Put down the cell phone and pick up a leash - Nature calls

I just returned home from a long beautiful walk through Stoney Creek Metro Park with my dog and my adult son.  We have been taking these walks regularly since the weather has improved this summer and they have become some of the best times I have spent with each of them.  My dog enjoys the wide open spaces to wander (on leash of course) and smell what nature has to offer,  and my son and I can talk without having us look at that little flat screened device that we spend so much of our free time staring into.  We actually have conversation that we probably would not have if we were just walking our neighborhood or hanging out at home.  We are able to clear our heads and watch the sun set as we walk the nature trails.

 It occurred to me tonight as we were returning home that everyone could, and should consider visiting the numerous metro parks and nature trails that are available to us in the Metro Detroit area.   It would be of great benefit for our dogs in a physical sense since they need regular physical activity to keep them fit and healthy;  adding years to their lives.  It would also help us humans remain in good physical, mental and relational health and spend less time with our cell phones in our faces. We would enjoy the company of a family member, friend or neighbor.  If you don’t have anyone available to walk with you, just enjoy your dog and your thoughts and say hello to the other trail walkers that pass as you improve your own health.   

Think about setting aside the cell phones and enjoy your time with your pet and family in the parks.  

I have listed some of the many parks that are available to us in this area and I would love it if you would take the time to add a comment below.  Tell me where you walk with your dog and family members, and whether you have any tips for others as they walk and enjoy nature. 

Happy, Healthy walking!

Stoney Creek Metro Park

Red Oaks Nature Center

Licht Park

Shaw Park

Arthur Miller Park

Clinton River Park

Dodge Park

Stage Nature Center 

Halmich Park

Why do I have to wait, I made an appointment this morning?

Sitting in the reception area and waiting is often boring, minutes seem like hours as you watch people go in and out of that front door.  The waiting can get painful if the chairs are uncomfortable.   What are they doing?  Eating lunch, texting their friends, cruising Facebook, getting a tan??

I have asked myself this question many times as I sit in the waiting room of my dentist's or doctor's office for what seems like hours with no explanation from anyone as to what is going on “in the back”.  What is taking so long?? These appointments are usually made weeks or months in advance.  Why am I waiting?

I heard a client say this exact thing yesterday as I was hustling around the office trying to keep my head above water with the volume of patients, clients, paperwork, phone calls and emergencies.  It made me think that we should communicate better and explain to everyone what can, and is, going on behind the scenes.  As far as they know we are just sitting around drinking coffee and eating donuts.

I get it.  You don't like to wait and neither do I.  Here is what is sometimes going on behind the scenes at a busy veterinary hospital that could cause you to have to wait. 

We book our clients in blocks of 20, 40 or 60 minutes depending on the issue that they are having.  Most of our clients call far in advance, but many call the same day if the pet has an emergent issue.  Often times our receptionists are forced to ‘squeeze’ patients into an already crammed schedule in order to get the suffering pet some help and take care of our loyal clients.  The appointments are often made to adjust to a client's work schedule and availability. 

When the clients and patients get into the office they may need tests run or treatments performed, so we try to get the blood work running or cytology going or x-rays taken while you wait.  Unlike human doctors offices, we run many of our own blood tests, and take the radiographs ourselves.  Sometimes the technicians have several pets waiting for x-rays at the same time, so they have to take them in the order in which they came.  Also, the technicians have their own appointments to see and they have to get to them in between all the tasks that they are performing for the doctors.  The doctors have phone calls to make and records to write up, which are often done after hours. We don’t want to make excuses for having you wait more than a reasonable amount of time, but it helps to understand the inner workings of the veterinary hospital to help understand why we are sometimes delayed.

I hope that you never have to wait for more than 5-10 minutes the next time you have an appointment, but if you are waiting a bit longer than expected, ask the receptionist to give you a heads up as to what is going on, and please know that we are not sitting around with our feet up.  We really are trying to do our best work for you and your pets.

Smelly Dog, Smelly Cat - What is happening in your mouth?

Have you ever looked in your pet’s mouth?  No, Really.  Have you?  Perhaps you have seen yellow or brown stains - tartar built up along the gum line. Maybe you have also seen swollen gums or experienced halitosis.  (Yes, smelly doggy or kitty breath).  The swelling and halitosis are signs of periodontal disease and possible infection.  Periodontal disease often causes pain for your pet but they rarely show any symptoms because they are so brave and stoic.  

Maybe your pet is in pain right now.

If you never brushed or flossed your teeth they would be pretty gross right?  Think about how often you brush (let alone -  floss) your pet’s teeth.   Now think about what their mouth must feel like.................. YUCK!

February is the month that veterinarians set aside to educate and inform people about pet’s dental health. Warren Woods Veterinary Hospital is always looking out for your pet’s overall health and longevity.  Proper dental care has been proven to add years to their lives.  Our veterinarians examine your pet's mouth every time they visit and make proper recommendations about professional cleaning and home care.   Some pets will require professional dental cleaning before starting on a home care routine. Proper brushing techniques can be taught by our technicians and/or dental cleaning treats like OraVet Chews can be added to keep a healthy mouth from developing disease. 

Wednesdays in February we will have programs on our Facebook page featuring our Veterinary Technician Dental Specialist, Casey giving a video lessons about oral health examination, dental radiography and professional dental cleaning for your pet.  We will also be adding information on periodontal disease to our Facebook page and website.  Our YouTube channel even has a video of an actual dental procedure featuring my personal dog, Trent.  (he is super cute by the way)

Take a peek in your dog or cat's mouth today then call Warren Woods Veterinary Hospital for a professional oral exam.  

Let's get rid of that smelly breath forever. 

I have listed the links to our Facebook page and YouTube Channel here so you can easily find them:

https://www.facebook.com/WarrenWoodsVetHospital/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySL1WtNJ3B0