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Pets First Monthly
March 2022
THE BENEFITS OF GOING OUTSIDE For You and Your Pets
As we enter March, the weather is getting warmer, and the days are getting longer. March is my favorite month because that means spring is quickly approaching. What I love about this month is that the birds are starting to come back out. We have a lot of robins that live in our area, and I love waking up to the sound of them chirping. When I hear those birds, I know that spring is finally here — the snow is melting, and we can socialize outside. Socializing is another thing I think of when warmer weather is on the way. In the winter, it’s like everyone is hibernating. I don’t see my neighbors as much unless they are outside shoveling snow out of their driveway. But with warmer weather approaching us, more and more people emerge from their hibernation and make their way outside. I’m excited to see my neighbors this month as I walk Sam. It’s always nice to see them as they are walking their animals or hanging out on their porches.
That’s very important — especially for dogs. During the winter months, your pets can get cabin fever.
They can have built-up mental and physical energy that they have difficulty releasing. That’s why I like to take Sam out on walks as much as possible when it gets warmer. It not
only helps me get some exercise, but it also helps Sam. You can start seeing a lot of behavioral problems with your dogs if they are not getting enough physical activity. They can become restless, overweight, destructive, and even depressed. The winter months don’t affect cats as much as dogs since they aren’t used to going outside as much as dogs. But cats still need to release their energy — even if they are used to being inside more often. Whether you have a dog or a cat, physical and mental activity is an essential part of keeping them healthy. During the winter months, you can get your pets new toys and treats to keep them stimulated. You can also buy puzzles for your cats and dogs to keep them entertained and their minds sharp. You can play hide and seek with their toys. Hide their toys around the house and get them to search for them. This will get them up and moving and also allow them to use their incredible senses. There are tons of benefits for you and your pets in the warmer months, including stress relief. Take this time to bond with your animals: Go outside and smell the fresh air; you never know how much you can benefit from being in the great outdoors.
Being outside is also one of my favorite things. Ever since I was little, I’ve loved being outside when it was warm. I would go fishing, hiking, and boating. You can never beat those kinds of activities because being outdoors is a kind of stress reliever for me. I am quite a chef when it comes to cooking on my grill. Grilling is a passion of mine, and when it’s warm out, I usually cook food on my grill at least two or three times a week. I like to grill hamburgers, pork chops, chicken, steaks, vegetables, and potatoes wrapped in foil. There is so much you can do outside when it’s warm that you can’t do when it’s cold. Your animals also love warm weather because they can go outside more and get some physical activity.
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Jessika has always had a love for animals. While growing up, she and her family always had both dogs and cats. It wasn’t until she adopted her first Yorkshire terrier puppy, Gus, shortly after graduating high school that she discovered her passion and desire to work in the veterinary field. After working full time as a gas station cashier, she began the Veterinary Technician program at Kirkwood Community College. She graduated from Kirkwood in May 2015 after two years of schooling and a full-time summer internship. In August 2015, she passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam and became a Registered Veterinary Technician. During her schooling and shortly after graduating, Jessika worked full time at a veterinary clinic in Waterloo before joining the Petersen Pet Hospital team in January 2016. Meet Jess
To Chew or Not to Chew … That Is the Question?!
Jessika chose a career in the veterinary field because of her passion to help those that could not help themselves. She loves every pet she meets and
Without question, most dogs are avid chewers, and it is important to know the appropriate chewable products. The problem with some chew toys is that they can be very hard on the teeth and can even break them! Jack is a 7-year-old Jack Russel Terrier that came in with Dr. Eike for his annual exam. While doing a thorough oral exam, Dr. Eike found that he fractured his large side chewing tooth called a carnassial tooth. With some investigation, the cause of the fracture was revealed! Jack loves his toys! Unfortunately, while chewing on a deer antler, the tooth broke! With the pulp (nerve canal) being exposed and part of the enamel broken off (slap fracture) (bottom photo), it was painful. If left untreated, it will eventually become infected and cause even more problems. Sometimes these fractures can be deceptive as they can be hidden by tartar (top right photo)! This tooth is not simply extracted but has to be surgically removed under anesthesia, all three roots individually. It is sutured closed so there is no open exposure of the tooth sockets and bone (top left photo). The sutures absorb over several weeks to months. Soft food is warranted after surgery for approximately 10–14 days so not to disrupt the sutures while they heal initially. Pain medications and antibiotics are prescribed to keep the site healthy and comfortable.
Sardine and Flaxseed Cat Treats
Inspired by HomemadeDogTreatsNow.com
Products that are not recommended for chewing include deer antlers (of course), ice cubes, and rawhides. What is recommended includes Kong and most Nylabone products. A good rule of thumb is that if you can indent the
toy with your fingernail, then it is likely okay to give to your dog. If there is any question, please give us a call. Before we knew it, with new and safer toys, Jack was back playing again (minus the deer antler this time).
Jack’s teeth
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sika!
Make a 4-Leaf Clover Keepsake
enjoys getting to know each of their individual personalities. She has a soft spot for our senior patients and always tries her best to keep them comfortable and relaxed during their visits with us. In March 2017, she received her Fear Free
Certification. This certification means that she has been educated in the ways of making the entire process of taking your pet to the veterinary office much less stressful and fearful. Jessika lives in Keystone with her husband, Jim. They have a rather large furry family including Gus, who would do anything for a snack; Ellie, a Jack Russell terrier, who enjoys splashing in the water and getting as dirty as possible; their four cats — Perrie, Geronimo, Arby, and Kiwi — who all love sunbathing, grooming each other, and getting into as much trouble as they can find; and lastly, a yellow-bellied slider named Jonathan Turtle Thomas. Jessika grew up with nine siblings, so having an empty and quiet house has just never felt right to her. In her free time, Jessika enjoys spending time with her family, getting outside as much as possible, watching documentaries, and spending time with her pets. Your fluffy feline is about to be addicted to these healthy and savory snacks! They aren’t quite catnip, but they’re close! INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup whole- wheat flour • 2 tbsp flaxseed • 1/4 cup parsley • 1 3–4-oz package of sardines • 1 egg • 2 tsp coconut oil DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. 3. In a large bowl, mix together flour, flaxseed, and parsley. 4. Place the sardines, egg, and oil in a food processor, and mix until finely puréed. 5. In the bowl, combine the wet ingredients with the dry, stirring to combine. 6. Line a counter or cutting board with flour and roll dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. 7. Using a cookie cutter, cut out small shapes. 8. Bake the treats on the lined baking sheet for 10–12 minutes. 9. Allow to cool. Store in an airtight container.
But Find the Elusive Good- Luck Charm First One of St. Patrick’s Day’s most popular symbols is a four-leaf clover. In Ireland, these clovers represent luck and good fortune. Each leaf on the clover has a different meaning — faith, hope, love, and success. It’s a tradition to find a four- leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day and do activities involving this lucky leaf. So, how do you find these good-luck charms, and what can you do with them? How to Find a 4-Leaf Clover Although it may seem difficult, it’s easier than you might think. First, find a dense patch of white clover — near it is where four-leaf clovers reside. They are different from the rest and are often smaller, so keep that in mind when you look for the lucky green clovers. Instead of staring at the patch in close detail and counting leaves, search the patch without focusing on the tiny details. This increases the odds of eyeing a four-leaf clover because the different patterns, shapes, and sizes of these clovers will jump out at you. If you find one, keep looking! There’s a chance another one might be nearby. Clover Craft Once you find your clover, preserve the luck in it all year by placing it in a picture frame. First, gently press the clover leaves between the pages of a large book for several days to flatten them out. After pressing, you can add green food coloring to your clover to enhance its color. Once it’s dry, clean it and let it sit overnight. Then, place your clover onto acid-free paper, cut to fit the size of a picture frame of your choice. Next, use acid-free glue to keep your clover in place, and finally, seal your frame shut. You now have your personal good luck charm!
Searching for a four-leaf clover and creating a keepsake will be a great bonding experience for you and your family. We wish you luck! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
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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 teammeetings) Sat: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Sun: Closed
Inside This Issue
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Why Being Outdoors Is Essential for Your Animals
PRIMARY
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BLACK To Chew or Not to Chew Meet Jessika! Sardine and Flaxseed Cat Treats 50% BLACK
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SECONDARY
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Create a Keepsake for Good Luck Year-Round
Inside the Hot New Pet Tech Market
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WEARABLE TECH … FOR YOUR PET? Dog and Cat Gadgets Are Hitting the Market
If you don’t have a smartwatch or fitness tracker, you almost certainly know someone who does. Wearable tech is big business. Companies have already introduced options for adults and kids, and the next frontier is tech for your pet. Pet wearables are already on the market, and consumers have shown a willingness to spend money on their furry companions. So, what does pet tech do — and is it worth your money? A missing pet is every owner’s worst nightmare, and sadly, many animals don’t make it home safe. Microchipping has become common, but a standard chip only assists if someone else finds your pet and brings them to a vet or shelter. Wearable GPS technology, however, tells you how to find Fido now. With a small device, owners can constantly monitor their pets’ locations and quickly find their whereabouts if they get lost.
Most pet GPS trackers also serve as activity monitors. Owners of outdoor cats can keep tabs on where they’re spending their time and whether they might be encountering dangerous situations. You can also learn whether your pet is getting enough exercise or if you need to increase their playtime. It’s fun to see a map of where your cat has been — but seeing the world through their eyes is even better. Pet cameras attach to animals’ collars and record everything from their point of view. If you regularly leave your pet in someone else’s care, the camera can function as a safety device to ensure they’re being treated properly — and that you’re getting your money’s worth.
food and water bowls that dispense only when a certain microchip is present. And
a pet sensor for your doggie door is practical if you want the dog to go in and out of the house without bringing along other animals. If you’re worried about your pet’s safety, investing in one of these devices can give you peace of mind — money well spent. But if you’re just curious about how many steps your cat takes each day or hate getting up to feed the dog, it might be worth waiting. As they become more commonplace, pet wearables, like their human counterparts, will eventually decrease in price.
Wearables for your pet also provide convenience. For households with multiple pets, there are now
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