Monday, July 18, 2011

Preparing for Google Calendar Appointment Requests

Last month, Google introduced appointment slots in Google Calendar.  We plan to add this feature as an alternative way for clients to request appointments.  We currently offer to schedule appointments via email but, as you can imagine, if the initial offered / requested time is not acceptable, it can result in a lot of back-and-forth emails.  Appointment slots in Google Calendar appears to be a promising feature that will make online appointment request more efficient.  All appointments are requests only until we confirm them with you either via email, phone call, or Google Calendar confirmation.  More details will be posted later when we start implementing this feature.

We are posting this brief tutorial prior to introducing our Google Calendar appointment request option to help prepare our clients who may not be familiar with Google Calendar.  You need a Google account to access our appointment slots in Google Calendar.

If you do not have a Google account, you can easily create one:
Click on image to enlarge

Once you have an account, we need to set up Notifications for your Calendar.  From your Gmail page, you can access your Calendar from the menu bar:
Click on image to enlarge

A list of your calendars is located on the left side of the screen.  If you are new to Calendar, you probably will only have the one calendar that is defaulted to your email address.  You can change the name of the calendar in the settings but, for the purpose of this tutorial, we will skip all that and just do the Notifications.  Access Notifications either through the Settings option or right-click on the arrow.
Setting up Notifications (click on image to enlarge).

Then select the Notifications tab to continue with your settings.
Notifications (click on image to enlarge)

In Notifications, you can select reminder options.  If you are new to Calendar and/or do not already have a reminder preference, we recommend at least email notifications for all new or changed invitations ("appointment requests").
Email Notifications (click on image to enlarge)
Save your changes.
Once you have that set up, you will receive email notifications regarding invitations or appointment requests later.
Email Notifications (click on image to enlarge)
That's it.  You are all set to take advantage of our online appointment request feature later.
We hope we included the details needed to help those not familiar with Google Calendar prepare for the Appointment Slots feature.  Let us know if you need further assistance.  We will post additional information once we start the online appointment request option.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Last Minute Tips for Fireworks-Fearing Pets

From the calls I have received this afternoon (and the way Elaine is constantly on guard), it sounds as though the fireworks are already starting. We have all read, at one time or another, articles about fear of fireworks.  We blogged reminders and recommended starting behavioral modification in April with Spring Into Summer, if needed.  But what if your dog was fine other years (or you were not home and did not know any different) and is terrified this year?  Before panicking and thinking that Rover needs tranquilizers, let's see if he really needs "doggie downers."

There are dogs who are unfazed by fireworks.  Most dogs, though, are fearful and anxious around fireworks.  Their response range from suddenly stopping in their tracks and searching for the booming sounds to panic-stricken, destructive behaviors.  Where your dog falls in this fear-spectrum determines the type of treatment -- from something as simple as cotton balls in their ears and closed blinds to anti-anxiety drugs or tranquilizers.

Signs of anxiety and fear may include attention-seeking (whining, pawing, climbing on you), hiding under the bed, panting, pacing, drooling or even trying to escape (outside).  Cats can show some of these signs also and you can adapt some of these tips for them.  For the most part, dogs are usually the more affected pets.  Since most of the questions we received were from dog owners, this article will be geared more towards our canine companions than our feline friends.

What does your dog do?  Shakes, whines, and keeps pawing you for attention?
These signs are considered mild anxiety (unless they escalate).  We usually do not recommend anti-anxiety drugs or tranquilizers for these responses, especially in older pets.  Drugs are not without adverse side effects.  Behavioral modification and counter conditioning measures are better options.  The more involved behavioral modification techniques are available elsewhere and is beyond the scope of these quick last-minute solutions.  Try some of the following tips for now (assuming that pets are already indoors):
  • Place cotton balls in her ears to muffle the sound
  • If she is curled up in a corner, try draping a thick towel over her head, again to muffle the sound and provide some comfort ("If I can't see it, it can't hurt me" feeling).
  • Play music with a regular deep/low reassuring beat.
  • Keep doors and windows closed if possible (to shut out sounds)
  • Cover up windows (blinds, curtains) to reduce the stimulus from the flashes of the fireworks.
If your dog is not too fearful and is still interactive, you can try positive association with some of these techniques:
  • Turn on the music and play fetch indoors
  • Play games with treats and food rewards that you know she really likes.
If your dog is shaking or whining, do the above activities instead of babying her.  You want to show her that fireworks are nothing to be afraid of, not reinforce the fear behavior.
For the mildly affected pets, an antihistamine can sometimes make them drowsy enough to rest and not be as responsive to the stimulus (fireworks).  It does not work for all pets and does not help the more severely affected ones.  Ask your veterinarian to see if antihistamine is an option for your pets.

The above will work for pets who are mildly affected and are coming to you (attention-seeking) or restlessly pacing around the house.  Do not coax or drag your dog out of hiding to do these positive association.

One of the most misunderstood fear response is hiding.  What to do if your fireworks-fearing dog is hiding in the closet, under the bed, etc...?
Do nothing.

Well, almost nothing.  You can give her a blanket or cover her head.  But do not coax her out so you can hold her and babytalk that everything is okay.....  You will only make things worse.

Hiding is a coping mechanism for dogs.  When confronted with something that trigger fear and anxiety, a dog's normal proper response is to escape to a safe place.  Instead of coaxing your dog out so you can hug him, it is better to let him hide.  You can make these places safer with additional blankets, cover the crate or corner area with a sheet to block out the light flashes.  Keep in mind, hiding is not a sign that your dog needs tranquilizers for the fireworks.  Hiding to get away from something they fear (fireworks) is acceptable as long as they are back to normal when the fireworks end that night or by the next morning.  If you live in an area where the fireworks go on for days, then you may want to consider the behavior modification and counter conditioning measures above.  If that does not work, you are unable to do them, and/or the fear response is too extreme, drug interventions may be needed.

What if your dog gets into panic mode, frenziedly digs at the door, gnaws at the window (to get outside), tries to jump through the window, and/or chews at the crate door?
Those are severe signs that will likely require drugs, such as an anti-anxiety drug or even a tranquilizer, to get your pet safely through the holiday.  You can still try behavioral modification later but, unless you (or someone) can stay at home with your dog AND keep her from harming herself, drugs will be the better option for now.
Contact your family veterinarian for advice.
Reminder to our current clients: Our office is closed but you can still contact us via email or call Dr. Tran on her cellphone.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Celebrate the Fourth!

Our office is closed until Friday 7/8/11. We will re-open on Saturday 7/9/11.

It may sound corny but I always pause to think of freedom and independence on the Fourth of July.  After the usual acknowledgement and appreciation of what this country has to offer (yes, even in these questionable times), I always circle back to reflect on what I have to offer to others.  I grew up learning that, with freedom and independence (financially or socially), comes responsibility.  This belief is carried over to how we do things at The Family Vet.

One of the reasons I purchased this veterinary practice eight years ago was to continue providing veterinary services to the community.  We are not located in the best area but it is where I grew up and a part of me wants to bridge the gap and make veterinary care more accessible to our lower income neighborhood.
Over the years, the way we provide veterinary care --- as exemplified by our slogan "Personal Care for Pets" --- resonated with many people.  The demand for our services has grown more than anyone had expected.  We experienced growing pains and tried to find ways to accommodate our growth without compromising our core beliefs of providing quality personal care for pets.

Some things we tried worked, some did not.  One benefit of being a small one-doctor practice is the flexibility to try new things.

As I reflect on this July 4th, I realize that we have been busy running around trying to keep up with our practice growth.  We have become a slave to our success --- sort of the tail wagging the dog.  Lately, I worry that we may be nearing the point where our growth will start to compromise our ability to care for our clients and patients.  Moreover, we were fast burning out our small, wonderful caring staff.

As mentioned at the start of this post, July 4th reminds me not only of our independence but also my responsibilities and obligations.

I, represented by The Family Vet, have a responsibility to our current clients, those who have entrusted us with the care of their pets, and to our staff, those who have entrusted us with their well-being and livelihood.
I have many other aspirations.  But I have to first meet the above two responsibilities before I can pursue and take on any other obligations.

We are taking this upcoming week off to give our staff some well-earned vacation time and to give us a chance to do some maintenance work on our building.  The down time will also allow us to implement services to maximize our efficiency and improve services to our current clients and patients.

Our office is closed until Friday 7/8/11.  We will re-open at 8 am on Saturday 7/9/11.
If you have a medical emergency for your pet, please contact AERC at 310-325-3000

During this time, you may still reach us via email staff@thefamilyvet.net or leave us a message at 562-281-PETS (562-281-7387). Urgent messages from current clients will be returned as needed.  We will refer patients to local practices or referral facilities as appropriate.  If you are not a current client, please contact another local practice so your pets may receive timely medical care.
If your pet is currently under medical treatment with me, you should also have my direct cellphone number to contact me if needed.

We plan to return in a week, refreshed and ready to continue providing the personal care for pets that you have come to expect from us.

As you celebrate The Fourth, remember to keep your pets healthy and safe with these holiday tips.
Enjoy Independence Day!