Category Archives: Fun Facts

Family Oriented Practice

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Here at Interlachen Animal Hospital Doctor Andy truly does stress how he is your “Neighborhood Vet”

… and he truly does mean it.

Meet Roxy Kai and her loving owners. Mrs. Coffae brought in Roxy for a suture removal

and to go over some test results. But she also brought along her adorable kiddos as well! Last week we got to meet

her adorable kittens Sheldon and Penny- just like the characters from Big Bang Theory!

Playtime and Fun Games

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Playtime and Fun Games

Playtime is an important part of a pet’s exercise program and socialization. All pets benefit from play as it:
  • Is a form of exercise
  • Prevents boredom
  • Relieves stress
  • Prevents obesity
  • Increases the bond between you and your pet
  • Builds confidence
  • Is fun

Important play tips
Do’s 

  • Always get permission from a grown-up before playing with your pet.
  • Be Gentle: Gently stroke the pet on the chest and shoulders: avoid the neck, face, feet and tail.
  • Approach Slowly: Move slowly around a pet.
  • Be quiet and confident around your dog.
  • Be careful not to step on your pet.
  • Wear a long-sleeved top when playing with your cat.
  • Show the pet that you want to approach slowly by crouching down and lowering your hand. Let your pet come to you.
  • Always wash your hands after playing with your pet.

Dont’s

  • Do not approach a dog when it is eating, sleeping or toileting.
  • Do not pull the ears or tail.
  • Do not play in the area of the pet’s toilet
  • Do not corner a pet.
  • Do not let your pet lick your face, eyes or mouth
  • Never reach into your pet’s kennel or crate. Let your pet come out to you.
  • Do not take a toy from your pet.
  • Do not scream or scare your pet.

Fun games to play with your pet

Hide n Seek
In the same room, hide behind a door or furniture and call your cat’s name. When your cat finds you, reward them with a small treat or by petting them gently. Once your cat gets good at this, choose another room or a bigger area in the house.

Fetch
Most dogs enjoy a game of fetch. Safely and gently throw a Frisbee or ball. When your dog returns, hold up a treat and command them to drop. If your pet drops the toy, give them the treat. Cats too can learn how to fetch. Using a small toy like a lightweight ball or stuffed mouse, throw it gently across the floor and allow your cat to chase it. Once caught, call your cat back and see if it returns the toy. Practice makes perfect.

Flashlight fun
In a dark room, create a beam of light with a flashlight. Without shining the light into your pet’s eyes, move the beam of light across the floor and watch your cat chase it.

Fishing pole toys
Wand-type toys with dangling feathers or streamers are a lot of fun for your cat. Moving the pole in a snake-like or mouse-like movement can excite your cat to play. Make sure you put the toys away after playing with them. Don’t let your cat play with this type of toy if you are not around.

Walking fun
It’s important for both cats and dogs to be comfortable on a leash.

Cool Games in the Sun
  • Wading Pools: Create a shallow wading pool for your dog to play in.
  • Frozen Treats: Dogs often like to play with ice blocks. For those fussy pets, add a bit of chicken or beef stock before freezing them.
  • Kong Fun: Add some frozen treats to the Kong and watch your pet play for hours.
  • Beach or Lake Fun: Go swimming in the water and bring along a pet life jacket for your pet.

Holiday Indoor Fun For You and Your Pet

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If the weather outside is frightful, stay in and play some games with your pet to keep him or her occupied during the long, cold season. Interactive puzzle toys are a great way to keep your pet entertained for an afternoon. These toys dispense treats as your pet plays with them, so they’re a great distraction — until all of the treats have been eaten. For cats, consider a laser toy or some catnip. You could also recycle gift boxes and wrapping paper to construct a kitty mansion for your favorite feline to explore. Dogs might also love playing a game of hide and seek with a favorite toy, or practicing a new trick, like learning to roll over.

Are you ready for Hurricane Season??

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When a natural disaster occurs, clients will worry about the welfare of their pets. These worries prompted Alex Close to create the Save Your Pet Pack. Close, the owner of two cats, noticed a lack of products to care for pets during an emergency, so she created her own.

The Save Your Pet Pack can be used for any type of disaster: earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods. The sling-bags full of emergency supplies are designed for people or their pets to wear, and they’re hands-free. To learn more about the bags,

Here are some of Close’s top tips you can share with clients for how to plan ahead:

  • Purchase a pet emergency kit. It should contain a comprehensive pet first aid kit, a three-day food and water supply, medications, a temporary collar, identifying documentation, and current vaccination records. Include a photo of you with your pet to prove ownership.
  • Prepare identification. Always have a securely fastened collar with current contact information on your animal. Microchip your pet and label all carriers with up-to-date personal and veterinary information.
  • Practice home escape-drills. Do this twice a year using two different exits, and don’t forget to include your pets.
  • Prepare transportation. Have carriers for each animal fully assembled at all times—train your animal to be on a leash or harness or in a cage or carrier. Label carriers with your personal and veterinary information. Also include details on your temporary shelter location.
  • Consider alternate housing. Find friends and neighbors who are willing to take your pets if disaster strikes. Find pet-friendly places to stay (pet-friendly hotels), including locations within a 50-mile radius in case of far-reaching evacuation. Pinpoint kennels and veterinarians in your area. Create a list and map of your local shelters.
  • Use the buddy system. Exchange pet information and evacuation plans with trusted friends and neighbors. Inform them of your pet’s favorite hiding places and let them know where you keep leashes and carriers/crates. If you’re away during an emergency, they can keep your pets safe.