Posts in Category: ZimmVet News & Events

By Michaela Tallant, ZimmVet Professional Pet Groomer

Gum disease is 5 times more likely to occur in pets than in people. This is why brushing your pet’s teeth daily is important.

Tips for Brushing

1. There are many different toothpastes out there for pets.  Make sure to get a flavored tooth paste (like beef or chicken).  This way your pet thinks they are getting a treat out of it.
2. Create a routine for your pet. Having your pet in a routine such as brushing every morning right after breakfast will make a big difference for both of you.  It will become a normal part of their day and will make it less stressful for them.
3. It’s important to give your pet lots of praise when first introducing them to a tooth brush. Also remember this is something that may be scary to them, so take it slow.  

Brushing your pet’s teeth is a beneficial way to keep your pet healthy. You could also consider adding in a dental chew, such as Ora Vet, to help prevent tartar and improve breath.  Make sure to talk with your veterinarian about other recommendations and tips to help keep your pet’s teeth healthy and clean.

By Angela Krieger ZimmVet Daycare and Hotel Staff

We all want our cats to be healthy and happy! One of the best ways to do this is taking your cat on walks. Though this may sound challenging, taking your cat for a walk can be a fun and enjoyable experience. It will also provide exercise for you and your cat while strengthening the bond with you and your furry friend.

It is always best to use a harness for walking with your cat.  Here are the best ways to introduce your cat to a harness while keeping things fear free and positive.

It’s best to introduce your cat to a harness when it is still a kitten. Typically, kittens will be more excepting of something new. It’s important to make sure the harness you get is a good fit. So before going harness shopping measure your cat around the front of their chest, around their middle section, and just behind their front legs. Once you have picked out a harness that’s a good fit, take introducing them to it slowly.

Start out by placing your hand through the harness with your cat’s favorite treat and then let your cat eat the treat. Once your cat has eaten the treat, and seem to be enjoying the experience you’ll want to take a break and end this experience on a positive note. You’ll want to continue this process over several days. While doing this slowly move further along with the harness, so they understand they get positive reward for tolerating this new item. Repeat the process and whenever your cat seems comfortable let them walk into the harness and gently put the harness on the cat, do not force it. It will take some cats longer then others to be comfortable with the situation.

Once your cat is comfortable with the harness, you’ll want to attach a leash to it. Let the leash drag behind the cat for a couple of hours. Make sure to be walking around and calling your cat over to you with treat. This will help them adjust to having something attached to them. Once they are comfortable walking around the house with the harness and leash on, you’ll want to start holding the leash and directing the walks you and your cat take around the house. Again, lots of treats and positive rewards will help this adjustment process.

Once your cat is comfortable walking with you around the house, take a short stroll in your yard. You can let your cat lead the way if you feel that will make them more comfortable. Once your cat is fully adjusted to strolling around your yard, they are ready to take a walk! Make sure to keep your first couple of walks shorter and very positive. Bring treats along!

If your cat still doesn’t enjoy leash walking or the feeling of a harness on, you can always purchase cat strollers or backpacks. This way they can still experience the outdoors with you while enjoying the comfort of an enclosed safe space for them.  This will still allow for wonderful bonding time for you and your beloved cat!

By Michaela Tallant, ZimmVet Professional Pet Groomer

When bringing a new puppy home, it’s hard to consider much else other than snuggling and loving on them.  But when you bring a new puppy home, there are many things to keep in mind to help them adjust to their new home life.  Separation anxiety in dogs is very common. Its not fully understood why some puppies struggle with separation anxiety and other don’t. There are a few simple steps you can follow to help your new puppy adjust to spending time home alone.

Puppies love routines

It is important that you set a new schedule for your puppy. This will become their ordinary day, and help keep them more comfortable with your daily routine.

Basic obedience training

Practice general obedience with your pup! Here at ZimmVet we offer Puppy Classes that teach your pup all the obedience basics. This again, will teach them the do’s and don’ts of the house hold.

Crate training

If done correctly crates are a great tool to help your pup feel safe and comfortable while you’re away. It’s important to make sure they have a safe and cozy crate space, as soon as you bring them home. Use the crate for short periods of time while your home. For example you could feed them in their crate and let them relax in there for an hour after, while you’re getting ready for your day. Limit the amount of attention you give your pup before you leave for the day. This way it is not an overwhelming shock to them when you’re gone.

Don’t rush freedom

Though your ultimate goal may be to let your pup have free rain over the house while you’re gone, you don’t want to rush this. It can be overwhelming for them and promote problem behaviors due to anxiety or boredom.

Arriving home

When coming home it is important not to get overly excited.  Immediately give them something to do by letting your pup out of the crate and take them outside to relieve themselves. This helps prevent them from thinking you leaving or coming home is a huge event.

Most puppies will whine and cry in the crate or when they are left alone. But it is important to watch for signs of “True Separation Anxiety” which is categorized as destructive or disruptive behavior. Examples of this are tearing up the room, constant barking, and scratching at the walls or doors. If your pup is struggling with more intense separation anxiety, reach out to your local vet and trainer to help your pup get the support they may need to cope with the anxiety. 

By Michaela Tallant, ZimmVet Professional Pet Groomer

A lot of the time puppies will struggle with crate training. Sometimes it has to do with a general fear or anxiety of being left alone. Or it can be caused by not enjoying their “safe space.” Here are some tips to help your pup be more relaxed in their crate.

Picking the right crate.

You’ll want to make sure the crate you pick is the right size for your pup. Often times if you’re starting them younger, you can still buy a crate that will fit them as an adult, but use an insert to make the crate smaller. This will help them feel more cozy and secure. If puppies have too much space, they will potty or become more anxious in their crates.

Introducing your pup to the crate.

Put the crate somewhere in the house that is commonly used. Then you can choose a bed, soft blanket, or towel to put in the crate. Use treats and toys to help encourage your pup into the crate. Make sure the door stays open; we don’t want it to hit them on the way in or out. Allow your pup to continue to go in and out of their crate as they please, while you’re relaxing at home.

By: Monica Bock, ZimmVet Daycare Staff

During this warm weather, we love to let our dogs roam the outdoors and run through the tall grass. It is good to note though that there are some plants that are hazardous to our furry friends. Some plants are known to cause serious medical issues which is why it’s important for all pet parents to know which common plants to keep away from your pets.

Veggies and Fruit to keep away from Rover:

Onions

Onions have been known to cause various types of anemia in dogs and should also be one of the vegetables to be avoided. They have compounds called disulfides and thiosulphate and according to the pet health website, these compounds are harmful in the fact that they damage the red blood cells so it is just best to stay safe and keep them away!

Grapes

Grapes have been known to cause kidney failure in dogs, while it’s not concluded as to what the exact cause for the reaction is, it has been observed that they can cause serious kidney issues resulting in death. Each dog may react differently, however according to the AKC website age, sex and breed has no direct correlation with the effect it has on the pup; it is strictly dependent on the dogs themselves.

Unripe tomatoes

While ripe tomatoes are okay for the occasional treat it is best to keep your unripe tomatoes away from your dogs. Tomatoes are in the nightshade family; this means that they contain components that can potentially be harmful to your pets. Solanine is among the threatening substances that tomatoes produce, found in the stems, leaves and young green unripe tomatoes, they can be dangerous in larger doses to your pet. 

By Amanda Jelinek ZimmVet Dog Daycare and Pet Hotel Reception Staff

National Dog Day is here! What a great reason to celebrate your beloved pet.

National Dog Day helps us realize what a huge part dogs take in our lives.  This is a great time to take a moment to celebrate and appreciate all of the things your family pet does for you!

Dogs can do so many amazing different things for us.  They have been used for years to help with therapy in nursing homes, hospitals, and day to day living.  By using dogs for therapy, stress, and anxiety management, it can help improve things like our blood pressure, mental health and general daily stressors. So whether you’re hunting, traveling or just relaxing at home after a long day at work, your dog will always enjoy being right by your side.

There are so many wonderful companions just waiting for their forever homes. So the next time you’re looking to add a new family member, make sure to check out your local shelter to find your perfect match.

By Alisha Yamauchi, ZimmVet Pet Hotel Staff

Are you considering adding a new pet to your family? If so, check out these great reasons to adopt a mixed breed.

1. Mixed breeds tend to live longer than purebreds

Mixed breeds result in a lower chance of certain health problems, such as hip dysplasia, luxating patella, and more.

2. Mixed breeds are so unique

One of the most interesting things about mixed breeds is you can get so many different variations. You never know what they will look like and most likely won’t find another who looks quite like them.

3. Adoption comes with benefits

Not only will you be helping and supporting a wonderful business but adopting from shelters will ensure that your dog will be in good health and will be a good match to fit your needs. So, whether you have children, cats, or other dogs at home, there are many different kinds of lovely mixed breeds that you’ll be able to find at a shelter that would be perfect for your home.

4. Mixed breeds are more budget-friendly

Generally it is more expensive to purchase a purebred dog. When adopting a shelter dog, you will find that the cost is usually lower and may include basic wellness services such as vaccinations and altering.

5. You’d save a life

When adopting from a shelter you are giving the shelter more resources and revenue to continue caring for more pets. You’re also allowing for more strays to come into the shelter, and giving your dog their perfect forever home.

By Amanda Jelinek ZimmVet Dog Daycare and Pet Hotel Reception Staff

We all know our pets are so important to us. They are members of our family. The fear of having them run off or go missing can be stressful. This is a huge reason microchipping them can be so important. By microchipping your pet you receive some peace of mind that they will be returned to you if they do ever go missing. In fact, over 10 million dogs and cats go missing every year; unfortunately only 22% of these pets were returned. However 52% of those returns are pets that have been microchipped.

The microchipping process is very similar to a vaccine. Veterinarians use a needle to implant a chip just under your pet’s skin. This chip is generally about the size of a grain of rice. They have a radio frequency that will relay any information you have registered to the scanner that most vet clinics and shelter have access to.

 Around 40% of pets that are microchipped never get registered. However as the number over the years have shown, this is one of the most important parts of getting your pet chipped. At ZimmVet we register the microchip as part of the fee.  For more information about getting your dog or cat microchipped and registered contact ZimmVet today.

By Michaela Tallant, ZimmVet Professional Pet Groomer

Our Pets are what makes our hearts whole. They can reduce our stress and comfort us when we’re having hard times. They love us unconditionall. Though they may already be spoiled, what’s wrong with spending a couple of hours with your beloved pup and throwing a party complete with new toys and delicious treats? If this is not convincing enough, check out 3 reasons you should celebrate your pup’s birthday below.

1. Throwing a party for you pup is a great excuse to have a playdate. While you get to mingle with your closest friends, your pup will get to roll, chase, and play with their besties.
2. Every birthday is special. You only get a chance to celebrate them once a year, so take the time to make your pup’s birthday memorable. They will love every second of your undivided attention.
3. Perhaps the best reason yet; dessert! Celebrating your pup’s birthday is a great reason to get you and your furry friend some delicious desserts.

Ultimately, it’s important that we as owners take time out of our day to show our beloved companions that we love them equally as much as they love us.

By: Ari Alvarez, ZimmVet Daycare Staff

We all know how great a nice cool snack can make us feel on a hot summer day. Dogs can enjoy fun summer treats too!  Some pet stores sell dog-friendly ice cream or other frozen treats. But did you know it is really simple to make your own frozen dog treats at home? Check out some simple frozen treat recipes below.

1. Frozen Vegetables or Fruits – Green beans, banana chunks, strawberries, blueberries, and peach chunks can all be frozen and given to your dog as an icy little treat. If you purchase packaged frozen items and not fresh, check the labels to ensure there is no Xylitol.
   
   
2. Ice Cube Fruity Treats – Combine ripe banana, pumpkin, or sweet potato and plain yogurt together and freeze in a mold or ice cube tray.

You can also blend together watermelon and cantaloupe to freeze or pureed banana with a dollop of peanut butter on top.

Slice up apples (throw out the seeds and core) and blend.  Add a cup of yogurt and a splash of water to then freeze in an ice cube tray.

Make PB & J pops.  Blend strawberries with some water, pour in the mold, and then spread peanut butter on top.

• Meaty Treats – Combine grilled chicken, chicken broth, and cooked carrot in a good processor to freeze in an ice cube tray.

Don’t forget you can always fill your dog’s favorite chew toy, such as a Kong, with any of the above recipes and freeze for added chew time.

There are endless combinations when it comes to fun dog treats you can make at home!  Find what your dog likes by having fun experimenting.

**Dog Owners should avoid feeding their dogs “human” ice cream, frozen yogurt, and popsicles for a variety of reasons. Check with your Veterinarian about certain treats if you’re unsure whether they are pet-friendly or not. **