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SURGERY
Most surgeries are scheduled for Tuesday morning. Please do not feed or water your pet the day of the surgery (unless instructed otherwise). Complete anesthesia is used so your baby will not be afraid or uncomfortable. Cats will be spayed according to a new procedure, where the incision is made on the side, rather than on the abdomen. This is done for several reasons. First, it is easier to watch the incision during healing; second, cats jump and stretch and can rip their sutures out; third, cats seem less painful with this method and do not chew at their incision as much; and fourth, air can reach the area easier, causing a more rapid healing. Also, most females will be tattoo'd with a symbol letting other vets know the pet has been spayed. |
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CHECK-UP
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PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
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LABORATORY
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PHARMACY
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DENTISTRY
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HOUSE CALLS
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BOARDING
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TRAINING/OBEDIENCE
BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS
Dogs and people have lived together for thousands of years but that doesn’t mean we always understand each other. Living with pets can sometimes be as frustrating and confusing as living with other people!
Dogs are PACK ANIMALS. They are social and like to interact with people and other dogs. Your dog will do what you want it to do if it earns him praise or petting and he considers you to be the leader of his pack. All dog packs have a leader dog that makes decisions for the rest of the group. Other dogs are subordinate to the leader. Your dog should never think he is the leader in your house. You are the one who should decide when to eat, when to go out, etc. As with children, dogs that have rules to follow and respect for their parents are well behaved. Many behavior problems are a direct result of a lack of leadership on the part of the owner.
Dogs behave as they prefer knowing that you are in charge, and often seem much happier when they understand that you have taken charge. Following the advice below may be harder on you than on your dog! It’s lonely at the top, so give your dog a break and take over. He’ll love you just as much.
Keep in mind that dogs are very sensitive to body language and visual cues. Behaviors that you don’t think much about may have meaning to your dog in a way that may not be what you intended to say! For instance, two people talking face to face are confrontational in a dog’s body language. Standing side by side is not. You can learn to take advantage of nonverbal clues to your dog.
The following suggestions are an effective and humane way to let your dog know that it is safe, well loved, and not the leader of the pack. Keep in mind that love is not related to social status and that most dogs live in relaxed harmony when the social hierarchy is clear, no matter where they stand in it.
It’s not good to cater to your dog. Your dog’s behavior should drive your decisions on how to treat it. If your dog has always been a perfect gentleman, you may not need to change a thing you are doing. But if your dog gives you problems, follow these suggestions.
If it bites you, totally ignore it for two days to notify it there’s been a change in the household. Don’t speak to it or look at it, even when feeding or letting it out. Then follow this program to the letter for at least a month before giving any slack. Applying “social distance” when your pet is misbehaving and rewarding with praise and attention only when it is good is the key to good behavior. Reward the behavior you want to see continued!
TRAINING STRATEGIES
Petting:
Keep it brief and pet only for obedience. Reward obeying commands with attention. If your dog demands petting, either looks away (fold arms, turn head up & away from the dog) or asks for a sit or down and then pet when it obeys. If you want to pet your dog, call it to you, don’t go to it.
Practice “Look Always”:
Don’t let your dog demand play, food, or petting. IF your dog gets pushy, simply cross your arms, turn your head upward and to the side away from the dog. If your dog counters by moving to your other side, turn your head the other way. This is good practice to do any time your dog approaches you if he is very dominant and pushy. It is especially important if your dog has been aggressive towards you.
Teach “Lie Down & Stay.”
A good solid down & stay is one of the best learning tools. It teaches your dog to be patient and to wait for
Your command. You can practice while watching TV. Start with one-second stays for the first few days, and work up to longer and longer ones. After three weeks, most dogs can handle a half-hour down stay during a quiet time of the day. Correct breaks with a body block or a downward leash correction—not by simply repeating “down” & “stay” over and over again. If your dog gets up 25 times, then correct it 25 times with the same actions and tone of voice. Do not include anger in your correction. BE FIRM!
“Wait At The Door”:
The pack leader has priority meaning they get to push out the door first to get something they want. This is why a lot of dogfights occur at doorways over who gets to go out first. Control the space in front of the dog and you control the dog. Use body blocks or head toward a door or doorway and then suddenly turn and go the other way if your dog tries to get ahead of you. This puts you back in the lead. Praise and pet your dog when it starts to turn around after you and keep moving until it reaches you. Practice this as you move around the house until your dog is content to stay behind you and follow your lead.
“Four On The Floor.”
Dogs interpret an increase in height as an increase in status. Dogs who sleep up on the bed are especially impressed with themselves. Keep dominant dogs on the floor, not up on the chairs, couches, or bed. If you want to cuddle, get down on the floor, ask for obedience, and then pet when your dog complies.
Teach “Heel” Leaders are in the lead:
Teach your dog to stay at your side while you initiate pace and direction.
This basic obedience program should make treating any other behavioral problems easier. A dog that looks to you for direction can be taught almost anything. It will be happy to work for what it wants and it helps keep its mind occupied constructively. Integrate this training into your day by asking your pet to perform some action whenever it wants to go outside, be fed, play ball, etc. Letting you be in charge will soon become second nature to the dog.
Most problem dog behaviors are NORMAL dog behaviors that are simply unacceptable to the humans they live with. Redirecting and retraining can make our canine companions better and happier pets.
A few more tips:
Do your homework! There are plenty of good books available to assist you in training your dog. Be cautious, as there are many philosophies of how to train a dog. Outdated or cruel methods are still widely available in print. Much progress has been made in the past few years in understanding how dogs think and learn. We are able to deal with problem behaviors much more effectively once we understand how a dog’s mind thinks. Read more than one book and pick the methods that make the most sense to you. Consult with our staff if you are having problems. In severe cases, we may refer you to a pet behavioral specialist.
Consider using the PROMISE halter. This is a different style of training collar, which takes advantage of the dog’s natural response to pressure over the muzzle and behind the ears rather than a choke collar. Promise halters are more humane and more effective in solving several behavioral problems. We have short videotape on the use of this system in our office.
Using food as a reward for learning new commands is OK, but don’t give a food reward every time. Giving food intermittently means your dog will perform commands for you even when you don’t have a food, and also prevents weight gain. Keep all training positive and consistent. Call us to discuss any specific problems that develop with your pet.
HELPFUL HINTS
Avoid getting your pet into the habit of begging by always placing all treats as well.
This helps to reinforce in their minds that any food they receive will be found in that place.
Get your pet accustomed to riding in the car:
Start off with short trips and gradually work up to longer ones. This will also relieve some of the anxiety pets feel on the way to Veterinarian’s office by teaching them that car rides don’t always mean a trip to the doctor! Note: It is a good idea, especially with very young animals, to plan the ride a few hours after their last meal to avoid upset stomachs! Young animals should not spend any long amounts of time outside until they are fully vaccinated:
New experiences can be created for puppies by erecting barriers, tunnels, etc. This is an excellent
way to give quality play time and exercise to a virtually housebound animal, as well as helping to stimulate mental growth and development. Give your pet a treat when he successfully
completes a barrier or tunnel.
When disciplining your pet, NEVER call him to you to be punished: Get up and go over to him. He will be much more willing to respond to the “come” command if he associates it with affection, treats, or a trip in the car.
Pets should not be given any type of cloth toys, articles of clothing or shoes to play with:
It very difficult for them to distinguish between these “toys” and actual articles of the family’s.
Never play aggressive or “equal basis” games with your pet, especially a dominant puppy:
Even during play time, it should be made clear to your pet that you are the pack leader at all
times. It is possible to have lots of fun with your pet without losing your image as the authority
figure. Avoid playing fighting, tug-of-war, etc.
To help your pet adjust to his or her den, use a rag or blanket to play with your pet on, and
then use it in the den.
This playing on the rug will help the pet to associate it with good feelings and pleasant Activities.
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GROOMING
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New Vaccination Protocol
New Texas Law on 3-year Rabies
On March 4, 2003, the Zoonosis Control veterinarians in the Texas Department of Health met to discuss rabies vaccine licensed for a 3-year duration.
The law states that the first rabies booster must be within the 12-month interval following the initial rabies vaccination.
Local ordinances which are more restrictive than the state law still prevail. Therefore, if your ordinance states that animals will be vaccinated annually, they still must be vaccinated annually.
The law states that an animal must be revaccinated within 12 months following its initial rabies vaccination. The "initial vaccination" is usually thought of as the vaccination given prior to 4 months of age. The "12 months later" rule also applies if the animal is older when it receives its initial vaccination. The owner should keep and have available two rabies vaccination certificates: One to show that it has been vaccinated within the last 36 months (3 years) and another certificate from a prior vaccination in order to prove the latest vaccination was not the animal's initial vaccination. If it were its initial (i.e., the only one ever) vaccination, it would need a booster within 12 months.
The law states that the first booster must be within the 12-month interval following the initial vaccination.
The wording to the revised law can also be viewed on the web at: www.tdh.state.tx.us/Zoonosis/REGS/rabiesvacc/new.pdf
Here is the breakdown of the first visit for puppy shots for a G. Shep. pup:
Office visit $129.50
Fecal 100.00
Shots 500.00
I'm just kidding.
If you get all the recommended vaccinations, you do not have to pay for the office call, which is usually $35-55. If we do a fecal floatation to check for weird parasites, that usually runs around $15-20 - not sure. The recommended shot series is as follows:
6-8 weeks: 9 in one vaccination (Parvo/Distemper combo) 23.50
Bordatella vaccination 19.00
deworm and heartworm preventative 10.00-15.00
flea or tick stuff ? if needed around 10-15 (depends on weight of pup) This is the good stuff that lasts 2-3 weeks-for real.
nail trim on first visit is usually free but regular price is around 15-18.
Booster #1 three to four weeks later:
9 in one Booster (Parvo/Distemper combo) 24.50
Bordatella vaccination 19.00
deworm and heartworm preventative 10.00-15.00
Booster #2 three to four weeks later:
9 in one vaccination (Parvo/Distemper combo) 24.50
Bordatella #2 vaccination 12.00
deworm and heartworm preventative 10.00-15.00
RABIES Vaccination 10.50
6-12 Months Dental Shot for dogs 25.00
3 weeks later Dental Boostr 25.00
Heartworm preventative every month for ever and ever.
Deworming every quarter (every 3 mos) - new CDC (Atlanta) recommendations
6 month shots: Dental shot for high risk dogs, Bordatella
First year shots: 7 way, corona, rabies, maybe bordatella
Two years of age: the pharmaceutical companies recommend all shots again, but after three consecutive years of good vaccinations, the newest recommendation is to give the rabies, distemper, and corona every 2 years. Parvo and bordatella and Dental shot for high risk dogs should still be given every 6-12 months for life. Some vaccines are better than others and build up a better immune response. Parvo is not one of them. It is a horrible disease that changes every year and the vaccination is based on the last strain of disease that hit. (Sorta like the flu shot) The problem is that we are always behind the actual virus. Even a vaccinated dog can get Parvo but it will not be as severe as one that has no immunity at all to the disease.
Now, the years that we do not have to do a ton of shots, we can get baseline blood and urine values, which will pick up problems before they happen. The blood tests will not be just heartworm tests, but will be similar to the blood work you have done at an annual physical, Chem 20 or Panal Test (tests the organs), Complete Blood Count, Electrolytes, Thyroid, if needed, PSA, if an older male. I feel like we will be doing a better job as vets by finding things early and intervening to stop problems before they get out of hand. We have our own equipment, so we can have the results within 30-60 minutes. It runs approximately $75.00 for Chem 20, CBC, and Electrolytes, $40-48 for thyroid, cholesterol, triglycerides, and 40-50 for NSAID profile (if your pet is taking Rimadyl, Piroxicam, Metacam, or any other medicine that may affect the liver).
Bath and/or dip prices depend on the day, the time, if they've boarded, the weight of the animal, and the type of hair coat (German Shorthaired
Pointer vs Chow). Wednesday and after boarding, baths are less than half price $9.50 for the smallest, 39.00 for the largest - and does not include any grooming. Regular baths can run from $15-25 but grooming is commissiond through a groomer and can run between $26-90, depending on what is done, or how matted the fur is.
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Drive Thru "Pet Stop"
Come visit Molly at our new Drive Thru, "Pet Stop" window and door. You may drop off your pet or pick up medications, flea control, etc., without ever leaving the comfort and convenience of your car. "Would you like fries with that?"
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