the Carrier a Stranger Don’t wait to grab the cat carrier right before you go to the vet. Leave the carrier out like a piece of furniture so your cat can become familiar with it. Leave the door open and put their food, water, or a blanket inside so the carrier isn’t so scary. Use Happy Pheromones When your cat rubs their face on you, they’re spreading happy pheromones, which reduces stress. Using synthetic pheromones, like Feliway, inside the carrier can help cats relax. Keep the Carrier Covered Seeing the trees whiz past or dogs outside the car window can really stress cats out. Cover the carrier with a towel or blanket so your cat isn’t bothered by the view. Only One Cat Per Carrier Even if your two cats are the best of buds, don’t put them in the same carrier. In a stressful situation, even friendly cats can argue with each other. You don’t want your cats fighting while you’re trying to drive. Don’t Be Fooled by the Handle Cat carriers should always be supported from the bottom. The handle can be used to keep the carrier stable, but don’t use it to carry your cat around. Bonus: Don’t Put the Carrier on the Floor When you arrive at the vet’s office, don’t place your cat’s carrier on the floor. Cats are more comfortable up higher, so set the carrier on the counter or in a chair beside you. At Petersen Pet Hospital, we have a perch designated for cat carriers right next to the fish tank, so your cat can enjoy a relaxing view while waiting. We can help make the trip easy! At Petersen Pet Hospital, we know how stressful a trip to the vet’s office can be for our feline friends. That’s why we offer our Kitty Komfort Kit! This kit includes calming pheromone wipes, medication to decrease anxiety, and other supplies to help make your cat’s trip a little less stressful. Call 319-743-0554 to ask about the Kitty Komfort Kit or swing by the hospital and grab one before your cat’s next appointment.
Leftover Thanksgiving Dog Treats
Contact us! 319-743-0554
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