Posts by Loni Patke
How to care for an aging pet
You might say I rescued my Rosie girl, a miniature dachshund, but the truth is she rescued me. Thirteen years ago, I enjoyed college but still felt lonely at times, miss- ing family and friends back home in Jackson. I searched numerous places until I found the perfect‘apartment dog.’ Rosie has experienced college life, married…
Read MoreHow to Safely Remove a Tick From Your Pet’s Body
With all of the wonder- ful ways to enjoy the great outdoors this time of year, it’s also easy to forget to inspect your pets for ticks and other parasites. Contact with a tick’s blood could transmit infection to both you and your pet. That infection can lead to dangerous, even fatal conditions, like Lyme…
Read MoreKeep your pet safe this Fourth of July
We Americans love our fireworks, and many celebrations start earlier than the Fourth of July. However, pets often do not share our same excitement for the shimmering lights in the sky. Independence Day is the No. 1 time of year pets go missing, become injured or even killed. Equally, the population of local shelters increases…
Read MoreFive Tips to Survive The Puppy Years
If you’ve recently added a new puppy to your home or are thinking about getting one, let us congratulate and prepare you for the fun. Puppies are as cute as they are in need of constant care during that first year of life. Here are some tips. Offer security and routine. We recommend using a…
Read MoreWhich pet vaccines are necessary?
Ever wonder why you receive that postcard reminding you to schedule your pet’s vaccinations? It’s just so the veterinary clinic can make money, right? Nope. In fact, pet vaccinations remain the single-most effective method for protecting your dog or cat from infectious diseases. Here’s why you should keep their shots up-to-date. Southeast Missouri is home…
Read MoreWhat Your Cat Wants You to Know about Going Outside the Litter Box
Often, the trickiest part about being a pet owner is simply not knowing what your pet is trying to tell you. This is especially true for independent, lovable cats. In fact, noting your cat’s bathroom routine can tell us a lot about what your pet is experiencing. When you spot your cat going to the…
Read MoreSpotting the Signs Your Dog is Entering the Golden Years
You might say I rescued my Rosie girl, a miniature dachshund, but the truth is: she rescued me. Thirteen years ago, I enjoyed college but still felt lonely at times, missing family and friends back home in Jackson. So, I searched numerous places, until I found the perfect ‘apartment dog.’ Rosie has experienced college life,…
Read MoreChecking Your Pet’s Teeth Could Put an End to Silent Pain
Just like people, pets need to be checked yearly for dental issues. Often, dental exams identify the root of underlying problems and might end your pet’s silent pain. It is convenient for our clients to schedule their pet’s dental exam during the same time they make yearly checkups. However, your pet’s teeth should be checked…
Read MoreWhy is Grooming Your Pet So Important?
We often lovingly refer to our pet’s time at the groomer as a “Spa Day.” This might be because we know how refreshing it feels to have our own hair trimmed and nails manicured. We can imagine pets enjoy this feeling, too. In fact, regular grooming also provides many health benefits for your cat or…
Read More4 Things to Consider Before Giving a Pet as a Gift This Holiday
Giving a new puppy or kitten could be a perfect Christmas gift for the young and old alike, but there are some factors to consider before placing a ribbon on the new pet. Make sure the main caregiver is ready to commit. Parents should know about a new pet for their children ahead of time,…
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