Pet of the Month: Rocky

Our pet of the month is "Rocky". Rocky is a sweet 5 yr old neutered male tabby who loves people! He was rescued from the great outdoors by a loving family, but he turned out to be a little too rambunctious for their elderly kitty. So, Rocky is now here at Brandt and is looking for a forever home. Come visit him to see if that could be your home. Rocky would like it best if there were no other cats in the household.

Homemade Dog Treat

1

Had chicken for dinner? Throw the leftovers in a large pot, cover with water, and let it simmer for an hour and a half.

2

Cool, then pick the meat off, discarding the bone but keeping the cartilage, meat, and broth. Left over cooked carrots and/or peas? Mash them up and mix them in!

3

Pour the chicken broth into your popsicle mold and freeze. This is a nice savory popcicle treat for your dog to lick out on the porch on a hot summer day! 

Pumpkin: Pet of the Month for August.

Pumpkin is our Pet of the Month for August. Here is what Pumpkin has to say...."My name is Pumpkin {Orange Tabby} and I'm 10 years old. My mom and dad tell everyone what a gentleman I am. I am happy and affectionate and love to cuddle, snuggle and give 'cat kisses' to my mom and dad. I also love my cat treats and have some every day. When the house doorbell rings, I run and hide under the bed. I don't want anyone taking me away from my nice home. One of my passions is to play with my small stuffed cat. I carry it around with my teeth and like to hide it. Another one of my favorite toys is 'glitter balls' which I love to chase them around and hide them all over the house. When I'm hungry, I put a glitter ball in my food dish so my mom and dad will know. I pray I'll always stay real cool and keep the secret feline rule, to NEVER tell a human that the world is really ruled by CATS! I purr, therefore I am........"

Pets & Pool Safety

Have you ever seen your pet swim? Many dogs instinctively do the “doggie paddle” with their feet—hence the name—yet not all dogs know how to stay above water for long periods of time. For that reason, it’s important to supervise your pet at all times while swimming, just like you would do for your children.

Homemade Dog Friendly Treat

1

Combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt with 1/4 cup shredded carrots or chopped apples. Chop 4 ounces cooked liver, and add it to the yogurt mixture. Spoon the yogurt treats into an ice cube tray, and freeze.

2

Mix a can of chicken or tuna with 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic and two containers of plain yogurt. Add some cooked vegetables, if desired. Stir the mixture together, and put it in some small paper cups.

3

Make some quick-and-easy frozen dog yummies. Mix a cube of beef or chicken bouillon with 1 cup of warm water. Add several pieces of finely chopped leftover beef or chicken, and freeze the yummies until they're solid.

4

Create a frosty doggy treat with a jar of chicken or beef baby food. Add the baby food with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and 2 tablespoons of honey. Mix well, and spoon the mixture into small paper cups or ice cube trays. Double the recipe for large dogs.

5

Chop a cup of peanuts, and stir them into a mashed banana for a fruit and protein treat. Add 1/4 cup wheat germ and 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter. Mix well and freeze.

Pet of the Month: Frisco

"Frisco" is a 10 year old Labrador Retriever who always comes to Brandt Veterinary Clinic with a smile...and a happy bark! He knows exactly where the lean treats are and makes sure he gets at least a couple per visit! Even after surgery, he bounces out of the clinic like a 10 month old puppy! We are happy to honor Frisco as our July Pet of the Month!

Pets & Heatstroke

Many pets see a summer car ride as an adventure, but a hot car is no place for a pet. Even if you plan on bringing your pet as you run a quick errand, keep in mind that the interior temperature of a car can quickly surpass 100 degrees, even if the windows are cracked open and the outside temperature is only in the low 70s. Because pets don’t have the means of cooling themselves down the way we do, such high temperatures can cause heatstroke, brain damage, or even death. So keep your pet safe this summer, and never them alone in a car.

 

Heatstroke & Pets

Many pets see a summer car ride as an adventure, but a hot car is no place for a pet. Even if you plan on bringing your pet as you run a quick errand, keep in mind that the interior temperature of a car can quickly surpass 100 degrees, even if the windows are cracked open and the outside temperature is only in the low 70s. Because pets don’t have the means of cooling themselves down the way we do, such high temperatures can cause heatstroke, brain damage, or even death. So keep your pet safe this summer, and never them alone in a car.

Pet Beach Safety

When you and your dog head out for a day at the beach, be sure to take all the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. First, check with local ordinances to ensure that your dog is allowed to visit the beach of your choice, and whether they need to be leashed the whole time. Second, be sure to pack fresh water, food, a blanket, and a sun-shelter that your pet can use. Lastly, don’t forget to bring some toys, like a Frisbee or tennis ball, so the two of you can have some fun together! 

June is National Pet Preparedness Month

As June’s National Pet Preparedness Month nears, ensure pets are included in emergency evacuation plans and safety procedures. With owners caring for pets as true family members, the majority of owners stated they would take their pets with them in the event of a disaster including 76 percent of dog owners and 67 percent of cat owners, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2011 / 2012 National Pet Owners Survey. The following are helpful preparation tips and products manufactured by APPA members to keep in mind for the whole family should disaster strike.

Stock Food & Water
Ensure pets have a vast supply of food and water to last for at least three days if needed. Non-perishable canned or freeze-dried foods are great to pack up and easy for storing at room temperature. Visit http://stewartpet.com/our-products/freeze-dried-food/ for a selection of easy-to-store freeze-dried foods by Stewart^®.

Provide Fido with Float Gear
In the case of a hurricane or flood, ensure pets remain safe, afloat and visible at all times. Click Fido into a floatation vest and check out http://www.kurgostore.com/products/Surf%252dn%252dTurf-.html for dog life vests, coats and more.

Pack First Aid Essentials
Prepare for any situation with essential first aid items for pets including bandages, antiseptics, and other proper tools. Should a pet need minor wound treatment or stabilizing, be ready to go with a packed first aid kit. Visit www.PawFlex.comfor disposable, tough and fur-friendly bandages.

Ensure Pets are Identifiable
Should a pet get lost in a crowd or separated during the hustle and bustle of an evacuation, ALWAYS ensure pets are easily identifiable and able to be tracked down no matter where you end up. Double check pets are secure with identification tags and all emergency contact information is up-to-date including alternate contact information in case you are forced to evacuate your house. Visit www.PetHub.com for tags with GPS and scanning capabilities.

National Pet Preparedness Month, created by the American Humane Association and Red Star AnimalEmergency Services™, is designed to encourage pet owners to prepare for disasters including pet first aid kits and safety tips. Visit http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/programs/emergency-services/pet-preparedness-month.htmlfor more information. 

June Pet of the Month: Kirby

Kirby Bowden is our Pet of the Month for June. Kirby is an eight year old tri-colored Basset Hound. He was born in Iowa, and he has a big brother, also a Basset Hound, by the name of Barkley. One might describe Kirby as a momma's boy. He's tenderhearted and a little cuddle-bug, but also a bit of a bull in a china shop. Kirby's "special skill" is acting malnourished. He's never met a treat he didn't like. Recently, Kirby became paralyzed in his hind legs. He is on the road to making a full recovery with the help of his friends at Brandt Veterinary Clinic. Kirby continues to inspire us, and gives hope to those who are going through similar hardships to never give up.

May Pet of the Month: ASA GREY

Hi, guys! I'm Asa Grey! I'm a big girl Boxer puppy, almost 5 months old, and I'm growing up so fast!

I have bigger feet than some of my grown up buddies! I love to share picture everyday and would be happy if you'd stop on by to see my own BLOG at http://iamasagrey.tumblr.com.

Thanks and you all stay cool!

Donation Box for AAHA Foundation

We encourage donations to be made to at our clinic for the American Animal Hospital Association Foundation. This is if someone wants to help pets who need care and services that they cannot get otherwise. The AAHA Foundation seeks to improve the lives of pets. The AAHA Helping Pets Fund works with AAHA-Accredited veterinary practices to identify pets in need.

Mobilize the Earth for Earth Day 2012

The first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life to speak out against the deterioration of the environment and demand change. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency was created, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were passed,and the modern environmental movement was born.

Today, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. This year, in the face of global inaction on pressing environmental problems, we must harness that power.

Earth Day Network is calling upon individuals, organizations, businesses and governments to Mobilize the Earth™ and demand that environmental issues become a top priority.

Pet of the Month: Coley "Miracle Kitty"

Coley is a kitty who recently had surgery that has restored his quality of life. We are calling him our 'Miracle Kitty'! At the ripe old age of 18, he has proved to us all that there is hope for curing senior pets. He deserves the "throne" of Pet of the Month and we wish him many more healthy years!

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Did you know we now care for rabbits and other small mammals? But not the kind you see at the Annual Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday April 7th at the Gazebo in Venice's Centennial Park! The event includes entertainment starting at 9:30am and the hunt begins at 10am. Bring your own basket and meet the Easter Bunny!

Brandt Veterinary Clinic is on SeeMyBeach.com

Pet of the Month: Ellie Meyer

We are proud to honor Ellie Meyer as our March Pet of the Month! Ellie was rescued and adopted in 2010. She is a typical Beardie and still acts like a puppy but is starting to settle down. she loves to run and swim in the pool. Her best friends are Heidi, a German Shepherd and Shadow, a Golden Doodle, who live across the street so they can romp together every day. Her favorite toy is a white and black squeaky cow. When it is time to see the doctor or she has to be boarded, she is always happy to see all her friends at Brandt Veterinary Clinic!

March is Expanding Girl's Horizons in Science and Engineering Month

March is Expanding Girl's Horizons in Science and Engineering Month! The mission is to encourage young women to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers. Brandt Veterinary Clinic is proud to offer free tours for schools and scouts of any age group! These hands-on activities for middle and high school girls helps to motivate girls to become innovative and creative thinkers ready to meet 21st Century challenges.