Pets & Chewing

It is natural for puppies to explore their environment; however, their natural curiosity often leads to frustration on your part when they chew your favorite slippers. While you may be tempted to punish your naughty pup, reinforcing good behavior is much more effective and will keep you and your dog happier. Chewing is a natural behavior that helps dogs relax and aids in dental health. It is important to provide proper chew toys for your dog. Additionally, giving your dog a specific time for chewing will help them ”wind” down for the night (similar to humans reading a book before bed).

Anxious chewing

However, not all chewing is good for your dog. Destructive chewing may be related to anxiety. It is important to teach your dog that he cannot always receive attention on demand. To reduce anxiety, train him to lie on his bed or in a crate, rather than constantly at your side. For dogs with separation anxiety, begin with short departures and then gradually increase the length of your time away to help them be comfortable and calm while you’re gone.

Anti-chew sprays

Anti-chew sprays can be used to deter your pup from chewing on household items. If you witness your puppy chewing on a household item, calmly walk over and spray the item with the anti-chew spray and firmly say ”leave it”. Instantly redirect your puppy’s attention by animating the dog toy in order to get him excited enough to chew it. Once the dog wants the toy give it to her and then softly praise the dog and back away (avoid turning this into an active game of tug-of-war; you simply want to get the dog interested in the toy). This will give the dog something to chew on and still remain in the calm state she was in previously.

Teething

Chew toys are a great way to keep your puppy busy as well as relieve pain associated with teething. Once the teeth erupt, the real chewing begins. The teeth seem to need “setting” into the jaw and this is accomplished through hard chewing. Present your puppy with a variety of toys to determine which types he likes best (avoid giving him chew toys that resemble household items that you do not want him to chew, i.e. a toy shaped like a shoe). Rotate different toys to keep your puppy’s interest and reward your puppy with praise when he chews on them. If the puppy seem to seek out a certain items that are not for chewing, try finding toys with similar textures because they may need that texture for dental health. Remember, buying a bunch of toys is a lot less expensive than replacing the furniture that he may chew up.

Source: http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/dog_care/behavior/chewing.aspx

Catching Up with Ruby & Cooper

My Beloved Fans,

                Whew! It sure has been quite the summer! I hope everyone is beating the heat! I know this fine feline has had a hard time keeping herself groomed with all this humidity! Cooper and I have been doing our best to stay cool and stay hydrated. The technicians and doctors always do a wonderful job of keeping water around for us to drink, although, I can’t say I enjoy sharing a cup with Cooper…

Anyway, I’ve heard the fleas and ticks have sure been out in full force this year. Not that this majestic mouser needs to worry, since those timely technicians are consistent in applying my Revolution every thirty days, which keeps me worm, flea, and tick free all year long! What can I say? I’m a diva. Ta-ta for now my furry friends!

XOXO,

                Princess Ruby

My Fellow Dudes,

                Bro life at the vet is pretty chill this summer, thanks to the A/C being available 24/7. I will have to say though, the view from the perch is super intense! So many puppies and little dudes – that’s hip for “kittens” – have been coming through the doors, it’s totally insane! I always get to catch a glimpse of them when they come to the treatment pad for their baby nail trims, on the house. Just a word to the youngins – I know nail trims can be a little harsh at first, but if your mom or pops keeps up on those, you’ll be a pro in no time! Also, be sure to tell your furless family about our puppy classes! It’s like school, but actually fun, and you get to meet a ton of new friends just like you! Welp, it’s been real dudes, but it’s time for me to head on up to my favorite blanket and take a little cat nap.

Peace!

                Captain Cooper

Welcome Dr. Stone!

We are proud to welcome Dr. Sabrina Stone as the newest doctor we have added to our veterinarian family here at Pekin Veterinary Clinic!

Dr. Stone's Biography:

"Becoming a veterinarian has always been a dream of mine growing up. In fact, I was so little that I told my mom I wanted to be a 'vegetarian' because I couldn't pronounce my t's correctly. I grew up in Antioch, IL, which almost makes me a Wisconsinite since my hometown is that close to Wisconsin. My undergraduate years were spent at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I played the clarinet in the marching band. I then took 2 years off and went to Veterinary School at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. However, I continue cheering for the Badgers, packers, and Brewers; like I said before, I grew up in the Wisconsin influence. My cat Midna, who is a long-hair, was born in the Madison, WI area. You may ask why I ended up staying in central Illinois, and that is because I fell in love with the clinic and the outstanding staff. In my free time, I like to go running, water related activities, and when it's snowing, I love to snowboard or just simply play in the snow. I also want to get more involved with golf, and Pekin seems like the perfect place for that!"

The entire team at Pekin Veterinary Clinic is so excited to have Dr. Stone on board with us, providing amazing care to the pets and people in the community!

Riddick

Riddick has a history of eating silly things... socks, toys, dish rags... 

He had not been feeling so great, so he was having a Barium Series done to check for a foreign body (a blockage in his intestines). 

A special liquid is given, it contains Barium - a metal radio-opaque solution, that shows up on a radiograph. Several radiographs (X-Rays) are taken over a period of time. We track the Barium flowing through the GI system. 

Riddick did great, what a lover-boy! No sock this time and now he is feeling great!
  

                                              

Bow Fishing Trip

One of our good friends and representative of the company Zoetis (the animal division of Pfizer) has a special boat for a fun sport of Carp Bow Fishing. Team members of Pekin Veterinary Clinic, including Dr. Jess, Dr. Penn, Courtney, Jennifer and Angela were a part of this fishing excursion.

We had a great time, the fish were not jumping much because the river is a bit high. The afternoon was perfect, the companionship was fun, and the drinks were cold!

 P.S. Not a single fish was harmed on this trip! 

Dangers of Pets in Hot Cars

BBQs and Pets

The end of May usually means the beginning of the summer season, and it’s often celebrated with picnics and barbecues. But if your pet is around during your summer cook-outs, keep them safe and away from grills, and keep picnic food far from their reach.