Reasons to LOVE your pet on 'LOVE YOUR PET' Day!

Here in Alachua County, we have a pet-loving culture. Researchers love to discuss the human-animal-bond, and the interconnectedness between humans and pets.

Pets make us healthy.

According to the article in The Washington Post, pets 'reduce people’s stress, provided the pet is behaving properly. Good interactions do have quite a profound effect, causing changes in oxytocin and in beta endorphins. Those are actual changes going on in the body of somebody who is stroking a friendly dog. So that’s the upside.' If we have a pet that helps drive us to exercise, that is an unexpected benefit that cannot go unnoticed.

Pets make us trustworthy.

Multiple studies show that in the eyes of the viewer, someone with a friendly dog at their side appears more 'trustworthy', according to a book by expert, John Bradshaw. How fascinating is that?

We believe that getting a pet will create a happier life for ourselves.

For those of us that are pet owners, we already know this to be true. Even though it is heartbreaking to lose a pet, having one give us 'a feeling of 'satisfaction — stroking a dog or a cat causes hormones to be released and makes the person doing it feel good.'

Pets are another way that we can be 'caretakers'.

According to 'The Washington Post', 'In primate societies, grooming has historically been a behavior that held primates together....'somewhere deep in our brains is a need to do this grooming of something that’s hairy, and we can satisfy that by stroking a dog or combing the cat.'

So, this is especially true when animal hospitals hire new employees. Many people that wouldn't consider choosing a career with animal interaction change their mind after getting to spend their work days saving them.

We hope that when our clients find us when they google 'veterinarians in Gainesville', that we are forming a long-term relationship for life. We very much love being the caretakers of your pets, and we wouldn't have it any other way. For more information about pets and animal care in Gainesville, visit our website!

NATIONAL PET FIRE SAFETY DAY

A fire can mean a state of emergency for most people. Here are some things to better prepare you and your pet in the event of a fire:

Pet Rescue Fire Safety Sticker

The stickers should be put in plain sight, like on a front window of your house. Firefighters know these stickers mean there are pets inside, and that they have permission to enter and save them. The stickers also describe how many and what kind of pets the home should have. 

Stay Away From Bushes

Any outdoor pets should be kept away from any brushy areas that may easily catch fire. Move any pets that are in outdoor pens or coops, inside to stay safe. Try to keep everyone at least 20 feet away.

Keep Tabs On Your Pet

Know where your pet may go, in the event they get scared and hideaway. This location may help you find them later. We cannot stress enough about having your pet micro-chipped. 

#NationalPetFireSafetyDay

Pet Emergency Kit 

Having an emergency kit on hand for each of your pets will increase the chances of their safety. This kit should contain lots of your pet’s food, their paperwork and rabies documents, prescription medication, and a photo of your pet. 

Securing Your Pet

When evacuating, keep your pet on a leash or in a pet carrier. This will help you keep them restrained in the event they begin to panic. 

Should you experience any pet related emergencies in Gainesville, Fl, or in surrounding cities, you can always contact Newberry Animal Hospital for more information. Or visit https://www.newberryanimalhospital.com/.

National K9 Veterans Day

March 13 is National K9 Veterans Day! 

​​ ​This day is​ set aside to salute all our American veterans with four legs. Trained canines or K9 Corps have played a crucial role in our military for many years.

The American military did not use canines prior to Pearl Harbor. During the first World War,​​ soldiers began noticing the European use of canines as message carriers and sentries. Dogs for Defense was the original organization that provided dogs to our military. Founder Arlene Erlanger saw the need and started training dogs with several breeders ​with the help of​ the American Kennel Club. By late 1942​,​ the first Dogs for Defense were trained and ready for duty in North Africa. As time went​ ​on​,​ Dogs for Defense couldn't keep up with the need for Military Dogs​, ​so the Remount Branch​ (Service Installations Division​)​ took over training the dogs.

There have been over 30,000 dogs in the military​,​ to date. There were over 5,500 deployed during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. More recently​,​ there have been more than 600 dogs deployed to Ira​q​ and Afghanistan. Many have received medals of honor​,​ and some have become quite well known​!​

Next month,​ a new movie about one of the first famous military dogs​, '​Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero​'​ will be released​ in major theaters​. It is the true story of a stray dog that became very loyal to a young soldier back in 1917. He was the first canine to be ranked as ​Sargeant​​​​ in the U.S. Army and was one of the most decorated dog​s​ in America.

While most of us don't have military dogs as part of our family,​ take a moment today to remember​ all of the ​four legged soldiers that ​have ​serve​d​ our country. ​If you would like to know more about local recognition for our K9 Veterans, please visit our website at www.NewberryAnimalHospital.com/rescue-partners page where you will find information on the K9 Veterans Memorial Foundation here in Gainesville.  ​