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My Daddy is a veterinarian. He has been practicing since 1955. One of the keys to his success of such a long career is that he absolutely loves what he does and he is definitely doing what he was called to do.
Daddy has always been completely honest with his clients and he genuinely cares about his patients.
Over the years, one of the key phrases that came up on a regular basis in speaking to the clients about their pets health, was always use common sense, just as you would for your own children.
Now maybe a great many people may find that a bit confusing. So to clarify by giving an examples:
Would you give your children as infants or toddlers all the leftovers from dinner ?
Would you not wash your child’s cereal bowl after every meal?
Would you not give your child fresh water throughout the day?
Would you not remove a dirty diaper in a brief amount of time?
Yes, I could go on with so many examples, however my intention is simply to get pet owners to think about your pets health just as you would the health of a child.
The goal is to have healthy pets that are happy and that you can truly love and they love you back for it, no matter what.
It really is just basic common sense to keep your pet clean, dry, give them fresh food and water and most certainly keep them in clean dry surroundings.
Never assume that it is different for a pet than a human with regard to their health. Our pets do not have the ability to tell us if they are feeling poorly or if they are unhappy.
So whatever your preference of pet, here is wishing you a healthy pet and great pets health !
Technorati Tags: basic, common sense, healthy pet, Pets Health
Sep 29, 2009 | | Healthy Pets
Each year millions of family pets are lost, and end up at shelters that have no idea who these pets belong to, or how to contact the owners to return the pets. But, something as simple as a pet tag that you only have to register for once, because the contact information can be updated free for the life of the pet, can almost erase this problem and reunite many pets with their families.
Questions to Ask Before for Buying Exotic Pets
Having a pet has always been found by many to be a life enriching experience. It isn’t unusual for people to have a dog or a cat as companions at home. However, there are people who aren’t content with the typical animal friends, others want the excitement and thrill that can be provided by exotic pets. Acquiring and maintaining exotic pets are not really that difficult nowadays, but if you are considering to get an exotic pet, you must first ask yourself the following questions:
Why do you want an exotic pet?
Many people consider having exotic pets because it seems to be cool to have one. However, having exotic pets is a serious decision that one must carefully examine. Many exotic pets need more care than typical pets. You should weigh all factors according to your abilities and capacities before getting any particular exotic pet.
Is it legal to keep the exotic pet?
Some animals are prohibited by law to be kept as pets. You should make sure that your area allows people to own the particular species you are eyeing before getting it. Otherwise you might have to give up your pet or be penalized for owning it. What are exotic pets like?
Do you have the capacity and ability to own the exotic pet?
Keep in mind that some pets, like a dog for example, are much more expensive to own than others. It is important that you know what you and your family can do to keep your pet healthy, happy and safe before you make any purchases.
As mentioned, most exotic pets need extra care and attention. You must be sure that you have the time, effort and money to spend caring for the exotic pet. Can you feed it? Can you provide appropriate shelter? Can you afford the health care expenses? Owning pets, especially exotic ones, takes great responsibility, and you must be certain that you have this quality before owning one.
Can the pet live in your area?
Certain pets may be legal in your area, but they may not necessarily be able to live in your home. Some pets might be too noisy or too rowdy to live in apartments and condominiums. Pets usually require a certain amount of space, air, and sunlight to live well and you have to be sure that your home can provide that.
Is the pet safe for you and your companions?
Pets have different levels of aggression and you must be sure that you and the people you live with can cope with the behavioral tendencies of the pet. Some exotic pets might also be poisonous or are prone to certain infectious diseases, and thus you have to make sure that you and your companions can avoid any untoward incidents.
Having exotic pets is a serious matter and you should examine everything before deciding to own one.
Some pets are stolen. A pet thief may snatch Fifi or Fido in hopes of getting a reward for its return, or to use in dog fights (even small or gentle dogs are susceptible – they can be used as “bait”), or for use in cult rituals.
Carrie A.Hall
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/before-buying-exotic-pets-82504.html
Aug 07, 2009 | | pet health questions
Aug 07, 2009 | | pet health advice
No one has to tell you how important it is to have health insurance for you and your family. It is said that many families are one serious medical issue away from financial disaster. With the costs of doctors, hospitals, lab tests and medications, the fees can easily bankrupt a family.
The same principle applies to your pet. When you have a pet it becomes a full fledged member of the family. Your pet is with you during good times and bad times, often knowing instinctively when you are upset and trying in its own way to comfort you. They offer us protection from harm and listen to us with understanding compassion in their eyes. When the rest of the world seems to let you down, your pet is always there and it doesn’t care if you don’t look your best or are having a bad hair day. It accepts you with unconditional love and can make your troubles seem not as bad as they would were your pet not around to comfort you.
For this reason, many people wisely buy health insurance for their pet. They do this because medical care for animals can be just as expensive for pets and sometimes even more so. Yearly vaccinations and physicals can cost hundreds of dollars and if your pet becomes ill and needs to be hospitalized the fees can skyrocket into the thousands. This may seem like a small price to pay to keep your pet alive and healthy but if those funds are not available it can be heartbreaking to consider the alternatives.
What’s important to remember is that when you obtain healthcare for your pets, you have to read over the policy as carefully as when you read over your own. You may be required to pay the doctor upfront for the care and then get reimbursed by the insurance company. There may be deductibles to pay and some things may not be covered such as lab tests or may require additional documentation in order to be reimbursed.
Medications may or may not be covered and certain procedures may have different coverage allowances. There may also be age factors involved. Some insurance carriers will only extend coverage to animals of a certain age, making the older ones ineligible so it’s important to get the coverage when your pet is young.
Pay attention to the different plans that insurance company is offering. Initially it may seem like the cheapest plan may be the most cost effective but if your pet becomes seriously ill it could end up costing you more in medical fees than the premiums for the more costly plans would. Your pet is probably the best friend you will ever have, so make sure that its medical insurance is the best that you can provide for it.
Gregg Hall
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/why-it-is-wise-to-consider-pet-insurance-87177.html
Aug 07, 2009 | | pet care
The dog Slobbies asks his master Ol'Mom the big question: Why does she take care of him? Her answer, that he's her pet, gives him an inevitable idea: If she takes care of him because he's her pet, then he wants to take care of his own pet in turn! So off he goes to the pet store…
Duration : 1 min 26 sec
Read the rest of this entry ยป
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Aug 07, 2009 | | pet health advice
Many people do not realize the importance of caring for their dog’s teeth. As dogs age, the need for dental care increases. The best way to ensure proper dental health for your dog is to start while they are very young. Many dogs do not like their mouths touched. It is important for you as a dog owner to desensitize them to being handled like this at a very young age.
The veterinarian is always going to need to examine your dog’s mouth and you do not want to have problems with this.
The best way for you to get your dog used to having his mouth touched is to begin touching it when you first get your pup.
Make sure to touch the lips, open the mouth, and touch the teeth in a calm and relaxing way for about five minutes each day until your pup is used to being handled in this way.
Make this a regular part of your interaction with your dog so he remains calm when you are doing any kind of preventive dental care.
Most veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth daily. Many manufacturers make special toothpaste and brushes for dogs.
You do not ever want to use human toothpaste on dogs as it may be harmful to them. To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, you may want to start by putting a dab of dog toothpaste on a cotton ball and rubbing it over his teeth. Toothpaste for dogs is usually quite tasty to them, so he shouldn’t mind this.
You can then try a finger brush, available at your veterinarian’s office or pet supply store. Eventually, especially for larger breeds, you will want to graduate to a regular dog toothbrush. Regular brushing will help prevent the buildup of calculus and debris on your dog’s teeth.
Another way to help prevent calculus and buildup on your dog’s teeth is by using rawhide chews specially formulated for dental care.
Many companies manufacture these chews. One of the best available is by C.E.T. Most veterinarians carry C.E.T. dental health products. C.E.T. chews are formulated with an enzyme that helps keep plaque from forming and prevents the buildup of bacteria.
Also, the natural abrasion of rawhide chews helps keep teeth healthy. C.E.T. also makes a chew that contains chlorhexadine which has antimicrobial properties.
Some companies also make special dental health food, which may be recommended to you by your veterinarian to help prevent dental problems.
Even with proper preventive measures, most dogs will eventually need a dental cleaning from your veterinarian. If your veterinarian recommends a dental cleaning, it is important that you follow through.
If your dog develops dental disease, harmful bacteria can pass through into the bloodstream causing potentially serious problems such as kidney infections and infections involving the heart valves.
A dental cleaning performed by your veterinarian is much like a human dental cleaning, however your dog will need to be sedated.
The anesthesia is light and with today’s technology is extremely safe. Many veterinarians have anesthesia monitoring systems just like those used in human medicine. A thorough exam will be performed to determine if any teeth need to be pulled or repaired.
Some veterinarians will do x-rays of the teeth to find any cracks or diseased teeth. After this, a trained member of the veterinary staff will perform a dental cleaning. First, they will scale the teeth to remove the tartar above and below the gum line.
This will be done with both hand instruments and ultrasonic scaling equipment. After this, the teeth will be polished, which will make them smooth and help prevent plaque from adhering to them.
Most veterinarians will also do a fluoride treatment. This is to help strengthen the enamel and prevent plaque from forming. If any teeth are diseased or broken, your veterinarian may pull them.
Some veterinarians who specialize in dental care will perform root canals and other intensive dental work.
Most veterinarians will put your dog on a treatment of antibiotics to help prevent bacterial infection.
It is very important to take good care of your dog’s teeth to keep them healthy and to prevent infections. Always follow your veterinarian’s advice and if you have further questions, consult your veterinary staff or pet professional.
Colin Philips
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/simple-steps-to-look-after-your-dogs-teeth-110429.html
Aug 05, 2009 | | pet health advice
If you own pets, then you know that animals are just like humans. All of us need medical attention from time to time. Just as you carry insurance on the other members of your household, you need to invest in insurance for your pet. Here are several reasons why you should buy pet insurance.
When we think of insurance for ourselves, we think of making sure we have coverage in the event that a health issue requires extended attention and care. Pet insurance provides the same level of security when it comes to our pets. Many pet owners care deeply for their animals, and have no desire to see them suffer. Insurance for your pet is one way you can make sure that even if your animal has a major medical emergency, you will be able to make sure your pet has the best of care.
Along with alleviating the concern of what you would do if your pet surgery or long term care, there is also the matter of preventive maintenance. A number of plans these days now allow for a certain number of office visits and provide full coverage for a few annual procedures for your pet. As an example, you may find that a good policy will include one teeth cleaning session per year for your dog. This may not seem like a lot, until you consider that before a dog’s teeth may be cleaned, the veterinarian must test for liver problems, which means your pet will have to go under anesthesia. In short, a teeth-cleaning session can cost a few hundred dollars. This alone can make the cost when you buy pet insurance on an annual basis begin to look very reasonable.
Medications are another potential expense that you may face someday with your pet. By having a good insurance policy, you will have access to a deductible that will help greatly with any ongoing medication your pet has to take. In some cases, there may not be a deductible to meet at all, but instead a co-payment of a few dollars on each prescription. Either way, you will immediately save a lot of money on medications, should your animal require them for an extended period of time.
Our pets are often the source of a lot of good things in our lives. They keep us from feeling lonely and often are able to cheer us up after a hard day. Insurance is one way we can show how much we love out animals, and ensure they live long and healthy lives. If you have not considered if you need to buy pet insurance before now, speak with your vet about coverage that is currently accepted through his or her office, and compare a couple of plans. You will be glad you did.
Craig Thornburrow
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/why-buy-pet-insurance-why-it-is-a-good-idea-98799.html
Aug 05, 2009 | | pet care
They say we are what we eat. This applies to your pet as much as it applies to yourself. A good diet means less health problems, less trips to the vet and lower veterinary bills. But how much thought have you given to what your cat should be eating to maintain optimum health? Ask yourself the following questions.
1) How many times a day do you feed your cat?
Since cats cannot be exercised like dogs can, the only way you can influence your cats weight is by controlling the amount and type of food he or she eats. If the cat is being fed individual meals several times daily, there is often a tendency by the owner to offer the daily supply of food on several occasions rather than divide up the daily feed into several meals. This can also occur with cats fed dry food ad lib. Cats usually regulate their food intake, but continual exposure to large quantities of food may lead to over-eating and subsequent obesity if too many calories are consumed. In short, both several individual meals a day and ad lib feeding are fine, it is the total amount offered per 24 hour period which is the important figure.
Kittens should be fed small meals at regular intervals due to their tiny stomachs. Four or five meals are recommended at eight weeks of age, decreasing to two at six months of age.
2) Is your cats diet manufactured specifically for cats or do you give human food?
Some cat owners like to spoil their cat by feeding them human food as the bulk of their diet. Others have tried feeding their cat regular catfood, but find their fussy cat will not touch it, and prefers to wait for the inevitable human food offering, which soon becomes the staple diet.
Is it really unhealthy to feed cats human food though? Of course it depends what food. Remember that cats are carnivores, and require a high proportion of meat in their diet. They simply cannot adapt to a low protein diet, and will lose bodyweight if deprived of it. In fact, as a species they are relatively unique… a deficiency of the amino acid, arginine, in a single meal can lead to symptoms of lethargy, hypersalivation and vocalisation. Arginine is required by the cat to produce urea, a waste product resulting from the breakdown of protein.
Another essential nutrient for the cat is the amino acid, taurine, which the cat cannot manufacture sufficiently by itself to meet its needs. The cat’s diet must therefore contain taurine in sufficient quantities. If a deficiency develops there is a high risk of serious and irreversible damage to major organs such as the heart and the eye. Taurine is found almost entirely in meat, confirming the fact that the cat is a compulsory carnivore.
Another disease of nutritional origin is that caused by cats eating raw liver regularly, who can suffer from a condition called hypervitaminosis A. Cats suffering from this can present with signs of lethargy, unthriftiness, a stiff neck and other skeletal problems. To play it safe, do not feed your cat liver more than once a week.
Reputable cat foods are formulated after extensive trials by pet food companies to provide the mixture of protein, carbohydrate and fat that suits feline physiology best. It is easier, cheaper and possibly more healthy for your cat to be fed a reputable cat food diet, with occasional treats if desired (tuna, liver etc).
3) Which is better out of dry cat food or wet cat food?
Most vets recommend complete dry biscuit based cat food. This is because studies have shown that cats on dry food diets are less likely to suffer from dental disease than those on wet food from a tin or pouch. The physical motion of biting these biscuits helps prevent tartar from adhering to the surface of the tooth. However, even cats with no teeth can eat biscuit based food without a problem, as they just scoop up the biscuits with their tongue and swallow them whole. Another advantage of dry food is that it does not spoil as quickly which is useful for cats that are fed ad lib.
There are occasionally reasons why a wet food is preferable, as a method to increase the water consumption in a cat with a urinary problem such as cystitis.
4) Which is the best cat food to choose?
There are so many different brands of cat food on the market, the best one is basically a matter of opinion. Certainly palatability is a factor, there is no point in purchasing a particular food if your cat cannot stand it, although this is occasionally a necessity in cats requiring prescription diets. Rather than recommending you a specific brand, we suggest that you choose one which adheres to the criteria below.
Cat foods labeled as complete and balanced must meet standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), either by meeting a nutrient profile or by passing a feeding trial. There are now two separate nutrient profiles for cats – one for growth (kittens) and one for maintenance (adults). Maximum levels of intake of some nutrients have been established for the first time because of the concern that overnutrition, rather than undernutrition, is a bigger problem with many pet foods today. The standards include recommendations on protein, fat, fat soluble vitamins, water soluble vitamins, and mineral content of foods. If you are prepared to get technical, you should choose a food that comes closest to AAFCO recommendations.
In summary, consider the following points:
Choose a food that suits your cats age. Most big pet food companies will have different foods for kittens vs adults. Cats with medical conditions may be recommended special prescription diets.
Choose a food that come closest to AAFCO recommendations.
The ingredients contains the truth about a particular food. Everything else is there only for marketing purposes.
There are no legal and scientific definitions for the terms “premium,” “super premium,” “quality,” or “natural.”
Use dry matter numbers to evaluate and compare foods.
The source of ingredients (e.g. animal vs vegetable) does not matter, except in the case of food allergies.
Avoid supplementation. All commercial cat foods have more than enough protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Feeding your cat a good food incorrectly can lead to significant problems.
5) My cat is overweight, but no matter how hard I try I cannot get him to lose weight. What can I do?
Your cat is almost certainly being fed too much. Below some common mistakes are listed. Have a good look at these and make sure none of them could apply to your cat.
Not following the guidelines on the packet when measuring a portion. Most cat foods will have a table on the packaging suggesting daily portions for cats of different weights. The weight of food suggested is per 24 hrs, not per portion! Use your kitchen weighing scales to measure out the portion until you are sure of the correct amount.
Using a complete dry diet as a replacement for regular biscuits, and mixing it with wet cat food. If it says complete, you should not mix it with anything or you will overfeed.
Offering inappropriate food that is high in fat, or cream/full fat milk to drink.
Several members of the household feeding the cat at different times, whenever the cat is meows for food.
Giving the cat regular treats in addition to its main meal.
The cat is getting fed by neighbors, who think they are being kind by feeding it and enjoy the attention it gives them.
The cat is scavenging food from outside sources, such as other peoples bins.
The cat is part of a multi-cat household and is stealing food from the other cat(s), or even the dog.
Keep an open mind. If there is a possibility that any of the above scenarios might be the case with your cat, investigate it. If you are still at a loss, consider starting a prescription diet (see below).
6) I have heard you can get special light diets, or prescription diets for fat cats. Do they really work?
Yes they do, if used properly. These types of cat food are available in complete wet (tinned or pouches) form or dry (biscuit) form, and are growing in popularity amongst conscientious pet owners. They are low in calories and high in fibre, and often contain high levels of L-carnitine. L-carnitine has been used to help with fat metabolism in other species and recent scientific work indicates that it helps reduce weight in overweight dogs and cats. The real benefit of these low calorie diets though is that because of its low calories, cats can still eat reasonable sized portions and therefore feel full. This means they are more content and less likely to beg and look for extra food.
These diets are perfectly healthy for normal sized cats to eat too, so if you have a multi cat household and it is unfeasible to separate the cats during feeding time, you can safely feed all of the cats the prescription diet together.
7) Where can I buy this low calorie food from?
Many of the big pet food companies are waking up to the problem of pet obesity, and adding light versions to their range. However, they are unlikely to be as effective as the traditional prescription diets that are on the market.
They are known as prescription diets, because they are a specialist food normally prescribed by a veterinarian. However, you do not need a prescription to buy the food as it is a general sales list product. These foods are rarely available in supermarkets as many supermarkets are keen to sell their own brand, or have deals with the big pet food manufacturers. Many owners but their prescription diet from their veterinary clinic for convenience, whilst others prefer to shop around to get the best price. Many online pharmacies and pet stores are now offering these prescription foods, but whilst they may appear cheaper online, watch out for delivery charges added on top.
Matthew Homfray
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/does-your-cat-have-a-healthy-diet-111237.html
Aug 03, 2009 | | pet health questions
If your pet runs into trouble and has an accident that has compromised its health, you need to stay calm and assess the situation. Panic spreads and animals sense that fearful urgency quickly, so your voice, tone and movements need to stay calm to reassure your companion. After all, a dog doesn’t understand what you’re saying, but a dog can certainly understand the sound of your voice. While you reassure your pet, find out as much as you can about its injury or poisoning. What happened and how, and if anything was consumed, how much? The more information you can gather will help you apply some first aid techniques before you can take your dog to a veterinarian.
The same rule of staying calm also applies to the dog, and you should make every effort to try and keep the dog calm while you administer first aid; your efforts will hopefully come to having the dog allow you to treat it. The presence of the dog’s owner can often be a calming influence in an emergency situation. Acting as if you’re calm and collected can also help injured dogs stay calm.
Never assume that your first aid treatment will be enough to get your dog on the road to recovery. While veterinarians can be expensive, a hidden injury or internal bleeding could be even more costly to treat if left untended – your dog could die. Also, the risk of infection for flesh wounds as time passes is very high, and your veterinarian will be able to provide you with antibiotics for your pet. Advise your clinic that you’re on your way with a quick phone call and try to get some fast advice for your pet’s situation. When you do put your dog in your vehicle, lay it on something flat and stable, so your pet doesn’t get bounced around during the car ride.
Early preparation is a godsend, and easier to achieve than you might think. A first aid kit for humans will have more than a few items vital in treating dogs, so keeping a first aid kit in your home helps you, your dog and anyone else you may know that needs emergency care. Knowing when your dog may face a threatening situation can also help. If you’re feeling that a situation might be dangerous for your dog, err on the side of caution and prepare for the worst.
When injured, some dogs become violent or aggressive, requiring that they be restrained with a muzzle to keep them from biting others or resisting treatment. Creating a makeshift muzzle is possible using two to three feet (or 60 to 90 centimeters) of strong cloth. Using the cloth, bind the dog’s jaws together and then tie it behind the dog’s ears. Don’t worry; while your dog may protest noisily by snorting and drooling, it can certainly breathe through its nose despite the wrapping. Other restraints should be used more cautiously, and in emergencies, use only restraints that are absolutely necessary.
Your goal, in an emergency situation with your dog, is to keep it comfortable, stable and alive until a professional veterinarian can apply the proper treatment. This may sound simple, but a hurt and frightened animal can turn your beloved pet into a dog that you can barely recognize, making your job more difficult. Researching possible accidents and how to apply first aid is a responsible way to care for your pet and may just one day save its life.
Jeff Clare
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/a-simple-basic-first-aid-for-your-dog-92889.html
Aug 03, 2009 | | pet health advice
