This weekend was the last weekend the pool was open for the summer (where the heck did the time go?!) and my community pool opened the pool up for the dogs!
We got in some new trail hikes as well
Labor Day Weekend
What The Beach Does To Your Brain
Things were starting to slow down at the clinic as students were going back to school but Labor Day emergencies more than made up for it.
Things were starting to slow down at the clinic as students were going back to school but Labor Day emergencies more than made up for it.
Bull run winery on Saturday
Paddleboarding Sunday at National Harbor
Trem Wedding
Dear Pet Owners Grain Free Foods Are A Marketing Ploy
25 Outrageously Funny Pet Names
I worked a few days at the Pender Dulles location. I vaccinated a few boarders and saw a few appointments, but overall it was a very different change of pace from my usual routine.
25 Outrageously Funny Pet Names
I worked a few days at the Pender Dulles location. I vaccinated a few boarders and saw a few appointments, but overall it was a very different change of pace from my usual routine.
Such a wonderful time this past weekend at Lisa's wedding! Always fantastic to catch up with my ladies!
Beach Bums
Signs You're Totally Addicted To Travel
Anya has her first official day at the beach this weekend! I didn't know how she was going to react but she loved it! She would bark at the water, but eventually go in and would even chase other dogs into it! We are going to have to go back again soon before the summer is over!
Anya has her first official day at the beach this weekend! I didn't know how she was going to react but she loved it! She would bark at the water, but eventually go in and would even chase other dogs into it! We are going to have to go back again soon before the summer is over!
Losing Track
How To Write A Good CV
I've been terrible about keeping track of the days anymore, so I've been terrible about updating this on Friday's like I prefer. So I apologize to my avid readers, but I will stay more on top of it!
I've been terrible about keeping track of the days anymore, so I've been terrible about updating this on Friday's like I prefer. So I apologize to my avid readers, but I will stay more on top of it!
My parents came into town this past weekend, so it was so nice to catch up with almost everyone.
Last moments/picture with the old faithful!
Vaccinations
Dogs And The Myths About Them
Consult Your Vet Instead Of Searching The Internet
So let's talk about the current hot button issue! Why vaccinate and what exactly am I vaccinating against?
Every vaccination needs to booster and there is a certain age that your dog has to be in order to receive each of the vaccines.
Core - The reason these are core vaccines is because they are highly contagious and can be fatal.
Canine:
-Rabies (early as 16 weeks old, 1 year, then every 3 years) - We all know about Rabies and it is a core vaccine not only because of the above reason, but also because it's the law. It causes neurological issues and can be passed onto people via saliva, spinal tissue, and brain matter.
-Distemper(DHPP) (starting at 8wks, then 11wks, and 14wks, 1 year, then every 3 years) - When we say Distemper vaccine, we actually mean a combination vaccine which includes Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. Distemper can affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurology systems. It usually harms puppies and unvaccinated dog and there is unfortunately no cure. Hepatitis/Adenovirus affects the eyes, kidneys, but especially the liver. Parvovirus is a terrible gastrointestinal disease that causes diarrhea, vomiting, and severe dehydration. Parainfluenza is a virus that affects the upper respiratory tract and causes flu-like symptoms.
Feline:
-Rabies - same as canine rabies
-Distemper(FVRCP) - This is yet another combination vaccine that we often abbreviate by saying Distemper for short. Feline viral rhinotracheitis and Calicvirus are both upper respiratory infections. Panleukopenia is considered the "distemper" portion of the vaccine. It destroys the intestines, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. It is hard to be treated and even harder to diagnose as it looks like so many other diseases.
Non-Core
Dog:
-Lyme (yearly starting around 12 weeks)- We typically recommend this vaccine to pets that are going to be hiking or in the woods where ticks will be prevalent. Lyme disease causes similar effects that it does in humans, such as muscle pain and lameness.
-Lepto (yearly starting around 12 weeks) - Leptospirosis is spread through contaminated urine in the water, which is why we recommend this vaccine if your pet is going to be around still-standing wild water. It affects kidneys, liver, eyes, and the neurologic system.
-Bordetella (semi-annually or yearly starting around 12 weeks) - This vaccine is to prevent the air-borne, contagious disease of kennel cough. We recommend getting this vaccine when your dog is going to be around a lot of dogs in a crowded area such as a grooming or boarding facility.
-Influenza (yearly starting around 12 weeks) - This virus is the one that you have most recently been hearing about in the news. It causes similar signs to the human flu virus which is also why there are multiple strands of it. This vaccine, like Bordetella, is recommend if your dog is going to be around other dogs in crowded situations, including dog parks.
Cat:
-Leukemia - If you cat goes outdoors, they are at risk of getting leukemia virus if they come in contact with another cat's nasal secretions or saliva. The virus causes immunodeficiency that could lead to cancer.
Consult Your Vet Instead Of Searching The Internet
So let's talk about the current hot button issue! Why vaccinate and what exactly am I vaccinating against?
Every vaccination needs to booster and there is a certain age that your dog has to be in order to receive each of the vaccines.
Core - The reason these are core vaccines is because they are highly contagious and can be fatal.
Canine:
-Rabies (early as 16 weeks old, 1 year, then every 3 years) - We all know about Rabies and it is a core vaccine not only because of the above reason, but also because it's the law. It causes neurological issues and can be passed onto people via saliva, spinal tissue, and brain matter.
-Distemper(DHPP) (starting at 8wks, then 11wks, and 14wks, 1 year, then every 3 years) - When we say Distemper vaccine, we actually mean a combination vaccine which includes Distemper, Hepatitis/Adenovirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. Distemper can affect the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurology systems. It usually harms puppies and unvaccinated dog and there is unfortunately no cure. Hepatitis/Adenovirus affects the eyes, kidneys, but especially the liver. Parvovirus is a terrible gastrointestinal disease that causes diarrhea, vomiting, and severe dehydration. Parainfluenza is a virus that affects the upper respiratory tract and causes flu-like symptoms.
Feline:
-Rabies - same as canine rabies
-Distemper(FVRCP) - This is yet another combination vaccine that we often abbreviate by saying Distemper for short. Feline viral rhinotracheitis and Calicvirus are both upper respiratory infections. Panleukopenia is considered the "distemper" portion of the vaccine. It destroys the intestines, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. It is hard to be treated and even harder to diagnose as it looks like so many other diseases.
Non-Core
Dog:
-Lyme (yearly starting around 12 weeks)- We typically recommend this vaccine to pets that are going to be hiking or in the woods where ticks will be prevalent. Lyme disease causes similar effects that it does in humans, such as muscle pain and lameness.
-Lepto (yearly starting around 12 weeks) - Leptospirosis is spread through contaminated urine in the water, which is why we recommend this vaccine if your pet is going to be around still-standing wild water. It affects kidneys, liver, eyes, and the neurologic system.
-Bordetella (semi-annually or yearly starting around 12 weeks) - This vaccine is to prevent the air-borne, contagious disease of kennel cough. We recommend getting this vaccine when your dog is going to be around a lot of dogs in a crowded area such as a grooming or boarding facility.
-Influenza (yearly starting around 12 weeks) - This virus is the one that you have most recently been hearing about in the news. It causes similar signs to the human flu virus which is also why there are multiple strands of it. This vaccine, like Bordetella, is recommend if your dog is going to be around other dogs in crowded situations, including dog parks.
Cat:
-Leukemia - If you cat goes outdoors, they are at risk of getting leukemia virus if they come in contact with another cat's nasal secretions or saliva. The virus causes immunodeficiency that could lead to cancer.
Moral of the story: Vaccinate your pets! It's easier/cheaper/less fatal to prevent than to treat!
Zoe
Today, one of my best friends had to say goodbye to her dog. I have known that dog almost as long as I have known her. The two of them are a package deal. I don't know one without the other. She made a bucket list for her last few days complete with all of her favorite things from going to the beach and eating everything from burgers to ice cream to cinnamon bread. This has been so hard on my friend and she has been so wonderfully strong throughout it all. She wrote a beautiful goodbye to her and spent the last day doing Zoe's favorite thing, snuggling and watching "Life of Pi." The weather today expressed that heaven was just as upset for this day as well.
Losing a pet is never easy, it shouldn't be. Animals come into our lives to teach us about love and they leave to teach us about loss. It's loosing a friend who was always there for you, a companion in times of loneliness, comfort in a moment of sadness, an every day job that touched your heart. No one will ever love you as unconditionally. You lose a family member, your loved one, and your best friend all at once. Saying goodbye is one of the hardest things you will ever have to do.
What my friend doesn't know is that at the same time that Zoe was spending her last moments with her mom, I was delivering bad news to a family about their pet. The family probably thought I had tears in my eyes because of their last moments with their beloved cat, but in reality my mind was in a different place. At least Zoe had something to chase as she was crossing over rainbow bridge. :wink:
Losing a pet is never easy, it shouldn't be. Animals come into our lives to teach us about love and they leave to teach us about loss. It's loosing a friend who was always there for you, a companion in times of loneliness, comfort in a moment of sadness, an every day job that touched your heart. No one will ever love you as unconditionally. You lose a family member, your loved one, and your best friend all at once. Saying goodbye is one of the hardest things you will ever have to do.
What my friend doesn't know is that at the same time that Zoe was spending her last moments with her mom, I was delivering bad news to a family about their pet. The family probably thought I had tears in my eyes because of their last moments with their beloved cat, but in reality my mind was in a different place. At least Zoe had something to chase as she was crossing over rainbow bridge. :wink:
I hope you know how much you were loved Zoe Bear.
You will forever be missed. Jan 2, 2007- July 28, 2017
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