World Pet Memorial Day

We recently celebrated Memorial Day in the United States,

a national holiday honoring the lives of men and women  

who died while serving to protect our country.  But there is

another memorial day observed during June each year globally

that few of us know about.  World Pet Memorial Day is

celebrated the second Sunday in June.  It’s a day, like our

traditional Memorial Day, when we remember our beloved

pets who have “crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.” 

Universally animals have become a huge part of our lives

and many of us think of them as family members.  Thus, when

we lose them we often suffer great heartache.

June 14^th is a day selected as a time to remember our pets

and what they have meant to us.  We can do this by visiting

their grave site, donate to a pet charity or volunteer time at a

local animal shelter.   Trees can be planted in memory of the

love and happiness we shared with our pets.  We can create or

add to a memory book about the pet.

The French poet, Anatole France said:  “Until one has loved

an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”  If this is

true for you, if your spirit has been touched by an animal that

has passed, take time on June 14^th to honor them. 

Lexi

Hannah

Rex

Percy

Niketa

Harry

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.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

      

 There are many things you can do to prevent dog bites.  

The following AVMA brochure can help you learn more about dog bite prevention.

  

AVMA Dog Bite Prevention Brochure

 

  

May is Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer in companion animals…

Cancer – the word everyone hates to hear, whether it is their own diagnosis or for their pet. While the diagnosis of cancer causes our hearts to break thinking of the loss of our pets, not all is as horrible as one might initially think. Some cancers are now more treatable than ever, with many pets enjoying many more months and even years together. The goal for every cancer patient is to get as much quality time as possible. 

Many pets are not acting sick at all at the time of their diagnosis, so it can be impossible to think of them as having a disease that may end their life much sooner than their expected life span. Treatment can be much more successful in these patients, as they are in reasonably good health otherwise and can endure their treatment better than those who are more debilitated when they are diagnosed.

Some cancers dictate surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy for treatment. Surgery can be curative for some cancer, others would require chemotherapy after surgical removal of tumor(s). Chemotherapy alone may be recommended for some types of cancer…your veterinarian will discuss all options with you after the diagnosis has been made.  

Treating pets with cancer involves more than medications and technology. It is about respecting quality of life, enjoying the good days, compassion, understanding, and trust. The goal in treating cancer in pets is to get them into remission (symptoms are gone and the patient is comfortable) rather than actually curing their disease. 

Most pets do very well with chemotherapy; they rarely have the nausea, vomiting, and sick feeling that people experience. And, because they live day to day and don’t have the psychological aspect of facing cancer, they accept each day as it comes and don’t dwell on the negative aspect of having a terminal disease. 

Your veterinary team can guide you with treatment options, help and support as you face what could be the biggest challenge of your pet’s life. 

For more information:

 National Canine Cancer Foundation

Morris Animal Foundation     

The Old Grey Muzzle Tour 2015 

Grief Resources 

  

In Loving Memory of Lexi