Unconditional love, eternal gratitude, and joy are expressed in wagging tails and purrs. A warm, soft body to cuddle with. A simple lifestyle. Facial expressions that reflect our every mood. Kisses whenever we want them. These are but a few of the wonderful things our pet companions bring into our lives.
It’s Spring for us and for our pets. It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget to move our pets up the priority list. I would like to see all of us resolve to give our pets more attention in 2025.
Ways to Give Pets More Attention
Daily Care & Hygiene
- Wash food and water dishes daily to prevent bacteria buildup and keep meals fresh.
- Brush their teeth regularly and schedule professional cleanings to prevent dental disease.
- Groom regularly with brushing, bathing, and nail trims to keep coats healthy and free of matting.
- Clean litter boxes daily and do a full wash once a week to maintain hygiene and prevent odor.
Exercise & Mental Stimulation
- Walk or run with your dog for at least 45 minutes daily to keep them fit and engaged.
- Encourage your cat to play every day—interactive toys, feather wands, or even an exercise wheel can help.
- Use puzzle toys and slow feeders to make mealtime more engaging and mentally stimulating.
- Refresh training and obedience skills—even simple routines help reinforce good behavior.
Comfort & Health
- Invest in high-quality food and treats to support long-term health.
- Provide cozy, supportive beds and heated resting spots for older or arthritic pets.
- Stop free-feeding to help maintain a healthy weight and prevent diabetes or joint issues.
- Supplement with essential fatty acids for joint, skin, and coat health.
- Use ramps or steps to help aging pets access beds, couches, or cars comfortably.
Quality Time & Bonding
- Dedicate distraction-free time to your pet—turn off the TV and put away your phone.
- Introduce fun experiences like catnip or new interactive toys to keep things exciting.
- Make everyday moments special—gentle petting, cuddles, and one-on-one time strengthen your bond.
Our animals appreciate every spare moment we have to return their love and attention. It’s their top priority to make us happy and it feels good to be able to give back to them. Thanks to all of my wonderful clients who take such amazing care of their pets!
Pet Case of the Month
Our pet case of the month for April is Emma. Emma is an adorable 6-year-old Jack Russell Terrier who was presented to our clinic for not eating for a couple of days.
She vomited once three days before but not since then. On exam, Emma was bright, alert, and responsive but seemed a little uncomfortable with palpation of her tummy and I found an interesting mass near her spay scar. We took an X-ray and it looked like her stomach was full of food or some other material. This did not make sense when she had not eaten for a couple of days unless the material in her stomach was not food.
The owners could not think of anything she had gotten into. We sent the X-rays out to our radiologist for review. We also sent out bloodwork to check her kidneys and liver and her infectious status. Her bloodwork came back completely normal except for a slightly low thyroid.
A Surprising Discovery
When Emma continued to refuse food we brought in our ultrasonographer who confirmed that her stomach was full of foreign material and recommended immediate surgery. We placed an IV catheter, started fluid therapy, and cleared out our schedule to allow us to take Emma to surgery immediately. When I started surgery I found and removed what looked like an entire mop in her stomach!
Meanwhile, back at home, her owners found a large section of a carpet missing that was hiding behind a piece of furniture in their home. I removed the carpet material and sutured the stomach back up. I also took out the mass I had found by the suture scar which ended up being completely benign on biopsy.
Emma was immediately relieved and happier when she woke up from anesthesia. She has done very well since. Her owners removed the carpet immediately from the household and we wish Emma a very healthy 2025.
