Are you traveling this holiday season?
How does this impact your furred & feathered kids?
Well, even your scaly ones..............most fish and reptiles do great if left at home. If gone for more than a few days, have a neighbor or friend come and check on these guys. Make sure not to change the thermostat too much. Ambient temperatures are very important for management of most caged pets.
Small furry friends can often handle 1-2 days by themselves. Make sure caged mammals have plenty of food and water or have a friend come check them daily.
Cats and rabbits can also do well at home, but generally a daily visit to clean litterboxes & replenish food is warranted. Some cats do best if someone sleeps at the house. My orange kitties, Heather, Roland & Antoine, would probably not be able to handle more than a day without a lap!
House bunnies and cats handle cold ok, and most rabbits actually prefer colder temperatures than we do, so this is a time you could turn down thermostats.
Now dogs are a different story! Most dogs left to their own devices for more than 12 hours, just get themselves in trouble. Even if paper or litter trained, the average dog couldn't handle that much alone time without chewing something, scratching something or just going a little stir crazy.
With such a social species, boarding, daycare or a housesitter are the best options for leaving your dog. Or how about taking them? Many hotels allow dogs, and if properly crate trained & socialized, dogs are good travelers. Bring a crate along---dogs look at their crate as a portable bedroom, where they can sleep & relax in a familiar surroundings.
If you board your dog, find a reputable kennel or ask your veterinarian. At All-Pets Hospital on Second Ave, we provide large kennels or runs for the dogs and allow playtime outside in a fenced yard 4 times a day. Dogs with appropriate temperaments also get some playtime with the All-Pets pack. Our pack consists of 3-5 of our staff's dogs, ranging in size from Chihuahua Lobo to Berner Garbo. Our behavioral specialist, Rachel, always evaluates dogs in the pack to make choices on who gets along with who. She may even do some clicker training to add some skills to your dog's repertoire!
Of course, we also board cats, rabbits and even the occasional bird!
Call us at 515-262-8535 for more information.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
Christmas puppies?
We are starting to think a lot about Christmas.
In Iowa, it snowed yesterday & the temperature hasn't reached 15 degrees yet. Yes, it's cold............but that is expected in December. I love snow in December, not so much in February & March.
With this cold weather, come thoughts of Christmas & joyous times spent with friends & family.
We have some wonderful Christmas traditions: at All-Pets, we pick one day, usually the Thursday before Christmas and have games, food, drink & fun all day at work. That way no one has to fit another event into their busy schedule. We don't take any appointments, don't groom any dogs or do surgery. We will answer the phone & take emergencies. I don't see any way around that if we are going to have a party during work hours. Rachel's favorite event is stealing Santa. Everyone brings a gift & we can pick our gift from un-opened presents or take someone else's---if it strikes our fancy. We all enjoy loud board games, music and food all day.
For our family: each pet always gets one present, typically a toy. The dogs understand how to open the presents, with a little encouragement. The cats have not figured that out yet. We also go to the movies on Christmas eve. And we put up our Christmas tree! We are probably the last family in the United States to wait until Christmas eve. My husband's family always waited & he does insist. We always get an excellent price on our tree & since it's only up for about a week, the cats rarely knock it over.
Another Christmas tradition is to get a pet as a gift. When I was 9, all my dreams came true and Santa really did bring me a Christmas puppy. She was a cocker mix & I named her Crisi (for Christmas). She wasn't quite as smart as my expectations (Lassie set the bar pretty high), but she was a very sweet dog---good with kids & quite adorable.
My parents had thought long & hard about my wishes for a Christmas puppy & they made a good choice for the family: a small sweet dog, good with children. I showed a strong, consistent interest in dogs, & they also realized they would have to take care of the expense & help with her care.
It's not completely wrong to give a Christmas pet, but this should never be done on a whim. The receiver should sincerely want a pet. If a pet is given to a child, the parents need to be fully aware of the situation & understand that they (never the child) are the primary caregivers.
The best place to get a puppy or kitten is from a rescue group or quality breeder. Pet stores and commercial breeders are the most accessible, and often have more pets available at Christmas. You may get a wonderful, adorable pup from a pet store or commercial breeder. But, the real issue is finding out how the parents of that critter have been treated. Sometimes commercial breeders keep the dogs outside (even Chihuahuas & poodles), sometimes vet work isn't done, rarely are dental issues taken care of. These are questions you can ask when you buy a puppy: where does the mother live? how many dogs do you have? when did they last go to the vet? when was its last dental prophylaxis? All dogs should have regular checkups, and medical problems should be treated promptly. To most commercial breeders, dogs are commodities and they are not willing to invest money in quality vet care. The signs of a quality breeder: the dogs live in the house, the dogs see their vet regularly, the dogs have health testing done. Typically a high quality breeder will only have one breed that they are very invested in. Most good breeders wouldn't let you take a pup home right at Christmas. The pup would come to your house after the excitement of the holidays, when the focus could be on the puppy. With a quality breeder, you may need to wait for a puppy, but its worth it.
So, make sure to get your pets an extra toy or treat at Christmas & enjoy this wonderful, chilly time with friends & family.
In Iowa, it snowed yesterday & the temperature hasn't reached 15 degrees yet. Yes, it's cold............but that is expected in December. I love snow in December, not so much in February & March.
With this cold weather, come thoughts of Christmas & joyous times spent with friends & family.
We have some wonderful Christmas traditions: at All-Pets, we pick one day, usually the Thursday before Christmas and have games, food, drink & fun all day at work. That way no one has to fit another event into their busy schedule. We don't take any appointments, don't groom any dogs or do surgery. We will answer the phone & take emergencies. I don't see any way around that if we are going to have a party during work hours. Rachel's favorite event is stealing Santa. Everyone brings a gift & we can pick our gift from un-opened presents or take someone else's---if it strikes our fancy. We all enjoy loud board games, music and food all day.
For our family: each pet always gets one present, typically a toy. The dogs understand how to open the presents, with a little encouragement. The cats have not figured that out yet. We also go to the movies on Christmas eve. And we put up our Christmas tree! We are probably the last family in the United States to wait until Christmas eve. My husband's family always waited & he does insist. We always get an excellent price on our tree & since it's only up for about a week, the cats rarely knock it over.
Another Christmas tradition is to get a pet as a gift. When I was 9, all my dreams came true and Santa really did bring me a Christmas puppy. She was a cocker mix & I named her Crisi (for Christmas). She wasn't quite as smart as my expectations (Lassie set the bar pretty high), but she was a very sweet dog---good with kids & quite adorable.
My parents had thought long & hard about my wishes for a Christmas puppy & they made a good choice for the family: a small sweet dog, good with children. I showed a strong, consistent interest in dogs, & they also realized they would have to take care of the expense & help with her care.
It's not completely wrong to give a Christmas pet, but this should never be done on a whim. The receiver should sincerely want a pet. If a pet is given to a child, the parents need to be fully aware of the situation & understand that they (never the child) are the primary caregivers.
The best place to get a puppy or kitten is from a rescue group or quality breeder. Pet stores and commercial breeders are the most accessible, and often have more pets available at Christmas. You may get a wonderful, adorable pup from a pet store or commercial breeder. But, the real issue is finding out how the parents of that critter have been treated. Sometimes commercial breeders keep the dogs outside (even Chihuahuas & poodles), sometimes vet work isn't done, rarely are dental issues taken care of. These are questions you can ask when you buy a puppy: where does the mother live? how many dogs do you have? when did they last go to the vet? when was its last dental prophylaxis? All dogs should have regular checkups, and medical problems should be treated promptly. To most commercial breeders, dogs are commodities and they are not willing to invest money in quality vet care. The signs of a quality breeder: the dogs live in the house, the dogs see their vet regularly, the dogs have health testing done. Typically a high quality breeder will only have one breed that they are very invested in. Most good breeders wouldn't let you take a pup home right at Christmas. The pup would come to your house after the excitement of the holidays, when the focus could be on the puppy. With a quality breeder, you may need to wait for a puppy, but its worth it.
So, make sure to get your pets an extra toy or treat at Christmas & enjoy this wonderful, chilly time with friends & family.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Fall is here!
We are really enjoying the fall colors here in central Iowa. My yard is ablaze with beautiful maple foliage. Such a lovely fall makes outdoor activities with big dogs more fun.
Garbo (my Bernese Mt Dog) and I are running 3-4 times per week.
Garbo is crazy about it! And has gone as far as 7 miles last weekend on the Summerset Trail. During the week, we ran from our East Village veterinary office all the way to Gray's Lake.
Garbo is super fit. Don't ever run with your dog unless you have her checked by your veterinarian first. For more information on running with your dog, come to the ARL's Running With Your Dog Seminar. This will be held on November 16 at 1 pm at ARL Main. Guess who will be speaking? Yep, yours truly, plus some other people who know more about running. I suppose I will be considered the dog expert.
We are continuing to see lots of fleas, since we have had a warm fall. Don't forget to continue to use Frontline, Trifexis, or Revolution for flea control. Call your veterinarian if you are seeing fleas---veterinarians and their staff are expert at talking you through all the options for flea control.
A few events we are looking forward to:
The Wild Rose Film Festival tonight! We will be seeing Butter Cow Productions new short: "Co-Pay", starring Des Moines' Greg Anderson. This film, directed by Paul Berge, doesn't have any dogs in it, but does show the vagaries of customer service in human medicine. As veterinarians, we think we do a much better job. If you see the film, check out the radiographs in the nurse's scene. Maybe there is a dog in this film?
East Village Promenade November 22!
This kicks off the holidays in the East Village. All-Pets East Village will be having an open house with decorated windows, hot hard cider, cookies & treats for dogs and humans alike. Our dogs will also be at the information table in the Historical Building. Bernese Mt Dog, Garbo, Dalmatian, Cloud, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Kendyll, and Chihuahuas Lobo & Gulliver are excited about the holiday season in downtown Des Moines.
So, enjoy our lovely fall, before the snow flies and the rush of the holidays.
We are really enjoying the fall colors here in central Iowa. My yard is ablaze with beautiful maple foliage. Such a lovely fall makes outdoor activities with big dogs more fun.
Garbo (my Bernese Mt Dog) and I are running 3-4 times per week.
Garbo is crazy about it! And has gone as far as 7 miles last weekend on the Summerset Trail. During the week, we ran from our East Village veterinary office all the way to Gray's Lake.
Garbo is super fit. Don't ever run with your dog unless you have her checked by your veterinarian first. For more information on running with your dog, come to the ARL's Running With Your Dog Seminar. This will be held on November 16 at 1 pm at ARL Main. Guess who will be speaking? Yep, yours truly, plus some other people who know more about running. I suppose I will be considered the dog expert.
We are continuing to see lots of fleas, since we have had a warm fall. Don't forget to continue to use Frontline, Trifexis, or Revolution for flea control. Call your veterinarian if you are seeing fleas---veterinarians and their staff are expert at talking you through all the options for flea control.
A few events we are looking forward to:
The Wild Rose Film Festival tonight! We will be seeing Butter Cow Productions new short: "Co-Pay", starring Des Moines' Greg Anderson. This film, directed by Paul Berge, doesn't have any dogs in it, but does show the vagaries of customer service in human medicine. As veterinarians, we think we do a much better job. If you see the film, check out the radiographs in the nurse's scene. Maybe there is a dog in this film?
East Village Promenade November 22!
This kicks off the holidays in the East Village. All-Pets East Village will be having an open house with decorated windows, hot hard cider, cookies & treats for dogs and humans alike. Our dogs will also be at the information table in the Historical Building. Bernese Mt Dog, Garbo, Dalmatian, Cloud, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Kendyll, and Chihuahuas Lobo & Gulliver are excited about the holiday season in downtown Des Moines.
So, enjoy our lovely fall, before the snow flies and the rush of the holidays.
Friday, October 25, 2013
All-Pets staff is very excited about upcoming events for Halloween.
The Susan G Komen Race for the Cure will wend its way around our East Village office tomorrow. We won't be running this year---work beckons. If you do visit us in the East Village, use the parking garage behind our office (its the attached building), as street parking will be difficult.
Sunday is a big day! We start with the Spooky Paws Parade. All-Pets staff and dogs have big plans for the parade---think cold, think sinking ships & think icebergs. We are excited. The parade starts at 2 pm near Simon Estes amphitheater and ends with Jimmy John's sandwiches at Jett & Monkey's Dog Shoppe. This downtown Des Moines event guarantees fun for people & pets.
After the parade, Dr Berge heads to Osceola Iowa for a Sneak Peek film event for a film she produced with her husband. The short film, "Co-Pay", sheds light on the current state of health care in America. The film, directed by Paul Berge, stars the hilarious local actor, Greg Anderson.
Next Thursday, Halloween hits the East Village with candy, dog treats, and costumes at All-Pets East Village from 5-7 pm. Please bring your kids, both 2 legged and 4 legged.
We love the fall & we love Halloween!
The Susan G Komen Race for the Cure will wend its way around our East Village office tomorrow. We won't be running this year---work beckons. If you do visit us in the East Village, use the parking garage behind our office (its the attached building), as street parking will be difficult.
Sunday is a big day! We start with the Spooky Paws Parade. All-Pets staff and dogs have big plans for the parade---think cold, think sinking ships & think icebergs. We are excited. The parade starts at 2 pm near Simon Estes amphitheater and ends with Jimmy John's sandwiches at Jett & Monkey's Dog Shoppe. This downtown Des Moines event guarantees fun for people & pets.
After the parade, Dr Berge heads to Osceola Iowa for a Sneak Peek film event for a film she produced with her husband. The short film, "Co-Pay", sheds light on the current state of health care in America. The film, directed by Paul Berge, stars the hilarious local actor, Greg Anderson.
Next Thursday, Halloween hits the East Village with candy, dog treats, and costumes at All-Pets East Village from 5-7 pm. Please bring your kids, both 2 legged and 4 legged.
We love the fall & we love Halloween!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Sudden rear leg lameness in your dog
The most common reasons for sudden rear leg lameness in your dog are fractures, muscle tears and torn ligaments.
Fractures (broken bones) generally only happen with major injury such as when a dog gets hit by a car. However, in some toy breeds with fine leg bones, fractures can occur when the dog jumps down off a high object like furniture. We even saw a dog recently who got his foot stuck in a hole---the dog moved but the leg did not, creating a fractured tibia in the lower part of the leg. Stepping on a small dog can also break bones, but it would be unlikely in a large breed such as a lab or golden.. Dogs that have broken bones will be very lame---usually not putting their foot on the ground at all. Sometimes, if a small bone such as a toe is broken, the dog will bear some weight on the foot. Since dogs are four legged, they get around pretty readily on three legs, so will typically manage to be able to get up and move if only one leg is broken. With major injuries from trauma such as car accidents, multiple breaks can occur, causing greater difficulty getting up. This is especially true for a fractured pelvis. When I was a child, our boxer was hit by a motorcycle. He broke his pelvis and walked on his front legs only for several weeks. It is good for him that he was able to balance so well!
Fractures take a minimum of 6 weeks to heal. In older pets or severe fractures, healing can take even longer----up to 8-12 weeks. Broken bones cause severe pain and lack of function. Most fractures need a splint or even bone surgery for proper healing and prolonged pain medication. Bone surgery is most often done by a specialist in veterinary orthopedic surgery. University veterinary teaching hospitals and specialty clinics are the best places for bone surgery.
Muscle tears, sprains and strains are typically much less severe than fractures & heal much more quickly. Radiographs (Xrays) are used to help differentiate fractures from soft tissue injury. Most dogs with muscle tears and strains should be rested to allow the area to heal. Ice can be applied for 10 minute intervals to the affected area, if your dog tolerates it. Many dogs with this type of injury benefit from a short course of muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatories.
Rest is also important for proper healing of breaks and strains. Many dogs will only rest if confined to a small area such as a kennel.
Like fractures, torn ligaments heal slowly and may require surgical correction. The most common ligament tear in the dog is the torn anterior cruciate ligament. This ligament crosses inside the knee joint---when injured it causes sudden and often severe rear leg lameness.
Next time, we will talk specifically about the ACL in the dog and options for treatment.
Fractures (broken bones) generally only happen with major injury such as when a dog gets hit by a car. However, in some toy breeds with fine leg bones, fractures can occur when the dog jumps down off a high object like furniture. We even saw a dog recently who got his foot stuck in a hole---the dog moved but the leg did not, creating a fractured tibia in the lower part of the leg. Stepping on a small dog can also break bones, but it would be unlikely in a large breed such as a lab or golden.. Dogs that have broken bones will be very lame---usually not putting their foot on the ground at all. Sometimes, if a small bone such as a toe is broken, the dog will bear some weight on the foot. Since dogs are four legged, they get around pretty readily on three legs, so will typically manage to be able to get up and move if only one leg is broken. With major injuries from trauma such as car accidents, multiple breaks can occur, causing greater difficulty getting up. This is especially true for a fractured pelvis. When I was a child, our boxer was hit by a motorcycle. He broke his pelvis and walked on his front legs only for several weeks. It is good for him that he was able to balance so well!
Fractures take a minimum of 6 weeks to heal. In older pets or severe fractures, healing can take even longer----up to 8-12 weeks. Broken bones cause severe pain and lack of function. Most fractures need a splint or even bone surgery for proper healing and prolonged pain medication. Bone surgery is most often done by a specialist in veterinary orthopedic surgery. University veterinary teaching hospitals and specialty clinics are the best places for bone surgery.
Muscle tears, sprains and strains are typically much less severe than fractures & heal much more quickly. Radiographs (Xrays) are used to help differentiate fractures from soft tissue injury. Most dogs with muscle tears and strains should be rested to allow the area to heal. Ice can be applied for 10 minute intervals to the affected area, if your dog tolerates it. Many dogs with this type of injury benefit from a short course of muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatories.
Rest is also important for proper healing of breaks and strains. Many dogs will only rest if confined to a small area such as a kennel.
Like fractures, torn ligaments heal slowly and may require surgical correction. The most common ligament tear in the dog is the torn anterior cruciate ligament. This ligament crosses inside the knee joint---when injured it causes sudden and often severe rear leg lameness.
Next time, we will talk specifically about the ACL in the dog and options for treatment.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Tips, Tricks and Thoughts From All-Pets Hospital: Help! my dog won't use his back leg!
Tips, Tricks and Thoughts From All-Pets Hospital: Help! my dog won't use his back leg!: A common scenario we are presented with is a limping dog. A dog that holds his leg up completely & won't put his foot down, is defin...
Help! my dog won't use his back leg!
A common scenario we are presented with is a limping dog. A dog that holds his leg up completely & won't put his foot down, is definitely cause for concern. A dog that just hikes his leg, but will bear weight on it, should also be seen by a veterinarian.
Most lame dogs should be seen by your veterinarian within 1-2 days of when the lameness starts. If the lameness is sudden and severe, your dog should be seen immediately---an emergency visit may even be necessary.
For most lamenesses, the first step is an examination and radiographs (Xrays) of the lame area. The exam can help your vet pinpoint the location that should be Xrayed. Sometimes a tentative diagnosis can be made with only an exam.
Things that can cause lameness include: broken bones, torn ligaments, muscle tears or pulls, tumors, and inflammation of the bone or joints. Arthritis is a common cause in old dogs and can be seen with developmental problems such as hip or elbow dysplasia.
In most cases of lameness, pain medication is recommended. Dogs, just like people, handle non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs well. Rimadyl is a brand commonly used. Cats don't handle these types of medications wells & are more commonly treated with steroids for inflammation and opioids like buprenorphine for pain.
Next time, we will talk more about different problems that cause lameness & need for surgical correction.
Most lame dogs should be seen by your veterinarian within 1-2 days of when the lameness starts. If the lameness is sudden and severe, your dog should be seen immediately---an emergency visit may even be necessary.
For most lamenesses, the first step is an examination and radiographs (Xrays) of the lame area. The exam can help your vet pinpoint the location that should be Xrayed. Sometimes a tentative diagnosis can be made with only an exam.
Things that can cause lameness include: broken bones, torn ligaments, muscle tears or pulls, tumors, and inflammation of the bone or joints. Arthritis is a common cause in old dogs and can be seen with developmental problems such as hip or elbow dysplasia.
In most cases of lameness, pain medication is recommended. Dogs, just like people, handle non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs well. Rimadyl is a brand commonly used. Cats don't handle these types of medications wells & are more commonly treated with steroids for inflammation and opioids like buprenorphine for pain.
Next time, we will talk more about different problems that cause lameness & need for surgical correction.
Monday, September 23, 2013
How long should I give my pet heartworm preventive?
How long should I give my dog heartworm or flea preventive?
At All-Pets, we recommend monthly parasite preventive. The exact type of preventive & duration of use should be discussed individually for your particular pet.
Here in Iowa, we usually can stop flea & tick preventive in November. Ticks are common early in the summer & fleas late in the summer. If you are fighting fleas or have seen fleas on your pets this fall, you should treat monthly all through the winter.
Heartworm preventives should be continued 6-8 weeks after the last hard frost, typically in Iowa no earlier than December 1. The medication works 6-8 weeks after the dog is bit by a heartworm carrying mosquito. Heartworm preventive can also be given year round---to help prevent intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms & whipworms.
Cat also get parasites & should be on parasite prevention. Luckily these are readily available in a topical or chewable tablet for cats.
Call us if you have any questions about pet parasites! Preventive for dogs & cats are available at either of our locations (Second & Forest or East 6th & Walnut).
At All-Pets, we recommend monthly parasite preventive. The exact type of preventive & duration of use should be discussed individually for your particular pet.
Here in Iowa, we usually can stop flea & tick preventive in November. Ticks are common early in the summer & fleas late in the summer. If you are fighting fleas or have seen fleas on your pets this fall, you should treat monthly all through the winter.
Heartworm preventives should be continued 6-8 weeks after the last hard frost, typically in Iowa no earlier than December 1. The medication works 6-8 weeks after the dog is bit by a heartworm carrying mosquito. Heartworm preventive can also be given year round---to help prevent intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms & whipworms.
Cat also get parasites & should be on parasite prevention. Luckily these are readily available in a topical or chewable tablet for cats.
Call us if you have any questions about pet parasites! Preventive for dogs & cats are available at either of our locations (Second & Forest or East 6th & Walnut).
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Dogs & allergies!
Allergies are still a problem this fall for dogs & cats.
We have had a very warm September & heat, humidity and pollens all contribute to itchy pets. This time of year many dogs itch & scratch from flea and pollen allergies. Fleas are much easier to prevent than to eradicate. Frontline or Trifexis should be used monthly until November or December this year, even if you don't have a flea problem. The best way to keep fleas away is monthly prevention on all pets in the household (including the indoor cats). If you get fleas, then you have a bigger battle: the house is the nidus for the flea infestation & treatments such as sprays or bombs are needed to kill flea eggs & larva. The pets may need additional treatments with Frontline or Capstar to break the cycle.
Dogs also itch this time of year from tree pollens & other inhaled allergens. We can't eradicate pollen from their lives, but we can limit exposure with less trips outside and frequent baths to remove topical exposure. Many dogs with pollen allergies must see the vet for antihistamines or steroids to stop the itching. Pets often get secondary infection & need treatment with antibiotics or antifungals. In most cases, we need to collect material from the pet's skin & check it under the microscope to find out the most effective medications.
So, if your dog or cat is itching like crazy, call us for an appointment! 515-262-8535.
We have had a very warm September & heat, humidity and pollens all contribute to itchy pets. This time of year many dogs itch & scratch from flea and pollen allergies. Fleas are much easier to prevent than to eradicate. Frontline or Trifexis should be used monthly until November or December this year, even if you don't have a flea problem. The best way to keep fleas away is monthly prevention on all pets in the household (including the indoor cats). If you get fleas, then you have a bigger battle: the house is the nidus for the flea infestation & treatments such as sprays or bombs are needed to kill flea eggs & larva. The pets may need additional treatments with Frontline or Capstar to break the cycle.
Dogs also itch this time of year from tree pollens & other inhaled allergens. We can't eradicate pollen from their lives, but we can limit exposure with less trips outside and frequent baths to remove topical exposure. Many dogs with pollen allergies must see the vet for antihistamines or steroids to stop the itching. Pets often get secondary infection & need treatment with antibiotics or antifungals. In most cases, we need to collect material from the pet's skin & check it under the microscope to find out the most effective medications.
So, if your dog or cat is itching like crazy, call us for an appointment! 515-262-8535.
Food & Pets Welcome
We are enjoying the fall & have some fun things happening at All-Pets this weekend.
We are looking forward to this weekend's World Food & Music Festival on Locust St. near our East Village office. Imagine being able to walk one block for lunch & get any foods you want from around the world! Reasonably priced food vendors will be selling all types of delicious eats from Friday to Sunday.
Luckily parking or access to our East Village office won't be impacted. If you need a place to park, let us know: stop & say hello (or better yet, buy something!) & use our two hour parking garage access. Well behaved dogs are welcome at this open air venue.
Our other big event is a wedding! All-Pets' certified veterinary technician, Rachel, will be tying the knot on Saturday afternoon. Her dogs, Breeze, Cloud & Lexi, will all be in the wedding. Needless to say, we will be in attendance, so will have some changes in hours on Saturday. The East Village office will be closed and the Second Ave office will be open from 8 to noon. Call us at 515-262-8535 if you have questions. We are all very excited fro Rachel & Matt.
We are looking forward to this weekend's World Food & Music Festival on Locust St. near our East Village office. Imagine being able to walk one block for lunch & get any foods you want from around the world! Reasonably priced food vendors will be selling all types of delicious eats from Friday to Sunday.
Luckily parking or access to our East Village office won't be impacted. If you need a place to park, let us know: stop & say hello (or better yet, buy something!) & use our two hour parking garage access. Well behaved dogs are welcome at this open air venue.
Our other big event is a wedding! All-Pets' certified veterinary technician, Rachel, will be tying the knot on Saturday afternoon. Her dogs, Breeze, Cloud & Lexi, will all be in the wedding. Needless to say, we will be in attendance, so will have some changes in hours on Saturday. The East Village office will be closed and the Second Ave office will be open from 8 to noon. Call us at 515-262-8535 if you have questions. We are all very excited fro Rachel & Matt.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Fun weekend for dog fanciers!
Anyone interested in dogs that reads this blog? I hope so or else you won't appreciate these posts!
For those of you that are interested in dogs and live in Des Moines, a few fun events are coming up this weekend.
A big American Kennel Club show is being held at the Varied Industries Building at the State Fairgrounds. It's a great place to see a huge variety of breeds & types of dogs, all AKC registered, groomed and shown to emphasize the best characteristics of their particular breed.
Both conformation (the beauty contest) and obedience (for the brainy dogs) trials will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Saturday and Sunday are all breed shows. Most breeds are shown before noon, and best in group (distinct categories of dog breeds) and best in show competitions occur between 2 and 4 pm. Friday's activities are specialties for specific breeds only--goldens, shelties, and American cocker spaniels to name a few.
An all breed dog show is a great place to look for your next breed, talk to quality breeders, or just enjoy the lengths people go to when grooming a show dog. Plus, there are unique booths selling everything from obedience jumps to high end jewelry featuring your favorite breed. Unfortunately, unentered dogs are not allowed at the AKC show. For more information check out: http://www.desmoineskennelclub.com/shows.htm
Also on Saturday, is the Puppy Up! Walk raising funds for Canine Cancer. This walk is sponsored by Iowa Veterinary Specialties and the 2 Million Dogs Foundation. The 2 Million Dogs Foundation is committed to discovering the link between canine and human cancers through comparative oncology research. The 2 mile walk starts at 11:30 am at Greys Lake Park and of course, dogs are welcome. There will be a free bottle of water in each participants bag, courtesy of All-Pets Hospital. For more information check out: http://2013puppyupdesmoines.kintera.org
So, go out and have some doggy fun this weekend!
For those of you that are interested in dogs and live in Des Moines, a few fun events are coming up this weekend.
A big American Kennel Club show is being held at the Varied Industries Building at the State Fairgrounds. It's a great place to see a huge variety of breeds & types of dogs, all AKC registered, groomed and shown to emphasize the best characteristics of their particular breed.
Both conformation (the beauty contest) and obedience (for the brainy dogs) trials will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Saturday and Sunday are all breed shows. Most breeds are shown before noon, and best in group (distinct categories of dog breeds) and best in show competitions occur between 2 and 4 pm. Friday's activities are specialties for specific breeds only--goldens, shelties, and American cocker spaniels to name a few.
An all breed dog show is a great place to look for your next breed, talk to quality breeders, or just enjoy the lengths people go to when grooming a show dog. Plus, there are unique booths selling everything from obedience jumps to high end jewelry featuring your favorite breed. Unfortunately, unentered dogs are not allowed at the AKC show. For more information check out: http://www.desmoineskennelclub.com/shows.htm
Also on Saturday, is the Puppy Up! Walk raising funds for Canine Cancer. This walk is sponsored by Iowa Veterinary Specialties and the 2 Million Dogs Foundation. The 2 Million Dogs Foundation is committed to discovering the link between canine and human cancers through comparative oncology research. The 2 mile walk starts at 11:30 am at Greys Lake Park and of course, dogs are welcome. There will be a free bottle of water in each participants bag, courtesy of All-Pets Hospital. For more information check out: http://2013puppyupdesmoines.kintera.org
So, go out and have some doggy fun this weekend!
Monday, August 26, 2013
HOT!
This week in Central Iowa there is one significant item of news: it is HOT!
Now we shouldn't complain, we have had a wonderful, pleasant summer. Hardly any days of oppressive heat. Until this past weekend, and this week: highs in the 90s, terrible humidity and the state fair is already passed.
This is enough for even Paul Berge to turn on the air conditioning. My husband, Paul, is widely known among my friends as hating AC. Most people in Iowa turn the air on in May or June. Paul waits for temperatures above 90, or for his wife to refuse to come home as she can't sleep in a house with no AC. Granted, we do live in a lovely shaded house in the country, but we also own BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOGs. This is a Swiss breed meant for Alpine climates; needless to say they have a lot of hair. Paul just says he hates the confinement and lack of fresh air that AC brings.
Finally, last week, Paul relented & turned the air on. Garbo and I are now happy.
So what can we do to help our pets beat the heat? Bring large breed or hairy dogs indoors. Short nosed breeds (brachycephalics like boxers and bulldogs) can't tolerate heat either. Only take the dogs walking early in the morning or late at night. No runs with the dogs unless the temp is below 70 degrees. Garbo and I did manage to get a mile of running in early yesterday morning, but she would have loved to go our usual 3-5 miles. For those crazy retreivers, limit ball chasing and outdoor play sessions.
Luckily, cats can tolerate high temperatures better than dogs & know better than to exercise crazily outdoors during the heat.
Since we can't be running, walking or spending hours at the dog park, maybe we should start some indoor training sessions to keep the pups happy. Teach a few indoor tricks: sit, down, stand, roll over. Use treats and toys for motivation. See if you can get an indoor session lined up at Doggy Daycare or take dogs that enjoy swimming to the lake. The end of the year also brings some "dog swim" events to our local pools. Watch for these---great opportunities to play and socialize your dog for a nominal fee.
If you think Duke or Fido is getting too hot---pour cool water on his groin, stop activity & get him indoors. Call your veterinarian & discuss whether he needs to be seen. Unfortunately, dogs can die of heat stroke, a problem we want to avoid at all costs.
And remember the flip side; it's Iowa and soon we will be complaining about snow.
Now we shouldn't complain, we have had a wonderful, pleasant summer. Hardly any days of oppressive heat. Until this past weekend, and this week: highs in the 90s, terrible humidity and the state fair is already passed.
This is enough for even Paul Berge to turn on the air conditioning. My husband, Paul, is widely known among my friends as hating AC. Most people in Iowa turn the air on in May or June. Paul waits for temperatures above 90, or for his wife to refuse to come home as she can't sleep in a house with no AC. Granted, we do live in a lovely shaded house in the country, but we also own BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOGs. This is a Swiss breed meant for Alpine climates; needless to say they have a lot of hair. Paul just says he hates the confinement and lack of fresh air that AC brings.
Finally, last week, Paul relented & turned the air on. Garbo and I are now happy.
So what can we do to help our pets beat the heat? Bring large breed or hairy dogs indoors. Short nosed breeds (brachycephalics like boxers and bulldogs) can't tolerate heat either. Only take the dogs walking early in the morning or late at night. No runs with the dogs unless the temp is below 70 degrees. Garbo and I did manage to get a mile of running in early yesterday morning, but she would have loved to go our usual 3-5 miles. For those crazy retreivers, limit ball chasing and outdoor play sessions.
Luckily, cats can tolerate high temperatures better than dogs & know better than to exercise crazily outdoors during the heat.
Since we can't be running, walking or spending hours at the dog park, maybe we should start some indoor training sessions to keep the pups happy. Teach a few indoor tricks: sit, down, stand, roll over. Use treats and toys for motivation. See if you can get an indoor session lined up at Doggy Daycare or take dogs that enjoy swimming to the lake. The end of the year also brings some "dog swim" events to our local pools. Watch for these---great opportunities to play and socialize your dog for a nominal fee.
If you think Duke or Fido is getting too hot---pour cool water on his groin, stop activity & get him indoors. Call your veterinarian & discuss whether he needs to be seen. Unfortunately, dogs can die of heat stroke, a problem we want to avoid at all costs.
And remember the flip side; it's Iowa and soon we will be complaining about snow.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Cats just like dogs, need vaccinations. Even if kitties never go outside, they should be seen regularly by a veterinarian for appropriate vaccines.
The core vaccinations (that we recommend for all cats) include vaccination for rabies, panleukopenia, and rhinotracheitis. Other vaccinations are non-core vaccines and the need for these should be discussed between you and your veterinarian.
The core vaccinations (that we recommend for all cats) include vaccination for rabies, panleukopenia, and rhinotracheitis. Other vaccinations are non-core vaccines and the need for these should be discussed between you and your veterinarian.
What are we vaccinating
for anyway? Feline vaccinations
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that infects
the nervous system of any mammal, including humans, causing behavior
changes, paralysis, and death. It is transmitted in the saliva of
infected animals and in the United States it is most commonly carried
by bats, racoons, and skunks. Rabies is always fatal once symptoms
appear so prevention through vaccination is essential. Rabies is the
most important vaccine because it protects not just the pet but also
the human population from this deadly disease.
Panleukopenia
Panleukopenia is commonly called “feline distemper” although the disease itself if more similar to canine parvovirus than canine distemper. Symptoms of panleukopenia include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and immunosuppression. The disease is especially severe, and often fatal, in young kittens so vaccination and frequent boosters are recommended between 6-16 weeks of age. Isolation and thorough cleaning are important in controlling the spread of disease as the virus can remain infective in the environment.
Feline Herpesvirus 1 (feline viral
rhinotracheitis)
Feline herpesvirus is the most common
cause of upper respiratory disease in cats. Common signs of an upper
respiratory infection include sneezing, runny nose, watery or crusty
eyes, and mouth ulceration. The disease ranges in severity from a
mild cold-like disease to serious pneumonia. Once infected, cats
often remain infected for life and may show chronic clinical signs or
be asymptomatic carriers. Vaccination helps to prevent or decrease
clinical disease.
Calicivirus
Feline calicivirus generally causes a
mild upper respiratory infection with symptoms such as discharge from
the eyes and nose, sneezing, and tongue ulcers. However, some strains
can cause more serious disease including pneumonia and organ failure.
Feline Leukemia Virus
Feline leukemia virus primarily causes
immunosuppression in cats, making them more susceptible to other
infections, and about 1/5th of infected cats will develop
leukemia, a cancer of white blood cells. The disease has no cure and
is somewhat unpredictable with some cases progressing slowly while
others are quickly fatal. It is spread through direct exchange of
saliva and other bodily fluids. Bite wounds and mating are the
greatest risk, but nose-to-nose contact, social grooming, sharing
bowls, and other casual encounters are also potential routes of
transmission. Since kittens can be infected at birth, all kittens
with an unknown parental history should be tested then vaccinated to
prevent this deadly disease.
Hopefully, this helps to answer some questions about cats vaccinations. If you have more questions, please call us at 515-262-8535.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Now that we've gotten the cat off the printer, I wanted to share with you a few tips about cats.
Cats are now more popular than dogs as pets. This is due to their adaptability and ease of care. Most cats aren't taken for long walks in the park & are ok with spending the day at home alone when you go to work. Cats are cuddly & friendly and can be taught tricks and to come when called, just like dogs.
Cats are true carnivores---they require meat in their diet, and cannot be fed a vegetarian only diet. They actually do best on canned (moist) foods as they are higher in water content and more like their natural diet of small rodents and insects. They do kill birds, if given the opportunity, which creates some controversy for cats that enjoy going outside. Most cats will adapt to an indoor environment, and it is definitely safer for them to live indoors. It's also safer for the songbird population.
Cats reproduce readily in a semi-wild or feral state, which leads us to a problem in the summer---too many kittens! At the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, they call it kitten season, with litters of adorable kittens coming in on a daily basis. Many of these kittens get adopted, but sadly, not all. So, it is always best NOT to let your cat contribute to kitten overpopulation by having a simple & safe spay or neuter surgery done. If you can't afford the surgery, the ARL has some programs that can help with the cost.
If you are looking for a new dedicated & loyal friend, consider a cat. Contact us at East 6th & Walnut---we are ARL adoption partners.
Next week, we will have some information about cats and the need for vaccinations.
Cats are now more popular than dogs as pets. This is due to their adaptability and ease of care. Most cats aren't taken for long walks in the park & are ok with spending the day at home alone when you go to work. Cats are cuddly & friendly and can be taught tricks and to come when called, just like dogs.
Cats are true carnivores---they require meat in their diet, and cannot be fed a vegetarian only diet. They actually do best on canned (moist) foods as they are higher in water content and more like their natural diet of small rodents and insects. They do kill birds, if given the opportunity, which creates some controversy for cats that enjoy going outside. Most cats will adapt to an indoor environment, and it is definitely safer for them to live indoors. It's also safer for the songbird population.
Cats reproduce readily in a semi-wild or feral state, which leads us to a problem in the summer---too many kittens! At the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, they call it kitten season, with litters of adorable kittens coming in on a daily basis. Many of these kittens get adopted, but sadly, not all. So, it is always best NOT to let your cat contribute to kitten overpopulation by having a simple & safe spay or neuter surgery done. If you can't afford the surgery, the ARL has some programs that can help with the cost.
If you are looking for a new dedicated & loyal friend, consider a cat. Contact us at East 6th & Walnut---we are ARL adoption partners.
Next week, we will have some information about cats and the need for vaccinations.
Perspectives from an upside down cat....
Did you know that if you hang upside down off a computer printer people will laugh hysterically at you? You see the picture above shows me demonstrating this very action
Friday, August 9, 2013
August heat
The State Fair is here!
And with it comes the hot humid days of August.
All Iowans know that in preparation for school to start, we must go to the State Fair, and we must endure some heat & humidity. This year has not been nearly as hot as some, but Iowa's humidity always makes the heat difficult to endure.
For our dog pals, that means shorter walks, walks late in the day or early in the morning and more time spent indoors with the air conditioning on. Cats tolerate heat better than dogs, as evidenced by their love of sunny windows, but indoor/outdoor cats often slow down considerably in the heat of the August afternoon.
With heat & humidity comes another problems: FLEAS. It is now officially flea season. August, September & October are the worst months for fleas in the Midwest. Fleas exist part of their lives in a pupal form & heat & humidity cause pupal fleas to hatch out to adults. Adult fleas create all the problems: itching, scratching, hot spots, and tapeworm transmission, to name a few.
The best way to deal with fleas is to prevent them: use of veterinary recommended products such as Frontline Plus, Trifexis and Revolution are the most effective preventives and should definitely be applied to all dogs & cats in August, September & October. If you have a flea problem, a visit with your pet to the animal hospital is best. The veterinarians can prescribe specific ways to control the fleas in your household. And get your pet the relief they need!
And with it comes the hot humid days of August.
All Iowans know that in preparation for school to start, we must go to the State Fair, and we must endure some heat & humidity. This year has not been nearly as hot as some, but Iowa's humidity always makes the heat difficult to endure.
For our dog pals, that means shorter walks, walks late in the day or early in the morning and more time spent indoors with the air conditioning on. Cats tolerate heat better than dogs, as evidenced by their love of sunny windows, but indoor/outdoor cats often slow down considerably in the heat of the August afternoon.
With heat & humidity comes another problems: FLEAS. It is now officially flea season. August, September & October are the worst months for fleas in the Midwest. Fleas exist part of their lives in a pupal form & heat & humidity cause pupal fleas to hatch out to adults. Adult fleas create all the problems: itching, scratching, hot spots, and tapeworm transmission, to name a few.
The best way to deal with fleas is to prevent them: use of veterinary recommended products such as Frontline Plus, Trifexis and Revolution are the most effective preventives and should definitely be applied to all dogs & cats in August, September & October. If you have a flea problem, a visit with your pet to the animal hospital is best. The veterinarians can prescribe specific ways to control the fleas in your household. And get your pet the relief they need!
State Fair Parade update
We are very excited to report that we won an award!
A major award!
Our clinic has walked with our dogs in the Iowa State Fair parade every year for the last four years. The State Fair parade winds through downtown Des Moines the night before the opening of Iowa's State Fair. As all Iowans know, "our State Fair is a great State Fair, the greatest State Fair in our State!"
And this year, our entry was also great!
We won "Best Use of the Fair Theme" for a commercial entry in the entire state fair parade!
The fair theme this year was: Nothing Compares.
We continued with our moving display from last year of "Dogs on a Stick". Myself and my enthusiastic staff dressed as food vendors, we decorated a van with sheeting made up to look like a food truck, and the patient dogs wore harnesses with cardboard sticks coming out of their backs. A placard atop the van stated: "Nothing Compares to the World Famous Dogs on a Stick".
Garbo, the Bernese Mt Dog, Cloud, the dalmatian, Breeze, the border collie, Max, the maltese, and Gulliver, the chihuahua loved being petted by hordes of kids along the parade route.
Evidently the Parade judges liked what they saw as much as our dogs liked getting petted.
We will be featured on Iowa Public Televisions: State Fair 2013 on Monday August 12.
A major award!
Our clinic has walked with our dogs in the Iowa State Fair parade every year for the last four years. The State Fair parade winds through downtown Des Moines the night before the opening of Iowa's State Fair. As all Iowans know, "our State Fair is a great State Fair, the greatest State Fair in our State!"
And this year, our entry was also great!
We won "Best Use of the Fair Theme" for a commercial entry in the entire state fair parade!
The fair theme this year was: Nothing Compares.
We continued with our moving display from last year of "Dogs on a Stick". Myself and my enthusiastic staff dressed as food vendors, we decorated a van with sheeting made up to look like a food truck, and the patient dogs wore harnesses with cardboard sticks coming out of their backs. A placard atop the van stated: "Nothing Compares to the World Famous Dogs on a Stick".
Garbo, the Bernese Mt Dog, Cloud, the dalmatian, Breeze, the border collie, Max, the maltese, and Gulliver, the chihuahua loved being petted by hordes of kids along the parade route.
Evidently the Parade judges liked what they saw as much as our dogs liked getting petted.
We will be featured on Iowa Public Televisions: State Fair 2013 on Monday August 12.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Events in the next few weeks
We are going to be participating in some fun events in the next few weeks:
Our tradition over the last 4 years has been to march in the State Fair Parade through downtown Des Moines. Look for us again this year as "Dogs on a Stick". We will be providing free water bottles at the start of the parade for all walkers & participants. We will also be participating in Midwest Vet Supply's State Fair Event on August 10. We are very excited about the scavenger hunt through the Fair.
Tomorrow Dr Berge will be speaking at Jett & Monkey's Dog Shoppe in Des Moines historic East Village. She will give a talk on itchy and scratchy pets.
Next Tuesday, August 6, we will participate in "Night Out" at Des Moines City Hall.
Come see us at these fun events!
So the experts of the World Wide Web have informed us that we need to start blogging. After much contemplating, thinking, pondering, dragging our feet, kicking and screaming, we are taking the plunge.
As we embark on this adventure, we hope you find this blog to be entertaining, informational, funny, and a place where you can come to share your love for your four legged family members.
Let me tell you a little about us: We have two veterinary practices in Des Moines Iowa. We love behavior, dermatology, dentistry, Dalmatians, Bernese Mt Dogs, orange cats, rabbits and Welsh Springer Spaniels. We love other pets as well---hence the name, All-Pets Hospital.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. Also, if you blog please let us know. We would like to follow you!
As we embark on this adventure, we hope you find this blog to be entertaining, informational, funny, and a place where you can come to share your love for your four legged family members.
Let me tell you a little about us: We have two veterinary practices in Des Moines Iowa. We love behavior, dermatology, dentistry, Dalmatians, Bernese Mt Dogs, orange cats, rabbits and Welsh Springer Spaniels. We love other pets as well---hence the name, All-Pets Hospital.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. Also, if you blog please let us know. We would like to follow you!
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