The
Monthly “Dish”
Tips to Keep Your Dog Calm During July 4th Fireworks
You might love fireworks, but your dog probably doesn't. Keep your pup happy with these handy tips.
6 Tips For Mastering The Dog Walk
Here are six dog training tips on how to walk your dog and master the dog walk.
DR. HOOLIHAN'S PERSONAL STORY - KEEP REACHING FOR YOUR DREAMS
At age fourteen, Dr. Hoolihan sent out a letter to all the veterinarians within a five-mile biking radius of his home in San Diego, CA. The summer before entering high school, he wanted to volunteer his services and shared his dream of being a future veterinarian. He professed that he had a huge love for animals and "that if given the chance, (he) could aid you enormously." Thankfully, one veterinarian out of TEN answered his letter.
Her name was Dr. Diane Defenbaugh. She gave Dr. Hoolihan the opportunity to at first volunteer in her veterinary hospital, then work part-time throughout his high school career to gain veterinary technician skills and learn about the veterinary industry. Dr. Defenbaugh gave
Dr. Hoolihan a chance when no others would, and it literally changed the direction of his life. At Point Loma High School, Dr. Hoolihan was senior class president and in his senior yearbook, there is a picture of him and a yearbook article entitled, "I'm going to be a veterinarian; it's the only thing I've ever wanted to do".
After attending UC Davis as an undergraduate, Dr. Hoolihan applied to veterinary schools around the country for three years before being accepted to UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, which is regularly ranked as the best veterinary school in the country. He is one of the fortunate few that was accepted and he graduated in 1997. He was then accepted to an internship in emergency and critical care at Southpaws Veterinary Referral Center in the Washington, DC area. He has been practicing veterinary medicine ever since. This extraordinary chance altered the trajectory of his life, and Dr. Hoolihan has paid it forward by mentoring PIMA student interns, undergraduates interested in veterinary medicine, and even veterinary school interns over the years.
Below are the two pictures mentioned above. Dr. Defenbaugh saved that letter in her files for 13 years and framed it and sent it to him for his Veterinary School graduation.
COMMUNITY LEADER, ACTOR TO OPEN VETERINARY HOSPITAL IN OCEANSIDE
Dr. Christopher Hoolihan / Times of San Diego / 2-27-21
HANDLING YOUR PETS ANXIETY
Dr. Christopher Hoolihan / KSWB-TV / 2-10-21 9:00am
Bravo Packing Recalls Performance Dog Pet Food
March 3, 2021 — Bravo Packing, Inc. of Carneys Point, NJ, is recalling all Ground Beef and Performance Dog, a frozen raw pet food because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
What’s Recalled?
Performance Dog and Ground Beef both come frozen in 2-pound and 5-pound plastic sleeves with the following labels (provided by the company).
Dog bite prevention
Dog bites pose a serious health risk to our communities and society. More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and more than 800,000 receive medical attention for dog bites, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). At least half of those bitten are children. Here are more dog bite facts:
Almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention.
Children are the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured.
Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs.
National Pet Dental Health Month
Don't turn your nose to your pet's bad breath! That odor might signify a serious health risk, with the potential to damage not only your pet's teeth and gums but its internal organs as well.
To address the significance of oral health care for pets, the AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February. Take part by learning more about how you can improve the dental (and overall) health of your pets.
7 Ways to Make the Holidays Safer for Pets
Nothing can spoil holiday cheer like an emergency visit to a veterinary clinic. These seven tips can help prevent a holiday disaster with your pets.
Keep people food out of the reach of your pet, and ask your guests to do the same.
Make sure your pet doesn't have any access to treats, especially those containing chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, onions or other toxic foods.
Don't leave your pet alone in the room with lit candles, a decorated tree or potpourri.
Keep holiday plants (especially holly, mistletoe and lillies) out of reach of pets.
Consider leaving the tinsel off your tree if you have a cat.
Secure your Christmas tree to keep it from falling over if your dog bumps it or your cat climbs it. Hanging lemon-scented car air fresheners in the tree may deter your cat from climbing it.
Provide a safe place for your pet to escape the excitement (such as a kennel, crate, perching place, scratching post shelf or hiding place) if you’re entertaining guests. If your pet is excitable or scared, consider putting your pet in another room with some toys and a comfortable bed.
What Does Your Dog's Urine Color Mean?
Dr. Ernie Ward provides insight on what he refers to as "liquid gold!" -- We learned urine could provide us with such valuable insight into a patient's health, that it was worth its weight in gold. We also learned that the color and consistency of urine, from light yellow to black and clear to cloudy, signaled health or illness. If you've ever pondered what your dog's pee color meant…
Why Do Cats Purr?
Spend enough cuddle time with a kitty and you are likely to hear or feel some purring vibrations. As common as purring is, not all that much is known about it. That’s why when asked, “Why do cats purr?” I must answer with, “I’m truly not sure!”
What we know about purring -
A feline purr is produced using the larynx (the opening to the windpipe where the vocal cords live) and diaphragm. According to scientificamerican.com, the purr happens during both inhaling and exhaling, and with a vibrational frequency of between 25 and 150 Hertz. It is theorized that this frequency improves bone density and promotes healing of bones and muscles.
Perhaps this is why cats have nine lives. This may also explain a longstanding joke within the veterinary profession— if a cat has a broken bone it is likely to heal as long as the two pieces are in the same room!