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Warm Weather Toxins – Adapted from “Summer Pet Toxins” from pet poison helpline\

As summer approaches, and you are outside more with your furry companions, there are a variety of toxic products your pets can come into contact with.  Outside pets should be confined to a safe location and all containers should be tightly closed and locked away in the garage or basement. As with all poisonings, early recognition and decontamination are key to a successful outcome. Here is some basic information for you to know about when dealing with these warm weather toxin exposures.

SLUG & SNAIL BAIT

Slug and snail baits are available in a variety of forms (pellets, granular, powder, and liquid). The active ingredient is typically metaldehyde, which is toxic to all species (particularly dogs). Within 1 to 2 hours of ingestion, clinical signs of salivation, restlessness, vomiting, and incoordination are seen, which then progress to tremors, seizures, and secondary severe hyperthermia. Generally, the prognosis is favorable if treatment is quickly and aggressively implemented.

Blue-Green Algae – Adapted from Wisconsin Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Health

Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, naturally grows in bodies of water around Minnesota and around the world.  50% of states report a harmful algae bloom every year in freshwater.  It thrives on warm, sunny weather and usually form during the summer in Minnesota (May–September).  This bacteria is so important because it can be deadly. 

WHAT DOES BLUE-GREEN ALGAE LOOK LIKE?

Blue-green algae blooms are often smelly, look like spilled paint or pea soup, and can change the color of the water to green, blue, turquoise, purple, tan, or white. Some blooms form a layer of scum or mats on the surface of the water. While some blooms can stay in the same location for a long time, others can quickly come and go with changing currents and wind patterns. 

By: Lena Hansen, ZimmVet Daycare Assistant Manager

Here at ZimmVet’s Dog Daycare and Pet Hotel, we know just how important enrichment is for the dogs that stay with us.  It’s one thing for the dogs to be able to interact with other canines, but it is essential for them to receive mental enrichment as well so that their confidence and social skills can build.

Different enrichment activities can be beneficial in multiple ways.  Do you ever walk into a different room and then come back to discover that your pooch ripped apart the garbage can?  Although this type of behavior might have different causes, one of the possible reasons why your dog is could simply just be bored. Mental and physical stimulation through enrichment can help promote a well-behaved, happy dog.

Some of the enrichment activities that we offer during play at ZimmVet are ball pits, pools, bubbles, puzzle toys, basic obedience practice, and obstacle courses.  These activities help stimulate the mind, build confidence, and promote problem-solving.  But these don’t have to only be done at a doggy daycare.  Try incorporating some of these enrichment activities at home.  Puppies especially thrive when able to participate in different engaging activities because it not only helps them get used to new objects, sights, and smells, but helps their brain grow too. Contact ZimmVet to discuss enrichment activities available during daycare and how they would benefit your dog 763-846-4848.

By Kaytie Wildman ZimmVet Veterinary Assistant   

So you’ve decided to adopt a giant breed puppy!  Here are some tips on bringing your puppy home and giving them the basic care.  Initially before deciding on adopting a giant breed puppy, self education is essential to starting them off on the right paw.

Health is one of the most important aspects for giant breeds. With giant breeds, come giant responsibilities. That includes researching and seeking out a veterinarian that is knowledgeable in giant breeds and that can help guide you and your new pup to a healthy life. Staying up to date on a flea and tick preventative, heartworm prevention, and age appropriate vaccines are some of the many important things you will discuss with your veterinarian.

Feeding your new puppy may seem daunting, but with research and following the advice from your veterinarian, you can start them on the right food and feel at ease that Fido will receive all the nutrition he needs. For puppies under the age of 6 months, it is recommended that their feedings be divided into 3 meals throughout the day; morning, midday, and evening. Free feeding is not recommended; over eating can result in rapid growth, stress on joints and bones, overweight, skeletal malformation, and other health issues. The type of food is just as important as how frequent they are fed. Not all puppy foods are created equal. Dogs that will be over 50 pounds as their adult weight should be fed a large breed puppy food until at least 12 months of age. Keep human food and treats to under10% of their total diet to help prevent unbalancing of the food. Monitoring weight, measuring out food, and keeping track of how much they consume is important. If your puppy is eager and inhales their food, look into getting a slow-feeder bowl. It is recommended that giant breeds have an hour of rest one hour before and after every feeding. Talk to your veterinarian about a surgery called gastropexy. This is usually done around 1.5 years of age and prevents twisting of the stomach.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Benefits of Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a treatment that has been around for years in both the human medical field as well as veterinary care to treat masses, skin lesions, skid tags, eye tumors and more.  In recent times, the technology has become more precise and easier to use in the veterinary industry.

What is Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy tissue. The process is called cryo-necrosis, or tissue destruction by freezing.  Cryotherapy freezing is set to -80 degrees Fahrenheit to destroy the cells. Nitrous oxide is the active ingredient used in cryotherapy, instead of liquid nitrogen, which is what most people are familiar with. Liquid nitrogen is not used because the temperature achieved is lower that nitrous oxide and results are not as precise. Modern day Cryotherapy tools with nitrous oxide look like a large pen and can apply the cooling effect very precisely.

By: Angela Mose, ZimmVet Daycare Staff

Nothing is as exciting as bringing home a new fur baby! In order to assure that your new family member gets off to the best start, it’s important to consider a few questions. Taking the time to carefully choose your new companion will enable all of you to fall in love at first sight.

What Are Your Expectations?

When adding a pet, it’s helpful to picture how that pet will fit into your family. Are you looking for a hiking buddy, guard dog or a couch pal? This will help you narrow your search. If you are looking for a companion to go on outdoor adventures with, selecting a breed or a mix with athletic tendencies will ensure that Fido won’t poop out on that 4-mile hike.

On the other hand, if you are wanting a companion to binge-watch the latest Netflix show, then selecting a dog breed that prefers being a homebody might be a perfect couch cuddler. You may find that a caged pet will be ideal for your family. If no one is home for long periods of time, then a calmer cat or a small furry pet may give you the companionship you want with the flexibility to accommodate a busy schedule.

By: Valerie Ferguson, ZimmVet

Let’s face it, Minnesota winters can get LONG.  I am always looking for new ways to add mental stimulation to my pets’ lives when it is too cold to spend a lot of time outdoors. Mental stimulation is often found through exercising their minds and through performing nose work, such as sniffing out hidden treats.

My dogs really enjoy trying to find treats and cheerios that I have hidden in the snuffle mat that I made for them.

What you will need to make your own snuffle mat:

A rubber anti-fatigue mat with holes in it

Fleece fabric cut into strips approximately 7 to 8” long and varying widths ranging from 1 to 2” wide.  You can use any colors and mix and match to customize it to your liking.

Once you have your mat and the fleece fabric strips are cut all you have to do is string the strips through the holes and tie them – the fuller the mat the better it is to hide treats in J

This is a photo of my dog, Bear sniffing out Cheerios that I hid in his snuffle mat

Benefits of Therapeutic LaserBy Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Pets are living longer, happier lives as a result of routine preventative care and advancements in medical technology. Laser therapy is another tool for treating and managing a wide variety of conditions in pets.

The History of Laser

The therapeutic laser was developed in 1960 with documented use in pets in 1967. In the 1970s, it was accepted as a physical therapy modality.  As more studies have been carried out, interest in therapeutic laser for treating various conditions has grown dramatically.  Therapeutic laser can be used in conjunction with, or instead of medication to manage pain, inflammation and wound healing.  This is similar to acupuncture, massage therapy, and other alternative therapies.

Technology Behind Laser

Therapeutic lasers use light waves of a specific wavelength to cause photobiomodulation, or the alteration of cellular and tissue physiology. Light absorbed by cellular components stimulates electrons and activates cells to promote growth, proliferation, migration, and repair.

Laser therapy helps tissue repair by causing the following:

• Endorphin release
• Vasodilation, which increases blood flow to bring in oxygen and cells involved in the healing process
• Muscle relaxation
• Decreased inflammation
• Faster healing and repair

The main clinical benefits of laser use in pets include decreased inflammation, decreased pain, and improved wound healing.

By: Lena Hansen ZimmVet Daycare

Zimmvet offers retail items that are not only fun and exciting, but also mentally stimulating for your dog. These are great options to use with your dog at home, or to bring with them when they stay in ZimmVet’s hotel.

Fun Feeder

Get your dog an Outward Hound Fun Feeder. They come in many different colors and sizes and are perfect for those speedy-eaters.  Not only will your puppy learn to take his time while eating his dinner, but adult dogs will too enjoy finding kibble in every part of the maze.  We all know our pups love feeding time but now meals can be even more enjoyable.  Along with health benefits such as preventing regurgitation and bloat, the Fun Feeders we offer at ZimmVet will help engage your dog and allow him to practice self-control.
               

Kong Toys

We offer a variety of Kong toys at ZimmVet.  Not only do we use them for play in our daycare program, but we also sell them in our lobby.  Kong makes many different toys for the dogs that love to chew.  Our personal favorite is the Kong stuffer, that can hold treats or peanut butter inside and act as a puzzle. The daycare kids love to stay busy with one of these during their breaks from play.  It is also beneficial for hotel dogs who experience stress and anxiety in their kennel during long stays.  Kongs will keep your dog busy and motivated to reach the treats and therefore make his overnight stay a more relaxing experience.

Puzzle Toys

Normally we think of fetch and tug-of-war as exciting games to engage our energetic pooch.  But did you know that mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation?  ZimmVet offers three different types of puzzle toys that will get your pooch’s brain in gear.  Ranging from beginner’s level to a more advanced version, puzzle toys are a great way to engage your dog at home or while they are here in the hotel. 

Next time you stop in for services with your dog make sure to check out the different varieties of engaging toys we have in the lobby.

By Darian Smock Trainer at ZimmVet 763-856-4848

Many families chose the holiday season to add a pet to their households. Bringing home a new puppy can be a fun and exciting time for the whole family, but also filled with new experiences and challenges. A puppy goes through lots of sudden changes when coming into your home. Here are a few tips and tricks to help make the transition go as smoothly as possible!

1. Ask for a comfort item from the breeder or rescue. A toy or blanket with familiar scents (such as mom or littermates) will help soothe the puppy.
2. Keep them busy. A busy puppy is a happy puppy. Have a variety of toys and vet approved chews to keep their minds occupied and not worrying.
3. Get a Kennel. Giving your new family member their own “safe space” allows them to rest comfortably when feeling insecure or overwhelmed. Starting kennel training early will also help curb separation anxiety.
4. Start a routine right away. Dogs are creatures of habit. Putting your puppy on a regular schedule for feedings, potty trips, and kennel time will help them know what to expect.
5. Sign up for Training classes. Until we teach our new puppies the household rules, they are guessing and pushing boundaries. Getting them signed up for obedience classes will help you set up the standard of expectation for their behavior from the beginning and prevents having to go back and fix bad habits as an adult.

Always feel free to contact the training department here at ZimmVet at 763-856-4848 or training@ZimmVet.com for more helpful tips on bringing home a new puppy or to ask about our upcoming puppy kindergarten classes.