June 7th - 13th is Pet Appreciation Week!

The doctors and staff of Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic would like you to please remember to show your pets extra love and attention during this week (if not every week!) 

Anyone who has ever had a pet knows how much we gain from having the companionship and love they give.  We all know they give unconditional love, but they can also give us some relief in our everyday lives by helping us to reduce some of our daily stresses, and getting out to walk a dog can get us outside for exercise we may not otherwise get! According to the Centers for Disease Control, having pets in the home can also decrease blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and possibly improve your social life!  

To help you show your appreciation for your pets and help you celebrate, here are some ideas for extra things you can do during this week. This is also a chance to encourage our pets to exercise (keeping them healthy while they help us). Many people don’t realize that some pets can get stressed if they are home for long hours during the day while we are working, going to school, etc. and that extra stress can cause some health problems for them and can also contribute to some behavioral issues. It is our duty, and our privilege as pet owners, to help them relieve some stress, and keep them as healthy and happy as possible.

 

Ways to celebrate your dog:

•   Add an extra 10 minutes (or more!) to the daily walks

•   Learn how to reduce stress and aid in relaxation by giving your dog a massage

•    Visit a dog park (only if your dog plays well with others!)

•      Give extra belly rubs!

•   Most dogs love getting new toys or chew products – always check for safety

•   Spend extra time cuddling (grooming sessions are nice if your dog enjoys that)

• Bake some homemade dog biscuits – start your online search for recipes at www.thekitchn.com/cookies-for-canines; there are many more recipes to consider, but be sure your dog doesn’t have food sensitivities or allergies to the ingredients and you can make chemical/preservative free treats. You can find dog bone shaped “cookie cutters” at most pet stores to aid in the fun! Most homemade treats will not stay fresh very long because there are no preservatives, so make only small batches or freeze whatever your pet can’t consume within 5-7 days. Check with your dog’s veterinarian if he/she is on a prescription diet before you make and offer any treats.
•    Take your dog shopping! The pet stores in our area do allow leashed, vaccinated dogs inside to shop with you and most will give treats to well behaved dogs in the checkout lines!

 

photo by Lindsey Ann

Ways to celebrate your cat:

•   Play with a laser mouse for a few extra minutes of exercise each day

•   Get a new toy – crinkly balls, pole/string toys (Cat Dancer) can help you interact with your cat during play time

•  Toys with catnip can be a good stress reliever for many cats

•   Some cats like to watch TV –play a DVD made especially for cats

•   Gently brush your cat or use a massaging grooming glove for a few minutes each day

•   Plant some grass near one of his/her favorite hideouts (some pet stores carry the grass plants that can be planted indoors)

•  Get your cat a window seat or cat tree so he/she can watch the activities outside (a cozy bed on top of the refrigerator can work well for some cats)

•     Bake some homemade cat treats – start your online search at www.simplypets.com/pet-recipes/cat/treats; there are many recipes to consider, but be sure your cat doesn’t have food sensitivities or allergies to the ingredients and you can make chemical/preservative free treats. You can find “cookie cutters” for homemade treats at most pet stores to aid in the fun! Most homemade treats will not stay fresh very long because there are no preservatives, so make only small batches or freeze whatever your cat can’t consume within 5-7 days. Check with your cat’s veterinarian if he/she is on a prescription diet before you make and offer any treats. 

All pets can benefit from some special items, treats, and attention: many birds, small animals, fish or reptiles who may share your home might love something special – check the local pet stores to see what products may be offered for these pets. 

Remember all the love and companionship your pet(s) give you and give them special love and attention not just during pet appreciation week, but every week.