Spring is fast Approaching...

I, Dr. Rivera, moved to Utah about 2 1/2 years ago, not knowing what
 to expect of this Utah weather.  I have, for the first time, experienced
four distinct seasons of the year.  The Summers are very hot in Utah.
The Fall season is very pleasant and full of changing colors.  Winter is
a beast.  Never had I needed such great adjustment as I did facing my
first Utah Winter.  Now, Spring is fast approaching with vibrant colors,
new vegetation, longer days, and there are some adjustments to make.
I plan on snowboarding as long as I possibly can, but will also begin
fishing many days of the month.
What about our pets?  How will they change to changing seasons?
How will we make adjustments to cope with our pets' changes?

Here are three things I see most often in the Spring:

1) Pets will shed their heavy, warm, thick coats as the days become
longer.  One of the most common questions I'm asked is why?  Just
like we put away our winter coats in the closet as the days become
warmer, so do our furry friends, slowly shed their covering as it is no
longer needed.  If we let it be, they will take their sweet time in
shedding, and you may notice that on your carpet and furniture.  I
highly recommend appropriate grooming and brushing frequently.
A good vacuum may also be a good idea.

2) 'Tis the season of love.  This is Nature's call for animals to multiply
and flourish the Earth!  Birds are singing and courting, fish are
spawning, and sexually intact tom-cats and dogs are looking to get a
piece of the action.  We see countless litters of abandoned, feral kittens
and puppies at the Humane Society and shelters around the United
States each Spring.  These are largely a result of pets, or former pets,
not being sterilized.  Please join other responsible owners in spaying
and neutering your cats and dogs.  I always tell my clients, "it's
cheaper to spay or neuter your pet now, than to pay for veterinary
care for all their offspring later."

3) We are coming into a season of joy, festivities, outdoor activities
and many treats.  All these things provide potential dangers and toxins
for our pets.  This season brings about an increase in automobile care,
and may increase the chance of antifreeze toxicity in dogs and cats.
Easter will bring much candy and chocolate eggs and bunnies to our
children, but our cats and dogs should not partake.  Chocolate is one
of the most common pet toxicities we face.  Also, many new and
flourishing plants and flowers may be most toxic in their infancy.

Make the appropriate changes to enjoy this Spring!!

What's Your Pet Worth?

How much Americans Spent on Their Pets in the Last Couple of Years

We just ended the year 2012, and are working on our taxes, figuring
out where our money went, what is deductible, how much we spent,
etc.  As we analyze this, we may realize how much we've spent on
our precious furry companion animals (a.k.a. pets, animals).

According to a Pet group, as American pet owners, we have spent
more than $53 billion last year, which is a 5% increase from 2011.
I have personally seen the increase in cost of caring for my beautiful
doggy, Flojo. This increase in cost includes: the cost of pet housing,
toys, food, even the veterinary care I provide to her, being I her
veterinarian, with the increasing costs of medications, shipping costs,
etc.  However, I do not attribute an increase in spending for Flojo
solely on inflation, but also on the increase of our bond. She is my
baby, I've cared for her since she was a few months old, and I would
cover whatever cost is necessary to keep her healthy, and to give her
an excellent well-being.

At Dr. Sam Pet Hospital, I notice a trend where my clients, those
invested pet owners, are more than willing to sacrifice to provide for
their pets, and to contribute to their health and well-being.  We are
not immune to increases in costs for good and services, but we
certainly do what is possible to give the best to our companion
animals.  It is they that keep us company, offer their loyalty, friendship,
love and protection without charge.  We simply owe them their care,
and I applaud those willing to provide them with what they need.
For example, my staff and I travel hours to Wendover, UT in an
effort to provide wellness and preventative care for those invested
pet owners who feel that obligation of love towards their companion
animals, and I seem to repeat myself frequently when I tell my clients,
"We do what we can."

There is no wonder why, as American pet owners, we've spent billions
for the care of our companion animals.  Our bond with them is
increasing, as is our willingness to pay for their care.

Millions of U.S. Pets Go Without Veterinary Care

Millions of U.S. Pets Go Without Veterinary Care

A large percentage of pet owners across the United States believe
regular veterinary visits for their pets is important, but a much lower
number of pet owner actually took their pets to the vet.  Listen to
your veterinarian, regular wellness and preventative care may save
your pet from many illnesses, and save your bank accounts in the
future.  Please direct any pet concerns to your veterinarian as soon
as those concerns arise.

On Wednesday, February 13th, 2013, Dr. Sam's dog, Flojo visited
the hospital at Dr. Sam Pet Hospital in Wendover, UT.  She had an
appointment for a full dental cleaning and polishing while under full
anesthesia. At 7 1/2 years of age her teeth and oral hygiene proved
to be far healthier than a large population of pets 2 years of age and
older. This was Flojo's first professional dental cleaning in her entire
life.
This is her mouth before her cleaning: 
Notice much disease? Neither did we. However, here she is
diagnosed with mild plaque and mild to moderate gingivitis, with
mild bad breath, yielding a diagnosis of mild periodontal disease
grade I of IV.  Her gums bled a little more than normal during her
cleaning, which confirmed the diagnosis.
This is Flojo's mouth after her cleaning:
 Under close inspection there
is a marked improvement, all the plaque is gone and the gums are
not as red or inflamed as before. She now has a healthier smile.
And the reason she lagged so long in needing a dental cleaning is
because Dr. Sam practices brushing her teeth on a regular basis,
gives her chew toys, adequate hard food and checks her mouth
regularly.  All these things are recommended for all pets to keep
their smiles as healthy as possible, which helps reduce the incidence
of heart disease, kidney disease and severe dental disease.