June 2017

If you’re a dog lover, you may know that a very important doggy holiday is coming up. June 24th is officially Take Your Dog To Work Day! But is it really a good idea to bring your canine buddy to your workplace? In this article, a San Leandro, CA vet discusses taking your pooch to work.

Fido’s Application

Hopefully, this goes without saying, but we do need to point out that not all dogs are cut out for regular jobs. If your pooch barks a lot, isn’t completely housetrained, or has any aggressive tendencies or behavioral issues, such as food aggression, it’s probably best to leave Fido at home.

Choosing The Right Career

Of course, you’ll need to check with your boss before bringing your pup to work. Much of whether Fido gets hired or not will likely depend on the industry you are in. If you work in a pet store, you’ll have a much better chance of getting your four-legged friend the job than if you work in manufacturing or in food service industries. People who work in small, independently-owned stores may find their pets a perfect match for their workplaces. Brain surgeons? Not so much.

The Interview

Even if you get the green light from your boss, you’ll want to check with your co-workers as well. Not everyone is as enamored with our canine friends as we are. Be considerate of people with allergies, and those who may find an adorable furry co-worker a bit too distracting.

The Background Check

If your dog hasn’t been fully trained, you may want to take your pooch back to school so he can complete his education. Fido should know basic obedience commands, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Chewing is another thing to consider. You definitely don’t want your pup eating a co-worker’s report!

Dress Code

Before bringing your pet to the office with you, make sure that Fido is microchipped, spayed or neutered, and up to date with his vaccinations and parasite control products. Your canine pal should also be well-groomed and wearing his ID tags. It also won’t hurt to tire your furry friend out with a vigorous walk before you take him to the office.

Please feel free to contact us, your San Leandro, CA animal hospital, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!

Did you know that June is Adopt A Cat Month? Of course, any month is a wonderful time to adopt a kitty. If you are looking for a new pet, read on! A San Leandro, CA vet discusses kitty adoptions below.

Shelter Kitties

If you are searching for that one purrfect pet to bring home, please consider getting Fluffy from a shelter. There are far too many cute, lovable felines in shelters, just hoping someone will save them and give them a forever home. There are actually several benefits to adopting from a shelter. You can choose from a variety of adorable kitties, and will be able to spend some time with your furry new friend before making a final decision. You may also save money on veterinary care costs, since most shelter kitties have been spayed or neutered, and are current on vaccinations and parasite control.

Bringing Kitty Home

Before you bring your new furball home, you’ll need to pick up a few things. Fluffy will need toys, treats, bedding, pet furniture, and dishes. A litterbox and litter are also musts. If your feline friend is a kitten, avoid clay or clumping litters for now, as they aren’t safe for baby cats. As for food, if you know what your cat has been eating, get the same brand for now, and then ask your vet for specific advice.

Veterinary Care

Speaking of veterinary care, one of the first things you’ll want to do is bring Fluffy to the vet for a full exam. If your kitty isn’t microchipped or spayed and neutered, you’ll want to get that done as well. While you’re there, ask for recommendations on your kitty’s diet and care.

Purr Activation

Fluffy may need a few days to adjust to her new home. Put your new kitty’s thing in a quiet back room, so she has a comfy place to settle in. If you have other pets, take your time making introductions. Keep your furry pals in separate rooms at first, and don’t leave them alone together until they’ve made friends. It’s also important to make sure your new furball feels happy and safe. Provide your feline buddy with plenty of fun toys, soft beds, and cuddle time. You’ll have that little motor going in no time!

Please contact us, your San Leandro, CA animal clinic, anytime. We are here for you!