To Board or Not To Board: that is the question

There are many things to consider when you are boarding your pet. The best way to decide on a facility is to ask for a tour to see the facility and to meet the staff. Some things to consider:

What will your pet's day look like? Will your pet be in a kennel or crate or a larger suite?

Will there be interaction with other pets? How many pets? What is the staff to pet ratio in such situations?

How often and when will your pet be walked? Where?

What is the policy regarding health records and vaccination requirements?

What happens if your pet is sick or injured?

Can you provide your own food for your pet?

What about supplements?

Will they administer medications?

What is the policy on bringing bedding and toys from home?

Boarding facilities fill quickly during the holidays; remember to reserve early. Be sure to leave your contact numbers with your boarding facility. Also, providing local emergency numbers is a good idea as well. Boarding can be a stressful time for your pet,  proper planning can put you both at ease.

If boarding you pet is not possible for health or expense; a pet sitter may be an option. Pet sitters can come to your home to feed, walk, play with your pet in the comfort of your own home. They can also administer medications as well. Often clients choose this option if the re are multiple pets who are in need of care. Custom arrangements can be made with your pet sitter as needed, some will even sleep at your home and house sit as well.

At Holistic Pet Care we have a variety of options to lessen the stress of your pet while you are away. Call or stop by to learn about herbs, flower essences and essential oils that can help.

~Dr. Gerald Buchoff

What you need to know about circovirus

Prior to 2012, circovirus was only seen in pigs and chickens.  Crossing over into dog populations, cases have been reported in California, Michigan and Ohio. There have been reports of sick animals and several deaths related to circovirus.

So far, cases have limited to boarding/kennel situations and is it contagious in nature. Symptoms to look for are lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and bloody stool. These symptoms may be present in variety of diseases. Any pet exhibiting these symptoms should be evaluated by a vet immediately.

A strong immune system, supported by proper nutrition supplements, chiropractic adjustment and acupuncture, is your pet's best defense against illness. Dr. Gerald Buchoff and Dr. Vanessa Moore can create a protocol to help your pet stay healthy and live longer. 

My dog needs a job

“My dog needs a job” lamented the owner of an Emma, an 8 year old Shih Tzu. Emma had taken to obsessively gnawing at her leg, creating a persistent wound susceptible to frequent infection.  Proper nutritional support and homeopathic remedies healed the wound nicely, but Emma would soon find another spot to target.

Obsessive behavior in animals is a curious thing. Once all possible physical causes are ruled out, only the mental state of animal remains. Gus, the recently deceased Central Park Zoo polar bear, became world- famous for his obsessive swimming. Animal behaviorists, at a cost of $25,000, were brought in to help shift his behavior. A playroom stocked with rubber cans, traffic cones and coolers was set up in his enclosure.  Feeding times became more challenging – Gus was given his meals frozen in ice blocks or encased in rawhide. In the end all these changes were made to make Gus use his mind and body more. Little by little his obsessive behavior was reduced.

We can learn from Gus’ story and benefit from the knowledge learned from the animal behaviorists. Emma too needs to use her mind and her body to drain her of the restlessness energy that is driving her obsessive behavior. Exercise, games, and pet tricks can all help her channel the energy in a positive way. Emma’s owner is correct, Emma and all pets with obsessive behaviors “need a job”. Are you hiring?