Dog Walking Safety Tips
Are you and your pet up to "snuff" when it comes to dog walking safety? For a quick refresher, review these tips to make your next walk a safe and enjoyable outing!
Learn more pet care tips when you visit our website at www.streamvalleyvet.com today!
Stay Hydrated this Week!
Skippy the Blue-Tongued Skink would like to remind everyone to stay hydrated and safe during the upcoming heatwave! Help them beat the heat when you follow these steps:
- Never leave your pet in a hot car; cracking a window open does not help!
- Provide plenty of fresh, clean water and shade.
- Keep pets in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible; limit time outdoors.
- Plan early morning or late evening walks when the heat isn't as intense.
- Avoid hot surfaces that can burn paws.
- Place a small fan nearby to keep caged pets cool.
Remember, if it's too hot for you, it's even hotter for your pet. If they exhibit heat stroke signs such as panting, vomiting, excessive drooling, and or excessive drooling, please contact us immediately at (703) 723-1017 or The LifeCentre at (703) 777-5755.
Get to know #hedgehogs like Comma! We’ve created a video of care tips we recommend, along with a clip of Comma’s progress exam with Vet Tech Julia. Hedgehogs make for fun pets, but they do require very specialized care! #exoticpets #pocketpets #exoticpetcare #veterinary #vetmed #veterinaryhospital #streamvalleyvet
Big steps for Biggie!
Technicians Chaney and Julia were working hard on physical therapy magic for 14-year-old Biggie, who presented to the ER for the inability to walk, just before his family's vacation and his stay with us. Unfortunately, Biggie had very limited mobility when he arrived. A slipped disc in his neck was likely affecting all 4 limbs. We tried desperately to get him a consult with a local veterinary neurologist (that is already short in supply), but in the interim, cage rest, medications, and gentle range-of-motion PT got him up and walking again!
While this is not always the outcome for what is potentially IVDD (intervertebral disc disease), we would like to think it was partly the hands-on care of our technicians that did the magic of healing! "Slipped disc" material is a little more forgiving when it occurs in the neck region where the canal is not as tight for the spinal chord that passes through. Either way, we are SO glad to see this little guy walk again!
How to Walk a Human
*For dogs only!* Tomorrow's warm weather requires WALKS. Get ready to get out and be active with your human, and check out our guide to help give them a perfect walk! Give your humans a break from work or school to bond with you while working on your fitness goals. Good luck, and let us know what you think about these tips! 🐶
Maddie was the best girl for staying put when getting her pearly whites polished today. ❤️ Our Kennel Attendants, like Camila, can work with our daycare dogs to make sure they’re on the right track for good oral health. It does take time for pets to warm up to to teeth brushing, but consistent practice will help them become more comfortable. Dental care isn’t just important during Dental Month—pets need it year round!
Confidence Training for Chase
Did you know that we can do behavior training with rescue/foster animals? Check out Chase, a rescue dog from Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART), who had been staying at Stream Valley for much needed confidence training. Watch as our Kennel Lead, Cam, puts him through his new skills to “place” and “come.” Our Kennel team worked diligently to reassure him that it’s okay to be petted and he was safe.
The training paid off, as Chase was adopted on Halloween weekend! We all miss this little guy, but we love that he has found a wonderful home. ❤️
Even the wiggliest of puppies like Mr. Fox can be distracted by treats! This little corgi showed yeasty, smelly ears that required a bit of cleaning. Since it’s an uncomfortable sensation, most dogs might feel nervous about having their ears touched. Watch as vet assistants Rob and Jenna help Mr. Fox take his mind off an ear cleaning. These Fear Free methods we use help turn confusing or scary experiences into positive experiences—which will goes a long way for future veterinary appointments!
Cat Wheel Fun
Did you know exercise wheels aren't just for pocket pets--they're for cats too? Check out the One Fast Cat wheel, great apparatus for indoor exercise! We love this video with the "Cheeses" from instagram.com/cheeseplatevoltron. Just look at that laser focus. If you're in the market for a way to help your cat(s) stay healthy, why not give this a try?
Indoor cats can develop depression or unwanted behaviors if they're bored. One Fast Cat created a great tool to turn a stressed cat into a happy cat through mental and physical stimulation! It's highly recommended by Brie, Cheddar, and Nacho. 🐱 Visit www.onefastcat.com to learn more and find tips that will help your cat use the wheel!
Wishing all of the wonderful moms a happy Mother's Day! We hope you enjoy your special day. 💐
Watch Winston learn the Teeter Totter
