Meadowridge Veterinary Hospital is all about pets' comfort.Veterinarians are so often equated with pet anxiety that it's beentaken for granted that vet trips will always be a chore. Evenpeople who don't own a cat or dog at least know images likeGarfield putting up a fuss about going to the vet. But Meadowridgedoes everything they can to be sure the pets that visit arecomfortable during their visits.
"If you look at traditional things, it's kind of 'hold themtight, get it done, and go from there,'" said Linda Garrett, ownerof the veterinary hospital. "We schedule longer appointmentspartially so that we can take time to let the animals get used tothe place." They often win dogs' hearts through their stomachs. "Aslong as it's not on a special diet, and it's okay with the owner,we'll take biscuits and toss them on the floor until the dog iswilling to approach us," Garrett said.
Surprisingly, the even more calming food at the hospital isCheez Whiz. When cats or dogs come in feeling anxious, a line ofCheez Whiz provides an easy and tasty distraction from whateverprocedure is going on. It even helps with simple nail clipping,which can cause anxiety in a lot of dogs and cats. "The thing withCheez Whiz is it's a good mood changer for dogs and cats," Garrettsaid.
The hospital includes a boarding barn where pets can stay forextended periods. Besides boarding, the hospital also provides awide array of services, from diagnostic and therapeutic to surgicaland dental. There are about twenty staff members at the hospital,four of which are veterinarians. "It's small enough to be personaland homey, and big enough to keep things moving," Garrett said.Most of the veterinarians on staff have been with the hospital forover fifteen years.
Garrett has owned the hospital and boarding house for fouryears. She went to vet school at Cornell, and then worked in anumber of private practices. When she was looking for a place toown herself, she found out the hospital and boarding barn were forsale. "I could be both local, which I really wanted, and deal witha cool place," she said of the purchase.
Garrett bought the hospital from Joyce Rendano and her husband,Victor. Meadowridge began as a kennel in a barn Rendano and herhusband bought and remodeled in the early 1980s. At first Rendanotook care of all the business herself, but when the interest andcustomer base grew, she had to hire others. In 1986 Victorpartnered with Eve Brown to open Meadowridge Veterinary Clinic.After over 20 years, they passed the clinic and barn along toGarrett, who maintains the hospital's animal-loving atmosphere. NowMeadowridge cares for local pets and some animals from as far awayas Moravia and Auburn.
FAQs
Surprisingly, the even more calming food at the hospital is Cheez Whiz. When cats or dogs come in feeling anxious, a line of Cheez Whiz provides an easy and tasty distraction from whatever procedure is going on. It even helps with simple nail clipping, which can cause anxiety in a lot of dogs and cats.
Is Cheez Whiz good for dogs? ›
Cheez Whiz is super high in sodium and artificial ingredients that are probably not great in large quantities. I use things like this because my dog defines high value, not me. And “cheesy” stuff like this is ultra-high for her. But I make an effort not to overdo it.
Is cheese whiz good for cats? ›
W..e…l…l.. , in MODERATION as an occasional treat (perhaps a “coating” of “Cheez Whiz” fed from your finger-tip or a couple of morsels of regular cat-food kibbles “dunked” into it on a bi-daily basis or less), should not impart a serious health risk to your cat.
Why do vets use cheese whiz? ›
When cats or dogs come in feeling anxious, a line of Cheez Whiz provides an easy and tasty distraction from whatever procedure is going on. It even helps with simple nail clipping, which can cause anxiety in a lot of dogs and cats. "The thing with Cheez Whiz is it's a good mood changer for dogs and cats," Garrett said.
What are the side effects of Cheez Whiz? ›
Eating too much CLA, which could come in the form of Cheez Whiz, could cause fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
Why do cats love cheese? ›
Of course, we can't expect an answer directly from our furry friend, but experts believe that it's the fat and protein content in cheese that makes them interested in adding it to the menu. Therefore, it's the protein and fat your cat is actually craving, not the cheese itself.
Can cats eat scrambled eggs? ›
Yes, cats can eat eggs. Fully cooked eggs are a great nutritional treat for cats. Eggs are packed with nutrients, like amino acids, which are the building blocks to protein, and they're also highly digestible. Scrambled, boiled, however you choose to prepare them is fine.
What cheese is safest for cats? ›
Harder, aged cheeses are considered safe for cats because they're low in lactose. Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan are good choices. Soft cheeses, like mozzarella, which can be higher in lactose, are on the no-fly list.
Can you give dogs Kraft cheese? ›
Yes, dogs can eat cheese in moderation, depending on their lactose tolerance. Cheese offers dogs a source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, and essential fatty acids. Avoid feeding dogs cheese with added ingredients or high fat and salt content.
What happens if my dog eats a Cheez it? ›
So if your dog has gorged themselves on these cheesy snacks – keeping in mind that for a small dog, this could be a relatively small portion – call your vet. Signs to be watching out for are lethargy, bloating, abdominal pain, inappetence, vomiting and diarrhea.
Therefore, it's better to feed your dog low-fat cheeses, like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or a soft goat cheese. Cottage cheese is lower in fat and sodium than other cheeses, helping reduce the risk of obesity. Cottage cheese is also lower in lactose, thus reducing the likelihood of intestinal upset.
Is canned cheese ok for dogs? ›
Don't worry—cheese is not toxic and is completely fine for most pups. However, some dogs can be lactose intolerant, meaning their body does not react well to dairy products. But even if your dog isn't lactose intolerant, it's still a good idea to keep their cheese consumption to a minimum.
