Our pets look adorable in costume, but when it comes to Halloween they’re not as enthusiastic as we are. Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe and secure while candy and ringing doorbells take center stage for the night.
- Make sure your pet is properly identified (microchip, collar and ID tag) in case they escape through the open door while you’re distracted with trick-or-treaters.
- If you plan to put a costume on your pet, make sure it fits properly and is comfortable, doesn’t have any pieces that can easily be chewed off, and doesn’t interfere with your pet’s sight, hearing, breathing, opening its mouth, or moving.
- Take time to get your pet accustomed to the costume before Halloween, and never leave your pet unsupervised while he/she is wearing a costume.
- Keep glow sticks and glow jewelry away from your pets. Although the liquid in these products isn’t likely toxic, it tastes bad and makes pets salivate excessively and act strangely.
- If your pet is wary of strangers or tends to bite, put him/her in another room during trick-or-treating hours or provide him/her with a safe hiding place.
- Keep your pet inside.
If you have an anxious pet, call your veterinarian to discuss options that best fit your pet’s needs.
Nutrition for your pet should be evaluated just like yours is. Check the nutrition label on your pet’s food to see what’s in it. Look for foods that are meat-based with high-nutrient value ingredients. Generally, the first three lines should include protein, fruits and vegetables, and grains.
Our recommendations for feeding your pet are based on the science of nutrition. With this foundation, we can help you better understand your pet food choices. Choosing healthier foods results in your pet’s improved health and quality of life. After all, “healthier” doesn’t have to mean more expensive.
How much should you feed your pet?
Portion size may vary based on breed, age, and health condition, and settling on the right amount can be tricky.
The correct meal size depends on factors like:
- Type of food
- Number of meals
- Body weight
- Metabolic rate
- Amount of exercise
Most pet food labels have suggestions based on your pet’s weight. These suggestions are pretty general and may be too high to maintain a healthy weight because they don’t take into account your pet’s lifestyle or breed. Some pets may require more or less food than the guidelines, depending on activity level and other factors. For example, a 35-pound Corgi that tends to gain weight might need to start with less food than the label recommends. Combine this information with your veterinarian’s recommendations to come up with the initial amount of food to offer your pet for a long and healthy life.
When should you feed your pet?
The general rule of thumb is to feed your pet twice a day. For instance, feed your pet in the morning while you eat breakfast and in the evening when you sit down to eat dinner. This is not a hard-and-fast rule and may be different for your pet and lifestyle.
Healthy Body Weight
Your veterinarian can assess your pet’s weight and overall health, then make recommendations regarding weight, diet, and exercise. They can also teach you to assess your pet’s body condition by observing body shape and feeling certain parts of your pet’s body. A healthy weight isn’t simply a number on a scale; it’s about healthy body composition.
The benefits of keeping your pet at a healthy weight
Excess weight can reduce your pet’s life expectancy by more than two years! Keeping your pet trim gives them the best chance of a longer, healthier, and pain-free life. When your pet is at a healthy weight it will lower their risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory disease, kidney disease, and some forms of cancer. It can also reduce the risks of injury to bones, joints, and muscles that are associated with excess weight. If your pet has arthritis, keeping them at a healthy weight makes it easier to manage the discomfort associated with joint pain.
Dallas, Texas, September 20, 2021
CityVet, a leading network of more than 20 veterinary-owned practices offering comprehensive pet care announced the opening of their newest location in Alamo Heights, the first branded clinic in San Antonio, TX. Located at the intersection of Broadway and Austin Highway at 5421 Broadway, the new state-of-the-art facility will serve the community by providing full-service care for pets, including well-balanced puppy/kitten and senior pet wellness care, surgery, dental care, and grooming.
CityVet–Alamo Heights is led by Nichole D’Intino, DVM, in partnership with Greg Gains, DVM, who joined the network in May 2021 with his clinic Alamo Ranch Animal Hospital. “I am excited to embark on this adventure with CityVet. Opening a veterinary clinic has been a life-long dream, and I am looking forward to serving the people and pets of Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, and surrounding neighborhoods,” said Dr. D’Intino.
“We believe in happy people and healthy pets, and we are looking forward to bringing that to San Antonio. Dr. D’Intino is a great veterinarian and leader and is the perfect fit for this new location,” said David Boguslawski, CityVet CEO. CityVet offers a unique local ownership structure, providing lead veterinarians the ability to have ownership in their clinics.
Longtime San Antonio Veterinarian and CityVet’s Executive Chairman Andy Anderson, DVM, shared; “In partnership with Dr. D’Intino and Dr. Gaines, we are thrilled to bring our fresh, contemporary version of evolved veterinary care to San Antonio! These two partner veterinarians demonstrate the future of our profession and the CityVet model of local ownership is bright.”
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY
With COVID safe practices in place, appointments will start on September 20, 2021. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. Appointments can be made by calling 210.942.9589.
How sticking to tried and true strategies can lead to above average recruiting performance.
One thing I have learned in the many years I have spent in intensive industries that required intensive hourly recruitment, is that there is no one magic bullet to solve your staffing needs. If there was, we all would not be losing as much sleep about where to find talent for our hiring managers. We all know that our ability to attract and retain key talent is perhaps our most important responsibility as HR professionals. It can make or break our success.
Being effective in this space requires diligent and ongoing efforts to build candidate pipelines, and a recruiting strategy that reaches both traditional and non-traditional candidate sources. In a tight labor market, the easiest short-term solution is not always the best long-term solution to build great talent resources for the future.
In the current labor market, many are finding themselves limiting how they are approaching recruiting and sticking to only what they know. DON’T! Here’s what you can DO beyond what you are already achieving:
- Don’t Limit Yourself – Train
- Don’t Over-rely on Job Boards – Source
- Don’t Overlook Employees – Engage Them
- Don’t Turn Away Apprentices – Embrace Them
- Don’t Overlook Opportunities – Promote Communities
- Don’t limit yourself to experienced candidates for expedience.
Do be willing to train for the right attitude and for someone who can grow with you. Someone who is being given an opportunity can be very loyal to the investment you are making and in the current climate, there are many displaced workers it would be a mistake to overlook. - Don’t over-rely on job boards-There is a reason this strategy is referred to as “Posting and Praying” if you don’t have any alternate strategies or know how to maximize them!
Do use them to spotlight positions (the extra expense is well worth it) and resume data bases can be great search tools. - Don’t overlook your employees as a great recruiting resource.
Do have a referral program that incentivizes your team members to refer people with the attributes to be successful working for your organization. They also have a vested interest in who they work alongside of! - Don’t turn down opportunities to work with apprentices or students from High School training programs because of the extra work.
Do partner with high schools with students that may be receiving vocational training in your industry. It requires some effort on the part of your team, but it can turn out some great future team members very early in their careers. It also helps to fulfill our responsibility to grow future talent in the industries we are committed to! - Don’t overlook all of the opportunities available to work with veterans, individuals with disabilities and/or various outreach programs.
Do your research and know the communities you recruit within and familiarize yourself with any agencies, outreach programs, and other resources that help may help to train individuals or provide placement assistance.
My best advice? Don’t take your foot off the gas just because your current openings are filled. Do recruit both when you need people but also when you don’t. Having an active candidate pipeline will help you to reduce your hiring cycle time now and in the future. The work you put into this every day, not just when you need someone (now), will help you and your organization to build a proactive and lasting talent strategy.
Kim Burak
Chief People Officer
Dallas, Texas, September 13, 2021
CityVet, a leading network of more than 20 veterinary-owned practices offering comprehensive pet care based in Dallas, TX, announced the opening of their newest clinic in Plano, TX. Located at 6009 W. Parker Road in the Windhaven Plaza. The new state-of-the-art facility is ready to serve the community by providing full-service care for pets, including vaccinations, surgery, grooming, and healthy pet foods.
CityVet—Windhaven is led by Jamie Tomlin, DVM, who has been part of the CityVet family for the last three years. “Opening a veterinary practice has always been a dream of mine, and I’m looking forward to taking this next step in my career with CityVet,” said Dr. Tomlin. “We believe in happy people and healthy pets, and that’s why we are dedicated to providing the best, high-quality care for every pet we treat.”
CityVet offers a unique local ownership structure, providing lead veterinarians the ability to have ownership in their clinics. “Within our company, we have the opportunity to grow veterinarians into leaders and leaders into owners. Dr. Tomlin is a great example of this, and we’re excited to partner with her on this new location, marking our seventh new clinic this year,” said David Boguslawski, CityVet CEO.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
With COVID safe practices in place, appointments will start on September 13, 2021. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. Appointments can be made by calling 469.676.3000.
Dallas, Texas, July 20, 2021
CityVet, a leading network of 20 veterinary-owned practices offering comprehensive pet care based in Dallas, TX, announced the acquisition of Central Animal Clinic in Cedar Hill, Texas. Their sixth new clinic this year and third acquisition.
For more than 30 years, Central Animal Clinic has specialized in small animal medicine and is led by Chris Rose, DVM. “We are excited to join the CityVet network,” said Dr. Rose. “They are paving the way for our associate veterinarian to have ownership in the clinic and to grow as a leader. CityVet believes in putting people at the center of everything they do, and our team looks forward to this next chapter. Their facilities are state of the art, and I can’t wait to see the remodel of our clinic.”
“Dr. Rose and his team have a well-established clinic in Cedar Hill with a strong reputation as a trusted veterinary partner. Their clients and staff will benefit from our scale and the value-added services we will provide in close partnership with Dr. Rose,” said David Boguslawski, CityVet CEO. “We have a plan to make significant building updates and are excited to help grow the legacy Dr. Rose and his team established in Cedar Hill.”
CityVet’s growth over the last 20 years has been focused on a de novo model, providing a unique opportunity for lead veterinarians to have ownership in their hospital. Central Animal Clinic will be the third non-branded clinic in the portfolio.
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is effective July 15, 2021.
About CityVet
CityVet is a leading network of 20 veterinary-owned practices providing exceptional pet care for more than 20 years. Founded in 1999 by Dr. Chip Cannon with the mission to create client-centered, quality pet care. CityVet is rapidly growing with clinics in Dallas, TX, San Antonio, TX, and Denver, CO that provide vet care, boarding, grooming, and healthy pet foods.
About Central Animal Clinic
Central Animal Clinic, located in Cedar Hill, TX, is a full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care for more than 30 years.
Dallas, Texas, June 14, 2021
CityVet, a leading network of 20 veterinary-owned practices offering comprehensive pet care based in Dallas, TX, announced the opening of their newest clinic in Mansfield, TX, marking the fifth location this year. Located at 3311 E Broad Street, the new state-of-the-art facility is ready to serve the area by providing full-service care for pets, including vaccinations, surgery, grooming, and healthy pet foods.
CityVet-Mansfield is led by Crystal Terry, DVM. “I’m excited to join the CityVet team to launch this clinic in my community. We are dedicated to providing the best, high-quality care for every pet we treat, and to serve people through pet care,” said Dr. Terry.
“At CityVet, we believe in happy people and healthy pets and look forward to bringing that to Mansfield,” said David Boguslawski, CityVet CEO. “Dr. Terry knows this community well and is a great veterinarian with more than 10 years of experience. She is passionate about pet care, and we are fortunate to have her lead this location.” CityVet offers a unique local ownership structure, providing lead veterinarians the ability to have ownership in their clinics.
With COVID safe practices in place, appointments will start on June 14, 2021. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. Appointments can be made by calling 817.670.5797.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY
With COVID safe practices in place, appointments will start on June 14, 2021. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. Appointments can be made by calling 817.670.5797.
Unlike humans, dogs eliminate heat by panting. Dogs have some sweat glands in the footpads, which help with heat dissipation, but only minimally. When panting isn’t enough, their body temperature rises. This can be fatal if not corrected quickly. Watch for excessive panting, and signs of discomfort indicate overheating. As a precaution, it’s important to be aware of the ambient temperature and take appropriate preventative measures.
Immediate Care in Case of Overheating: Remove the dog from the hot environment immediately. If it is unconscious, make sure no water enters the nose or mouth as you follow these guidelines. Also, do not give the dog aspirin to lower its temperature; this can lead to other problems.
Important Steps to follow:
- Put your dog in the bathtub.
- Run a cool (not cold) shower over your pet, covering the whole body — especially the back of the head and neck.
- Allow the water to fill up the bathtub as you shower the dog. Keep the head elevated to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
- If getting the dog into the tub is impractical, use a garden hose to cool the dog or place him in a pool of cool water.
- Apply a cold pack to the dog’s head to help lower his body temperature — a packet of frozen vegetables works fine.
- Massage the legs. A vigorous rubbing helps the dog’s circulation and reduces the risks of shock.
- Let the dog drink as much cool or cold water as it wants. Adding a pinch of salt to the water bowl will help the dog replace the minerals it lost through panting.
The following steps should be taken, regardless of whether the dog is conscious, appears to recover well, or was only mildly affected:
- Check for signs of shock, which include: weak or unresponsive, pale gums and grey-blue skin color, vomiting, shallow and rapid breathing.
- Take the dog’s temperature every five minutes, continuing water-cooling until it drops below 103°F (39.4°C).
- If the dog’s temperature drops a little more – to around 100°F (37.8°C) – don’t worry. A slightly low temperature is a lot less dangerous.
- Get immediate veterinary attention. Heatstroke can cause unseen problems, such as swelling of the brain, kidney failure, and abnormal blood clotting. On the way to the veterinarian, travel with the windows open and the air conditioner on.
Veterinary Care: Treatment will consist mostly of replacing lost fluids and minerals. This may extend to secondary conditions, which your veterinarian will be able to identify. Intravenous fluid therapy and monitoring for secondary complications such as kidney failure, development of neurologic symptoms, abnormal clotting, changes in blood pressure, and electrolytes abnormalities are typically recommended in cases of heatstroke.
Other Causes: Dogs with thick fur, short noses, or those suffering from medical conditions such as laryngeal paralysis and obesity are predisposed to heatstroke. In addition, dogs that enjoy constant exercise and playtime — such as working dogs (Labradors, Springer Spaniels, etc.) — should be closely monitored for signs of overheating, especially on hot days.
Prevention: Heatstroke can be prevented by taking caution not to expose a dog to hot and humid conditions. This is especially applicable for dogs with airway diseases and breeds with shortened faces (e.g., the Pug, Bulldog, Shi Tzu). Also, while traveling in cars, make sure that the dog is well ventilated by placing it in a wired kennel or in an open basket, and never leave your dog in a car with the windows closed, even if the car is parked in the shade. When outdoors, always make sure your dog is in a well-ventilated area with access to plenty of water and shady spots.
Safety is important. Remember, each year around 40,000 pets die in drowning accidents and not all dogs can swim and many may fear the water. Do not force a dog in the water.
Keep in mind that what can harm you at the beach can also harm your pet, so protect Fido from high temperatures, riptides, sunburn, jellyfish, sharp shells or broken glass, and aggressive dogs.
Here are a few tips to ensure a perfectly safe time at the beach!
- Sun Protection: Some breeds – hairless, short-coated,
light-colored breeds and dogs with pink noses – are more prone to getting sunburn. Pet sunscreens can be found at most pet stores or online. Be careful, don’t buy sunscreen that contains zinc! If ingested, it can be toxic. Your dog might also be tempted to lick the sunscreen. To avoid that, avoid products with fragrances. - Seawater and freshwater: Many dogs will find drinking saltwater very enjoyable but it can lead to stomach irritation, vomiting, and dehydration. Teach your dog not to drink seawater or discourage him by offering him a bowl of freshwater. Also, when leaving the beach, an immediate freshwater rinse will wash off the sand and salt and help keep your pooch’s coat and skin healthy.
- Strong recall: If you let your dog wander off-leash, make sure he is under firm voice control and will come back to you as soon as you call him. This might keep your frolicking dog from harm if you see a danger he hasn’t noticed.
- Waves: Unless your pup is the Kelly Slater of canines, he’s probably not a great surfer! Make sure you are aware of rip currents and undertows. Even if dogs can be great swimmers, water currents can be very strong and put them in danger.
- Boating: Wishing to go on a leisurely cruise with your dog? Make sure he has a life jacket and that there is a secure area available, away from the edge of the boat, where you can keep your pet safe if the ride gets ruff! Secure your dogs so they don’t get overboard!
- Pools: pools are much more dangerous for dogs than they appear. Your dog will probably merrily jump (or accidentally fall) into the cool water for a swim, but if he doesn’t know where the stairs are, he’s in trouble! Don’t let your pet play near a pool if you’re not 100% sure he knows how to get out on his own. Visible pool ramps are also a good idea and can be purchased online and in most pet stores. Don’t force it: dogs are like people in so many ways. Some love water, some hate it. Also, make sure he doesn’t have any major health issues or physical limitations that would make swimming more difficult.
CityVet, a leading network of 19 veterinary-owned practices offering comprehensive pet care based in Dallas, TX, announced the opening of their newest clinic in Las Colinas, TX. Located at 861 W John Carpenter Freeway in the Las Colinas Village Shopping Center, the new state-of-the-art facility is ready to serve the community by providing full-service care for pets, including vaccinations, surgery, grooming, and healthy pet foods.
CityVet–Las Colinas is led by Jana Bryant, DVM, who has been part of the CityVet family for the last 12 years. “I’m excited to take this next step with CityVet. We believe in happy people and healthy pets. That’s why we are dedicated to providing the best, high-quality care for every pet we treat and look forward to being part of the Las Colinas community,” said Bryant.
“We are very excited to serve the people and pets of Las Colinas, marking our fourth new clinic this year,” said David Boguslawski, CityVet CEO. “Dr. Bryant is a great veterinarian and leader, and we’re excited to partner with a tenured member of the CityVet family on this location.” CityVet offers a unique local ownership structure, providing lead veterinarians the ability to have ownership in their clinics.
With COVID safe practices in place, appointments will start on May 24, 2021. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. Appointments can be made by calling 972.449.1654.
About CityVet
CityVet is a leading network of 19 branded and non-branded, veterinary-owned practices. Founded in 1999 by Dr. Chip Cannon with the mission to create client-centered, quality pet care.
CityVet is rapidly growing with clinics in Dallas, TX, San Antonio, TX, and Denver, CO that provide vet care, boarding, grooming, and healthy pet foods.