With the opening of a new hospital, I was tasked with writing the website copy for the hospital’s new custom website. Visit the VO Vets website to see examples of copy across each page of the website.
VO Vets Announces the Opening of Their Fort Worth Location
As published by Fort Worth and surrounding community publications…
FORT WORTH, TX, January 12, 2022 – VO Vets is happy to announce the opening of a new veterinary hospital in Fort Worth, TX. In an effort to bring a new veterinary experience to the Fort Worth community, Russell Miller, DVM, will be leading the team at VO Vets to provide cutting-edge care with convenient availability for clients and their pets.
During a time of change and uncertainty, VO Vets was created with the intent to provide warm, friendly pet care with less stress. From walk-in urgent care to providing hours that are convenient for the client, VO Vets puts caring for the needs of their clients and patients at the forefront of everything they do. With the veterinary industry being no stranger to advancing technology, VO Vets is ready to provide leading-edge care with the best technology available to each and every pet that comes through their doors. Located on the intersection of North Beach Street and Alta Vista Road, the 2,659 square-foot clinic is not only equipped to provide quality pet-care, but also designed to ensure the client will feel welcome and right at home with a modern, yet comfortable interior.
“I have absolutely loved how welcoming the Fort Worth community has been to me the past couple years,” said Dr. Miller. “Having lived in smaller towns growing up, it’s so nice to be in a bigger city that still maintains a smaller community feel. It has really helped make Fort Worth feel like it’s always been home.”
“There is so much to look forward to with VO Vets being in the Fort Worth community. After everything I feel the community has given to me, I hope our team and hospital are able to give as much or more back to the clients and their pets. This hospital has been on my mind for a while now, and I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to see all the amazing pets and their owners at our VO Vets. Our mission, day in and day out, will be to provide the friendliest and highest quality pet care available in veterinary medicine today.”
With four exam rooms and a spacious treatment area for the pets under their care, clients of VO Vets can feel ensured that their pets will be accounted and cared for in a timely, compassionate manner. Upon opening the doors, the team at VO Vets will be prepared for cat and dog patients as well as exotic pets. The doctors on staff have practiced and specialize in pet dental care, internal treatment, emergency care as well as a wide range of surgeries.
For more information regarding VO Vets and their services, please call 682-350-8890 or visit www.vovets.com.
5 Strategies to Handle Triggered Clients
As seen on Suveto parent brand site…
It’s pretty much inevitable. At some point during your time at the hospital, you’re going to encounter an angry or upset client. Whether it’s in the hospital, over the phone or on social media, you should always be striving to create exceptional client and patient experiences. However, it’s important to realize that this is not always easy.
Because you are dealing with peoples’ pets, the negative conversations you’ll encounter will often be when a client is at their most sensitive. Your team’s words and actions during those moments will define their entire experience at the hospital, so it’s important to make sure you handle these conversations as carefully and respectfully as possible. Here are some strategies when dealing with triggered clients.
1. Listen with Intent to Understand
Nobody likes having to repeat something they’ve already explained or feeling as if someone only listened to a small portion of what they had to say. When a client is bringing a complaint to you and your hospital, it’s important to make sure you are practicing active listening. Active listening lets the client know that you are listening to everything they are saying and making a genuine effort to understand exactly why they are upset. Basically, it tells that client that you care.
While you are listening, be sure you aren’t actively coming up with a response at the same time. Allow them to share their story without interruption, read or communicate your understanding of the client’s situation back to them to make sure you understand it completely, and ask questions to clarify anything that you may be unsure about. Remember that they key in these conversations is to avoid arguing with the client, and understanding where they are coming from will help you with that.
2. Exercise Empathy
Once you’ve listened to the client and understand why they feel the way they do, the next step is to show empathy. Acknowledging a client’s frustration and sharing an understanding about their emotions does not necessarily mean you agree with them. It just shows them that you can see where they are coming from.
When you’re able to show empathy for the client, it can act as a guide for the rest of your conversation with them. By understanding how the client feels, you are able to relate to them on a more personal level, de-escalate the issue and share your solutions to the issue in a more efficient manner.
3. Power in the Name
Something that seems small but holds so much power in conversation is using the client’s name. A client who is frustrated probably doesn’t want to feel as if they and their pet are one among many others for you to “deal with.” Making the effort to remember their name, their pets name and actually using them in conversation makes the conversation feel more personal and is another way to let them know that you care.
Another reason why you want to use the clients name is because it adds a human element to the conversation. When a client is upset, they don’t want to feel as if they are talking to bot or that you are reading off of a script. Using their name reminds the client that they are talking to a real human who knows them and their pet. Using a client’s name can also be seen as a sign of respect.
4. Be Cautious About Negative Language
Have you ever had those moments where you say something and the person you say it to interprets it completely different than how you intended? This is why it’s crucial to be extra careful about the words and phrases you use when responding to a client that is upset. Using the wrong words can make a client feel as if you are trying to invalidate their complaint. Remember that regardless of whether or a not a client is wrong, you want to make sure that they feel as if their opinion matters.
Words and phrases like “for your information” and “actually” can make a client feel small or that they are being talked down to. They may also think you come off as argumentative and escalate the conversation. Instead, default to words and phrases like “yes” and “I understand, and…” and make sure they know you are looking into the situation for them.
5. Identify Whether the Client is Emotionally Stressed or Abusive
This is a difficult one, but one that helps you determine where and who the conversation needs to go to. While these two circumstances are similar to each other, there is a key difference between the two.
A client who is emotionally stressed will confront you with their pet’s circumstance and be visibly angry or distraught about it. They will often have angry outbursts and mood swings, and while they may have multiple things they are frustrated about, the conversation will usually still focus on their pet and their pet’s situation.
A client who is being abusive will also be visibly angry or distraught, but the conversation with that person will be drastically different. An abusive client will often direct the conversation in a way that is personal to you or your team. This includes name-calling, cursing, gaslighting or in extreme cases, threats. If you are unable to de-escalate the conversation with the strategies mentioned above, it is best to pass the conversation off to the practice manager or your medical director.
As veterinary professionals, you have the very rewarding, but also very difficult task of providing a great customer experience to both a client and their pet. Although it is far from the easiest thing to do, practicing and utilizing strategies to handle a frustrated client is crucial to the overall success and health of your hospital. Remember that every client is going through a battle of their own, so take the time to listen intently, empathize with them and let them know that their pet is seen and their concerns are heard.
5 Tips to Pay Off Veterinary School Debt
As seen on Suveto parent brand site…
If you’re like the vast majority of veterinary students and professionals in the industry, you probably have some student loan debt to pay off. One moment, you’re celebrating finally finishing school with your family and friends and the next moment, you realize you’ve got what looks like a mountain of debt from those student loans you took out. You start asking questions like, “Was it worth it?” or “How am I ever going to pay these off?” It can be a rude awakening, or at least a serious wake-up call. We’re here to tell you to keep your head up and that it may not be as impossible as you think. Here are 5 tips that could make getting out of veterinary school debt easier than it seems.
1. Create Realistic Goals and Expectations
We all have that ideal life in mind for when we get out of college and start our careers. A new car, your dream home and the taste of finally making your own money. However, those first few years out of school probably won’t be the time to make all those things happen.
While you definitely will be making money, it’s important to set goals and expectations about where you want that money to go. Remember that the quicker you are able to eliminate those debts, the quicker you’ll get to do the things you want to do in life, and not just the things that you need to do. Those high dollar purchases may have to wait a little, but buying those things after you’re out from under student debt will make you feel so much better.
2. Set a Budget
We know. You’ve probably heard those 3 words a million times throughout your life, but we cannot stress enough how important this tip is for getting yourself out of debt as quickly and easily as possible.
Making money feels rewarding, but knowing that you have control over where your money is going is even more so. Set aside time to write down and figure out how much money per month you want to allocate towards your loans, your bills, your savings and for yourself and stick to those numbers. Sometimes, you might find that you’ve made more than what your budget had planned for. It’ll be nice having full control and discretion over where that money can go, whether it’s paying a little extra off of your loans or treating yourself to small gift, but we’ll talk more on that later!
3. Analyze and Weigh Your Options
There are plenty of ways to pay off student loan debt. Taking the time to learn your repayment options with each lender can help you in the short and long term to make sure you’re making the best choices for your financial future. There is no one-size-fits-all method to paying off your student loans, so depending on your circumstances today and where you see yourself in a couple years, you can determine the best strategy for paying back those loans.
You can also consider hospital size and location while job hunting as well. Different hospitals may pay different depending on whether they are underserved or hyper competitive, and different locations may have higher or lower costs of living. Some of these hospitals (including those in our Suveto network) may even offer student debt assistance in addition to salary during your tenure. Both of these can play a huge role on your budget and how much you are able to put towards your loans, so be sure to weigh your options out thoroughly!
4. Practice Ownership (Yes, Really)
At Suveto, our veterinary associates get to take part in our shareholder program called VSOP. This allows you to have risk-free ownership in the hospital that you work at and provides you the tools you’ll need to grow financially and professionally.
The idea is that as the hospital grows from your hard-work and dedication, so does the value of your share in the hospital (aka, your VSOP). Basically, we believe that you should be rewarded above and beyond your normal compensation for investing your time and hard work into your practice. This money could be used as extra funds you put towards your loans to help cut down your debt and repayment period! If this is something that interests you, start your journey as a veterinarian with Suveto today!
5. Treat Yourself (In Moderation)
We told you that we’d come back to treating yourself to a small gift here and there back in the budget section! As mentioned before, sometimes you’ll end up with a little more (unbudgeted) money than expected and you won’t know exactly what to do with it. Some people call that “fun money.” Whatever you decide to call it, know that it’s ok to treat yourself to something you like from time to time. Make sure you’re still being smart with that money and allocating at least 80% towards your debt, but with the remaining 20%, do something that makes you happy!
All work and no play is hard on anyone, so rest assured knowing that no one will blame you for taking a little bit of that hard earned money to do something kind for yourself.
As you walk through this journey, it’s important to know that you are not alone. There are so many veterinary professionals in the industry who have been in your shoes and understand what you are feeling. If you need some mentors or peers in the industry to talk to or walk along with while you work towards financial freedom, join the community of veterinary professionals at Harbor.vet! Connect with and reach out to students and professionals just like yourself and support each other as you continue to grow in your careers as veterinarians.
Share the Gift of Pawliday Cheer | 4 Ways to Give Back in the Pet World
As seen on Suveto Network Hospital sites…
Tis the season of giving! Gifts have long been a way for us to show people that we love and care about them, so why not show the same with the ones who love people unconditionally every single day? While our pets may have furever homes to care for them during this season, there are still many pets awaiting their own furever homes and for someone to care for them. So, while you’re going through your holiday to-do list, try adding a thing or two for giving back to the pets in need this winter. Here are some pawsome ways to give back and support the Pet World this holiday season!
Donate to Your Local Shelter
This is one of the more practical and simple ways for you to give back to the pet community this holiday season! Your local shelter will always put any kind and any size of donation to good use, so you can feel good knowing that your donation is going to providing love and care to the rescued pets in your community.
You don’t have to go out of your way to donate to your shelter at all! Next time you go grocery shopping for those holiday food runs, consider swinging by the pet food aisle and picking up a bag or 2 of pet food or treats. If the food is a little too heavy for you to carry with all the rest of your groceries, you could always opt for a couple toys or leashes/collars. Regardless of what and how you choose to donate, your local shelter is sure to appreciate that the pets they care for are on your mind this holiday season.
Volunteer at Your Local Shelter or Human Society
What better way to give back than to lend a hand? There’s no shortage of volunteer opportunities for you and your friends to take part in at your local shelters or human societies during the holiday season. Whether it’s walking, feeding, cleaning or just playing with the pets at the facility, the time you spend with these pets is extremely helpful and valuable. The holidays also include a lot of adoption events. Depending on the shelter, you may be able to volunteer and serve at one of their adoption tables in your local community. This is a great way to get pets into their furever home for the holidays.
Have a special talent or skill? The shelter would love to see you share those with them as well! Social media plays a very important role in the adoption process for pets in the shelter. If you’re nifty with a camera, you can volunteer your photography or videography skills with your local shelter or human society to help get content up on their websites and social media accounts. This is a great way for you to use your talents in a way that is rewarding for both you and the pets you’ll work with!
Sign Up for a Local Charity Sporting Event
Feel like getting your fitness on? Try looking for a charity event that supports your local shelter or human society! Your community may be hosting something like a fun-run, walk-a-thon or sporting event that puts donations towards helping and feeding the pets who are hoping to get adopted during the holidays.
This is a fantastic way to add some fitness into your holiday traditions, and for those of you who are all about resolutions, these kinds of events are a great way for you to either get a head start on your fitness resolution for next year or catch back up on your resolutions for this year! Either way, taking part in any charity event this holiday season will go a long way in helping the pets of your local community this holiday season.
Foster or Adopt a Pet
If you’re in a position to do so, adopting a pet this holiday season is an amazing way to care for a pet in your community. There is no greater gift for these pets than for them to find a warm, loving furever home with people who love them. If you’re considering adopting, make sure you have considered all the responsibilities and commitments being a pet owner entails. Here is a helpful article to see if adopting a pet is the right option for you this holiday season.
If you can’t take on the full responsibility of adopting, but have some room and time during the holidays, consider fostering some pets this holiday season. This time of year can be especially busy for shelters, and in order for them to have enough space to care for the pets who need it, they might require some help from people who are willing to take a few pets in and care for them from their home. Fostering is amazing in a couple ways. It allows you to find out if you’re ready and able to care for a pet of your own while also increasing the chances of a pet being adopted to their furever home. If you’re considering fostering, check out this article that guides you through the things you need to know before taking in a foster pet!
A Note from *Hospital Name*
We wish the very best for you during this holiday season. As this year has been one of plenty of adjustments and changes, we hope that you, your friends and your family are able to spend plenty of time together full of love and celebration. We also hope you take some time to give back to the pets of our community this year, and maybe even starting a new annual tradition of volunteering to love on furry friends in our local shelters. Happy Holidays from your friends at *Hospital Name*!
5 Ways to Include Your Pet This Valentine’s Day
As seen on Suveto Network Hospital sites…
February is here, and whether you’re single, dating or married, we all know the same day is on our minds this month: Valentine’s Day. If you’re wanting to make Valentine’s Day a little different this year, we thought this year could be the perfect time to make February 14th a day for pets as well…a “Pal”entine’s Day, if you will. Besides, with Valentine’s Day being all about love, who better to celebrate with than the ones who love us unconditionally every single day?
So, whether you’re stuck at home, social distancing or just looking for some things to do, here are a few of our favorite ideas for Valentine’s Day with your pet friend!
A Dinner for Two (or More)
A romantic playlist. Your favorite food. A candle. Your animal best friend. How great does that sound for Valentine’s Day?
You probably can’t take your pet to that fancy restaurant in town, but it is possible to make a totally special date with them at home. Homemade meals are a great way to show someone that you care about them, and that includes your pet! While you’re making your grocery list for things to cook with, make sure you take the time to look into those pet-friendly recipes and pick up whatever you need for those as well.
Skip the hustle and bustle of last-minute reservations (we’ve all been there). Skip the canned or bagged traditional petfood that your pet always gets. Roll up those sleeves, throw a towel over your shoulder and get to cooking! If you need some ideas of what to cook for your pet, here are a few recipes we found for some reference:
Valentine’s Not-so-Chocolates
Boxes of chocolates are great for us, but they aren’t so great for pets. Instead of running to the candy or chocolate aisles, try making some treats at home for your pet to enjoy before or after dinner! There are plenty of pet-friendly treats to try, so don’t think losing those human sweets options keep your options limited. Here are some that you might want to try:
Almond Oatmeal Hypoallergenic Treat
If you’re itching to get out of the house with your pet, there are other options as well. Businesses like pet bakeries have begun popping up all across the country with treats catered to any dietary restrictions your pet may have.
Having a sweet tooth is great, but we do know that dental health is also an overlooked aspect of pet health among owners. While your pet is giving you some cuddles and kisses during your Valentine’s Day festivities, check their breath. Bad breath is a sign that it may be time for a quick dental appointment for them, and what better month than February? February isn’t just the month of love, but it’s also National Pet Dental Health Month, so bring them by the clinic this month and get their smiles taken care of!
Snuggles and Popcorn
For those of you homebodies out there, a movie night is a great idea for you and your pet. Pets are the best built-in cuddle buddies and would love nothing more than to sit by your side and enjoy a classic romance/rom-com movie with you. Whether your tradition is watching The Notebook by yourself, with your other single friends or with your significant other, make some room on the couch for your furry friend this year.
Also, if you’re planning on having some snacks while you watch the movie, make sure to be careful about what you eat and where you place it. We get it. M&Ms and savory buttered popcorn are an important part of the movie watching experience, but they would make the experience not so enjoyable for your pet. If you decide to eat these treats, make sure you set them down somewhere away from the pet so only you can reach it.
So, grab your favorite blanket, throw on your favorite sweats and get to watching!
Have a Spa(w) Date
We all need to take a moment to relax from time to time. Whether it’s a massage, a fresh new haircut, a mani/pedicure, or just a nice long bath, a little pampering is always a good idea for humans and animals alike. This Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to take some time for a spa day with your pet! Now, you might not be a pro, but with a few handy pet massaging tools, you can give your pet the massage they need to alleviate some stiffness and tension. Before settling in for a bath of your own, maybe give your pet that bath that may be a little overdue (just make sure to clean the bath out before you get in yourself). If you feel like getting out of the house and going the extra mile, you may be able to find an actual spa that allows you and your pet to get some special treatment together! Check out local listings and see if there are any such spas near you.
If your pet is needing some freshening up beyond just a clean, take them to your local groomer to get them nice and trimmed up. We, as people, know the feeling we get when we get our hair done or cut. Treat your furry best friend to that same feeling and more this Valentine’s Day! They deserve it more than most.
Your Ultimate Wingman/woman
Valentine’s Day is all about the love people share with each other, and even though this blog is technically for you and your pet, here’s a fun way to get another person involved as well. A pet play date is not only a great way for your pet to enjoy themselves with a fellow pet, but it’s also a great way for you to spend time with someone you care about as well! Whether it’s just a friend, someone you’re interested in or even if it’s someone who is already your significant other, play dates for your pets (if they are also a pet owner) are a good time for all parties involved.
This idea is also able to incorporate each of the other ideas listed above as well. While your pets are playing, spend some time cooking, baking or prepping for your Valentine’s Day festivities and traditions! If you decide to get out of the house to do the spa(w) day, make a full day out of it and enjoy some time shopping for you and your pets while they get pampered. Regardless, by the end of the day, you’d be glad to have spent time with the ones you love, humans and animals alike.
A Word From *Clinic Name*
Whether February is a month when All You Need is Love, or a month when you Can’t Help Falling in Love, we hope you take the time to recognize and celebrate your pets at home who love you Just the Way You Are. So, throw on Your Song, hug the one you L-O-V-E (your pet), and tell them, “You’re Still the One. I Will Always Love You.”
Now, hear us out while we’re Thinking Out Loud. God Only Knows how long it’s been since your pet’s last dental health check (could have been A Thousand Years), but just know we’ve been Thinkin Bout You, so as a reminder, while you’re spending time with your pet this February 14th, maybe check and see if it’s time for a dental check-up for them. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Also, if you haven’t made a playlist for Valentine’s Day, we kind of just made on for you! Guess we just had Love on the Brain.
Time for Some “Mew” Year’s Resolutions
As seen on Hospital Network Hospital sites…
2020 is finally over, and it’s about time to start those New Year’s Resolutions again! Whether you’re jotting on a notepad, writing on a mirror or typing on your laptop, maybe it’s time to consider finding ways to include your pet this year on your way to the “new you.” Besides, last year probably opened you up to trying new things for a change. Why not keep that train going? So, as they say, “Out with the old, in with the new!” Throw away those same old resolutions you’ve made before and try these new resolutions that can improve both you and your pet’s lives this year!
Break a Sweat with Your Pet
Find ways to combine your workouts with activities your pet can participate in for their health as well.
For some of you, your gym might be closed. For others, the gym might just be way too busy with all the new members that are getting a jump on their own resolution to get in shape this year. Whichever one it is, it’s ok! Try some at-home workouts with your pets!
Weight loss and exercise is just as important for your furry friend, too. Though your pet probably can’t use those workout bands and dumbbells that you use during your weight training, they could definitely be great partners to accompany you during a walk or run! Rather than just letting your pet out to use the bathroom, grab that leash (or try a hands-free waist leash) and get to working on that weight loss/fitness goal for 2021.
Depending on the weather, make sure you also keep your pet’s safety in mind as well. During the colder/hotter months, your pet may need booties or paw care products to protect them while they walk on pavement and terrains! If you aren’t sure, consult with your veterinarian what they would suggest for your pet during whichever activity you choose to do.
Some Food for Thought
It might be time to make a few adjustments to your pet’s diet as well.
Everyone, including our pets, can use a little update to their diet and nutrition during a new year. Whether it’s what, when or how much you and your pet are eating, the New Year is a great time to evaluate every aspect of our diet.
As you start to cut and plan out your diet for the year, consider looking into the things you’ve been feeding your pet and do the same for them. Maybe for every nighttime snack you cut out, take away those dinner table scraps you feed your pet. For every calorie you count for yourself, do the same (proportionally) for your pet as well.
Also, just as we as humans have different dietary and nutritional requirements based on age and health conditions, our pets require the same. Make sure you and your pet are eating the proper diet and meeting your nutritional requirements in order to keep your health in tip top shape this year.
Time to Brush Your Canines
Whether it’s your morning or night routine, make sure your pet’s grooming and hygiene is also in your agenda this year.
It’s ok to admit it. Your grooming and hygiene may have taken a bit of a backseat ever since the world shut down because of COVID-19. We definitely won’t judge you for that, but it’s for sure about time to make your grooming routine a part of your resolutions and pull yourself back up again. While you’re at it, maybe pull your pet up with you! If you didn’t know already, you might find that there are a lot of things you do in your grooming routine that your pet also needs help doing.
First, the pearly whites. Dental care for pets is something that is often overlooked, but so important to maintaining their health. Now, COVID may have had an effect on your personal toothbrushing routine (though we hope not), but it’s pretty common knowledge that we as humans should be brushing our teeth about twice a day. This year, maybe bring your pet along in your morning and night routines! Brush your teeth and then give your pet some quick dental care as well.
Next is the grooming. Whether it’s beard care, bald head care, or hair care, we pay attention to the way we groom ourselves. Though it may not be as often or meticulous as your own, it could be fun to have specific days throughout the week or month that you dedicate to grooming with your pet. We definitely don’t recommend sharing a brush though.
If you aren’t sure exactly how often you should be grooming your pet, ask your vet what they suggest. The answer may differ based on the breed and the length/type of fur.
Say Goodbye to All Work, No Play
Take a some more breaks this year and enjoy some time off with your pet this year.
This one’s for the workaholics out there! It can be hard sometimes to take time for yourself and step away from the hustle and bustle of work or school. However, taking time out of your day to take mental breaks or just have some time away from work is important for your mental health. Having a pet around can definitely help with squeezing in a resolution for more “me time.”
This year, find some things that you enjoy doing and figure out ways to include your pet in a few of those things. Spending time for yourself is not only beneficial for you, but this type of “play” time also provides great benefits for your pet as well! Interactive play and time spent with your pets is a great way to bond with your pet while also providing some form of physical exercise. You may also find that this resolution helps reduce behavioral problems your pet may have (if they have any).
So, what are you waiting for? Put the phone or the laptop away (after you finish reading this of course) and take some time for you and your pet to be alone and enjoy yourselves. When was the last time you heard someone tell you, “it’s free time!”?
When Having a Pet Just Makes “Cents”
Find ways to include your pet on your way to financial freedom.
What? Your pet can help you save money? Well, kind of. If your resolution was to save money this year, it might be a good idea to also create some sort of emergency fund for your pet as well. Obviously, you hope that you never use that money, but if 2020 taught us anything at all, it’s that NOTHING is guaranteed, and you never know what’s going to happen. Also, best case scenario, you end up not needing it and now you’ve doubled down on saving for the year!
There really is no perfect way to start. Just set aside your personal savings and put whatever amount you feel comfortable putting towards your pet’s savings after that. Remember, you can always change and adjust how much you put towards the accounts throughout the year.
A Word From *Hospital Name*
Happy New Year! With 2020 in the rear-view mirror now, we are so excited for all that 2021 has in store for us. We wish the absolute best for you, your family and your animal best friends during this new year and hope it is filled with memories to cherish for a lifetime. As you sit around making your resolutions this year, remember that your pets look up to you and love you unconditionally. Find ways to include them even more this year in your daily lives and return the love they give every single day. We hope 2021 is the best year yet for you and your pet!
Holiday Traditions You Should Start with Your Pet This Winter
As seen on Suveto Network Hospital sites…
This year has brought a lot of changes in our everyday lives, and the holidays are no different. However, if there is anything that has remained steadfast at home through 2020, it’s our precious animal best friends and the love that they give to us every day. For that reason, this holiday season is the perfect time to come up with some new holiday traditions that you can enjoy with your pet! Here’s a list of some of our favorite ideas.
There’s Nothing Like a Picture Purrfect Holiday!
Got some matching holiday pajamas, sweaters or costumes you just can’t wait to show off? Why not take a family photo with the pets this year to share with your family and friends! Dressing up that photogenic pet of yours is always a fun way to include them in any family event or tradition. Whether it’s for a holiday card, a scrapbook, or your annual holiday family update, make sure you’re finding a way to get your pet into those holiday snapshots. Afterall, who doesn’t love a good Instagram moment? Just make sure to get their “good” side.
Pupcake Wars!
Ok, you don’t actually have to make an entire cake or themed spread, but you can start a tradition of baking pet-friendly treats to share with you and your pets during the holidays! We’ve all been there before…You’re baking or cooking in the kitchen and your poor pets just sit there and watch, hoping something falls for them to scoop up off the floor. But did you know that you can include them in the kitchen this year?
Pro tip: You can even make it a party! Start a Zoom call with other pet parent friends you may have and bake together with your pets at home.
Need some pet-safe ideas for holiday treats? Try these:
Peanut Butter Oat Cookies (Human & Dog Friendly!)
Deck the Paws!
Holiday decorations are fun for everyone, including your pets! If you live near some woods or fields, consider taking your pet out and find some pinecones or leaves to decorate the house with. Not only is this great shedding some of those “holiday calories,” but it’s also a great reason to get out with your pet and celebrate the smaller happy moments we get during a year of chaos. After all, the greatest gift to a pet is the attention you give to them.
So, grab yourself a bag or a basket and pick up all the decorations that nature has to offer while you’re out on the trail. Plus, it makes for a great story when a family member or friend asks you where you got your various pinecones from!
Pro tip: Not all holiday decorations are pet-friendly. Here are a few decorations to keep your pets away from while you’re decorating together.
Go See Santa Paws!
Ho-Ho-Ho! Who doesn’t love seeing Old Saint Nick during the holiday seasons? Though waiting in lines can be a drag sometimes, having your pet there with you not only gives you someone to talk to, but it also could be a conversation starter with those around you as well. At the end of the wait, you get the cutest holiday photo to share with your family and friends.
Before heading out, make sure your pet is both comfortable around strangers and also capable of being well behaved. Not doing this puts both your pet and those around you in an uncomfortable spot. Also, with the pandemic going on, make sure you follow all your local COVID-19 guidelines while out and about!
Enjoy the Pawliday Lights
There is nothing quite like driving around and seeing the holiday lights during this season. Whether it’s going through a neighborhood, main streets or driving through a display set up at a park, holiday lights can make for memorable moments for both humans and pets alike.
So, pack those blankets, turn up your favorite holiday tunes and hit the road! If you decide to take the walking route, make sure to keep your pet secure on a leash or in a carrier to ensure they don’t try and make a break for it with everything going on. Also, make sure you’re following your local social distancing guidelines if you’re in areas with crowds or groups of people.
A Word From *Hospital Name*
We wish the very best for you during this holiday season. After all that we’ve been through this past year, we hope for a time of peace, love and celebration as you get to spend time with family, friends and your animal best friends at home or away. We also hope you take some time to try the traditions listed above, or any other new traditions you can think of to make new, memorable moments with your pets during the holidays.
Before we say goodbye, here’s a little pet jingle for you from your local vet:
Pet the cat and walk the doggie
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Don't let either chew the holly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
That’s all we’ve got, but feel free to finish the song for us! Happy Holidays!
Are You Ready “Fur” Fall?
As seen on Suveto Network Hospital sites…
Leaves changing colors. Fall clothing. Fall food. Pumpkin Spice Lattes. There’s a lot to be excited about during the fall season. As you start to get all those family plans figured out for Thanksgiving, make sure to keep your furry family members in mind as well. Holiday festivities and the fall season as a whole can be potentially dangerous times for our pets, and we wanted to give you a few reminders of what to look out for while you prepare for the holidays.
We get it. It’s hard to keep your pets out of those massive leaf piles. It’s also extremely tempting to include your pets as family members while we eat and celebrate Thanksgiving, and those cute, pouty faces that they make don’t help very much either. However, it’s important to always put the health and wellbeing of your pet before the photo ops and the laughs. That’s why we’ve decided to give a few tips for you and your pet for the 2020 fall season.
Things to Look Out for This Pawtumn
Mind Your Yard
We all know the classic fall tradition of jumping into those massive piles of freshly raked leaves. While fun, many often overlook the amount of bacteria and mold that could be growing amongst those leaves. Your pet jumping into those piles could put them at risk of potentially catching any diseases or illnesses that the bacteria or mold may be carrying.
As the weather is starting to get colder, rodents also start to become more common in homes. Whether it is in your yard or a neighbor’s, be sure to keep an eye on your pets anytime they are outside. Rodenticides are highly fatal to dogs and cats and are common around homes during the colder months of the year. Be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately if you believe your pet may have consumed any poisons.
Thanksgiving Festivities
We’ve all probably done it at some point. It’s hard not to give your pet human food from time to time. However, make sure you’re being extra careful with your Thanksgiving food this year. Here are the 2 major foods you should be keeping away from your pets:
Turkey. Though white meat when unseasoned is ok for your pets, seasoned food with fatty meat and skin is dangerous and problematic for many animals. It is common for Thanksgiving dishes to be seasoned with things like garlic, onions, leeks and chives, all of which can destroy red blood cells in pets and are toxic when consumed.
Desserts. Many of those sweets that we enjoy should absolutely not be given to our pets. Cakes, cookies and pies often contain ingredients like chocolate, raisin and currants. All of said ingredients are toxic to dogs and cats and should be kept to ourselves. Another common ingredient in desserts is xylitol, the sugar-substitute. Xylitol, even in small amounts, is toxic to dogs, so make sure you are aware of what you’re putting in reach of your pets while cooking and baking.
Your plant decorations can pose threats for your pets as well. Flowers and festive plants like amaryllis, Baby’s Breath, Sweet William, ferns, and hydrangeas are common decorative plants that are toxic to dogs and cats. Other popular holiday plants like chrysanthemums, lilies, holly and mistletoe are also toxic and potentially fatal for our pets. If you plan on having any of these plants around the house, make sure you keep them in places where your pet can’t reach or won’t go to, and make sure to call your vet if you believe your pet has ingested any of these plants.
Stranger Danger
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving festivities at your place, you’ll more than likely be having people over that your pet may not be familiar with. Higher-than-usual noise and activity in the house may cause stress and anxiety to your pet. This can cause your pet to either be shy or excitable and could be rather unpleasant for both your pet and your guests. If this is the case, find a room away from the party and put your pet in there with their favorite toy or food to keep them comfortable.
If your pet isn’t like those mentioned above, and is comfortable around new or unfamiliar people, it is still important to watch them as you welcome and say goodbye to your guests. Open doors leave the opportunity for your four-legged friends to take off and potentially become lost, so make sure you’re always keeping an eye them while your guests are walking in and out.
If you have exotic pets, it is just as important to keep an eye on them as well. Smaller pets and exotics are more prone to stress and anxiety around festivities and large gatherings. Make sure to keep these pets safe and away from groups and noise during your holiday gatherings.
A Word from *Hospital Name*
With all that being said, we wish you and your family the best holiday season this year. Despite the challenges of this past year, we believe there is still a lot for us all to be thankful for, including the pets who have loved us throughout this crazy time at home. Stay safe, enjoy family and friends and Happy Thanksgiving!
5 Ways Your Best Friend is Your Ultimate Stress Reliever
As seen on Suveto Network Hospital sites…
When you think of ways to relieve stress and take a mental health break, what comes to mind? For most, you probably think of things like exercise, reading, journaling or meditation. Those are all great, but did you know that your pets could also be one of the best stress relievers?
In the last few months that we’ve been living with the reality of COVID-19, many experts have found a rise in depression and anxiety to be an underlying crisis. In fact, more than a third of Americans have reported symptoms related to depression and anxiety, many of which are a result of being stuck at home. For those reasons, we wanted to shed some light onto how having your pet around the house can help you fight any of your mental health battles.
Research has shown there are plenty of reasons why we as people should have animal companions at home. Caring for pets, especially dogs and cats, has been shown to drastically improve human lives in regard to their mental health. In this article we’ll be focusing on how and why having a furry friend like a cat or dog can help relieve your stress and benefit your mental health.
How Having a Pet Can Help You
Pets help you live in the moment. Anxiety often comes as a result of worrying about the future or thinking about the past. Your pet, however, always lives in the present moment and will remind you to be more present and mindful of the now. Having the companionship of an animal in your home can help reduce your anxiety, provide comfort and most importantly, give you the confidence you need to tackle your day.
Having a pet helps combat loneliness. Being home alone all day can be hard on anyone, and as human beings, we crave attention and physical touch. Whether it’s online school or work-from-home, COVID-19 has definitely created an environment of feeling lonely for many. Having your pet at home gives you a companion for all those times when you need some love, snuggles or someone to vent to (animals are the BEST listeners).
Though they don’t necessarily replace the need for human interaction, animals are capable of filling the voids people feel with social isolation and lack of social support. In a sense, they can be the best antidotes during moments of loneliness.
Having a pet encourages you to move. We already established that exercise is a solution that many people think of when it comes to relieving stress and mental health. When taking care of animals that require regular physical activity, it almost forces you to have to get up and move. Go on a walk. Go on a run. Play fetch. Regardless of the activity, having your pet to keep you moving and active is a fantastic way to combat stress and anxiety.
Your pet can improve your sleep. Who doesn’t love a good night of sleep? What about those Sunday afternoon naps? It’s easy to say we like to sleep, but the truth is, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 1 in 3 adults do not get enough sleep. Lack of sleep not only has terrible side effects on our physical wellbeing, but it is also capable of negatively impacting your mental health as well. Stress and anxiety can keep you up late at night and can often carry into your mornings as well, creating a cycle of restlessness. This is where your pet comes in!
As mentioned before, your pet can encourage you to move. Taking your pet outside for some physical activity, no matter what it is, can help you achieve deeper and more restful sleep. With as little as 30 minutes of moving around, you and your pet will be able to enjoy a good snooze when you wind down for the day. Just make sure you aren’t exercising too close to your bedtime, as stimulating your body before bed can actually make it more difficult to sleep!
Pets have therapeutic effects on people. While not exactly medicine, animals do often have therapeutic effects on people, as they fulfill the basic human need for touch. Studies have shown that playing with your pet actually increases serotonin and dopamine levels, hormones in our body that help with calming, relaxing and happiness. Pet owners have also been found to have lower blood pressure in stressful situations, something I’m sure we are all well familiar with since COVID-19 hit.
A Word from *Hospital Name*
At *hospital name*, we understand that times are hard. COVID-19 has presented a wide variety of challenges and battles for each of us to deal with, but we hope that having your pet around you more often than ever before has allowed you to find some peace and comfort. Our pets look up to us, and there is no one more important to them than their owner, so spend some time with your pet today and receive the love and support they give when times get tough.