Sisu Care

Pet Aid Assistance

CIV, canine influenza virus

| November 2, 2009

CIV fact sheet: First identified in racing greyhounds in Jan ’04, next identified in a pet population in Spring ’05, 100% of exposed dogs will become infected, about 80% of infected dogs show signs of disease, 20% of infected dogs will not show clincical signs and can become asymptomatic sources of infection for other dogs, fatal in fewer than 8% of cases, infected dogs can spread the virus for 7-10 days after onset of clinical signs, sign include purulent nasal dishcarge, cough, and a low-grade to high fever.

The CIV vaccine can reduce the incidence and severity of lung lesions, as well as the duration of coughing and viral shedding. The vaccine may not completely prevent disease.

smile!

| October 30, 2009

A positive attitude and a joyful countenance attract people and business.  Put a smile on your face and a bounce in your step.

Dogs and Cats know your smiling too!

How many breeds of dogs are there?

| October 29, 2009

There are more than 400 dog breeds, but the American Kennel Club officially recognizes only 150. The American Rare Breed Association recognizes 178. The United Kennel Club recognizes 308.

What are the largest and smallest breeds? -

The Mastiff (28-30 inches, 175 to 190 pounds) and Saint Bernard (24 to 28 inches, 110-200 pounds) are the heaviest. The Chihuahua (6 to 9 inches, 6 pounds) is the smallest. The Irish Wolfhound (28 to 35 inches at the shoulders) is the tallest breed.

What are the most popular breeds in the United States? -   mmmm, there may be some controversy here!

1. Labrador Retrievers
2. Golden Retrievers
3. German Sheperds
4. Beagles
5. Dachshunds
6. Yorkshire Terriers
7. Boxers
8. Poodles
9. Chihuahuas
10. Shih Tzus

Dr. Seuss,,

| October 27, 2009

“My uncle ordered popovers from the restaurant’s bill of fare.

And, when they were served, he regarded them with a penetrating stare.

Then he spoke great words of wisdom, as he sat there on that chair;

‘To eat these things,’ said my uncle, ‘You must exercise great care.

You may swallow down what’s solid, but you must spit out the air!’

As you partake of the world’s bit of fare, that’s good advice to follow.

Spit out every bit of the hot air, and be careful what you swallow.”

~Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss), from a commencement address

rescue poem,

| October 22, 2009

I wish someone would tell me what it is that I’ve done wrong.
  Why I’ve had to stay chained up and left alone so long.
They seemed so glad to have me when I came here as a pup.
  There were so many things we’d do while I was growing up.
They couldn’t wait to train me as companion and as a friend.
  And told me how they’d never fear being left alone again.
The children said they’d feed me and brush me every day.
  They’d play with me and walk me if only I could stay.
But now the family “hasn’t time”; they often say I shed.
  They do not want me in the house, not even to be fed.
The children never walk me. They always say, “Not now!”
  I wish that I could please them. Won’t someone tell me how?
All I had, you see, was love. I wish they would explain.
  Why they said they wanted me, then left me on a chain.

do you trust your vet hospital?

| October 19, 2009

The following are questions to ask yourself regarding your pet’s office visit to the hospital:

Were you given the lab results on the same day or next day(if tests had to be sent out) that tests were run and did the doctor discuss the results with you?

Were all the medications dispensed and other reccommendations discussed before you left the hospital?

Post surgery/Post hospitalization: Did a knowledgeable team member go over the discharge instructions, ask if there were questions and did they receive instructions on how to administer the meds?

Was the bill accurate and did you understand the charges?

Post surgery/Post hospitalization: Did you receive a follow up call the next day from a team member to see how your pet was doing?

Were appropriate reminders for follow up appts made?

If you had called with questions regarding your pet, did you understand the answers and were you satisfied with the answers?

Last but not least: Did all these communications occur in warm and genuine ways, not by people who were just doing their jobs, but by people that showed a genuine concern about your pet’s care.

be kind,,,

| October 16, 2009

“Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility evaporate.” Albert Schweitzer

With the stress of our economy, sometimes people can be very unkind. Let’s show some kindness to those around us, no matter what situation you are in. Yours may be the first flake in a snowball of kindness that begins to form today!

a good veterinarian,,

| October 14, 2009

The best way to finding a good vet is by referrals, ask around. Once you have made the conclusion to visit one, assure yourself that conditions are good. Is the office clean? Is the receptionist courteous and knowledgeable? Do the vet’s office hours comply with your schedule? Is there reasonable order in the waiting room? Dogs on leash? Cats contained? Is the examining room and table clean? The next area of judgement is personality of the veterinarian. Is the doctor comfortable around your pet? Is there confidence displayed when handling your pet and is he/she gentle but firm? Don’t be afraid to ask about fees, most veterinarians will hand out written estimates if you ask. The best vets will recommend an annual checkup and ask owners to keep accurate observation and descriptions of symptoms that may occur, this is helpful for a quick diagnosis and effective treatment.

adopting another pet,,,,

| October 12, 2009

When you bring a new pet into you home, it changes everything. Change can be scary and uncomfortable.  However, being open to change and new ideas is essential.  Don’t sabotage yourself or them by attempting to put too many new ideas and changes into place at one time.  Pick one or two and work on incorporating them into your daily schedule.  When they become habit – add one or two more! 
  “Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.”  ~Arnold Bennett 

 

 

 

expression of gratitude

| October 11, 2009

Not too long ago, veterinarians were often rewarded for their services with chickens, pies or homemade brew. These nonmonetary payments were not an equal exchange for the value of the services, but an expression of gratitude for the compassion and care of the doctor.

Think of this when your own veterinarian has healed or cured your pet. I bet they would love a homemade pie! But please remember to pay your bill.