Fear of loud noises.....How to help your pet

Many dogs and cats are scared of  loud noises like thunder, fireworks etc. Problems associated with fear of loud noises are destruction and escaping. They will often cause damage to themselves and the home out of fear. These behavior issues that many refer to it as can effect the pets home life to the point that people are forced to re-home them or they become very injured or spend most their life in a cage. I know most people don't want this to happen to their pets. I found some great websites with really good information that can help you. There are different ways to deal with it, it is best to find the one that works best for you and your pet. I also have heard good things about a product called the thundershirt it will help with your pets anxiety.

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/fear_thunder_loud_noises.html

http://www.webvet.com/main/2008/10/13/how-calm-dog-scared-loud-noises
http://www.thundershirt.com/?gclid=CIy8-reF9bMCFUjZQgodiGQABQ

Making a Disaster Plan for your Pet

With the latest disaster Hurricane Sandy, I thought it would be a good idea to find some information about how people can prepare for a disaster with their pets. I read a lot of stories about people who would not leave their homes because they did not want to leave their pets behind. But what a lot of people don't know is that there are many resource's that will help with your pets during a disaster and you don't have to leave them behind. It is always best to be prepared. Here are some links for some great advice on how to be prepared.

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness/

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/petprotect.asp

National Vet Tech Week

It is national vet tech week, and I wanted to make sure I commented on how amazing the vet technician I have been honored to work with are. Vet technician are such a important part of the field. They are not only important to the pets but also to the clients. You can ask any technician and they will tell you that the reason the picked this job. They will tell you because of a love of animals. I know many of us have spent long hours away from family and loved ones, because of how important our jobs are to us.

Veterinary technicians perform their duties under the supervision of veterinarians, but the location where the work takes place can vary dramatically. Small, private practices, 24-hour pet hospitals, regional animal shelters and independent laboratories are just a few of the common workplaces. Vet techs also help at animal research facilities, zoos, racetracks, boarding kennels and rescue agencies. Most employers focus their practices on either small animals or large animals.

Laboratory

• Collect blood, stool, urine or tissue samples for testing
• Perform laboratory tests, such as urinalysis, heartworm in
  spections, feline leukemia tests and blood counts
• Take and develop x-rays

Surgical

• Sterilize instruments and equipment
• Assist with dental procedures
• Prepare animals for surgery
• Administer anesthesia to animals
• Euthanize seriously injured or ill animals

Examination and Treatment

• Ask probing questions about the reason for the visit
• Record case history, weight, temperature and other details
• Restrain and stabilize animals during examination and treatment
• Trim nails, express anal glands, remove sutures and perform other routine procedures
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments prescribed by a veterinarian
• Provide basic education on animal care, nutrition and medical conditions
• Teach clients how to administer medicines at home
• Recommend products for optimal wellness, such as vitamins, supplements, dental cleaning, flea control, geriatric care and dietary measures

Office Management

• Maintain animal records and billing information
• Prepare and label medications to be sent home with the patient
• Clean and organize examination rooms
• Order, organize, label and restock supplies and pet foods
• Feed, walk and bathe animals when applicable
• Train new employees

Customer Service and Reception

• Answer phones
• Schedule appointments
• Greet customers
• Prepare invoices
• Discharge patients
• Follow up with clients

Essential Skills and Qualities

A veterinary technician job description typically lists the physical duties that must be performed, but technicians also need to hold certain personality traits. Some of the most important characteristics are listed below.

Good communicator: Vet techs must work with a variety of animal owners, doctors and office staff. Each person must be kept informed in a way that is clear and meaningful. Technicians must also be able to demonstrate compassion in situations that are stressful and frustrating.

Detail-oriented: Vet techs work with details every day, from symptoms and animal behaviors to diagnostic test results and medicine dosages. Workers must stay focused and organized in order to avoid mistakes.

Animal lover: The most successful vet techs are passionate about the animals they see on a daily basis. At the same time, they must be able to control their emotions, especially during times of distress or death.

Working Conditions

Helping sick and injured animals all day can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. Veterinary technicians typically work long hours, including evenings and weekends, and at least some overtime. They risk bites, scratches or other injuries when restraining, examining or cleaning animals. They may also encounter diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. While dogs and cats are the most common patients, vet techs should be prepared to handle birds, mice, rats, cattle, sheep, pigs and horses.

Education and Licensing

In order to become a veterinary technician, individuals must complete at least an associate’s degree in veterinary technology. Employers prefer technicians who have studied under a program approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Technician licensing is administered by individual states. The most common certification exam is the Veterinary Technician National Examination. People working in animal research facilities may also complete optional certificates from the American Association for Laboratory Science.

With the right qualifications, virtually anyone can take advantage of the rise in veterinary technician jobs. The role can also develop into promotional opportunities, such as technologist, supervisor or eventually veterinarian.

I hope everyone either in the field or not. Stops and thanks a technician this week for everything they do.

http://www.vettechguide.org/veterinary-technician-job-description/

Grieving and Pet Loss

I made this today at work to help some of our clients going through the loss of a pet. I know this can be one of the hardest things someone can go through. I hope the information helps anyone who might be needing it.

Grieving and Pet Loss

What Can I Expect to Feel?

Different people experience grief in different ways. Besides your sorrow and loss, you may also experience the following emotions:

• Guilt may occur if you feel responsible for your pet's death-the "if only I had been more careful" syndrome. It is pointless and often erroneous to burden yourself with guilt for the accident or illness that claimed your pet's life, and only makes it more difficult to resolve your grief.
• Denial makes it difficult to accept that your pet is really gone. It's hard to imagine that your pet won't greet you when you come home, or that it doesn't need its evening meal. Some pet owners carry this to extremes, and fear their pet is still alive and suffering somewhere. Others find it hard to get a new pet for fear of being "disloyal" to the old.
• Anger may be directed at the illness that killed your pet, the driver of the speeding car, the veterinarian who "failed" to save its life. Sometimes it is justified, but when carried to extremes, it distracts you from the important task of resolving your grief.
• Depression is a natural consequence of grief, but can leave you powerless to cope with your feelings. Extreme depression robs you of motivation and energy, causing you to dwell upon your sorrow.

 What can I do about my feelings?

The most important step you can take is to be honest about your feelings. Don't deny your pain, or your feelings of anger and guilt. Only by examining and coming to terms with your feelings can you begin to work through them.

You have a right to feel pain and grief! Someone you loved has died, and you feel alone and bereaved. You have a right to feel anger and guilt, as well. Acknowledge your feelings first, then ask yourself whether the circumstances actually justify them.

Locking away grief doesn't make it go away. Express it. Cry, scream, pound the floor, talk it out. Do what helps you the most. Don't try to avoid grief by not thinking about your pet; instead, reminisce about the good times. This will help you understand what your pet's loss actually means to you.

Some find it helpful to express their feelings and memories in poems, stories, or letters to the pet. Other strategies including rearranging your schedule to fill in the times you would have spent with your pet; preparing a memorial such as a photo collage; and talking to others about your loss.

 Who can I talk to?

If your family or friends love pets, they'll understand what you're going through. Don't hide your feelings in a misguided effort to appear strong and calm! Working through your feelings with another person is one of the best ways to put them in perspective and find ways to handle them. Find someone you can talk to about how much the pet meant to you and how much you miss it-someone you feel comfortable crying and grieving with.

If you don't have family or friends who understand, or if you need more help, ask your veterinarian or humane association to recommend a pet loss counselor or support group. Check with your church or hospital for grief counseling. Remember, your grief is genuine and deserving of support.

http://www.pet-loss.net/

Memorialize Your Pet

International Star Registry.  Name a star in memory of your pet.  Call (800) 282-3333 for cost and details.

Make a donation in your pet’s name to an animal organization.  For instance, your local animal  shelter, The Morris Animal Foundation, or World Wildlife Fund.

Help your children write a poem about your pet.

Phone numbers and website for grief support:

http://www.petloss.com/

www.ourpals.com/ourpals

Pet loss & Grief Counseling: Becky Andrews, MS, CPCI (801) 447-6000/Cell (801) 259-3883 (Utah)

Puppy Mills......

I came across a article today that I wanted to share, it hits on a subject that I feel very strong about. Puppy Mills and Back Yard Breeder. These two things are so wrong in so many way, the horrible and cruel ways that the animals are treated and cared for or should I say not cared for. Not enough people are informed of what these places are really like. And trust me coming from someone who has been there after a place like this has been shut down and helped with the clean up and rescue, it is something that we all should try and see stops. I hope this article can help educate others. Please read.
http://www.petmd.com/news/care-safety/nws_dg_Mass_production_of_pedigree_pets

Housebreaking...Oh what fun it is.

Housebreaking a new puppy or even a older rescued dog is not always the funniest or easiest thing to do. I have found that crate training is the best, it is how I trained all my dogs. I think it works the best and is the safest. There are a lot of benefits to crate training, the one I think is the best is that when you leave your pet home alone for a period of time you don't need to worry about them getting into  things that might possibly harm them and they are safe and happy until you get home. You will find that if you crate train properly that you dog will love its crate and spend time in it even when not asked. Not only is crate training safe and a good way to housebreak your dog, but it is also a good way to travel with your pet. I found 2 website one is the basic of how to crate train and the other is how to pick the right crate for your dog.

http://www.foundanimals.org/pet-care/ask-experts/crate-training-and-housebreaking
http://mia-carter.suite101.com/how-to-select-a-dog-crate-a64950

Why are vet bills so expensive?

Its true vet bills can be very expensive, even more so when you are dealing with emergency or critical care situations. But please don't think for a second that the whole reason for this is because all of us who work in the veterinary field are just greedy people who just want money. In fact most of us don't really make very much as compared to the skills and hard work we put in every day. Unfortunately it is just a fact that these things cost money. It is still a business and has to be able to pay for everything that goes along with running a business and being able to provide the best care that we can. It is not like a human hospital where a good amount of the cost is covered by insurance. One of the worst parts of my job is having to have that talk with a owner about money and seeing the concern and hurt a owner has when they feel like they can't help their pet because of cost. I provided a link to a couple of really good article's I think help make people think some more about why vets cost they way they do.
http://www.vetlive.com/2010/10/25/why-is-veterinary-care-so-darn-expensive/
http://news.vin.com/vinnews.aspx?articleId=22351

First Aid Kit

It is always a great idea to have a first aid kit available. I keep one in the house and one in the car in case we are traveling or camping/hiking. You can go online and buy kits already made, but if you wanna make a fun project out of it here are some of the basic things you will want to have. First find a old or new duffel bag. It doesn't have to be really big just light weight easy to carry. All the things I list you can either buy online for a discount or at any medical supply store.

• Adhesive Tape
• Self-Adherent Wrap
• 4x4 Gauze Bandage
• Gauze roll, 2-inch
• Wound Wash Saline
• Bandage Scissors
• Hemostat
• Digital thermometer
• Scissors
• Syringe
• Extra Leash
• Muzzle
• Gloves
• Sterile eye lubricant
• Instant cold pack
• Material to make a splint
• Topical antibiotic ointment (pet friendly)
• Small blanket and cloth
• Make a laminated medical card with your Vets information a Emergency clinic information and any medical information about your pet
• Print off basic emergency care hand book with basic guides to bandaging and CPR.

You can put as much of each item that you feel is necessary for you.

If you would like more information about pet first aid you can go to the Red Cross website and sign up for either classroom or online class.

http://www.redcross.org/en/takeaclass

Snail bait - Safer ideas

Now that it's getting warmer outside and the gardening is just around the corner for many of us. I wanted to share some "Pet Safe" tips for getting rid of snails.The typical snail bait you find at the store is very deadly for dogs and they WILL eat it, if it is out. It can cause such symptoms as twitching, muscle tremors, seizures, excessive drooling, panting, fever, fast heart rate, respiratory failure, rigidity, and vomiting. If you think your dog has eaten snail bait take your dog to the vet as quickly as you can. So instead of buying the snail bait from the store.Try placing small containers of stale beer in the garden. Take a small container, fill with beer and bury up to the rim place them throughout the garden. The snails are attracted to the beer, fall in and drown. Or place a copper strip completely around the garden. It is said that slugs will not cross the copper. All the time keeping the furry friends safe.

Finding the right dog for you !

I came across I fun website that helps you pick the right dog breed for you and your lifestyle. Its very important to pick the right breed for you, sadly to many times people pick breeds off of movies or cause they see a picture of a cute dog. Then when they get them home and they aren't puppies anymore  people realize they picked a dog they know nothing about and can not handle. These poor dogs end up in shelters or passed from home to home and most of the time end up being euthanized. All it takes to prevent this from happening is doing some research and talking with owners of the different breeds you are interested in. You can also talk to your local veterinarian for advice. Dogs are not something you just impulsively go out one day and get. Think about it, take time, research it. It will make all the difference in the world. Remember this doesn't mean you have to go out and get the pure breed dog that's right for you check with local shelters and rescue organizations let them know the kind of breeds that would work for you and they can help you find the prefect match. Always RESCUE !!!!

http://www.k9country.com/perl/dogBreed.pl
http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/choosing-a-dog-breed.html

Active dogs are happy dogs.

I found a few links to some great ideas for some fun activities you can do with your dog. Your dog does not have to be a pure breed top of the line dog to be amazing and have amazing skills. It is very important for you and your dog to be active together. Many breeds were breed for specific jobs and skills. If you want to keep your pup happy research the breed or breeds you think your dog is and find what they were breed to do and then you can take that information and find activities that will highlight those skills and I promise you will have a very happy dog. These activities can also bring you closer to your dog and be something the whole family can be apart of.
7 Fun Activities for Dogs
http://www.squidoo.com/dog-activities
http://www.canineadventuresslc.com/

Rat Bait

Rat Bait Ingestion

One of the most common emergencies seen in dogs is the ingestion of rat bait. Unfortunately rat bait is designed to taste good so dogs are likely to eat it. Rat baits are made with blood thinners, which will stop blood from clotting. And your dogs body will start leaking blood into the different body cavities causing anemia.

Symptoms that your dog may have ingested rat bait.

• Pale gums
• Weakness
• Bloody nose
• Blood in urine or feces
• Coughing up blood
• Rapid breathing or difficulty in breathing
• Low body temperature
• Bruising
• Loss of appetite
• Blood in the saliva

What do you do if you think your dog has ingested rat bait

• Take your dog to your vet or a emergency clinic as quickly as possible
• Some websites recommend that you induce vomiting at home with Hydrogen peroxide I do not recommend this it can often cause more damage then good and is not worth the risk.
• Remember to bring the box or container that the rat bait was in with you to the hospital.

What you can expect at the the vets office

• Depending on what time your dog ingested the rat bait your vet may want to induce vomiting with a medication given intravenously.
• Activated charcoal may be given to your dog to help by absorbing the chemicals that may still may be in the stomach or intestinal track
• Vitamin K is often prescribed to help with the bodies clotting factors that were destroyed by the rat bait.
• In server cases the dogs need to be hospitalized on IV fluids and medications as well as needing plasma or blood transfusions.

Pet safe ideas instead of rat bait.

• Snap Traps
• Glue Traps
• Live Traps: I prefer this above any of the others

www.dogateratpoison.com

Tasty Treat

Here is a great recipe for a tasty treat you can make for your pet at home.

PUMPKIN WAFERS DOG TREAT RECIPE
Ingredients:

One 15 oz. can mashed pure pumpkin (NOT the spiced pie filling)

3/4 cup cream of wheat (or rice cereal if wheat-sensitive) You can mix this dry--no need to cook it first

1/2 cup dry powdered milk

Directions: Preheat oven to 300 F.

Mix all ingredients together. Drop small spoonfuls (I use about half of a tablespoon) onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
If you'd like to make bite sized cookies for small dogs, training rewards or just small treats, you can use a pastry bag and squeeze out rosettes about the size of a dime for tasty bite sized cookies!

Depending on the size, this recipe will make around 20 treats.

http://www.all-natural-dog-treat.com/homemade-dog-treat-recipes.html

Pet first aid - Basic procedures

I had someone give me a great idea for basic emergency tips for your pet before getting them to the vet. But please remember that if it is a emergency time is everything the faster you can get them to your vet or a emergency hospital the better. "Its always better to be safe then sorry". This link will give you the basic tools to help get your pet safe while getting them to a vet. Don't ever hesitate to call even if you think it is not a emergency you never know. Make sure when you do call to try and stay as calm as possible and answer as many questions as you can. The more prepared the veterinary staff can be about your situation the better.

Pet first aid - Basic procedures

Summer Pet Care

Summer Pet Care

Now that it is getting closer to summer and the temperature is getting hotter. I thought I would share a good resource for information, to help you be prepared for your pet in the heat.

A little FYI about me

Hi my name is Megan. I am a veterinary technician I currently am working at a emergency and critical care hospital. My brother keeps telling me I should start a blog about work and tips to help other pet owners. So I thought heck why don't I give it a shot.
A little info on me I have been working with animals almost 13 yrs now and I still love it as much as the first day....Well maybe the second day. I always wanted to work with animals ever since I was a little girl.

Sandi

My own furry family is composed of 2 cats and 3dogs. Sandi is the corgi and the boss of the house. She just turned 11 yrs old she has been my side kick for almost as long, I can't really remember I time when she wasn't there. The most loyal dog ever!!

Boone

Boone dog is our handsome 8 yr GSD we rescued him from a local rescue group when he was almost 1 yrs old and had heartworm. He is the most gentlest sweetest boy you could every know.

Cece

Cece is my old lady cat she is 13 and I have had her since my very first job in the industry. She is quite and sweet.

Lenny

Lenny named after one of my most favorite friend. He is the newest additions he is just a 1yr old and a hand full of a cat, sometimes I think he thinks he is one of the dogs.

Jacks

Last is Jacks he is the mutt, but the sweetest of the gang he is mine and my sisters although I think he likes her best. He loves to run, run, run

My goal with the blog is simple I hope to post at least once a week if not more with helpful hints on pet care, pet products, fun stories and photos.