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clinic photo
January 2008 
 the Visiting Vet Newsletter
 22nd ISSUE
In This Issue


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Happy New Year!! This months newsletter will include an article about Healthy Treats for Dogs and Cats, fun facts and the monthly trivia question. Remember we love input on the newsletter so any recommendations or suggestions of article topics are very welcome! I hope you are enjoying the newsletter and I thank you for your time!

 Healthy Treats for Dogs and Cats
 

rice cakes As discussed in our December newsletter article on pet obesity, humans are the main cause of obesity in pets. Extra weight on your pet places extra demand on all body organs. Pets allowed to "clean" plates or finish an ice cream container can be adding several full meals in extra calories per day. For example, a 1 pound gain for a cat would be equal to a 15 pound gain for a human! If you can't resist feeding treats to your pet, keep in mind that treats should be low fat, good tasting, and nutritious. Dog alternatives - Try a bite of:
  • raw baby carrots, broccoli, sweet pepper, green beans, peas
  • banana, pineapple, apple, pear
  • unflavored rice cakes
  • low fat crackers
  • plain rice or pasta
  • cooked egg white
Cat alternatives - Try a bite of:
  • cooked mashed green beans, carrot, or peas alone or mixed with food
  • plain rice cakes
  • air popcorn
  • plain rice or pasta
  • cooked egg white
  • cottage cheese, plain yogurt
Sometimes treats have been eliminated because the pet is on a prescription diet. Create a treat by slicing the canned formula into 1/4" slices and baking at 300 degrees until crisp like a cracker.
Your veterinarian can help you establish a healthy weight goal for your pet. Your veterinarian will examine your pet and make recommendations for the type of food and treats that best meet your pet's nutritional needs.

 


 Did You Know?
 Hypothermia/Frost Bite

winter dog The signs of Hypothermia/Frost bite are:
  • Shivering
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Reduced breathing
  • Slow heart rate
If you find a pet with signs of frostbite/hypothermia move it into a warmer environment and wrap it in dry blankets. Slowly work to increase body temperature by adding more blankets or warm water bottles wrapped in towels placed under the blankets. Transport the pet to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

 


 Promotions
 Trivia

The Trivia question for January is: What is the name of the fairy tale cat in the Shrek movies? The first client to contact us with the correct answer will receive a $5 credit on their Visiting Vet account. The answer to the December 2007 question: How many gifts would you receive if you received all of the gifts in the song "The 12 Days of Christmas"? Answer: 364. Congratulations to Amy L. who was the first to contact us with the correct answer! She donated her $5 credit to our Emergency Pet Fund. Thank you Amy!


 Rabies vaccines/2008 Dog Licenses

Dog licenses are on sale now!! Please call 269- 731-PETS if your dog needs a rabies vaccine appointment. Please bring completed Animal Service forms to the Visiting Vet to get your dog's license. Please note that this year it is less expensive to purchase your license directly from Kalamazoo Animal Services but do remember to take your vaccination certificate with you so you have proof of current rabies vaccination.


 Considering adding to your family?

If you are considering adding a new pet to your family in 2008 please consider checking out the available pets at Kalamazoo Animal Rescue or Kalamazoo Animal Services (previously Animal Control). There are so many great pets out there who need good homes!


Thank you for your time and I wish you a fantastic month! We constantly strive to provide the best care for your family pets and exceptional service to our clients. I offer appointments while parked locallly at Discount Pet Store on Gull Road and also offer individual and neighborhood house calls as available. If I can be of service to you, please give us a call at 269-731-PETS to schedule an appointment today! Also, remember if you refer a friend or family member to our clinic both of you will be entered in our 2008 referral drawing program for many great prizes. Our next drawing is June 2008. Please see our website for more information about our prize drawing. Our previous newsletters can be found on our web page. Thank you and Good Luck!!

Sincerely,


Dr. Seely Rotigel & Julie B.
the Visiting Vet


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