January 2023
Happy New Year to all of our clients and pets! We hope that this year brings happiness, love, and adventures! Thank you for continuing to trust us with your pet’s mobility and pain management.
Expanded Hours
Beginning January 10th, we will be expanding our business hours to allow for increased flexibility in our treatment schedule. Our three Veterinarians will be spreading out over these additional hours to allow for work/life balance, which may effect their availability for rechecks on certain days. If you have any questions or concerns about the changes please email Carriefvr@flvetrehab.com.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8:30-1:00; 2:00-6:00
Wednesday: 9:00-1:00; 2:00-7:00
Thursday: 8:30-1:00; 2:00-6:00
Friday: 9:00-1:00; 2:00-5:00
Saturday: 8:30-1:00; 2:00-4:00
Sunday: Closed
Resolutions for longevity
It is time for New Year’s Resolutions to help ourselves live longer, healthier, happier lives. We can also help our dogs could live longer, healthier, more robust lives. We are blessed with 10-15 years of time and while this is certainly not long enough there are things we can do to make the most of those 15 years.
Here are Dr. Mason’s key points for canine longevity:
Let food be thy medicine
Studies have shown that using whole food as the primary diet or as toppers for your pets can increase longevity. This likely improves the quality and amount of vitamins and minerals, while reducing the amount of preservatives in the diet.
Adding vegetables and fruits to your dog’s normal diet can improve fiber content and reduce calories associated with extra processed treats.
Feeding an appropriate amount of calories for your dog’s lifestyle can help reduce adipose tissue that produces inflammatory mediators. Weight loss can be anti-inflammatory which is pain relieving.
Overweight dogs are more prone to metabolic diseases that can shorten lifespan.
Dr. Harvey’s Veg To Bowl Pre-mix
2. If you don’t use it, you lose it
Sarcopenia is the term used to define natural muscle loss as we and our pet’s age. To combat this, a regular strength training program should be followed to reduce the rate of muscle atrophy. This can be done by adding in a few exercises each day, taking twice daily walks, or participating in a low impact sport.
Sarcopenic obesity is the term used for muscle atrophy with obesity. This is particularly a cause for concern as the adipose tissue creates inflammation and can predispose our dogs to Diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and Cruciate tears.
3. Keep the mind working
Crossword puzzles can aid the human mind to continue to critically think and has shown to reduce the chances of Alzheimer’s disease. For dogs, scent work games can work the olfactory bulb of the brain and acts like a crossword puzzle for them. This is a fun game that mimics scent detection in working dogs, but brings it to the home. There are tools on the internet or local classes to learn how to teach your dog this fun game.
Twice daily leash walks can also help to change your pet’s environment and allow for new smells, thereby working their brain.
4. Have fun!
Dogs teach us to live in the moment. Don’t get bogged down with the daily stresses of life and remember to take your dog out back and just have fun!
Car rides, special leash walks, extra beach days can mean a lot of fun and mix up our dog’s daily regimen.
These are just a few helpful tips to keep your dogs training to live to be 15 years old! If you have any questions or want to learn more, send me an email at info@flvetrehab.com.
Happy New Year and let’s make resolutions to help our dogs live their longest and best life!
Peace and Love,
Dr. Lisa Mason