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Whether camping in a tent, a cabin, or a camper, there is nothing better than doing so with your best friend.
Picking your Partner In my case, my best pal is my pup, Ben. Now, he didn’t exactly have much of an option but to camp since we first crossed paths on a cross country road trip. Luckily for me, he is a natural in the outdoors. But, how can one tell if their favorite housemate is ready to camp? Some things to consider are your dog's comfort level with travel, their ability to change up their routine, temperament around people and animals, and of course, a desire to adventure. Ask yourself, can your dog handle a long (or short) car ride to your destination? If not, camping may not be for them. A camping trip does not need to be far from home, but generally involves some travel. Next, how does your dog handle change? For most of us, camping is quite different from our normal routine. This can mean a change in feeding and bathroom routines, as well as sleeping in a different environment. Take into account how you will be camping. Whether you are in a tent, a cabin, or a camper, think about how your dog usually sleeps. Keeping their routines as close to normal as possible will help ensure you both enjoy your camping experience. Depending on your location, it is likely you will encounter other campers of all ages, as well as their pets. If you are at a public campground, RV park, or cabin resort, it is important that your dog be comfortable with strangers. Lastly, what kind of adventures does your dog enjoy? In my case, Ben likes anything that involves water, fetch, and getting pets from anyone, especially kids. Is your dog high energy like mine? Or are they more content with an afternoon basking in the sun? Any dog can be a camping partner as long as you find the right trip for them!  Location, Location, Location While any dog can be a camping dog, not every location will allow them to be. When looking for a place to camp, there are a few things to consider. Private campgrounds make-up their own rules. While many campgrounds, RV parks or resorts post their pet policy on their website, it is always a good idea to call to make sure your partner in crime will be welcome. State park and state forest campgrounds tend to be more pet friendly. Keep in mind, your pet will need to be leashed at all times while in the campground and on trails. This is for your pet’s safety, as well as for others. Campgrounds are often busy with both car and foot traffic. As always, bring plenty of bags to pick up after your pet! One thing to note is that in my experience, state park and state forest yurts and cabins do not allow dogs. Wherever you choose to camp, it is a good idea to keep your pet leashed. If your pup is well trained to be off leash, do so in an area that is designated for off leash, or is free of other visitors. I like to bring a long wire tether for Ben, as he has a habit of chewing through anything he can when tied up! This gives him freedom to roam, but keeps him a safe distance at all times.
Tips & Tricks
You know the saying, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing… The same can be said about camping! Luckily, Ben and I enjoy cool weather together. And, while we both melt in the heat, it can be much more dangerous for him. One way that we help beat the heat is by camping near water. Ben is great at knowing his limits and will find his way to water when he starts to overheat. However, it is still important that you keep an eye out for signs of heat stress. Dogs don’t sweat the same way we do, so it can be more difficult for them to dissipate heat. If your dog is panting heavily and acting lethargic, this is a sign that they are too hot! The best way to combat his heat is to provide them with plenty of cool water to drink, shade, and a cool space to rest. Wetting your dogs fur and going for a drive with the windows down is another way to help lower their body temperature. When camping in cooler weather, make sure to provide your dog with a warm place to curl up. Ben’s double coat makes him an ideal winter dog, but smaller dogs and dogs with short fur are not. If you notice your dog shivering, give them a blanket to lay on or cover them with. In a pinch, you can usually put one of your sweaters or jackets on, putting their front legs through the sleeves. Hot or cold, camping is always best when done with friends. Once you know your pup is ready for an adventure and you’ve found a place, plan some fun activities. Go for a hike, a swim, play fetch, or take a nap, because any adventure with your dog is a good one. Written by: Samantha Glowacki
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Live In-Person and Virtual CE Opportunities
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE); The Hidden Threat for Which Veterinarians Must Prepare" 1 CE Amanda Beaudoin, DVM, PhD, Director of One Health Antibiotic Stewardship at Minnesota Department of Health, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Jennifer Granick, DVM, PHD, Diplomate ACVIM, Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Hot Topic Webinars Free to all veterinary professionals! Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Managing Your Money Buckets" 1 CE Garret Colao, CFP, CSLP, Independent Financial Consultant, The Vitality Group powered by North Star Financial MVMA Lunch and Learn Free to MVMA Members, $45 for non-member veterinarians, $20 for other non-member professionals (Virtual) Thursday, August 18th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "The Importance of the Human-Animal Bond for the Veterinary Profession" 1 CE Steven Feldman, President Human Animal Bond Research Institute Pet Poison Helpline Free (Virtual) Wednesday, September 7th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Rabies Update: New Guidelines for Rabies Pre-exposure Vaccination Plus an Interactive Rabies Fun Quiz to Test Your Knowledge" 1 CE Joni Scheftel, DVM, MPH, Minnesota's State Public Health Veterinarian, Leader of Zoonotic Diseases Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health Hot Topic Webinars Free to all veterinary professionals! Tuesday, September 13th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Nutritional Management of Canine Allergic Skin Disease" 1 CE Catherine Ruggiero, DVM, DACVN, Scientific Communications Specialist, Hill's Pet Nutrition MVMA Lunch and Learn Free to MVMA Members, $45 for non-member veterinarians, $20 for other non-member professionals (Virtual) On-Demand Virtual CE Opportunities "A Day for the Cats: Trends in the Diagnosis and Treatment of your Feline Patients" 7.5 RACE approved CE credits Presented by the Animal Care Foundation Registration Veterinarian-$200.25* Technician and Other Staff-$110.25* Student-$50.25 *10% discount available for active Animal Care Foundation Member Clinics. Send us and email for the code. "Gastroenterology for the Small Animal Private Practitioner and Technician" 5.5 RACE approved CE credits Presented by the Animal Care Foundation Registration Veterinarian-$145.25* Technician and Other Staff-$80.25* Student-$35.25 *10% discount available for active Animal Care Foundation Member Clinics. Send us and email for the code. There are so many toxic plants that can harm your furry friend if they are ingested. We know that this area of pet care can be difficult to navigate, especially when you do not know what kind of plant you have. We recommend checking the ASPCA's toxic plant list before bringing any new house plants into your home. When you are in the store you can ask for help identifying the plant or flower from staff members so that you know what you should look up. The ASPCA's toxic plants list can be found here. Personally, I keep the site bookmarked on my phone for easy searching. You can also look through the flashcards below to see the most common (with a focus on the most deadly) poisonous plants and their impact on your pet if they should ingest them. Click on the next button to view the detailed information about each group of plants. If you suspect your pet ingested something toxic, call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) and your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. The sooner they receive treatment the more likely there will be a positive outcome! Do NOT take a wait and see approach, as this can lead to death.  As temperatures begin to rise, a common issue that all pet owners should be aware of is heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature and most often occurs when the body has been exposed to hot temperatures over a prolonged period of time. Since dogs don’t have the same sweat mechanism as humans, they are far more susceptible to heatstroke.
The most common causes of heatstroke in dogs are the result of a pet parent mistake. Leaving a pet in an unattended car, forgetting to provide water and shade outdoors, or excessive exercise on hot days are the leading reasons pets suffer heat stroke. To prevent your pet from getting heatstroke, remember that hydration is key! When a dog loses body fluid faster than they can replace it, they will suffer from dehydration. Dehydration greatly increases chances of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. You can read more about hydration and heat protection here. It is always a better choice to prevent heatstroke in the first place, but knowing the symptoms can help save your pet’s life if a mistake is made. The most telling signs include heavy panting, heavy breathing, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, and bruising on the skin or gums. Less obvious symptoms could involve a fever, lack of urine, rapid pulse, and muscle tremors. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heatstroke the first thing to do is call your veterinarian or closest emergency animal hospital and let them know what happened and that you are on the way. While doing so, immediately remove your dog from the heat. The best ways you can take care of your dog post-heat stroke is providing a surplus of cold water along with cooling your dog off with cold-damp towels. Any hot environment can cause heat stroke in any breed of dog, however, some dogs are more prone to heatstroke than others. Dogs with thick fur, short noses, and brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs such as pugs, boxers, and bulldogs) are the most at risk. As a pet parent, you are in charge of your pet’s health, which is an amazing privilege and tremendous responsibility. The best summer yet with your pup is within reach, just be sure to stay cool! Written by Gracie Butler  A pet fountain is a water fountain for your pets. Many dogs and cats prefer running water to drink from, so having a pet fountain that is a source of running water will grab the attention of your pets and can help keep them hydrated. Generally, cats are picky water drinkers so a device like this helps encourage them to drink more.
Pet fountains maintain a temperature that is 1 - 2 degrees cooler than a traditional pet water dish. Pet fountains can also carry 1-6 liters of water, which means you don’t have to constantly refill your pet’s water. Because the water in a pet fountain is constantly circulating it helps prevent dirty build-up, unlike a traditional water bowl. Some pet fountains even have filters to collect any dirt in the fountain, keeping the water clean and safe for your pets. However, this doesn’t mean that you can get by without cleaning the fountain. It is a good idea to clean the fountain at least once per week. Most fountains have a filter that will last for about a month, make sure to replace it as recommended by the manufacturer. Pet fountains can be especially helpful for pets with kidney or liver problems as well as diabetes. Since you can not reason with your pet to get them to drink more, having appealing sources of water for your pet can be a great health benefit. Because of this, you should consider having multiple sources of freshwater for your pet around your home so they are always close to an attractive water source. One fountain in an inconvenient location will not increase the amount your pet drinks. When looking for a pet water fountain, make sure you get one that is specifically made for pets or says that it is made of food safe materials. Many decorative fountains contain minerals or chemicals that are dangerous for people and animals to consume. What are your experiences with pet fountains? Please comment below. Written by Shaniya Payton and Heather Mains Live In-Person and Virtual CE Opportunities
Tuesday, July 12th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Be a Rockstar: Fine Tuning the Nutritional Approach to Urolithiasis" 1 CE Stephanie Warren, DVM, Scientific Services Veterinarian, Royal Canin MVMA Lunch and Learn Free to MVMA Members, $45 for non-member veterinarians, $20 for other non-member professionals Thursday, July 14th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Trends Impacting the Veterinarian-Pet Owner Relationship Today" 1 CE Kerry O'Hara, PhD Pet Poison Helpline Free Tuesday, August 9th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Managing Your Money Buckets" 1 CE Garret Colao, CFP, CSLP, Independent Financial Consultant, The Vitality Group powered by North Star Financial MVMA Lunch and Learn Free to MVMA Members, $45 for non-member veterinarians, $20 for other non-member professionals (Virtual) Thursday, August 18th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "The Importance of the Human-Animal Bond for the Veterinary Profession" 1 CE Steven Feldman, President Human Animal Bond Research Institute Pet Poison Helpline Free (Virtual) On-Demand Virtual CE Opportunities "A Day for the Cats: Trends in the Diagnosis and Treatment of your Feline Patients" 7.5 RACE approved CE credits Presented by the Animal Care Foundation Registration Veterinarian-$200.25* Technician and Other Staff-$110.25* Student-$50.25 *10% discount available for active Animal Care Foundation Member Clinics. Send us and email for the code. "Gastroenterology for the Small Animal Private Practitioner and Technician" 5.5 RACE approved CE credits Presented by the Animal Care Foundation Registration Veterinarian-$145.25* Technician and Other Staff-$80.25* Student-$35.25 *10% discount available for active Animal Care Foundation Member Clinics. Send us and email for the code.
Have you been thinking about finding a way for your indoor kitty to experience the great outdoors? Maybe you have seen the videos of adventure cats that have become more prevalent, or you’ve seen a neighbor taking their feline family member for a walk. Or maybe you’re thinking more along the lines of a catio. Whatever your thoughts, there are some things that you should consider before taking fluffy outside for the first time! Make sure to think about the personality of your cat before you make the decision to start bringing them outside. Not every cat should be an outdoor cat. Many kitties are too frightened to enjoy the new experience. And while some may come to love it in time, it is important not to force the experience or cause them undo stress. Plan to either have them on a leash or in a confined place that will do double duty, keeping them from wandering while also keeping predators away. Never leave them unattended! If a predator or other cat comes into the space the possibility of injury or death is high if you are not there to intervene. If you plan to leash train them, start inside with just the harness. Leave it on for short periods and allow them to get used to the extra weight. Most cats do not like harnesses, so expect some flopping. Once they are used to the harness you can plan your first excursion! Plan on starting with trips that are less than 5 minutes. And prepare yourself for them asking to go back inside almost immediately. Try to avoid busy streets as the car noise will frighten them. A comfort item might also help ease the transition. My cat, Lyric, absolutely adores baskets. When I first started bringing him outside on a leash, he always asked to go back inside immediately. I listened to his needs and did not force it. Then, one day he was sleeping in his favorite basket and I decided to carry him outside in that. I set him on my lap and he sat purring for several minutes before he started to show any agitation. When he showed me he was ready to go back in, I always listened to him right away. Now he asks to go outside regularly during the summer. Remember, the goal of outside time is for your kitty to enjoy it! Not for you to make them into the adventure kitty you saw in that cool TikTok. If they are showing agitation, let them go back to a safe place. My other cat, Ari, took to leash time immediately and will spend significantly more time outside then Lyric before he asks to come back in. On the hot days of summer I have to end his adventures before he likes to keep him from overheating. I bring my cats outside with me when I am gardening or visiting with friends. I do not take them for walks. I also only let them out in my backyard because the front of my house faces a busy street.
General Safety Considerations:
When you first make the decision to take your indoor cat outside, make sure to make a veterinary appointment. They can get you proper medicine to protect against fleas, mites, and ticks that may find their way onto your cat over the course of their adventures. They can also let you know if your area has any other parasites or diseases that may impact your cat. Before going outside the first time, take some time to look at the plants around your space. Try and identify what they are so you can determine if they are poisonous plants. Lilies are especially deadly to cats. Do not let them hang out near these plants as a few mouthfuls can be deadly. Chemicals can also be dangerous for your cat. Make sure that the space that you are using has not been treated with gardening or lawn chemicals. Many of the general considerations listed above are applicable to taking your cat out on a leash or using a catio. If you are thinking about creating a catio space check out our blog on the subject here. Written by: Heather Mains Cats and dogs are amazing for countless reasons, but have you ever seen your pet do something strange and wonder why? Today we’re counting down some of our favorite funny pet behaviors and breaking down the meanings behind each action.
Written by: Gracie Butler
 One of the most avoidable pet-fatalities occurs when pets are left in cars. Whether you’re running into the grocery store or popping into the post office, it is never safe to leave an animal in a hot car unattended. According to studies, hundreds of pets die from car-related heatstroke every year; studies also show the first 15-30 minutes are critical. Parked cars can become ovens fast. Even on a day a moderately warm day, a parked car can rise from 75˚F to 100˚F in just ten minutes. You may have heard of a “safe period”, the amount of time in which your pet can be left in a car. However, it is not prudent to follow a “safe period” since there are external factors that you can not control, such as the sun shifting. Since there are many factors as to why a car heats up, there’s not a safe amount of time to leave your pet. Another thing to remember is your pet’s inability to sweat. You’ll need to keep in mind when you’re warm your animal is even warmer! Most dogs and cats are covered with a thick coat of fur making it difficult for them to dissipate their body heat. Warning signs that your pet is in distress include heavy panting, tongue hanging out, restlessness, anxiety, clawing at window, trembling, vomiting, disoriented, foaming at mouth, diarrhea, collapsing, and seizures. What can you do if you see an animal trapped in a car that appears unsafe? The state of Minnesota prohibits leaving a dog or cat unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the dog's or cat's health or safety. For this reason, you can feel justified calling law enforcement. You could also wait nearby for a few minutes to see if the owner returns quickly. All pets are at risk of developing heat stroke if left in a car, this can lead to severe illness or death. We urge you to recognize it is always your responsibility to keep your pet safe and spread awareness! Ultimately, the goal is to avoid the heartache of losing your pet’s life to a hot car.  Written by: Gracie Butler
Live In-Person and Virtual CE Opportunities
Thursday, June 9th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Thriving in Dynamic and Disruptive Times!" 1 CE Lee-Anne McAlear Pet Poison Helpline Free Tuesday, June 14th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Employment Practice & Cyber Liability Insurance" 1 CE Bill Butler, CIC, CISR, CWCA, Butler Vet Insurance MVMA Lunch and Learn Free to MVMA Members, $45 for non-member veterinarians, $20 for other non-member professionals Thursday, June 16th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Movement and Management in MN's Beef Industry" 1 CE Joe Armstrong, DVM, Cattle Production Systems, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota MVMA Lunch and Learn Free to MVMA Members, $45 for non-member veterinarians, $20 for other non-member professionals Tuesday, June 21st, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Bites and Stings and Poisonous Things: A Review of Companion Animal Envenomations and Poisonings" 1 CE Ashley Smit, DVM Pet Poison Helpline Free Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "A Recipe for Managing Food Hypersensitivity" 1 CE Kim Horne, AAS, CVT, VTS (Dermatology) MVMA Certified Veterinary Technician Webinar Free (CVT Only!) Thursday, June 23th, 2022 (9:00-3:45 pm Central Time) "Wound Management and Closure Techniques" 6 CE Bryden J. Stanley, BVMS, MS, MSC, MANZCVS, MRCVS, DACVS MVMA Summer Seminar Technicians $150, Veterinarian $155-$270 Tuesday, July 12th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Be a Rockstar: Fine Tuning the Nutritional Approach to Urolithiasis" 1 CE Stephanie Warren, DVM, Scientific Services Veterinarian, Royal Canin MVMA Lunch and Learn Free to MVMA Members, $45 for non-member veterinarians, $20 for other non-member professionals Thursday, July 14th, 2022 (12:00-1:00 pm Central Time) "Trends Impacting the Veterinarian-Pet Owner Relationship Today" 1 CE Kerry O'Hara, PhD Pet Poison Helpline Free On-Demand Virtual CE Opportunities "A Day for the Cats: Trends in the Diagnosis and Treatment of your Feline Patients" 7.5 RACE approved CE credits Presented by the Animal Care Foundation Registration Veterinarian-$200.25* Technician and Other Staff-$110.25* Student-$50.25 *10% discount available for active Animal Care Foundation Member Clinics. Send us and email for the code. "Gastroenterology for the Small Animal Private Practitioner and Technician" 5.5 RACE approved CE credits Presented by the Animal Care Foundation Registration Veterinarian-$145.25* Technician and Other Staff-$80.25* Student-$35.25 *10% discount available for active Animal Care Foundation Member Clinics. Send us and email for the code. |
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