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April 2026 surfacecreekveterinarycenter.com 970-856-4474
SCVC Pawprint
More Than Treats and Belly Rubs We see countless well-behaved dogs who had horrible lives in the past but were lucky enough to be adopted into loving homes where pet parents set firm boundaries. That doesn’t mean harsh punishment; it means that the pet receives negative reinforcement when it’s due. A good pet owner can teach even a pet with an aggressive genetic makeup to heed limits. THE MAKING OF A TOP PET PARENT
It’s been said that you can tell a lot about a person’s character by how they treat their pets. In recognition of National Pet Parent Day on April 26, this is a good time to celebrate that unique bond. Being a great pet parent is not easy. Not only do responsible owners provide their animals with regular checkups, dental care, vaccinations, grooming, healthy food, exercise, and positive attention, they also must set sensible limits on their pets’ behavior. If this sounds a lot like being a human parent, you’re right! In reality, great pet parents have a lot in common with great Moms and Dads. Healthy Boundaries We welcome all of our clients and their pets, but there are some animals that are a real pleasure to see. They are engaged, alert, and consistently well-behaved. They respect their owner’s instructions. These are animals you would enjoy having in your home. Great pet parents teach their animals to behave, regardless of their background, breeding, or past history. Sure, sometimes animals with a questionable background may be challenging to train, especially at first, but we have seen numerous success stories. And anyone who cares about animals feels empathy for pets that have been mistreated or injured! But it’s a mistake for a pet parent to think, “If I just give them love, they’ll realize it, feel it, and behave better.” That isn’t what we see. All pets, like children, need boundaries to feel secure.
Also, great pet parents understand that animals (like children) will test the boundaries from time to time. That isn’t because they’re rebelling. They’re asking, “Is the boundary today the same as it was a month ago?” And when the owner confirms it, the pet is probably thinking, “Fine, just checking!” They just want to make sure that you’re still in charge.
Beyond healthy boundaries, here are three other pet-parenting essentials.
Exercise Give your dog the right amount of exercise to suit their breed, age, temperament, and size. Cats are natural predators, so giving your kitty an opportunity to stalk and “kill” things, even if it’s just a stuffed mouse, keeps them active. And for most pets, exercise outdoors stimulates the brain and increases their sense of well-being. A Nutritious Diet My clients often ask me, “What’s the best food?” The best food is what enables your dog or cat to thrive. In general, wet food is better than dry food for dogs’ health. But because wet food costs roughly five times more, we recommend splitting dogs’ diets 50/50 between the two. Health Care Good pet parents ensure their pets get the vaccines, parasite prevention, and dental care they need. Also, regular veterinary check-ups enable your veterinarian to catch health problems early, preventing your pet from suffering from an untreated illness. We appreciate all the pet parents we see who work hard to care for their pets. As we approach National Pet Parent Day, Dr. Susie and I are sending our appreciation to each and every one of you. We look forward to supporting your efforts in the year to come!
– Dr. Jeff
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WHAT TO WATCH FOR AND HOW TO HELP Up, Up, and Asleep Pet Anxiety 101
Have you ever wondered how birds manage to fly thousands of miles without a layover? For one seabird, the secret is a good power nap … in the sky … mid-flight. The great frigatebird can stay aloft for two months without touching the ground and snoozes while its wings are still busy flapping. While scientists once thought the idea of birds staying air-bound for their shut eye was just a feathered fable, new research is shedding light on the frigatebird’s rest routines. Frigatebirds are unique among seabirds because they can’t swim. Though they fly over large bodies of water, they can’t take a break on the sea, as they could drown. Researchers began to wonder how these birds undertake this voyage without sleeping. Surely, the flyers had to be catching z’s while in the pilot’s seat, right? A study found that these seabirds take 10-second siestas, totaling about 45 minutes of sleep a day. They still have to do a little steering with their eyes closed, so they only shut down one side of their brain. This allows them to avoid mid-air crashes, and it only occurs when they glide upward on an updraft. Other birds, like mallard ducks, literally sleep with one eye open. Like the frigatebird, they keep one side of their brain awake so they can react to movement, predators, and the world around them. But their earth-bound naps are not quite as impressive. The majority of bird species like to find a comfy perch, like a branch, when they sleep. They keep their feet tight around the support so they don’t take a tumble while they dream. They usually sleep for a minute at a time for about 10–12 hours of rest each day. Does the thought of micro-naps while soaring through the skies make you feel tired? Renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci is rumored to have slept only 90 minutes every day, in 15-minute bursts. But he did that on land. For the rest of us, high-altitude power naps are only for the birds. The Birds Who Snooze While Soaring
An anxious pet is an unhappy pet. If your dog or cat appears uneasy or fearful much of the time, it’s wise to look into the causes and help your pet gain confidence. Signs of anxiety in a pet may include drooling, panting or rapid breathing, flattened ears, and destruction of toys or furniture. Dogs may signal their unease by whining or licking their lips. An anxious cat may drop their head below the level of their shoulders, keep their tail low, and meow more often than usual. Pets become anxious for a variety of reasons. They may suffer from separation anxiety over your departure. Loud or unfamiliar sounds may unnerve a pet. And puppies or kittens that weren’t socialized young may be fearful of facing new things, such as the arrival of a guest. Here are three ways a concerned pet owner can help. Offer Comfort
Pets are reassured by predictable routines. Simple things like asking your dog to sit before petting them or scheduling meals and walks at the same time each day can give your pet a sense of control. For dogs, crate-training can provide a secure refuge during unexpected events. You might teach your pet to stay in their crate during family mealtimes, for example, so they see the crate as a secure place.
Also, teach your dog to respond to commands to come to your side, sit, or lie down. This enables you to distract them when
anxiety-producing situations arise, such as the approach of a stranger. Your dog will learn that obeying your commands is a way to achieve safety and security. Modify Their Behavior Another method of addressing anxiety is desensitization, or exposing your pet to low levels of the upsetting stimulus and gradually increasing their exposure as they get used to it. If your cat is afraid of strangers, have a friend role-play a visitor who arrives at your house and stands at a distance. Reward your cat when they remain calm. Then gradually decrease the distance between your cat and the visitor. Another strategy is counter-conditioning. This entails giving your pet a treat or other positive reinforcement every time they encounter something that causes anxiety. For example, if your kitten is afraid of the family dog, give them a treat every time the dog comes near. Get a Checkup If your pet continues to suffer, ask your veterinarian for help. They will be able to rule out physical causes of anxiety, such as pain or a thyroid disorder. They may also be able to suggest medication or other strategies to help your pet enjoy life again.
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Early Clues, Better Outcomes Regular Blood Tests Can Add Years to Your Pet’s Life
Pets are superstars at hiding their illnesses. Their natural instincts discourage them from showing weakness or vulnerability to predators. As a result, ailing pets often keep their owners in the dark about how bad they’re feeling. Fortunately, humans have a highly effective tool for detecting illness. Annual blood tests can catch a pet’s hidden health problems early, when they are easier to treat. In some cases, running a regular blood panel can save your pet’s life by revealing potentially life-threatening conditions before it’s too late. Blood tests are best performed as part of an annual or semi-annual wellness check to establish a baseline and monitor changes in your pet’s well-being. A complete blood count, or CBC, can detect the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your pet’s bloodstream. These measurements are important early indicators of dehydration, infections, and anemia. While there is no reliable blood test for cancer in pets, we can detect potential signs of cancer . These tests reveal clues of infection or other problems somewhere in the body. A high lymphocyte count, for example, could signal lymphoma or an infection. A biochemistry profile measures your pet’s levels of electrolytes and certain enzymes to see how well their organs are functioning. Other tests detect the presence of heartworms and other parasites, which can
be deadly if left untreated. We are seeing an increase
in infestations in our area, and blood tests are critical for detecting problems early. If you wait until symptoms show up, it may be too late.
Blood tests offer other valuable clues to your pet’s well-being. A thyroid panel can determine whether your dog or cat has hypothyroidism (too little production of the thyroid hormone) or hyperthyroidism (too much production). A gastrointestinal (GI) panel can detect diseases of the GI system, such as pancreatitis. Blood tests can also determine whether your pet is at high risk for certain genetic conditions or is allergic to specific substances. Taken together, the information we gain from running a blood panel can provide real peace of mind for pet owners, track changes in your pet’s health from year to year, and prevent emergencies caused by undetected health problems. We typically include them in our pet patients’ regular checkups to head off these heartaches later!
UnNtiloFtiucrether Due to a staffing shortage, SCVC will be closed on Saturdays until further notice. SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM 3 We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
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Clients Spreading the Word
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1 inside this issue What Every Great Pet Parent Knows
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The Science of Sky-High Slumber
Gentle Ways to Soothe an Anxious Dog or Cat
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The Lifesaving Power of Routine Blood Tests for Pets
New SCVC Policies
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The Barking That Saved a Life
BARKING AT THE RIGHT MOMENT The Dog That Saved a Veteran From a Stroke NC aenwc eAl l aptpi ooni nPt mo leinc yt 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.
When Hank Ford ended his service with the U.S. Army and Marines, he felt completely alone. The veteran had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and struggled to trust people. But dogs were a different story. When he received his service dog, a yellow Labrador named Tommy, he gained a steadfast companion who made each day a little less scary. “Used to be, I walk into a place, and I’m looking for exits,” Ford said in an interview. “I’m watching everybody. I’m just not trusting anything that’s going on, and with him, all that seems to have gone away.”
soon as Hank stood up, he felt it too. His heart was pounding so hard he could feel it, and when he checked his blood pressure, he was shocked at the number. Hank wasted no time driving himself to the hospital, and it was only then that he realized how crucial his dog’s fast thinking really was. The doctor informed him he was experiencing an A-fib or irregular heartbeat. Left untreated, it could lead to life-altering or deadly strokes. “They told me, had he not woken me up, I could have had a major stroke in bed, or not woken up at all,” he said. “He saved my life.” Hank received treatment, and in the months since the incident, he’s been feeling more like himself. The veteran was incredibly thankful to Dog, Inc., the nonprofit that trained and provided Tommy to assist with his day-to-day mental health needs. Though the Lab was well-trained to handle his owner’s PTSD, Dog, Inc. said his life-saving action went above and beyond.
Though his four-legged friend had brought so much relief and calm to his life, he never expected Tommy would actually save his life. The pup prevented a massive stroke that could have had dire consequences. Early one morning, Tommy broke all of his usual routines, barking at Hank at an odd time while the veteran snoozed. He was persistent, using his voice like never before and pawing at Hank’s chest until he arose. Clearly, Tommy sensed something was wrong, and as
Tommy’s feat proves just how close the bond between a service dog and their human really is.
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