July Newsletter
- PMCOD
- Jul 10
- 4 min read
Important Dates
Dental Health Month is coming soon! During August, we're offering 15% off dental cleanings. Slots are limited, so schedule now!
(Please note, this discount applies to the base cleaning only and does not include additional services. Seniors already receiving a 15% discount are not eligible.)
Monthly Topic
Summer Prep
Last month. we asked "At what temperature does pavement become hot enough to burn a dog's paws?" The threshold is probably lower than you'd expect!
Even when the air temperature is only 77° F, hard surfaces such as asphalt, brick, and concrete can get up to a blistering 125° F. The range increases exponentially as temperatures rise. [link]
Rule of Thumb Paw
Before walking your pet on a potentially hot surface, hold the back of your hand against it for up to seven seconds. If you have to pull your hand away, it’s too hot for your pet to walk on without protection. During the summer months, it’s best to walk your pets early in the morning when temperatures are more moderate, or exclusively on grass. For high energy dogs (or fashionistas) consider investing in a quality pair of dog booties, which will let you safely walk your pup in hot and cold weather. [link]
Escape Artists
Before walking your pet on a potentially hot surface, hold the back of your hand against it for up to seven seconds. If you have to pull your hand away, it’s too hot for your pet to walk on without protection. During the summer months, it’s best to walk your pets early in the morning when temperatures are more moderate, or exclusively on grass. For high energy dogs (or fashionistas) consider investing in a quality pair of dog booties, which will let you safely walk your pup in hot and cold weather.
Common Misconceptions
"If my pet is microchipped, why do they need a collar?"
Collars make it immediately obvious that an animal is a pet and not a stray. Custom tags provide a way to reunite pets with their owners, without needing specialized equipment.
"Microchips let me track my pet's location in real time."
Microchips have no power source, so they can’t broadcast information. GPS attachments and custom collars are available, but they only work if the battery is active and your pet is wearing the collar. [link]
"I don’t want just anyone to be able to access my personal information."
Microchips only hold an ID number. When you register the chip, the ID is linked to your info. You can choose when and to whom that information is available.
"Are microchips permanent?"
Over time, microchips can migrate to different parts of the body. Consider having your pet scanned every few years to make sure the chip is readable. Don’t forget to update your contact information if your address or phone number changes!
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn't Read):
Hot pavement can burn paws, even in moderate temperatures. If your pet gets lost, microchips drastically increase the chances of being reunited– provided your info is up to date.

Employee Pet Spotlight
Name: Daxter
Nickname(s): The Floof
Employee parent: Jaimee
Breed: Shorthair tabby
Age: 16 months
Likes: Playing with toys, napping, cuddles, belly rubs
Dislikes: Canned food, loud noises
Background: Last year, a little orange cat appeared in Jaimee’s neighborhood. He was only about six months old, thin but not emaciated, and so incredibly friendly it was clear he wasn’t a feral kitten. Jaimee went door to door, hoping to find his family, but no one claimed him. Most likely, he was from an unwanted litter and had been abandoned.
Jaimee was tempted to bring him into her house immediately, but she knew he needed to be vaccinated and checked for infectious diseases before he could safely interact with her other cat, Miwa. Instead, she dubbed him “Daxter” and took him to the clinic, where he boarded for a few days so he could be treated for fleas and get a clean bill of health.
Once he was home, Daxter quickly picked Jaimee’s brother-in-law as his favorite human, and happily settled into his part of the house. He and Miwa got used to each other’s scents from opposite sides of a closed door before being introduced to each other. His favorite game is to sneak up on Miwa, then strike a dramatic “Halloween pose” (arched back, puffed tail) and run away when she notices him. When he’s not being a typical annoying little brother, he’s usually curled up on someone’s lap or in a pile of soft blankets.
Hello
We hope you will all join us in extending a warm welcome to our new receptionist, Olivia! With over 10 years of experience working in the veterinary field, we know she will be a valuable asset to the clinic.
Trivia Corner
Fun Fact
Elephants are the only mammal that can’t jump! The bones in their feet are arranged so that they are always walking on “tippy toes,” which means it’s physically impossible for them to have a spring in their step. [link]
Pop Quiz
August's trivia question: How many teeth do dogs and cats have compared to humans?
Stay tuned for the answer in next month’s newsletter!
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