I apologize that the At Home Pet Vet has not been loading up the blog with tidbits, but things have been nutsy in the personal life. In case you need de-stressing, this video of my friend's 3 day-old bunnies being a pile of bunnies might make you smile.
Bunny Porn
That done, knowing some basic dog park etiquette can make life much less stressful for you and your pooch. Dog parks don't close over the autumn and winter (or even in the rain). Hard-core dog owners - like myself - can be seen there at their usual time, letting their dogs bask in the delights of dog culture.
1) When you enter a park (and most parks have double gates, so you have an anteroom to prepare for the dog park), remove your pup's leash before she goes in. This will let your pup engage other dogs without worrying about being on walk behavior. It is much safer for your dog and the other dogs for your pup to be unleashed when she enters the park.
2) Bring some water (or fill up a container) for dog drinks. Don't be surprised if dogs play in the water or share with their friends. Even in the cooler weather, playing can dehydrate a dog!
3) Don't get hurt! If your pup is involved in an altercation or you are uncomfortable, just leave. Remember ways to break up fights including calling your dog or throwing water on the fight. Don't put your hand in to grab the dog - they may be too excited to distinguish dog from person and this is how many dog bites happen.
4) If dogs are racing around, SIT DOWN. A dog barreling into you may result in injury (mostly to you).
5) Don't be surprised if dogs move in packs, vocalize when they play, show teeth, or engage in rough play! The best gauge of whether a behavior is aggressive or playful is to ask the owner. This is time for your dog to be a dog!
6) If you come to the park, but don't like the make-up of dogs (or owners), come back at a different time. I'm a big fan of the early-morning dog park and have a regular group of dogs and owners that Roxy and I enjoy interacting with. I'm not as comfortable with the after-work groups, as the dogs aren't as compatible with Roxy's play style.
7) Pick up your poop! Dog parks are only fun when they're well-maintained and owners have a big part of that.
8) If your dog isn't used to parks, remember that short introductions are best. Start at a quieter time or with dogs you may already know. Then if your dog shows signs of fatigue or anxiety, leave to return another day. Bring a brush or some enjoyable reward to de-stress together in the park. (dogs need down-time, too - just don't be surprised if dogs get in line for brushing)
9) Enjoy yourself - get to meet some new people while letting your pooch be a pooch!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Sometimes no teeth make for a happier cat
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110908/LIFE/109080304/Animals-oral-hygiene-often-overlooked?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Home|p
Our very own Delaware News Journal featured this article today! Perhaps their contributions to National Cat Month?
My own eldest feline Ling-Hsing suffers from severe dental disease and had to have many of her teeth extracted several years ago. Ling-Hsing had dental tartar which became calculus and her gums were red and inflamed from the bacteria which was introduced under her gums. Then came the tooth resorption...
Tooth resorption happens in many cats, and we're not really sure why. It may have happened first or at the same time as the tartar build-up, again, nobody is quite sure why this happens (yet). The tooth itself starts to degrade. It happened to Ling-Hsing on some premolars and molars - inflammation and discomfort (pain really) comes along with it.
The only cure for the gingival disease, tooth resorption, discomfort, and the accompanying risks of deeper infection is cutting off the source of the infection --> removing the teeth. I always thought this seemed cruel. But, Ling-Hsing was much more comfortable after the tooth removal. She insisted on eating the same food as the other kitties after her surgery, so everyone was switched to wet food (only) for a few days. However, what she was interested in eating increased - larger treats and playing with harder toys. Her breath wasn't as stinky (she did still smell like a cat). And she was no longer shy about head petting and brushing!
Most importantly, we may have removed a potential source of bacterial infection in other organ systems.
It's been years since this surgery and she hasn't missed them.
Our very own Delaware News Journal featured this article today! Perhaps their contributions to National Cat Month?
My own eldest feline Ling-Hsing suffers from severe dental disease and had to have many of her teeth extracted several years ago. Ling-Hsing had dental tartar which became calculus and her gums were red and inflamed from the bacteria which was introduced under her gums. Then came the tooth resorption...
Tooth resorption happens in many cats, and we're not really sure why. It may have happened first or at the same time as the tartar build-up, again, nobody is quite sure why this happens (yet). The tooth itself starts to degrade. It happened to Ling-Hsing on some premolars and molars - inflammation and discomfort (pain really) comes along with it.
The only cure for the gingival disease, tooth resorption, discomfort, and the accompanying risks of deeper infection is cutting off the source of the infection --> removing the teeth. I always thought this seemed cruel. But, Ling-Hsing was much more comfortable after the tooth removal. She insisted on eating the same food as the other kitties after her surgery, so everyone was switched to wet food (only) for a few days. However, what she was interested in eating increased - larger treats and playing with harder toys. Her breath wasn't as stinky (she did still smell like a cat). And she was no longer shy about head petting and brushing!
Most importantly, we may have removed a potential source of bacterial infection in other organ systems.
It's been years since this surgery and she hasn't missed them.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The CATalyst: Happy Cat Month! 10 Ways to Make Your Cat Happy
September is Happy Cat Month - Who knew?
I always enjoy Steven Dale's writing on animal behavior and keeping animals happy!
The CATalyst: Happy Cat Month! 10 Ways to Make Your Cat Happy
I always enjoy Steven Dale's writing on animal behavior and keeping animals happy!
The CATalyst: Happy Cat Month! 10 Ways to Make Your Cat Happy
Sunday, September 4, 2011
The Longest Day.
Friday was a long day. After visiting the Delaware Pet Crematory (a necessary, but sad part of the job), I was finally driving my assistant (Brandy) home.... Please see my new blog site for this story on visiting the pet crematory and others.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Animal Sixth Senses
You're probably saying to yourself: enough about this vet and veterinary care, let's talk about animal 6th senses. And, in the name of earthquakes and animals being prescient of natural events, we will talk about some of the best references I have found to discern what animals know about the world that we may not suspect.
The first book (and I think required reading during the coming hurricane or tropical storm - run out to the library before it's too late) is by Rupert Sheldrake. Dr. Sheldrake is described as "one of the world’s most innovative biologists and writers, is best known for his theory of morphic fields and morphic resonance, which leads to a vision of a living, developing universe with its own inherent memory" by his own website. And he's a relatively good writer. His key book on animals is "Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home."
A little less scientific, (OK, a great deal less scientific) is Emma Heathcote-James. She emphasizes the psychic experience as opposed to the physics and scientific analysis. But, it takes all sorts to make the world go round and if you prefer this to Sheldrake, have at it! Psychic Pets: How Animal Intuition and Perception Has Changed Human Lives. I like animal-human bond stories.
Always a charmer and charming is the Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson new-world classic Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior. The rationale for this inclusion that we can't know what is beyond the scope of normal behavior without knowing what is to be expected.
If you have other preferred sources for understand the mysteries of animal intuition into the natural world, please give us suggestions and we'll share with everyone.
I just found this source from the National Zoo: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/PressMaterials/PressReleases/NZP/2011/earthquake.cfm It describes the responses of various animals to last week's earthquake. Interesting.
The first book (and I think required reading during the coming hurricane or tropical storm - run out to the library before it's too late) is by Rupert Sheldrake. Dr. Sheldrake is described as "one of the world’s most innovative biologists and writers, is best known for his theory of morphic fields and morphic resonance, which leads to a vision of a living, developing universe with its own inherent memory" by his own website. And he's a relatively good writer. His key book on animals is "Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home."
A little less scientific, (OK, a great deal less scientific) is Emma Heathcote-James. She emphasizes the psychic experience as opposed to the physics and scientific analysis. But, it takes all sorts to make the world go round and if you prefer this to Sheldrake, have at it! Psychic Pets: How Animal Intuition and Perception Has Changed Human Lives. I like animal-human bond stories.
Always a charmer and charming is the Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson new-world classic Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior. The rationale for this inclusion that we can't know what is beyond the scope of normal behavior without knowing what is to be expected.
I just found this source from the National Zoo: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Publications/PressMaterials/PressReleases/NZP/2011/earthquake.cfm It describes the responses of various animals to last week's earthquake. Interesting.
Welcome to My Blog!
Welcome to At Home Pet Vet Care! Let me introduce myself. My name is Dr. Sandra J. Platt and I'm a veterinarian who does house calls every day. House calls are my favorite way to talk with my clients, deal with behavioral problems, and manage pet health. I focus on helping my clients live the longest, healthiest lives possible with their pets. Often times creative problem solving is the most important part of veterinary practice!
I started off life in a dog-loving home. First White German Shepherds and then Great Pyrenees. Since then, I went to college and had majors in religion and neuroscience (I have never been able to chose). I received a Masters of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, because I love learning about how (and why) people tick. After a few years developing nonprofits, I went to veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvaina and am finishing up my Masters of Public Health from the University of Minnesota, focusing on geriatrics and their pets.
I currently live with four cats and a dog. I was afraid of cats when Leila was given to me by neighbors. More about Leila in future blogs, but she taught me a great deal – including her hatred for the "friend" I got from the shelter. I am amazed by my felines on a regular basis. Apparently, cats know when you are a sucker and I now have four, who all seem to enjoy each other's company and put up with my attentions.
My dog was an impulse adoption (and I know she picked me out, I wasn't even in the shelter itself, I was in the office!). I knew I wanted a dog at some point. I never imagined myself with a laborador. And I never imagined how much fun it would be to see the world through her eyes! Roxy loves her kitties and counts them regularly. She takes me to the park everyday and has introduced me to some fabulous people.If you call At Home Pet Vet Care and get her on the phone, don't be surpised if you hear licking. Her capacity for love is pretty remarkable, despite having been returned to the shelter twice!
If you have topics you want discussed, questions, problems, animal conundrums, I'm more than happy to address them here. I look forward to keeping you updated on our adventures at At Home Pet Vet Care!
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