Monday Pet Tip: Going to the Vet

Okay, we can go to the vet's . . . but only if I drive!

Here are a couple of tips to help your dog or cat get used to going to the vet. We'll start with the dogs and then move on to the cats! 

I binged on treats this week.

You can help ease your dog's anxiety about visiting the vet office by making frequent visits that aren't medically related. For example, stopping by to walk around the area, say hello to staff, and then reward your dog with a treat before you leave. Another great idea is to stop by and weigh your dog on our scale. Remember to reward them each trip. Short frequent trips where nothing "bad" happens and with lots of positive reinforcement can really make the difference!  It's the most effective when you start this practice with puppies.

You can't make me go!

See, it's not so bad!

With cats, it is a little bit trickier since they tend to be more stressed out by car rides than their canine counterparts. One idea is to just leave the carrier open and out in the house for your cat to explore on their own. Put a soft blanket, some catnip, and treats in the carrier to help entice them inside. You can even leave the carrier out all the time to really downgrade its kitty cat threat level.  This may help your feline friend start to see the carrier as a safe place as opposed to a reason for them to run and hide!

What has helped your dog or cat get used to trips to the vet? Please share your suggestions with us in the comments - we would love to hear!

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month!

Did you know? According to the ASPCA:  

• An estimated 3 to 4 million animals are euthanized in shelters every year.

• 7 out of 10 cats in shelters are destroyed simply because there is no one to adopt them.

• It is estimated there are roughly 70 million stray cats in the United States today.

You can help make a difference to a cat that needs a loving home. Older cats are especially in need of rescue since they are less likely to be adopted. If you have the time and the resources, consider opening your heart and your home to a special furry feline longing to be loved.

When you adopt a cat from a shelter Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care will examine your new family member at no fee! Just bring in your adoption paperwork within two weeks of the adoption date to be eligible. If you are considering bringing a new pet into your home, check out the ASPCA's Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting as well as The Top 10 Things To Do Before Bringing Your New Cat Home. 

The East Bay SPCA also has some extra special promotions this month to encourage cat adoption. These include an Adoption Fee Option where you choose whether you pay  $25.00, $50.00, $75.00 or $100.00; a Free Cat Friday for one Friday in June where adoption fees will be waived for all cats 6 months of age and older; and Cool Cat Extras (courtesy of Pet Food Express) - every adopted cat in June goes home with a toy, a can of cat food, and a 20% off coupon to Pet Food Express! Click here for more information about this awesome promotion!

Birdie, Charlie Girl, and Echo

If you are interested in checking out local cats available for adoption come meet Birdie, Charlie Girl, and Echo at East Bay SPCA's Dublin Adoption Center, 4651 Gleason Drive, Dublin, CA 94568. To see other cats available for adoption, please visit www.eastbayspca.org or call 925.479.9670. We will be featuring cats available for adoption from the East Bay SPCA all month on our Facebook page. Please help us spread the word and find these beautiful, sweet felines their forever homes!