Turner Veterinary Clinic News

Did you know that July is National Recreation and Parks Month? Although this awareness campaign is directed at getting humans to exercise and enjoy the great outdoors, it's important to remember that pets also need physical activity. Besides keeping his weight at a healthy level, regular exercise helps to decrease digestive disorders, joint problems, diabetes, heart issues, and other serious health concerns for the animal member of your family.

Exercises for Dogs and Cats
Dogs who don't get enough exercise may engage in destructive behavior to burn off their excess energy. One easy way to make sure your dog gets enough physical activity is to take her for a walk each day. Throwing a ball in the park, swimming, or setting up an obstacle course in the backyard are additional ways to see to it that your dog has fun while getting the exercise she needs.

Cats are naturally less active than dogs and tend to prefer sleeping to movement, especially as they age. To ensure that your cat stays trim and healthy, set aside at least 15 minutes each day to play with him. Some favorite cat games include batting at string, chasing the light from a laser pointer, and pouncing on a toy mouse. Making the time to engage your cat in play also helps to increase your bond with him.

Ask Us for Diet and Exercise Recommendations
Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Huelsbergen before making any significant changes in your pet's diet or exercise routines. He will evaluate your dog or cat's current health and offer suggestions to get more exercise. If you're still stumped for how to get your pet moving more, remember that we stock a variety of toys for dogs and cats in the Turner Veterinary Clinic online store. 

It only takes a few seconds for your pet to be lost forever, like when you're busy with other things and she slips out the front door to take off after a squirrel. The experience is so common that the American Humane Society estimates one in three pets will get lost at some point in her lifetime. That's over 10 million pets every year who can't find their way home. In many cases, it's because the pet didn't have proper identification. Even a collar with current contact information on it can catch on a fence or come off by the pet's own force.

What is a Pet Microchip?
Even though June is National Microchip Month, people often have misconceptions about what a microchip is and what it can do. A microchip is about the same size as a grain of rice. When a veterinarian or someone from your local Animal Control scans your pet, the information contained on the microchip appears on a computer screen. This typically includes the pet's name, your name, and your current contact information. This makes it possible to contact you to let you know that your pet has been located.

A microchip is not the same thing as a Global Positioning System (GPS). That means you can't rely on it to let you know where your pet is if he gets away from you. It's also essential to register your microchip and keep your contact information updated. There is nothing sadder than discovering a pet has a microchip and then not being able to reach the owner due to it containing invalid details.

Schedule Your Pet's Microchip Appointment Today
The procedure to get a microchip is fast, inexpensive, and painless at Turner Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Huelsbergen inserts the tiny device in a flap of skin under your dog or cat's shoulder blade. It's over in seconds and your pet won't feel any more discomfort than she does with a typical shot. Although a microchip isn't an absolute guarantee you will be reunited with your lost pet, it increases the odds dramatically. It's the least you can do for your best friend. 

To help foster a more respectful attitude towards animals and encourage people to honor their responsibilities towards them, In Defense of Animals (IDA) has declared May to be Responsible Animal Guardian Month. Having a respectful attitude towards our pets starts with not referring to ourselves as their owners. This word makes a pet our property while the word guardian means that we are responsible for their well-being for a lifetime.

Goals of the Guardian Campaign
IDA hopes to accomplish two major things during the month of May. First, the organization wants to encourage responsible and loving behavior from people who are already pet guardians. This means committing to caring for the pet's physical and social needs in addition to forming a deep bond with the animal. The following are just some of the ways you can be a responsible pet guardian:

- Invest time in training your pet and apply rules consistently
- Use positive reinforcement rather than punishment
- Ensure that your pet gets plenty of opportunities for socialization
- Make exercise part of his daily routine
- Feed her nutritious food and limit treats
- Spend one-on-one time with him each day
- Schedule regular wellness exams at Turner Veterinary Clinic and bring her in if she displays new or worsening symptoms

IDA also uses this awareness campaign to discourage people from purchasing an animal from a pet store or breeder. The campaign's motto of "Adopt, Don't Shop" urges potential pet parents to consider saving a life by adopting from an animal shelter instead.

Has Your Pet Had a Wellness Exam Recently?
One of the mistakes that pet guardians often make is assuming that the animal doesn't need to visit a veterinarian unless he is sick or injured. Just like physical exams for people, annual wellness exams for pets help to identify and treat issues before they become more problematic. 

Please schedule an appointment with Turner Veterinary Clinic if your pet hasn't had a preventive exam in more than a year. Senior pets should be seen bi-annually while puppies and kittens under a year need regular exams and vaccinations. Dr. Huelsbergen will let you know his/her preferred schedule when you bring your pet in for his first appointment.