Recently I was thinking about how I could offer a better service to my clients and my patients.  The answer that came to me was offering wellness programs individualized to my patients: based on their size, gender and most important their breed.

All breeds were developed for a specific purpose. IE: Labrador retrievers for hunting and retrieving birds, border collies to herd sheep, and dauchsund to to down holes after small rodents or rabbits. 

Through years of careful breeding while selecting for very specific  traits, humans were able to produce dogs who were very good at their jobs.  In fact, their bodies and instincts were well designed for the jobs they were being asked to perform.  With these designs also comes very specific health risk.  I believe it is my duty to help you know more about what your particular breed, be it a kitty or dog, needs to have the best and longest life we can provide.

So if this is something you would find of interest, please give us a call at 970-263-8882 or come by and visit. we are not large but we are fantastic, this I can promise.

My own dog, Nevar, is a 15 year old border collie who still hikes with me, get rehab daily, just had his spleen removed and is fighting cancer.  But he is 3 months out and never looked better.  we are not persuing chemo, but simply good nutrition, physical activity, mental stimulation, herbal remedies and pain modulation.  He is fabulous and I expect him to be with me for several more years.  I can help your companion maintain a fantastic quality of life for years to come.

What are your expectations when it comes to your veterinarian?  Are you looking for someone who is warm and fuzzy or would you prefer someone with a more reserved demeanor but who’s medical knowledge is impeccible?  Is money the main concern or is making certain your pet get’s the best possible care?  Do you want a doc who is going to listen to you and give you advice or do you want someone who is going to tell you what is in the best interest of your pet?  There is a great deal involved when you are deciding who is going to be the care giver to your four legged friends and only you know the answers to who is going to be best suited for you.  But my advice, above all else look for someone who wants to make certain you are informed about what is important to keep your pet healthy, because the fact is no matter how little you spend for “basic” care, there is a heavy price to be paid if preventative medicine is at the bottom of your list.

I am a believer in preventing illness before it happens rather than trying to fix the motor once it freezes up.  Dracula stories or not, we can’t raise things from the dead, so the goal should be keep them alive and well while we have them here on this realm.  And that is my philosophy.  I love to help people keep their pets healthy.  I will always be that doctor who tells you what I think is in the best interest of your pet, not necessarily your wallet.  That does not mean I am not aware and considerate of financial concerns.  We all have them and we all know that at times we have to budget.  But that is the key word.  If you own a pet make certain you have budgeted them into the expenses.  That way when a need arises you are prepared.

So my recommendations to all my friends out there, when shopping (and yes people shop these days) for a vet, keep in mind that it is our duty and our privilage to inform you of what your family member needs to keep them in optimal health.  It does not mean we are here to strong arm you into performing procedures you do not want.  But we (I) would be remiss if I did not tell you what I felt fido or fluffy needed and then later down the road your pet became ill.  When your vet gives you information please know they do so out of concern for the well being of their patient.  But also please understand that what we do for a living, though a passion for most of us, is also a service to you and does not come without a price tag. 

I would love the opportunity to discuss any comments or questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Dr. Aimee

One of my biggest concerns in my business is how kitties often take the back burner when it comes to health care.  When dogs come in every year, get their check up, heartworm test, vaccines, and heartworm prevention and dewormer, that same family often gives less than a second thought to the needs of  the resident family member who meows rather than barks.  So I am here today as an advocate that the same frequency and quality of care be extended to our feline friends.

Let me give you an example of how things can go terribly wrong when the cat is forgotten.  Unlike dogs, many cats are a bit reclusive, don’t take daily walks or chase a ball.  so I think people tend to “not Notice” when the cat isn’t feeling well.  They are very good at hiding illness, in fact the signs can be very subtle and unless we are very intune to their habits and behaviors, serious illness is missed until they are in dire straights.  And often by the time I get my hands on the furry beast the treatment is expensive or it is to late to help.  I don’t want any of you to have to face such a situation, so I would like to give some tips on how to make certain they are healthy, how we can prevent illness, and how we have the ablility to find problems while they are still small.

Not long ago I had a kitty come in for a dental.  The owner did not want to perform an exam and the kitty had never been to see us.  He had been a stray who wandered up several years before and she had taken him in.  She was concerned about his mouth because he was grinding his teeth and not very active.  When I saw the kitty, the first thing I noticed was his breathing.  It was not normal, in fact he was having difficulty and literally had his mouth open to breath.  This is never normal in a cat.

Upon further evaluation I took x-rays of his chest, and it was discovered he had a diaphragmatic hernia. this is where the diaphram is damaged and the organs of the abdomen are actually in the chest cavity.  this makes it very difficult to breath and many times can cause their death.  In his case we were able to perform surgery and repair the damage.  This had been an old injury, and from the condition the kitty was in when he showed up at her door it was likely due to trauma from years ago.  This cat lived with this life threatening issue for years and could easily have died, but thankfully we were able to help him.  His owner felt terrible, but the point of the story is many people don’t know what to look for or what certain things mean.  that is why we are here.  As veterinarians we are trained to recognize and treat serious problems before they become more serious or actually cause the demise of the pet.

So what can you do?  The same thing you would do for your dog and hopefully for yourself. The difference in ourselves is we know when we don’t feel well or a child is hurting or not feeling up to snuff.  we can verbalize these troubles.  And as for the dog, well we have learned through the years that caring for the canine in the family is important and we know he needs to go to the vet at least once a year.  What I ask in regards to your kitty (or dog) is please don’t wait until they are sick.

All of you who have kitties,  remember that for every one year of our life, they age 5-7 years.  Things can change quickly and dramatically, but we can often recognize the signs before they become untreatable.  Bring them in every year for an exam and perferably twice a year after the age of 8 so we can keep them healthy.  It is our job, but more importantly our passion, to keep your friends with you as long as possible.  And if we keep them healthy through preventative measures, the cost is much less than trying to treat them once they are very ill.  Or worse the cost of having to euthenize them because they did not get the benefit of a good physical exam, preventative medications and labwork as needed.

How many out there have ever had to undergo surgery?  Fun don’t you think?  I mean seriously, you get to have sharp objects inserted into pipelines carrying life supporting fluids.  You get to wear that seriously flattering night gown (unisex and one size fits all).  You get the special attention of inquiring minds, both old and new (seems I always get the new).  Orifices are examined, probed and emptied, you are encouraged to lose a few pounds due to lack of nourishment either through decreased intake or increased output, or perhaps both.  But then my friends, the big pay off.  No, not the improved state of being upon awakening, but the fabulous effects of those mind altering pharmaceuticals which allow that improved state to occur.  Admit it, we all like the drugs, but we don’t all like how it feels when those intial drugs wear off. (except for those friendly little pain stompers our kindly physicians prescribe to us.  Neither does your pet.

Whenever you or your pet undergoes any type of surgery, there is a period of significant discomfort and gradual healing.  Our only true option is to give the body the time it needs to become less uncomfortable and to heal.  but in the interum, there are things which can be done to decrease the discomfort and shorten the healing period, as well as improve the final outcome.

One thing which is so important is to make certain the pain is controlled.  Study after study has proven that animals feel pain and when that pain is controlled they heal faster and recover better.  How is pain control achieved?  through pharmaceuticals, cryotherapy (cold), thermal therapy (heat), and rehabilitation exercises.  Get them moving (in a supervised  manner) and the pain will be better controlled.  That is where canine rehabiliation can be of huge benefit, both to you and your pet.

Here at Creature Comforts Canine Rehabilitation Center we are able to take an animal who is suffering after surgery or from age related pain, and help get them back to full function.  Or if not full function, as in the case of some neurologic or degenerative processes, at least to the best quality of life available.  Do you want your four legged friend to have the ability to not only be with you longer, but to do so with the benefit of decreased discomfort?  Then please come see us and let us show you how we can help.

Hello everyone,

we are in the midst of the hot part of the year, ah glorious summer.  Long days, warm evenings, scortching afternoons and very little shade or water to be had here in the grand valley.  It is hard on all of us, not to mention those four legged creatures we call family.  I am an avid hiker, sometimes runner, and love hitting the canyons at different times of the day.  The lighting is incredible, the shadows decieving, and simply awe inspiring at times.  The best way I have found to discover the treasures this part of the world holds is on foot with your best friend.

That being said, it is also important to realize the heat may seem intense to you, but imagine that same heat in a down jacket, ski pants and a hat.  Imaging not being able to sweat to cool yourself.  That my friends is exactly what your dog is experiencing.  The only way they can cool their bodies is through panting, the few sweat glands they have in their paws, evaporative cooling (sweating or a wet coat) and conductive cooling (laying on a cool surface so heat transfers from their body to that surface).  It is absolutely imperative you make certain you have plenty of water and shade is found when hiking the desert with your friends.  In fact, it is likely best not to take them at all unless it is either early morning or evening. 

It isn’t that I don’t think most of you have common sense, but I have seen many a dog come in overheated and have even had a couple die from heat exposure.  It is a true risk and I don’t want you to be the victim of inadvertantly harming your dog.  So be smart, keep them at home or make absolutely certain you can provide them what they need to enjoy the hike as well.  Otherwise you may find yourself carrying your buddy out on your back.  Not my idea of a good time. Probably not yours either and definitely not the dogs.

Does my dog or cat really need that vaccine doc?  I have done a lot of research on the internet and I don’t think they are safe.  I would prefer not to give them vaccines at all actually!!  I hear this frequently and I feel the need to address when vaccines are needed, important, not so important, etc.

First thing to know is it is never safe to choose to not vaccinate a puppy or kitten.  It is a know fact that the diseases young animals can contract are not only dangerous but life threatening, not to mention expensive to treat.  A young animal is protected by what are called maternal antibodies until around 6-8 weeks of age.  At that point we are dealing with an immune system that is not fully matured but also no protection from mom. So what do you do?  Starting around 7-8 weeks of age, we need to begin giving the first set of vaccines which will protect these young animals from the devestating diseases that lurk in the grass of every dog park or yard around.

What viruses do you need to vaccinate agains?  In puppies the two most importatant vaccines are Parvo and Distemper.   In kittens it is the Rhinotracheitis, calici, and Panleukopenia viruses.  Both puppies and Kittens need to have a series of vaccines every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks of age.  After this they need to have a one year booster.  By doing this we are giving our puppies and kittens the best chance to stay healthy and disease free.  After the first year, a wellness visit is important yearly and you veterinarian can best instruct you on how to procede with future vaccines.

I am often confounded by folks when they tell me their animal is not in pain, and yet the animal in question won’t put weight on a leg or takes 5 minutes to get up from a down position and walk like their joints are frozen in place.  If this was you or your mother or your grandfather, it would be called what it is, Pain.  I want to help others recognize what the signs of pain are in our animals.

First thing we need to consider is animals have not lost their natural survival instincts.  These instincts are what keep animals alive in a dangerouw world where predators are hoping to make them their next meal.  If an animal cries out in distress, shows weakness in any way, they will be picked off by the larger, stronger animal.  So they have learned to hide signs of discomfort, but that does not mean they don’t show it at all.

As I have learned, these are the typical signs an animal will show when they are painful.

Restless: pacing, panting, unwilling to lay down

Stiff after laying down or having difficulty laying or sitting down.  Reluctance to jump when they used to, or jumping but missing their target.  Avoiding being touched, flinching from your touch when they never have before.

Hiding can be a sign of pain or simply not feeling well.  You often see this in cats, but in dogs as well.  If your pet is no where to be found and they are typically a social butterfly, then find them and get them seen.  It can be a life threatening situation.

It is important we recognize the signs of discomfort in a pet.  They depend on us to help them and we can only do that if we know they are hurting. So I encourage you to not discount what you see.  If they are struggling to get up, or walking stiff, it indicates a problem and one we can usually help.

Is it just me or is there a large number of people who are feeling a bit “depressed” by this economy?  I am here to tell you that you are not alone.  As a veterinarian, I have formed relationships with not only the pet but with my clients, the owners.  When my clients come in, or call to inform me they can’t bring fido in because they have just been laid off, it breaks my heart.  I am so saddened by the state of affairs we find ourselves in.

I would like to ask one favor though.  I believe most of us are willing to help where we can, so I would ask that even though things are tight, please don’t leave fido as the last priority.  These animals are a part of the family and by keeping them healthy we help keep ourselves and our families healthy.  It has been shown over and over that pets are one of the best stress relievers around.  And I am here to tell you it is true.  I have 4 legged friends of my own, and I will give up that starbucks coffee or dinner and movie anyday to make certain they are cared for.  I would ask you a question, are you willing to do the same?  Do you think they deserve that minimal sacrafice to ensure they are still with us a month, a year, or two years from now?  I do.

On average, the annual wellness visit can range from 140-200 dollars.  In my practice this includes a full 12 system, hands on exam by  me, the doc.  It also includes a full set of vaccinations, a years worth of heartworm prevention and dewormer, a heartworm/or feline leukemia, heartworm test, an internal parasite screening and a urine exam to look for trace protein which can be an early indicator of trouble.  If you average this out to a monthly and a daily amount it comes out to these numbers:  Monthly (11.60-16.60)  and daily (0.38 – 0.55). 

thirty eight to fifty five cents a day.  Most of us spend ten times that amount just to purchase a cup of coffee.  Gourmet coffee (maybe) but still just coffee.  So I hope I have shown you that these guys are worth the investment.  One less coffee a week would pay for a years worth of health and wellness for that favorite canine or feline in your casa.

I think it is important to have an idea of what optimal nutrition is in a dog.  this is obtained by consuming a diet which is has the proper balance of nutrients, which are used as protein building blocks, signaling molecules and energy (fuel for the body).. Like a car, if you feed your vehicle poor quality fuel, you will get poor performance.  The body reacts the same way to poor quality nutriton.

Studies comparing diets high in carbohydrates vs those high if fats revealed interesting results.  Athletes need a diet which can provide energy due to the increased caloric demand, protein metabolism, and requires the ability to  metabolize more oxygen.  with increased metablism of oxygen comes increased production of free radicals.  All of the above demands a diet with adequate nutrition to handle  these demands.

It has been shown that dietary fat is critical to promote fat metabolism and fatty acids in the blood.  Dogs fed a higher fat diet were able to mobilize nutrients and promote aerobic metabolism: ie they were able to run longer and recover faster than those fed a high carbohydrate diet.  For the canine athlete, fat is a necessary nutrient, above that of carbohydrates.

So you have a new puppy and the little bugger is acting like the tazmanian devil.  Nothing new there, but I am here to tell you there are things we can do to make it a happy home for everyone. Puppy’s need to chew, it is how they exercise their jaws, help baby teeth fall out and explore there world.  But just because they need to chew does not mean they need to destroy your house.  Here are some tips on how to make life with puppy a little more bearable.

First, it is important you give your puppy boundaries.  they need to understand what they can chew and what they cannot, even if this means simply putting up barriers so they cannot use your prize couch as an exercise toy for their needle like teeth.  Puppies, like kids, will put anything and everything in their mouth, so it is up to us as the humans to keep our possessions safe.

Teach your puppy about crates: this will give you a safe place to put the little sweetpea when chewing is forbidden, you need a break, when you are trying to house train, or just because at some point in their life they will need to be placed in a crate.  If you ever need to board your dog, or leave them at the veterinarians for the day or even fly, they will be required to be in a kennel.  If you don’t take the time to get them comfortable with this as a puppy, it can be very frightening to them as an adult.  It is a fact that dogs like small, confined places to sleep.  By giving them a crate to sleep in at night, you quickly create an area where they can be safe and comfortable.  And dogs love it.  It is also the quickest way to train a dog to not urinate or defecate in the house.  And that is probably the first goal we all have as dog owners.

Another way to preserve your prize possessions is to provide plenty of available toys which the pup can chew on.  It is important they have a variety of toys.  Many dogs will get bored with the same toys and need different stimulation.  I recommend getting everything from hard rubber ones like a kong, to ropes, to stuffed animals, to balls.  It will keep the puppy engaged and stimulated.  As you notice them no longer playing with certain ones, get them something new.  Also, if you see them chewing on your new pair of Danners, take them away and replace it with an appropriate toy.  Always be diligent and aware so you can be quick to remove any objects from the pups mouth, that are not allowed for chewing.

Exercise is also very important.  The more you give your puppy the exercise they need, the less likely they are to become bored and decide to use your living room as their play room.  All dogs need to at least 45 min to 1 hour of exercise a day.  That does not mean put them in the backyard and expect them to entertain themselves, it means you need to actively engage them. It can be throwing a ball, going for a walk, going swimming, fetching a frisby or going for a bike ride with them.  But they need active exercise to keep their minds and bodies fit.