Photograph by Whitney Curtis
Expert advice from Dr. Dennis F. Cloud, founder of Rock Road Animal Hospital, Cloud Veterinary Center, and Paw Patch Animal Hospital, who’s treated more than 50,000 St. Louis pets over the last four decades
Choose Carefully
Cloud’s selection checklist includes these musts: Meet the breeder at the kennel, and judge the conditions there; get references for the provider; and absolutely meet the animal’s mother—“Do not accept an excuse for her absence. What is her disposition? Is she playful? Clean? Does she bark and growl?”
Feed in Moderation
Sure, it’s pleasurable to watch a pet scarf up a treat—but you may be doing harm. “Fifty to 60 percent of the animals we see are overweight or obese,” he says. “We’ve seen a sevenfold increase in diabetes in cats since when I started. A big reason is the continuous self-feeder. In that instance, we’ll get them on a diet that’s almost like an Atkins for cats—higher protein, lower carbs.”
Think Like a Dog
“Let’s say a dog is barking excessively. The owner might scream, ‘No bark!’ But remember that the dog can interpret that as ‘I barked, and he paid attention to me.’”
Offer Long-Term Care
“It’s important for older pets to get a senior exam at least once a year, where we’re able to check for subclinical diseases.”
Cherish the Bond
“Our lives are so much more complicated now, and pets can be a constant. No matter how bad a day you’ve had, that dog’s going to be there waiting for you. The pet is now really part of the family.”
