Cat-Friendly Treat Recipe

Ingredients:
½ cup of hamburger
½ teaspoon shrimp paste (see Asian food section of your local grocery store)
¼ cup shelled shrimp, washed in hot water, and minced
½ teaspoon catnip

Directions:
Mix shrimp paste with the catnip and then hand work it into the hamburger.
Add minced shrimp to the hamburger mix and make into little meatballs.
These can be fed raw, or baked at 425° F for 10 minutes.

Fall Football Gatherings & Pets

Are you going to a football game or tailgate party this fall? We encourage you to keep your pet safe during these kinds of events. Portable grills can be extremely dangerous because they can be knocked over by rambunctious children and pets, and can burn them. Also, many of the junk foods that we eat when we’re at games and tailgate parties can be dangerous for our pets to eat. Don’t forget to keep your pet safe this season.

Staff Highlight: Sharon Hill, Office Manager

Sharon Hill has been with us at Wisdom Animal Clinic since 1987. Sharon is the clinic's Human Resources, Customer Service and Bookkeeping Departments. Her responsibilities include managing the staff, maintaining the work schedules, payroll and staff training. She has attended multiple practice management seminars throughout the years to further her education and abilities.

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.

Hot Pavement & Pets

You wouldn't walk on hot pavement without shoes, so think about your pet when you go outside. The black asphalt of streets, parking lots, and some driveways can be so hot that it can burn your pet’s tender footpads. Try to limit your walks to early morning, or always walk where your dog can keep their feet on the grass.

Staff Highlight: Jamie Velarde

We are proud to highlight Jamie Velarde, Receptionist at Wisdom Animal Clinic.

The front desk staff is an integral part of the Wisdom Animal Clinic team.  They are the first people a client has contact with, whether in person or over the phone.  They juggle the schedule, registering and discharging patients, entering information into the computer and answering the phone.  The receptionists stand ready to answer questions and concerns regarding a wide array of issues.  They are Wisdom Animal Clinic’s first line in customer service and strive to make a visit to the clinic a positive and rewarding experience for the client and pet.

Cleaning Pet Toys

Your dog's favorite toy doesn't have to be thrown away when it's dirty. Make sure that the toy is still safe to play with and then try cleaning it. Never use bleach or harsh cleaning chemicals. If the toy has a foul smell or does not get clean after washing, it IS time to throw away. Nylon and rubber toys can be cleaned by hand with soap and water and can even go in your dishwasher for cleaning, but run them through on the hot cycle with no detergent. Softer toys, like ropes, can become breeding grounds for bacteria, so consider sanitizing them by wetting the toy and microwaving it for a full minute. For stuffed animal toys, try throwing them in the washing machine when they are dirty. Throw away any toys with dangling parts, stuffed animal eyes, etc. and any toys that your pet is actually eating...unless it is a treat toy, your dog should not be eating it.

Pet Friendly Treat Recipe

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! 

Pet Appreciation Week

It's Pet Appreciation Week! Our pets do a lot more for us than provide unconditional love, they help us relieve stress and encourage us to exercise. According to the Centers for Disease Control, pets can decrease your blood pressure, lower your cholesterol and increase your opportunities for socialization. Take the time to celebrate your pet and the human-animal relationship you share this week!