Getting your first pet can feel a bit like becoming a parent for the first time. In many ways, it’s not so different. You are preparing for a new responsibility in your life, so it’s completely natural — and even responsible — to feel a bit nervous. Luckily, bringing a pet home is also a far simpler process than having a baby. As long as you keep the following tips in mind (presented below by Powell Veterinary Service), you will be on your way to being an excellent owner and friend to your new pet.

Choose Carefully

Responsible pet ownership starts long before you lay eyes on your future friend. Perhaps the most important step is to take the time to consider which animal you will be best suited to take care of. You may want a big dog you can explore the outdoors with but live in a small apartment, or perhaps you travel a great deal and can’t take your pet with you. Sometimes a different breed or even species is better than your initial leanings.

Consider how much time, money, and space you have to dedicate to your pet, and then choose accordingly. CBC suggests asking yourself what you want from your pet, thinking through what your proposed pet’s needs are, and really considering what sort of interactions you expect. The perfect pet is out there, it’s just a matter of making the right decision.

Do Your Research

Once you have settled on an animal or breed, start doing your research into the care it will require. Look into things like behavioral traits, training requirements, and common medical complications. Pay special attention to dietary needs as well. For example, if you adopt a cat with a sensitive stomach, look for foods with highly digestible ingredients. The more you know about your future pet, the better prepared you are to be a great pet owner. For dogs, the American Kennel Club has an extensive database of dog breeds and their key traits, while this helpful guide by AnimalWised discusses the features of purebred and mixed breed cats. 

Adopt If Possible

Adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue has many benefits. For one, you can save a considerable amount of money on training, spaying, neutering, vaccines, and tracking since many rescued pets have already received these investments from previous owners or from the organization advocating for them. The adoption fees are also likely to be lower than buying from a breeder. Finally, you will be helping an animal in need and refusing to contribute to an industry that is very often unethical.

Be Prepared

Making a soft spot for your new friend to land is your next big step. First, you need to buy all the necessary supplies, such as health products, a bed, food bowls, leashes, grooming tools, a crate, food, and treats. And if you don’t already have one, you may need to put up a fence around your yard to help protect your new pet from outside threats and keep them from running away. Make sure you consult with a surveyor first to make sure you’re without the bounds of your property, then simply search a site like Angi for a fencing company.

Find Help

With your home properly prepared, it’s time to make sure you have a support system in place. Depending on your selected pet and lifestyle, you might need the services of professionals like a groomer, pet sitter, and trainer. Regardless of your choice, you need to connect with a vet like Powell Veterinary Service. Schedule your first appointment as soon as possible after adopting your critter, and make a list of questions you want to ask. 

Put Yourself in Their Paws

Imagine how confusing and potentially scary it can be for an animal to be brought to an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar people. Understanding your pet’s perspective is key to making them comfortable during those first few days. Consider controlling their exposure to the house to avoid overwhelming them, and above all, never force interactions the animal does not seem to want. 

Being a good pet owner is all about recognizing that a pet is a living, breathing being with needs, fears, and a personality. The relationship you will build with your new pet is likely to be one of the most loving and meaningful in your life, but it’s a two-way street. The more thought, time, and effort you invest in making your pet happy, the more joy they will provide you in return. As long as you are patient, loving, and considerate, you can’t go wrong.

The post 6 Ways to Be a Great First-Time Pet Owner first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Incontinence
An inability to hold their urine, resulting in accidents around the house, is usually the first-noticed symptom that something is wrong. Unfortunately, it can have a wide variety of causes. It can be due to spinal cord disease, urinary tract infections, hormonal imbalances or simply old age. Or it can be due to increased fluid intake, certain medications or changes to your pet’s environment. Don’t simply blame an accident on bad behavior. Try to determine an underlying cause so it can be effectively treated. If it is primary incontinence with no other associated cause, it can be controlled with medications.

Urinary Tract Infections
One of the first things to rule out is a urinary tract infection. A UTI is a bacterial infection that starts in the urethra and if not treated, can work up the urinary tract to the bladder and even kidneys. A UTI may cause increased urine output, or the opposite—straining to urinate or dribbling. It can cause painful urination and a red, irritated genital area. If the kidneys, whose job is to eliminate toxins, are involved, the condition is more severe, even life-threatening. A few simple lab tests can determine the presence of an infection. Antibiotics and supportive treatment are effective in most cases.

Blockages
If your furry friend is straining or crying in pain when urinating, or there is blood in the urine, it could be a blockage. Bladder and kidney stones can grow large enough to impede the flow of urine. Growths and tumors can also create blockages. When urine is blocked, it is an emergency situation.

Other Diseases
Sometimes, changes in urinary behaviors are caused indirectly by other conditions. One of the first signs of diabetes is excessive thirst and urine output. It’s important to diagnose diabetes quickly. With early detection and proper management, your dog can live a long, happy life. Cushing’s disease is an endocrine disease caused by an overproduction of cortisol. It also might cause an increase in urination, along with hair loss, increased appetite and extended abdomen. A Cushing’s diagnosis will mean lifelong management of symptoms.

It’s not always easy to detect changes in urine and urine output. It’s important to be aware and make note of any increase in frequency or accidents. Also note, if possible, any changes in color or the presence of blood. If you notice anything unusual, give Powell Veterinary Service a call. We can help determine a cause and get him or her on the road to better health.

The post Is My Dog’s Pee Normal? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

What Exactly Is a Microchip?
A pet microchip is a small computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice. It is implanted under the skin of an animal between the shoulder blades. The chip contains a unique identification number in the form of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tagging. When a special hand-held scanner (most vets and animal shelters have one) is passed over the microchip, it picks up a radio signal and returns the animal’s ID number. That number is called in to a pet registry and matched to the owner’s contact information. That means that a microchip is only effective if it has been registered. Too many people get their pets chipped and don’t know they have to register it. Powell Veterinary Service removes the burden of having to register your pet’s microchip. Your dog or cat’s chip is registered immediately after it is inserted—before you ever leave our office.

Does It Hurt?
A microchip is inserted under the skin using a needle and syringe, just as if he or she was getting a vaccination, and hurts about the same. Chances are, your pet won’t even notice. Although relatively painless, some prefer to chip their pets while they are anesthetized for a spay or neuter or a dental procedure. The chip is made from material that is compatible with living tissue so complications are rare.

What a Microchip Is Not
A microchip is not a tracker. It does not use GPS technology to tell you where your pet is. And you should still have your pet wear an ID tag or rabies tag on its collar. More animals are returned because of ID tags than microchips (because it’s readily viewable, without a microchip scanner). However, a collar can come off or be taken off by a thief or someone who intends to keep your dog, and cats should have a breakaway collar so it doesn’t get hung up on a fence or tree branch.

Remember, if your contact information changes or you must rehome your pet for some reason, you need to call the microchip registry company and update the information. Some registries will charge you for updates, but the microchip company Powell Veterinary Services uses does not. Give us a call and let us help keep your furry friends safe. The cost is only $42.50 and includes a lifetime registration. And remember, if you find a lost pet without tags, take it to your veterinarian or animal shelter to have it scanned for a microchip so you can return someone else’s furry friend.

The post Microchips: Only as Good as the Registration first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

For those of us in Northern Colorado, the eclipse on August 21 will not be total. However, it will still be an event worth viewing, if you are so inclined. And you’re probably aware that you need to wear special viewing glasses to do so safely. But what about your furry friends? Do you need to take precautions for them as well?

Are Your Pets Safe?

A dog or cat eye is fundamentally the same as a human eye. Therefore, your pets’ eyes are subject to the same type of damage that unprotected viewing of the eclipse can cause to your eyes. The sun’s rays can burn the retina causing vision impairment. Should you be concerned for your pets? Well, yes, but not really.

Yes, if a dog, cat or any animal, stares at the sun, damage can occur. But because of the sun’s brightness, we, and our animals, find it difficult if not impossible to stare at the sun long enough for damage to occur. However, during an eclipse, the moon blocks enough of the sun’s rays that it’s possible to stare at the sun and damage your eyes. Will your dog or cat look at the sun long enough to cause damage? Highly unlikely. Have you ever seen your dog or cat or any animal staring at the sun? Probably not, and it most likely won’t happen during the eclipse either.

If you are still worried, you can obtain a pair of eclipse-viewing glasses and attempt to get Fido or FiFi to wear them during the height of the eclipse. Hint: It might take time to get your furry friend to wear them, so don’t introduce them on the day of the eclipse. Or you can simply keep them indoors and away from doors or windows.

Animal Behavior During an Eclipse

Unless you have a furry friend who takes an avid interest in what’s happening in the skies above, there’s little to worry about. That’s not to say that there won’t be anything interesting to observe with our animals during the eclipse. It will basically be similar to having dusk in the middle of the day. The unexpected darkness might cause some anxiety, dogs that prefer to come inside at night may bark to come in, and cats that are used to prowling at night might head out early. In addition, cattle might head home to their evening quarters, chickens may retire to their roost, birds may nest and crickets might start to chirp.

So on Monday, don’t worry about the safety of your pets. Instead, focus on the rare and amazing phenomenon occurring in the skies above. It will be a very long time before such an opportunity comes again.

The post Are You Ready for the Eclipse? What About Your Pets? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Myths About Pot-Bellied Pigs

If you’re considering becoming a pig parent, you might be concerned about the following common beliefs.

• Pigs are dirty. Wrong. Pot-bellied pigs are actually quite clean and prefer not to soil their living space.
• Pigs smell. Nope. They have no odor.
• Sweat like a pig? No, you don’t. Pigs don’t sweat—except through their noses.

Characteristics and Considerations

Pot-bellied pigs are friendly and sociable. They like human companionship, and if left alone for long periods, can get depressed, irritable or destructive. They are very intelligent and can be easily housebroken—either to a litter box or outside. Pigs can be taught to obey commands, walk on a leash, fetch a ball—most anything you can teach a dog, you can teach your pig. Part of the reason they are so easily trainable is they are very food motivated—anything for a treat. But that can lead to another common problem in pet pigs—obesity. You need to feed the right foods in the right quantities to provide for their nutritional needs without adding extra pounds.

Because a pot-bellied pig is considered a house pet, he or she needs to spend a lot of time inside. You should provide them with their own space, with a bed or sleeping box, where they can go for naps or to just get away for a while. Just like you would child-proof or puppy-proof your home, you’ll also need to pig-proof it. Pigs are curious and will go where they shouldn’t, open doors they shouldn’t, and get into things they shouldn’t. You need to allow for time outside, as well. A yard with a sturdy fence will let them play, explore, and soak up the vitamin D. Be aware that they like to root around in soil, searching for food, so block off vegetable and flower beds or they will soon be history.

Pot-bellied pigs have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years or more, so you must be willing to make a long-term commitment. They form strong bonds with their humans and often don’t adjust well when you try to rehome them. That’s why it’s so important that you do your homework and make sure you can provide a long-term, loving home. Also, make sure you live in an area that is zoned for pot-bellied pigs.

Veterinary Care

Another way in which pot-bellied pigs are like other household pets is veterinary care. They may not need the same care as your other pets, but they need regular health exams, vaccinations for pig-specific diseases, appropriate nutrition, skin care and, instead of nail trims, they need hoof trims. They also need to be spayed or neutered; otherwise they are likely to develop aggressive behaviors.

Pot-bellied pigs can make affectionate, fun, and rewarding companions—for the right person or family. Make sure you are up to the challenges before you make the plunge. If you decide you want to become a pig parent, give Powell Veterinary Services a call at 970-352-9164, and we’ll set up a health care plan that will ensure a long, contented life.

The post Thinking of Becoming a Pot-Bellied Pig Parent? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Eyes and Ears

Failing eyesight is part of a dog’s normal aging process. Typically, because it’s a gradual process, dogs will adjust quite well and begin to rely more on their sense of hearing. You can make life easier for your furry friend by clearing obstacles along normal pathways and block stairs, pools or other dangerous objects or areas. Reassure them by talking to them frequently and making noise while you are doing things. If you have other animals, it can help to tie bells on their collars to alert your dog of their whereabouts.

Your dog may experience hearing loss as well. If your dog doesn’t already know some hand signals, start associating them with oral commands. No more off-leash walking as your pup can’t hear traffic and can’t hear your call. Condition your older dog to an unexpected touch from behind so you can let her know you’re there and need her to move.

When vision and hearing loss happen together, it’s a little more difficult, but dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell and can get along fairly well. With a little patience and understanding and a little common sense, you’ll both figure it out.

Getting Around

You’ve probably noticed your pup isn’t moving around like she used to. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions in geriatric dogs. She may be slow to get up after napping and may have difficulty getting his footing on slick floors. Large area rugs help ease the discomfort of a hard floor and make it easier for your friend to get around. However, the rugs can slip and are difficult to clean. An alternative that works great is interlocking foam squares that you can customize to fit the area that she occupies most. Consider placing them in various areas where the family spends a lot of time.

Stairs can pose a problem for older dogs. If possible, have his bed and feeding area on the main floor. Ramps can make it easier for him to navigate short sets of steps. Ramps can also help your pup get into vehicles, and if your buddy is used to getting on your furniture and bed, a ramp will help there as well.

Arthritis often affects the bones of the spinal column, making it difficult and painful for you dog to bend her neck to eat or drink. Use an elevated dog bowl holder to reduce the strain on your pup’s neck.

When You Gotta Go

Bladder and bowel problems often accompany old age. Dogs might have trouble controlling these functions and because they no longer move as quickly, might not make it outside on time. Let your dog outside more often and watch him or her closely for signs they need to go outside. You can also use doggie diapers or purchase pads that resemble grass, and teach your dog to use them when they need to go.

Diet

Metabolism slows and the need for calories decreases as your pup ages. This is compounded by the fact their activity usually decreases as well. If you feed older dogs the same amount you fed them when they were young, they will pack on pounds, which is one of the main health problems of older dogs. Cut down on the amount you’re feeding, provide less fat and add fiber. Your veterinarian may recommend supplements both to provide for their nutritional needs as well as help with arthritis problems.

The changes that come with age are difficult and often confusing for your dog. These measures and a little extra love can go a long way toward making your furry friend more comfortable. If your pup is starting to show signs of old age, contact Powell Veterinary Service for more advice on helping you both cope.

The post Older Dogs Need Extra Love first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Are there activities that really trip your pup’s trigger? Is there a special activity that gets him or her spinning in circles in anticipation? Often, a pet prefers spending quality time with you engaged in a fun activity than a treat or toy. Make sure to include one or more of your furry friend’s favorite things to do in your Valentine’s Day planning.

• How about a walk? This is a great way to spend time with your pup, so give him or her an extra walk or go a couple blocks further. The exercise will do both your hearts good. Make sure to use a halter to reduce the strain on your dog’s neck or train your dog to walk on a loose leash. Protect your dog’s feet by avoiding hot pavement and wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night.
• Wanna go for a ride? Some dogs just like to go—it doesn’t matter where. They feel important to be included. (And it makes getting them in the car when it’s time to visit the vet easier.) However, plan ahead. Bring water, a leash, and if you’ll need to leave your pup locked in a hot car, leave them home instead.
• Go fetch. Nothing like a game of fetch, Frisbee or tug-of-war to get your pup’s heart pumping and the love flowing.
• Catch that dot. Yes, your cat does love trying to catch that pesky red dot, so get out the flashlight or laser pointer. Just don’t shine it directly in your kitty’s eyes—or on your partner’s bare arm. Kitty claws hurt.

Joy is a new toy or treat. For those pets who focus more on tangible gifts, you have tons of choices. Take a stroll down the pet aisle and choose a durable toy that meets your pet’s needs. If your pet likes to cuddle, perhaps a soft plush toy, as long as he or she is over the “shred-every-thing” stage. For chewers, a hard nylon or rubber toy gives their teeth a good workout. Avoid pigs ears, as they are high in fat.   Deer antlers are durable, but they can damage your dog’s teeth. Choose something with a little more give, like nylon or rawhide. And if you choose rawhide, choose one that is tough and your dog can’t quickly grind it down to nothing. That provides the potential for an intestinal blockage.

For the more intellectual types, choose interactive toys such as treat dispensers, puzzles that require your furry friend to perform an action or automatic ball tossing toys to help you keep up with your dog’s incessant desire to fetch.

If your pup lives for treats, make sure to choose ones that are low in fat and have healthy ingredients like healthy oils, meat by products, and vegetable fiber. You can also make your own treats, customized for your dog’s needs. If you need some help, check out these recipes.

A place of their own. Show your pet some love in the form of a new bed. Even though your pup or kitty loves spending time with you, sometimes they just need to withdraw to a quiet place of their own–their own den where they can relax undisturbed. Provide an area out of the high traffic areas and include a comfortable bed. You may want to provide a crate and crate training. Many dogs love the seclusion and security provided by a crate, and they will go there when tired, stressed or just need to get away from the busyness of the household. If your dog is getting older, make sure their bed provides enough cushion for their aging joints.

The gift of learning. Dogs and cats are like people—our minds need stimulation or our faculties begin to diminish. In addition to providing interactive toys, teach your dog a new trick or enroll him or her in an obedience class—either to help make them a better canine citizen or to introduce new experiences. If you want to decrease boredom and provide exercise and mental stimulation, try teaching them agility or fly ball.

Share the love. Why not celebrate with a new Valentine? Adopt a new furry friend from your local animal shelter or rescue group. There’s an abundance of great animals out there looking for a chance to share their love. Or consider donating to a local animal organization in the name of your favorite Valentine, whether they have 2 legs or 4.

Your fur baby won’t love you any more because you do something special for them. Pets only love at one level—full on. But when you’re planning something special for that special loved one, don’t forget to show your appreciation for your 4-legged ones too.

How do you plan to show your pet some love? Visit our Facebook page and add a comment.

The post It’s Valentine’s Day: Have You Hugged Your Pet Today? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

As a conscientious pet parent, you provide a nutritious diet, routine veterinary care and lots of love. And you probably know you should be brushing your furry friend’s teeth—at least your dog’s teeth. But cats suffer from the same dental health problems and are just as in need of proper dental care. February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Dental disease affects not only your cat’s teeth and gums, it can have serious consequences for his or her overall health. So take a moment to learn how to detect, prevent and treat common dental diseases your cat could be suffering from.

Signs of Dental Problems

Cats will rarely show you when they are sick or in pain. In fact, they will go out of their way to hide it. It’s an instinctual behavior their ancestors used to hide any weakness from predators. That means you need to watch your kitty for any physical or behavioral signs that could signify a tooth or gum problem. These signs might include:

• Bad breath—Strong or offensive odor can be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease.
• Swollen, red gums—This a common sign of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
• Tartar buildup—That orange or tan line at your cat’s gum line signals the start of dental diseases such as gingivitis or periodontal disease. The rate of tartar build up varies wildly among cats.
• Refusing or reluctance to eat—Any condition causing dental pain may cause your cat to have difficulty chewing.
• Loose or broken teeth—This can be caused by trauma or underlying infection.
• Pawing at the face or swollen face—This signifies inflammation and pain.
• Discolored tooth—This is a sign of endodontic disease—any inflammation of the tooth pulp.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Just like your dentist, your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the onset of dental disease through a physical examination, and if necessary, dental x-rays. That will determine what is going on, how severe it is, and how to treat it. Your vet will likely recommend a dental cleaning under anesthesia to scrape off the tartar that can lead to dental disease. If there is an infection involved, your vet will remove the infection and treat with appropriate antibiotics and pain killers.

While your kitty is sedated for a cleaning, it will be easier for your veterinarian to check for other problems such as broken or loose teeth, abscesses, or tooth resorption, which is a progressive destruction of the tooth, resulting in tiny holes and lesions. The only effective treatment for these conditions is extraction.

Prevention

Tartar is virtually inevitable in a cat. However, there are things you can do to slow its build up.

• Dry cat food will reduce tartar buildup.
• Just like your dog, your feline friend can benefit from daily teeth brushing.
• Cat chew toys can scrape off some soft tartar.
• Yearly dental checkups, which can be done at the time of your annual wellness exam, and dental cleanings every few years, and more frequently as your kitty ages, will help prevent dental disease.

Nearly all cats will show signs of dental disease by the time they are 3 years old. If your cat has signs of dental disease, it’s important to get it treated before it becomes more serious. If it’s been a while since you’re had your cat’s teeth and gums checked, don’t put it off. Call Powell Veterinary Service at 970-352-9164 and schedule a dental exam for your furry friend.

The post Have You Checked Your Cat’s Teeth Lately? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Dry Skin

We live in a dry climate here in Northern Colorado. And most likely you have forced air heating going during the winter. You’re probably familiar with the resulting dry, itchy skin you get during the winter season. Your dog’s skin is similar to yours, and he or she can experience the same dry, itchy skin. Your dog has no choice but to live with the itchy skin—unless you take steps on his or her behalf.

If your pup’s scratching is due to a simple case of dry skin, you’ll see flakes of dandruff when you part the hair, and his or her skin may be cracked and rough. Usually the scratching and biting is not limited to a specific location. To help relieve your dog’s dry skin:

• Run a humidifier during the winter.
• Brush your dog regularly to get rid of dead skin and fur, and distribute the hair’s natural oils.
• Use a pet shampoo formulated for dry skin, such as an oatmeal based product, or ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. Don’t use a shampoo meant for humans.
• Don’t bathe your furry friend too often as it will remove the skin’s natural oils and dry out their skin.
• Give a vitamin E or fish oil supplement.
• Feed a high-quality dog food.

If these measures do not reduce your pup’s discomfort, the problem might not be dry skin and you’ll need to look at other possible causes.

Allergies

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies. Allergies can be caused by seasonal allergens such as fungal spores, pollen, dust and grasses, or hypersensitivity to mold, dust, perfumes, smoke, medications and flea bites. Your pup may also be allergic to certain ingredients or additives in their dog food.

Affected dogs will lick, scratch and chew their feet, legs, tail, abdomen and flank. They may also exhibit irritated skin, swelling of facial tissues, runny eyes, nasal discharge, hair loss, redness, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

Treatment for allergies will depend on your fur baby’s specific allergy. For some allergies, your doctor may prescribe steroids, antihistamines or other anti-itch medications. But these only reduce the symptoms, so the best treatment is to identify and remove the specific allergens from your dog’s environment or limit exposure to them. Your veterinarian can use blood and skin testing to help determine what type of allergy or allergies your pup suffers from so you can take steps to mitigate exposure.

If your pup has a food allergy, your vet may recommend a food elimination trial. By removing and then returning certain foods in your dog’s diet, you may be able determine which foods your dog is allergic to and permanently remove them. You may also want to switch to one of the various brands of hypoallergenic dog foods on the market.

External Parasites

Another common cause of itchy skin is parasites. There are a variety of little critters that can wreak havoc on your friend’s skin and coat and cause intense itching.

Fleas, lice, ticks: These parasites live off your pup’s blood. Their bites cause intense itching and can even cause skin infections. You can usually see these parasites on your dog’s skin: Fleas are little black dots that hop; lice are yellow or tan and about the size of a sesame seed; and ticks are usually grayish and about the size of a pea when fully engorged. Your vet can recommend an appropriate parasite control product.

Mange: This disease is caused by a certain type of mite. Mites typically live in areas of the skin that don’t have hair, such as the ear flaps, elbows or stomach. The dog may have red, scaly skin, sores and scabs in these areas. Anti-parasitic shampoos, dips, and on-the-spot products can help remove the mites and prevent future infestations.

Ringworm: This condition is caused by a fungus. You can recognize it by the small, circular scabs or patches of hair loss, which usually starts on the face and paws. It is very contagious to people and other pets. Your vet can diagnose ringworm and start your dog on a fungicidal.

These are just a few of the most common causes of dry, itchy skin. It’s important to get your dog’s itching problem diagnosed as it could be a sign of other, more serious problems, such as a thyroid problem or bacterial skin infection. If your pup is constantly scratching, licking and biting its skin, give Powell Veterinary Service a call at 970-352-9164 so we can get to the root of the problem and relieve your furry friend’s discomfort.

The post Get Help for Your Dog’s Itchy Skin first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

You don’t need an alarm clock. Your dog wakes you up early every morning. Very. Early. Every. Morning.

Your kitty brings you the gift of love—and dead birds, mice and your daughter’s hamster.

No matter what you did, you can always blame the dog.

You don’t need a security system. Your dog will bark excitedly to warn you when someone approaches—or for no particular reason at all.

Your cat loves your ugly Christmas sweater as much as you do. You can tell by all the kneading she does on it and the yarn loops she leaves in her wake. But that’s OK, you weren’t actually going to wear that sweater again anyway, were you?

Your dog loves to fetch the morning newspaper for you—actually, it’s the neighbor’s newspaper because you cancelled your subscription and get your news online. (BTW, did you ever consider your dog in that choice?)

Your furry friend makes a great foot warmer in bed—if you can actually manage to squeeze onto the bed.

You can always blame the dog.

No one greets you at the door like your faithful friend who missed you—even when you were just gone long enough to take out the trash.

Our pets stimulate our minds with puzzles. Like where the heck did she hide my slipper, how did he manage to escape from the yard, and why, when the litterbox is right there and no waiting, does she pee just outside of it?

Cats and laser pointers provide an endless source of entertainment—if you’re not into football after the big feast.

No matter what you post on Facebook, your dog or cat won’t unfriend you. Well, maybe your cat will, but not your dog.

Yes, our furry friends can be a challenge, but Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks.  We love our pets, despite their foibles, and sometimes because of them. We at Powell Veterinary Service share your love and wish you and your very special furry friends a very Happy Thanksgiving.  And remember, when a turkey leg goes missing, you can always blame the dog.

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