The Paw Print

Lost pet...can you image if this was your beloved pet?

Millions of pets are lost each year and sadly few are reunited with their owners. It is important for your pet to have indentification at all times. While collar and tags are important, they can fall off or become damaged. Microchipping is a permanent, lifetime ID for your pet. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice that is implanted under the skin.

The process is similar to getting a vaccination with little to no pain. Once in place, the microchip can be detected by a handheld scanner indentifying your pet's microchip number. After placement, simply enroll your pet's ID code along with your contact information. Then your pet can be traced back to you. 

Here's how it works...

The unthinkable happens and your pet gets lost. You report your lost pet and the HomeAgain™ network goes into action. Recovery specialists send lost pet alerts to veterinary clinics, shelters and local volunteers to be on the lookout for your pet. You can also go online to print a personalized lost pet poster. Once your pet is found HomeAgain™ will contact you to arrange a happy homecoming. 

Microchipping provides the peace of mind that you've given your pet the permanent, lifetime ID they need for the best chance to come home.  

Thunderstorm Anxiety

With spring comes the threat of severe weather, and for some of our patients, the fear of thunderstorms. Some dogs get accustomed to storms (habituation), others may become more sensitive. Even a single frightening event during a storm may contribute to a fear of thunderstorms. The degree of anxiety is based on the dog's perception of threat. If that response is severe enough, it is considered a phobia. We also need to remember that our pets will see our response to storms, so if we are showing panic or anxiety, it can make our pet's anxiety worse. 

Signs that a dog with thunderstorm anxiety may exhibit are panting, hiding, trembling, pacing, vocalization, and being destructive. These signs may be exacerbated for animals that are alone, and those pets with seperation anxiety often have thunderstorm and noise fears. Dogs may try to hide to avoid a thunderstorm; this is a normal response. if your pet is restless, you can help him to find a safe haven and help him relax. This safe spot should be readily available, especially if your pet is home alone. You can also help by limiting the fear-evoking elements by closing doors and windows and by using a white noise machine or music to help block out the sounds. Some dogs will respond to redirection by giving the dog alternative and anxiety-incompatible behaviors such as obedience exercises, fun activities, or relaxation responses. Some people can use recordings of thunderstorms to do a systematic desensitization and counter conditioning to lessen anxiety, but this technique should be implemented under the direction of your veteirnarian or veterinary behaviorist. Every family and every dog is different, so it may take time to figure what is best for your situation.

Some pets do not respond to the above techniques, so we have to intervene with alternative methods. We can use a Thundershirt™ for physical comfort that mimics a swaddling technique; there are pheromones (D.A.P sprays, diffusers, and collars) which can be used alone or in combination with other methods, and some pets require prescription anti-anxiety medications. Some very anxious animals may need a long-term medication in combination with a shorter acting medication for high anxiety times. If you have a pet that you believe suffers from storm anxiety, please call to set up an appointment with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for you and your pet. 

Now Featuring.... Everlasting Bento Balls

The Bento ball is a great toy that allows dogs to be able to keep their teeth clean and have an enjoyable time. This provides the pet with hours of play and can reduce anxiety and boredom behaviors.

It is vitually indestructible;challenging the dogs for hours as they attempt to retrieve the treat in the middle. Another feature of this wonderful toy; the opposite end can be filled with your choice of any small treat or kibble. The rough, nubby surface of the Bento Ball can clean teeth and gums. The Bento Ball is also latex free and is dishwasher safe. Stop in to purchase. 

Toxic Plants for Pets

Many pet owners are unaware of the plant varieties that can be toxic to their pet. Below is a table listing some of the more common toxic plants. Below the chart are two websites that provide a more complete list that include details on which parts of the plants are potentially fatal. Please contact the pet poison hotline (1-800-213-6680) should your pet dine on a toxic plant. 

www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/plans_poisonous_to_pets.html

www.aspca.org/per-care/poisoncontrol/plants/

Trinity's Caring Canines

Trinity Medical Center has started a canine therapy program called Caring Canines. This is a program that uses specially trained and qualified dogs to provide therapy for patients. Studies have demonstrated that exposure to therapy dogs can relieve stress, lower blood pressure and relieve depression. The patients will have the opportunity to brush, pet, or just enjoy the company of the pet. If the dog is small enough, then with permission, the patient can hold the pet or have it placed on their bed.

How can you help? The therapy is looking for qualified dogs. The staff from Trinity Volunteer Services interviews and screens each Caring Canine candidate and owner. The dog must be at least 1 year old, obedient, trained, and housebroken. They have to have proof that they have completed a 6- week obedience training program, passed a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test or a novice CD title. He or she must be up to date on vaccinations and have current licenses. The handler must be interviewed and accepted by the program, have a TB test and pass a background check. This is a commitment to visit the hospital at least twice per month. If your are interested, please pick up a brochure at our hospital or contact the Trinity Caring Canines program via Trinity Volunteer Services at (309) 779-2211. 

Parasite Prevention

Parasites are everywhere and can be a nuisance if not dealt with effectively. Diagnosing a parasite infection is done by taking a stool sample to your veterinarian and having it analyzed. We recommend checking a stool sample at least annually to make sure your pet(s) have not picked up a parasite.

There are many kinds of parasite preventatives on the market, but make sure that you are aware of what each protects against and the possible side effects that it could cause your pet. Here at Kimberly Crest we highly recommend purchasing your prevention from a veterinarian to ensure you are getting the best quality product that will give your pet the best protection from the manufacturer. 

Sentinel™ is one brand of preventative that we offer. This protects against heartworm disease, controls adult hookworm infections, removes and controls adult roundworm and whipworm infections in dogs and puppies. It also controls flea populations by preventing them from reproducing and causing infestations.

Interceptor™ is the second type of prevention that we have for dogs and puppies. It helps protect against the same infestations as Sentinel™described above except , this brand does not have anything in it to control fleas, therefore it is recommended to also use topical flea prevention such as Fronline Plus™.

We recommend year round parasite prevention for heartwom disease, intestinal parasites and fleas. If you treat year-round, we only require heartworm testing pets every 2 years. If you do not give year-round prevention, then we test every year. Heartworm disease is carried by mosquitoes and right now there is no treatment available. For that reason, make sure that you are treating your pets every month to ensure that they are fully protected. 

Keeping stools in the yard picked up daily is also a great way to help keep you and your pet(s) protected from intestinal parasites. There is also a higher risk of infestation at places such as dog parks and heavily traveled areas.