Pet Health

By Deanna Raeke
Ear infections and problems are one of the top reported problems faced by many pet owners. Does your dog or cat shake their head and scratch their ears or rub their ears against the ground or furniture? Do you ever notice a foul smelling, discharge in their ears, black, yellowish or brown in color? Are their ears red and tender? These are all signs of an ear infection or problem in your pets.

A dog or car's ear canal is L-shaped which causes dirt, moisture, parasites; mites, and wax to be trapped in the canal which can lead to ear infections. Dog which have long, floppy ears tend to be more prone to ear problems due to the lack of air circulation available to the canal. With long haired, floppy eared dogs, you can keep the hair trimmed on the inside of the ear to increase air circulation.

The conventional treatment for most infections is antibiotic and anti-fungal medications. The problem with these treatments is that they treat only the symptoms, not the underlying cause. To successfully conquer the problem, both must be treated. Medications will mask the problem and may actually make it worse in the long-run by creating a chemical imbalance in the ear resulting in long-term problems.

Approximately 80% of ear infections are actually caused by allergies, with the ear infections and problems actually being one of the symptoms. You need to treat the allergy; the underlying cause as well as the ear infection for a long-term cure.

Treatment

One of the first things you need to do is to clean your pet's ears. Use white vinegar (acetic acid) diluted by half with water and squirt this into the affected ear with a small squirt bottle or syringe. Rub the base of the ear to move it into the canal and clean the outer ear with cotton balls or a soft cloth. The vinegar will remove debris from the ears as well as kill the yeast and bacteria responsible for ear infections. Do this for 5-7 days then continue weekly to avoid recurring problems.

You can also treat the infection herbally. Garlic, sage and thyme all have natural antibiotic and anti-fungal properties. Pau d'arco has natural antibiotic properties. Soak the herb of choice in calendula oil overnight, remove it and using a dropper, apply the oil to the infected ear, 2-3 drops a day for several days. You should see a cessation in the infection. This should also eliminate ear mites.

For the itching and inflammation you can apply aloe or calendula essential oils topically to the ear twice a day. Vitamin C can also be added to your pet's diet and works in two ways; it suppresses the product released from cells in the body that causes itching (histamine) and it will help the adrenal glands, which produces a natural steroid that can help reduce inflammation, to function more efficiently. Watch the dosage, vitamin C can cause diarrhea. Starting with a low dosage of 100mg per 10lb of body weight should be a safe dosage. If there are problem, decrease the dosage.

The next and very important step in treatment is working on the underlying cause, most likely allergies. Some of the main food allergies are grains, such as corn and wheat in many commercial pet foods as well as some of the protein sources and in some more sensitive dogs and cats, the additives and preservatives can cause problems as well.

The best thing you can do for your pet is do change their diet over to a natural, homemade diet free of the toxins of commercial pet foods. You may have to try different foods to figure out what your pet will respond to best, but in the long run it is worth it for your pet's health and comfort. There are some natural and organic alternatives out there but you need to take the time to know what is really in the food you are feeding your pets.

There are also some supplements you can add to the diet to help with allergies. Quercetin has been effective for people with allergies and may be effective in dogs, it helps prevent an allergic response in the gastrointestinal tract, making food allergies less of a problem. The dose is 25mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily, and omega-3 fatty acid, a must for any allergy that triggers recurring ear infections. My preference for omega-3 is organic flaxseed oil or cold salmon oil. Aside from the allergy benefits, omega-3s offer many benefits to pets including improving the skin and coat and for joint and heart problems to name just a few.

Vet Time

As much as I am a strong advocate for natural health and treating your pet at home when the options are advisable, there are times when you must turn to a professional for treatment.

Most of the time, especially when caught and treated early, ear problems are confined to the outer ear and can be successfully treated at home. When the infection is in the inner-ear or cannot be alleviated by the above treatment, you need to see a vet. Symptoms to be watchful for include; head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles or drooping eyes. The vet may need to drain fluids and treat with antibiotics if the infection has progressed to this point. Sometimes even more aggressive measures need to be taken. In any case where surgery is advised, I always suggest getting a second opinion. Not every vet knows everything.

Something else to be watchful for is that aggressive scratching and head shaking can cause a hematoma in the ear. Hematomas can cause permanent damage if severe enough and left untreated. A vet must evaluate and advise proper treatment.

The best thing you can do for your pet is to take the time to spend time with them and notice any problems before they turn into major problems. Many pet health issues can be treated at home with the right knowledge and if caught early enough.

And for your pet's sake, go natural!

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The author of this article, Deanna Raeke, is a pet owner, pet lover and natural health advocate. She dedicates her time to animal advocacy and welfare and the study and research of natural health for people and pets. For more information for your pet's health, visit Natural Health for Pets

By Deanna Raeke
Cancer, the Big "C" is one of the worst words a pet owner can hear. It almost sounds like a death sentence, but it doesn't have to be. Caught early enough and aggressively treated, survival rates are improving everyday.

Cancer in Our Pets

Cancer is not uncommon in dogs and cats and the incidence increases with age. It accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while cats get fewer cancers.

Here are some common warning signs of cancer;

* Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
* Sores that do not heal
* Weight loss
* Loss of appetite
* Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
* Offensive odor
* Difficulty eating or swallowing
* Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
* Persistent lameness or stiffness
* Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

This is definitely one area where modern medicine has made huge strides but you don't need to rely only on modern medicine. There are many things you, as a pet owner, can do to improve your pet's chances and keep them strong and help them fight.

What Can We Do?

One of the first and most important things, from my point of view, is to make sure your pet's diet is as good as it can be. Specific diets have been formulated to help combat cancer but you can make your own at home very easily if you just keep some things in mind.

Cancer cells metabolize food differently then we are used to. Extensive research has shown that cancer tends to grow quickly with plenty of glucose to 'feed' on. This glucose is the product of broken down carbohydrates, simple sugars. To cut the available glucose for cancer to grow on you need to cut down the carbs in your pet's diet.

What cancer does not metabolize well is fats and the best fats to add is omega-3 fatty acids. These, aside from the fact that they may retard cancer growth, also have many benefits. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, they improve cardiovascular health and can boost immunity. As an added benefit, they also great for skin and coat. Flaxseed oil and cold water fish oil are the best sources.

Cancer will also feed on protein but protein, at least a moderate amount of high-quality protein, is a necessity in your pet's diet. What the cancer is is actually 'feeding' on the the amino acids provided by the protein. Amino acids are the "building blocks" for tissues, organs, enzymes, hormones, antibodies, etc. This is why many cancer patients have low muscle mass. To combat against this, supplement your pet's diet with some good amino acids, even on top of the omega-3.

Arginine appears to enhance immune function and may inhibit the growth of some tumors and for cats be sure to add Taurine which is a necessity in their diet. Another amino acid to add is glutamine, especially if your pet is on chemo. This is will help to keep the gastrointestinal tract in balance which can be beneficial since vomiting and diarrhea are two side effects often seen in chemotherapy treatments. It may also help to inhibit tumor growth. And last, but not least, add glycine. This will counter the effects of the chemo drug, cisplatin, on the kidneys.

Antioxidants have been shown to slow the growth and spread of some types of cancer. They are known for their ability to fight 'free radicals.' Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium are the most effective but you need to watch the dosage. Too much of any supplement can be a danger. Accepted dosages are Vitamin C dose: dogs 100mg per 10 lbs of body weight twice daily; cats, 250mg twice daily. Vitamin E dose: dogs and cats 100IU per 10lbs body weight twice daily. Selenium dose: dogs and cats, 25ug per 10lbs twice daily, but be sure to double check with your vet as an added precaution.

'Cytotoxic' is an agent or process that is toxic to or kills cells and chemotherapy is one form of cytotoxicity. A natural cytoxic is Vitamin A because it is a retinol. Studies have have documented the capacity for natural and synthetic retinoids to reduce carcinogenesis significantly. Vitamin A is also commonly known as the anti-infective vitamin, because it is required for normal functioning of the immune system.

Now let's take a look at boosting the immune system. A strong immune system will help your pet fight off other illnesses that cancer treatment make it more vulnerable to as well as helping your pet to fight the cancer itself. Green tea is a well known immune system booster and it may as well inhibit cancer cell growth. You can easily add a standardized extract to you pet's diet. Ginseng is another well known immune system booster and may actually decrease tumors. Garlic also has immune building properties as well as antioxidant properties. Be careful with garlic thought, high doses may cause anemia.

I am not offering you any miracles but anything you can do to help your pet fight is a positive. Along with the diet and supplements, another very important thing you can do is keep a positive attitude. As pet owners, we know our pets are a lot smarter then they are often given credit for. They can pick up on our moods and feelings and attitudes. Keeping a positive outlook can do more for you and your pet than you probably realize.

And for your pet's sake, think about going natural!

By Xavier Gallery
With the amazing advancements in veterinary science, there are now more options than ever for dealing with pet health issues. While this is good news for pets and their owners, the cost of quality care has risen with the increased demand for products. The end result is many owners seeking relief from the high cost of pet medications. But there are ways to control these costs. Here are some quick tips for finding cheap meds.

Buy Online

The internet has increased the competition in just about every consumer market. The accessibility to different vendors makes comparison shopping much easier for the customer. Pet health care products are a great example of one market that offers significant savings for those who can shop online. Stores like 1-800-PetMeds offer considerable discounts, especially for those who have pets with long-term medication needs. Once customers sign up for online services, reordering can be as simple as a couple of clicks.

Consider Generics

Pet pharmaceuticals have slowly grown to mirror the structure of human medications, and this is most apparent by the increase in generic drug options. While consumers are familiar with the name brand products, they might be surprised to discover they can save money with a generic equivalent. Of course not all medications offer a generic counterpart, but it never hurts to inquire with your veterinarian about all of your options. Typically these alternatives contain the exact same ingredients, but they are offered at a lower cost because of savings on marketing and packaging.

Look for Coupons

Companies are becoming much more aggressive in their strategies to lock in customers. This includes enticing buyers with coupons and free trial offers. Pet meds are certainly not exempt from these discounts, and a little research before buying could lead to substantial savings. Consumers should remember to look for coupons from both the manufacturer and the retail outlet. Lucky shoppers will sometimes uncover discounts for both.

The cost of pet medications can be discouraging to hard-working pet owners who want to do the right thing. But by examining all the savings opportunities available, the savviest consumers can cut their costs by quite a bit. The key is to explore online outlets, generic equivalents, and potential discount offers. The options are out there, it is just a matter of making the time to find them.

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Oct 26
Cat Breeds - Abyssinian

Migi is our 15 yr old Abyssinian & he is a real sweetheart. Migi mean righteous in Japanese!
The Abyssinian is a natural breed of domesticated cat originating in Egypt. As the story goes, an Egyptian female kitten, Zula, was taken from a port in Alexandria, brought to England, and bred with an English tabby. The most "Abyssinian" looking kitten of her litter was bred with its mother to splice the Abby gene.

It's thought that all Abyssinians in Europe, the Americas, and Australia are descended from Zula. With a distinctly ticked, tawny coat, in what is generally a warm golden colour, the Abyssinian has large almond-shaped eyes with a fine dark line around them, and large ears. Abyssinians are active, friendly, curious and playful, and usually not "lap cats" as they're too preoccupied. They're "busy" cats, and can get bored without daily activity and attention.

By Sittichai Phajan
The best way to protect the health of your family and your pet for all the diseases that animal can spread, commons sense and good hygiene will protect your family and your pet. It is important that pet owners are no more likely to be in bad health than none pet owners, therefore you can be avoided all the diseases of your pet.

You should be take cared your pet kept healthy, sleeping boxes, mats and litter trays should be kept cleaned and regularly changed. Food bowls should be cleaned using a washing cloth or brush. Water, which should always be left out for the animal and should be kept fresh.

Even short-haired pets benefit from a brush now and then, and this is an ideal way to protect your pet away from spotting cuts and infection or any problems that your animal may have. One of first signs that an animal is sick is the lack of lustre to its coat, so if you always brushing your pet you will see what happen with the health of your pet because problems on the skin can be detected.

The pet owners can be avoided many injuries from the pet by using common sense and by teaching your pet to behave themselves can avoid injury, what is more, you need to teaching yourself and your children to treat animal well. Pet love toy play like the children, you must learn to interpret the signs that the pet will show if play becomes too rough or if it has had enough, do not continue play in with it.

Generally, an animal shows a sigh before it attacks and only a very sick animal will attack without warning, so be aware of your pet's feelings. If you noticed that your pet have the first signs of sick or bad health you should have noted and treated the illness before it has become severe enough to cause this type of behaviour.

By John J. Foley
It seems that Pet Health Insurance is getting a lot of attention in the press and on the internet these days. It is a simple, affordable solution for those who love their pets but are concerned about the financial hardship of high-quality pet care. Pet health insurance is peace of mind that protects you and your beloved pet from the inevitable and the unexpected. This type of insurance is still relatively new, and many pet owners are still unaware of their options.

Pet health insurance is designed to provide pet owners with coverage for unexpected illnesses or incidents resulting in expensive veterinary costs. While it may seem like something that only movie stars get for their Hollywood pets, it is becoming more mainstream and is being offered for very reasonable prices. So wherever you happen to live in the United States, insurance is really important, especially if you happen to have more than one pet.

It is particularly of use in an emergency, such as when a pet is involved in a road traffic accident and needs surgery. X-rays and operations can soon add up to well over thousands of dollars, meaning that this insurance is necessary to prevent having to payout such large sums if and when such an accident occurs. There are many benefits of having it for your dog or your cat and this is why this is becoming increasingly popular in this day and age.

Coverage

Coverage and cost vary, so it's important to thoroughly research the options if you decide to insure your pet. Coverage usually starts at eight weeks, but some plans won't cover pets over a certain age (usually between six and 10 years old, depending on the breed, type of animal and other factors). Coverage options range from catastrophic accident coverage to comprehensive illness coverage.

Pet health policies are similar to human insurance policies; annual premiums, deductibles, and different coverage plans based on what the owner chooses. When you purchase pet health insurance, it acts much like those plans meant for us in that the coverage usually starts right away but there may be a waiting period before the benefits kick in.

As for pre-existing conditions, some companies will allow coverage if the animal is stable or controlled (usually after a waiting period of 3 to 12 months), other companies will refuse animals with current conditions or terminal disease. Some policies (but not all) cover some preventative care, such as vaccinations, but there may be additional cost for this coverage. It's important to review your policy terms and conditions to ensure you have the right coverage for your pet.

When choosing pet insurance coverage, first consider what kind of insurance customer you are. Do you prefer all-inclusive coverage that pays for everything from routine checkups and vaccinations to accidents and chronic illnesses, or are you comfortable with a lesser degree of coverage that just kicks in during emergencies. You can usually decide what kind and how much coverage to provide for your pet. So getting yours is not really all that insane, and in the long run it could save you a great deal of money.

The cheapest way to take out pet health insurance is online; by going with a specialist insurer they can shop around on your behalf and get you the cheapest premiums with the best deals. If you are planning to have a pet for the rest for your life, then getting it is indeed a very wise decision.

With the increasing cost of veterinary care, pet health insurance is an absolute must for any pet owner today. As the cost of veterinary care continues to increase, it is quickly gaining popularity in the US. All in all though, it depends on you, and your pet(s), whether or not pet health insurance is the right choice.

By Elyse Grau
Arthritis is one of the most common ailments seen in aging dogs and cats. Arthritis is a term used to describe a number of degenerative joint diseases. Pain, swelling and/or stiffness are the common signs in all of them. This article offers some treatment options for easing the discomfort of your dogs or cats suffering from arthritis.

In dogs, arthritis usually takes the form of hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, spondylosis, joint degeneration or dislocation of the knee. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear and is seen mostly in older dogs. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder of the membrane surrounding the joints and can occur at any age.

Cats suffer primarily from osteoarthritis. Arthritis occurs more often in cats than previously believed. They tend to not show the same symptoms as dogs, and to be much less likely to exhibit obvious signs of pain. The most apparent symptom would be the unwillingness or inability to jump as high as they used to. The cat owner might also notice an overall reduction in activity.

The good news is that the disease can be managed and discomfort kept to a minimum. Nutrition is the core of any treatment plan. A natural diet is essential. Supplements such as vitamin C, alfalfa or kelp are helpful. Glucosamine is a commonly recommended supplement which works to stimulate joint function and repair. It has been proven effective for relief of osteoarthritis pain, rehabilitation of cartilage, and repairing joints.

Glucosamine can be used before symptoms begin to protect the joints from aging. It is sometimes used in conjunction with chondriton, another natural substance which protects the joints, and or MSM, a form of sulfur which helps reduce inflammation.

Homeopathic remedies, such as Rhus Tox or Pulsatilla may work. There are many herbal anti-inflammatories, licorice and black cohosh are but two possibilities. Yucca and Devil's Claw are commonly used for arthritis for inflammation and pain.

Acupuncture is good adjunct therapy for dogs and cats with arthritis. It can be very helpful in easing pain and stiffness in many arthritic conditions.

By Stacey E. Crevoiserat
When you first get a new puppy or kitten, the last thing you probably want to think about is taking them in for a surgical procedure. However, it's very advantageous for you and your pet's health that you do! Spaying and neutering refer to the surgical procedure that sterilizes the animal so they cannot reproduce. This procedure has a number of advantages and is definitely something you should do for your pet!

Did You Know?

Every day 10,000 humans are born in the United States. And every day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. If these birth rates continue, there will never be enough homes for all the animals. As a result of these birth rates every year, 4 to 6 million animals are euthanized because there are no homes to care for them.

The only way to stop this suffering is to spay and neuter your pet! Communities spend millions of dollars trying to control and eliminate unwanted animals. Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of random dog bites and attacks. Animal shelters are already overburdened with surplus animals, so the best way you can help is to spay or neuter your pet, be part of the solution, not the problem.

Health Benefits

One of the best health care choices you can make for your pet is to have them spay or neutered. Scheduling this procedure early in their life will help prevent health problems as they get older. It's a huge myth that pets become fat or lazy after being spayed or neutered. They actually live healthier, longer lives!

Spaying females helps eliminate:
• Mammary tumors
• Uterine infections
• Tumors of the ovaries or uterus
• Stress, leading to increased susceptibility to disease
• Pregnancy and complications resulting from pregnancy & delivery
• Ovarian cancer
• Breast cancer

Neutering males helps reduce or eliminate:
• Territoriality and aggression, including fighting and marking.
• Wandering and escaping
• Prostate enlargement
• Prostate tumors and infections
• Tumors of the testicles, penis, and anal area
• Prostate cancer
• Stress leading to increased susceptibility to disease

It's Good For You Too!

A spayed or neutered pet is actually a much better companion! They are more affectionate and less likely to wander away from home, making them less likely to get lost, get into a fight, contract a disease, or become a victim of cruelty, poison, or traffic. Altered pets also won't spray and mark their territory and they are much less likely to bite! An unaltered animal usually exhibits more behavioral and temperamental problems than altered animals.

When Do I Have It Done?

Typically, pets are spayed/neutered when they are at least 5 or 6 months of age. However, with advances in technology and medicine, there is no longer any need to wait that long. Early age altering can be done when the animal is between the ages of 6 and 14 weeks old. Now that you've decided to have your pet sterilized, you should seek an experienced veterinarian office for additional information and to schedule the procedure.

By Jeannie Palmer
Carefully blended for your pet's sensitive skin, bath salts can be relaxing, aid in promoting circulation and help to soothe aching muscles and joints. Think of how therapeutic you find bath salts and imagine that same relief for your pet.

As our pets mature they may become afflicted with arthritis, painful joints or muscle swelling. Relaxing in a soothing bath made from dead sea salt, clay, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree Oil can provide some relief for our furry friends.

* Eucalyptus and Tea Tree Oil are recognized as being effective against fleas and ticks and much safer than chemicals. Consider this when mixing your next batch of bath salts. Rather than adding fragrance oils, opt for the essential oils of eucalyptus and tea tree and, following the manufacturer's instructions, mix these into the bath salts. Eucalyptus and Tea Tree Oil are also recognized for relieving itching and minor skin irritations.

* Dead Sea Salts are beneficial in many ways to both people and their pets. The correct combination of ingredients is essential.

* Tea Tree oil and Eucalyptus are nature's natural remedy against irritated skin, itching, fleas and ticks. In fact, they are much safer than chemicals found in many leading flea and tick controls that you can purchase over the counter.

* Clay: Found to be beneficial in soothing skin, condition hair and trapping moisture, clay can provide some relief from heat spots and dry skin.

Combine therapeutic sea salts with a wonderful clay base to hold moisture to your pet's skin while the eucalyptus and tea tree work their gentle magic in soothing skin irritations and warding off fleas and ticks. The marvel of sea salts will ease muscle and joint aches even as the clay conditions the skin and hair. For mature pets, this can be especially rewarding.

By Joanna Sunderman
With millions of unwanted animals losing their lives in shelters around the country each year, clearing up some common misconceptions about spaying and neutering that pet owners have is a very crucial part of humane education. Below are some of the common objections people raise when they are urged by animal rescue workers to alter their pets, and the facts provided to overcome these objections.

Myth: Spaying or neutering will make my pet fat and lazy. The truth is: Pets become overweight for the same reasons people do: overeating and not getting enough exercise. Don't overfeed your pet, and be sure that he/she gets plenty of play time and has lots of interesting toys to play with.

Myth: My cat/dog should have one litter first. The truth is: There is no medical evidence to support the theory that having a litter before spaying is good for a cat or dog. On the contrary, females spayed before their first heat cycle have a greatly reduced occurrence of breast cancer. If the reason you want your pet to have puppies or kittens is so that your children can witness "the miracle of birth" then contact your local no-kill rescue organization and foster a pregnant cat or dog.

Many no-kill organizations take in pregnant animals, and are always desperately seeking foster homes for them. Usually the rescue organization will cover any veterinary expenses involved with the foster animal and her litter, and many will even provide food and litter for the animals in their foster system.

Myth: I can find good homes for the puppies and kittens. While you may believe that you will be able to get friends, relatives, and acquaintances to adopt the first litter, how many of the offspring will really have a good home for life? What about subsequent litters?

Will the person taking the offspring take responsibility to get the animal vet care when needed, and alter the puppy or kitten...or will the animal produce litters of its own, thus adding to the growing tragedy of pet overpopulation? Kittens and puppies given away for free often end up in research labs or used in dog fighting rings as bait, so don't EVER advertise free puppies or kittens.

Myth: My pet is a purebred, so I don't want to alter him/her. The sad truth is, at least one fourth of the animals that enter our shelters each year are also purebred pets. They are often purchased from a puppy mill or high priced breeder and then become abandoned or given up when they become inconvenient.

If you are looking for a purebred pet, most shelters actually have lists where potential owners can sign up and be notified when the breed they are looking for comes in. There are also many breed-specific rescue groups that exist to help unwanted purebreds. If you must have a purebred, save a life and adopt one from a shelter or breed-specific rescue organization.

Myth: I cannot afford to get my pet fixed. The truth is: How can you afford NOT to? Spaying or neutering is a one-time cost, which greatly benefits the animal, you, and your community. Many organizations offer low cost spay/neuter help. In fact, if you live in Florida you can visit http://www.spayneuterpets.com. This site is a directory of Florida low cost programs, organized by county. Even if you are not a Florida resident, there are national links provided on this site so that residents in other states can find assistance as well.

Because your pet will be less likely to develop certain cancers later in life, and altered males are much less likely to fight (and become injured), in the long run you will most likely save on vet bills. Also, the financial costs incurred by county agencies to euthanize unwanted animals run high...and their expenses to euthanize these animals are passed on to us, the taxpayers

By Victoria M. Brown
Does your pet like to play at the park or in your backyard? If so, your pet may be in contact with ticks! All pets that spend time outdoors can easily pick up a tick! It is very easy for a pet to get a tick and they can pick them up from a number of places. Such places include woods, parks, and even your own backyard. Some ticks cannot be seen because they live in dark, moist environments underneath plants and objects. Other ticks live in plain sight and are able to climb structures, such as fences, trees, or tall grass. A tick can easily attach to any pet close to them, so that being said, it is important to know how to prevent and get rid of them if your pet has one.

How Can I Prevent Ticks?

• While ticks are usually found in woody, brushy, and tall grass areas, the best way to prevent ticks is to treat your entire yard for them. Treat your yard with an insecticide, focusing on areas where ticks would most commonly be found. Also make sure to mow your lawn regularly and keep your bushes trimmed.

• You can also prevent ticks by treating your house for them. Ticks can move around a house very easily so it is important to treat the house thoroughly. Make sure you treat all carpets and upholstered furniture, including the sides and backs of the furniture because ticks can climb it. Be sure to treat walls and baseboards. Ticks will hide in baseboards and climb walls. Also make sure to thoroughly treat closets, storage areas, and other places where ticks can hide in your house.

• You can also get a tick preventative for your pet. Tick preventatives kill ticks that attach to your pet. They are a good way to help protect your pet from tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease. A good product to use for your dog is called Preventic. It provides safe and effective control of ticks for up to three months and prevents new ticks from attaching and feeding within 48 hours after application.

What Do I Do If My Pet Gets A Tick?

• If you have found a tick on your pet, you need to get it out. Pull your pet's hair away from the tick. Then use tweezers to grab the tick. Try to get as close to the head as possible. Do not squeeze the tweezers. Instead pull up and away from your pet, pulling the tick out. Do this slowly so you do not break off the head of the tick. Then flush the tick down the toilet.

• If your pet has brought many ticks into the house and caused the house to be infested, continually treat the house as stated above. Also be sure to use a tick prevention product on your pet and check its skin every day. It may take several weeks to completely rid the house of ticks.

It is very important to be aware of the areas where your pet can pick up a tick and know what to do if your pet does pick up a tick. Ticks can carry many diseases, including Lyme disease, and easily transmit disease to your pet. During the summer season, a quick tick check every day is the best way to protect your pet

By John Steele
Did you know that most dogs live an average of 14 years? Many veterinarians agree that a dog is capable of living for twenty years or even longer. So why are so many dogs dying early?

World famous vet's and dog researches blame the premature death of dogs directly on the food they are given. Does that mean that unwittingly you could harm your dog by the kind of food you feed him?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Even the higher priced respected name brand dog foods contain ingredients and preservatives that have been banned from human consumption because they are known to cause diseases like cancer, leukemia, organ failure, birth defects, and blindness.

A lot of dog food manufacturers claim that their product is free of preservatives but that does not mean the product is preservative free. What it means is the manufacturer has not added any chemicals to the product, and since they did not add any chemicals they are not required by law to list them.

The twist is that the dangerous chemicals are added to the meat at the rendering plants before it's sent to the manufacturer. Independent analysis has shown that dog food labeled chemical free or all natural ingredients contains synthetic anti oxidants.

This fact has been revealed in countless brand name dog foods regardless of the cost. Remember at present the Dept of Agriculture does not have a mandatory inspection for the ingredients used in pet food.

So, what exactly are the ingredients in many leading dog foods? It's a rather disgusting answer and likely to make you sick but many commercial dog foods contain dead pets, mostly cats and dogs.

It is reported that the city of Los Angeles sends some two hundred tons of euthanized cats and dogs to the pet food plant every month. All the dead animals and other putrid by products are reduced to a substance called brown powder that consists of 25% fecal matter.

Unfortunately, the recipe for dog food doesn't stop with pets or stray animals it includes dead animals from zoos and even road kill as well. Many of the animals are euthanized with Sodium Pentobarbital.

This chemical is not broken down by manufacturing process and remains in its active form in the dog food. Combine this with the heavy use of preservatives like BHA/BHT and Ethoxyquin and it's not hard to understand why your dog's food may be little more than toxic swill.

Most people would not feed this junk to their worst enemy let alone their best friend. It does not have to be this way. There are alternatives foods that will ensure a long healthy life for your pet and they don't cost more than what you're spending now... in the long run it cost less.

Regardless of what you have been led to believe there are a number of economical ways you can protect your dog from premature death and disease.

By Lauren Brehm
Before you can learn to take care of fleas and ticks when you have a pet you have to know where the pet picked them up and the lifestyle of both insects. Fleas are typically related to warm, humid, and wet climates. In other words the fleas tend to stay around ponds, lakes, mud puddles, and less than stellar conditions. You will also find that fleas can inhabit an unclean home. For instance, if you don't wash your bed, vacuum, or clean up around your home you could get fleas. Most of us are very hygienic and therefore fleas tend not to be in our area. For ticks you are going to find a warm, humid or dry climate with a lot of woods is the best place for any dog or cat to come home with a traveling friend. Ticks generally live in trees and plants, which means when a dog or cat pumps into the plant the tick jumps ship to have a human host.

How can you tell if your pet is afflicted? First a dog or cat with fleas is going to be scratching a certain area more frequently. It could be the ear, back of the neck, leg, or their back. You will also find that you are bitten and develop tiny red welts that will itch. For ticks you will have to take a more in depth look. Most ticks will hide near the ears, back of the neck or back. They will get under the fur and then bury their heads under the skin. To find these critters you have to move aside the hair and usually you can spot them right away.

Fleas and ticks develop rather quickly from larvae to adults. The ticks and fleas will sprout young on a pet and therefore can be very dangerous. Ticks can actually pass on heartworms in the bloodstream that they are carrying around as well as Rocky Mounted Spotted Fever.

To take care of fleas and ticks you should have a medication that is given monthly if you live in a prevalent area for the insects. The medication is topical, meaning it is applied to the neck region. There are also flea and tick collars that are moderately helpful in keeping the ticks and fleas away. Once a dog or cat has been infected with fleas you will need to give them a bath. This bath should be done outside if possible to avoid contamination of the home. You may want to for good measure bug bomb your home for the insects. When you wash your pet use a flea and tick powder or shampoo during the process to help kill the insects. For ticks you will find prevention is the best, but if a pet does have a tick there are a few methods of removal. Alcohol, vinegar, or other acidic solutions will burn the tick and the head will come loose from the skin. At this point you can just take a tweezers to the tick.

By Kiya Sama
Obesity in cats and dogs comes from the same cause as in human beings - the body takes in more energy than it puts out. Life is too easy, food too available. Too much food and too little exercise, along with a low metabolism rate, can make your pet balloon up fast. One cat in every 10 is overweight. Four dogs in every 10 are overweight. Why is this cause for worry? You love your pet fast as much as thin.

But a fat pet has greater risk of diseases of the skin, heart, stomach, liver, and kidneys. Overweight can contribute to diabetes. It puts a burden on joints and contributes to osteoarthritis. And it increases a tendency to suffer from heat stroke and lengthens recovery time from surgery. As anyone who has had a fat animal knows, treating pet obesity is harder than preventing it. If your pet has a tendency to put on pounds, try the following:

1. Check your dog or cat for extra weight by feeling its sides - you should be able to feel the ribs easily. If there is more than ¼ inch of fat between fur and ribs, the animal is overweight. You should be able to see a waistline from above on a dog.

2. Know what your pet weighs, and keep track of it. Most vets have a scale on which you can weigh your dog. You can also weigh your pet at home if it is light enough to pick up easily in your arms. First weigh yourself. Then hold your pet in your arms and step on the scale. Subtract your weight from the combined weight of you and your pet.

3. Check with your veterinarian before putting your dog or cat on a diet. In general, reduce caloric intake to 75 percent of what an animal of its weight should normally eat. Buy food that is low in fat - compare labels. For dogs, add fiber, like a bulking agent (Metamucil), bran, or canned vegetables (to 10-15 percent of the animal's food). Commercial diet foods come with instructions on how much food to give to animals of various sizes for safe weight loss. Change the diet in increments (shift foods) rather than all at once, otherwise the animal may get diarrhea. Supplement with multivitamins. Most important, discuss your animal's diet with your veterinarians.

4. Try feeding an overweight dog or cat more often. Take the daily ration and divide it into three meals, for instance.

5. Give your dog plenty of exercise, but increase it slowly. Don't exercise the animal within an hour after eating. Small dogs may need only the exercise they get in the house or yard. Older dogs may need only to be taken for walks. Other dogs can chase balls or sticks. You can take your cat for a walk on a leash, too, if you use a harness rather than a collar, which might choke it.

6. Don't feed your animal from the table, and try to stop feeding snacks like kitty treats and dog biscuits, which are high in fats. Animals are very good at begging, and all your efforts to help your pet lose weight may be foiled by one tender-hearted but unenlightened family member who slips the pet treats on the sly. Convince the members of the family that it is a kindness to help the animal lose weight. Be hard-hearted. If you do feed treats, figure in the calories.

An Overweight Pet Is Not A Healthy Pet
By John Birch
It was estimated that in 2006 around a half of dogs and nearly a fifth of cats were overweight, with cat obesity less of a problem as cats do not have to be taken out for walks and tend not to overeat as much anyway. There has been an increase in pet food products that are marketed as being low-calorie, organic, or free from ingredients such as additives or preservatives. Due to the higher prevalence of obesity among dogs, these products are more common in the dog food market, with increasing numbers of products marketed as Light, ie lower in fat, such as Bakers Complete Dry Weight Control dry food, and Pro Plan Light for overweight dogs.

The simple fact is that, in general, we are feeding our pets too much, or food that is not appropriate - and both they and we are not getting enough exercise. The cause of obesity is that the animal is eating more than it requires, the excess is stored as fat, and the animal becomes overweight. Overfeeding of an improper diet containing too much fat and too many carbohydrates, too many snacks or scraps and not enough exercise are all factors in the cause of obesity. Many older pets need their diet adjusted, as they get older they sleep more and require less exercise, your vet will be able to advise you on feeding the older pet.

The main reasons for keeping your pet lean and trim are:

1. Obesity can reduce life-expectancy

2. Diabetes is very common - it affects 1 in every 200 dogs and 1 in every 400 cats

3. It has been estimated that 24% of obese animals have problems moving around because of joint stress.

4. Excess body weight increases workload for the heart and almost doubles the risk for circulatory disease to develop.

5. The risk of developing skin disease is increased in obese individuals

6. Overweight animals have difficulty exercising because of the effects on locomotion,. and also due to the effects of excess body tissue on respiration - making breathing difficult.

7. Reproductive problems in males and females is often associated with excess body weight

If your pet is overweight then you need to do something about it - not doing something is tantamount to cruelty!

Some veterinarians recommend the following: Record an accurate pre-diet weight. Reduce by one-third your pet's total daily ration previously given. Include in this total all treats, snacks, or left-overs if you insist on continuing to provide these. Reweigh the pet in 2 weeks. (Remember if the pet begs for food, that's a good sign! But don't give in.)

If you find upon weighing your pet after two weeks that it has lost even a little weight, you're on the right track; keep up this schedule! If no weight loss is evident, again reduce by one-third the amount being fed. Weigh the pet again in two weeks.

Depending upon the results either keep feeding this amount or reduce again by one-third the total amount being fed. If you persist a good outcome is certain. Many veterinarians believe you should not feed the "Reduced Calorie" or "Lite Diets" or "Senior Diets"! These diets have very restricted fat levels to reduce the calories but by necessity have increased the carbohydrate percentages. This increased carbohydrate stimulates additional Insulin secretion which tells the body to store unused calories as fat! There are a multitude of overweight dogs that have actually gained weight on those "Reduced Calorie" weight loss diets.

It is also quite important to get everyone's cooperation in restricting the pet's intake. There is usually someone in the household who feels sorry for the dieting pet and surreptitiously provides "just a little" something extra. More helpful would it be for the person to take the pet for a walk or a run to burn off a few calories.

By Kiya Sama
Due to walking on all fours, pets are closer to the ground than humans. They sniff more than humans. Dust and pollen can stick to their coats more easily than to the slick skin of humans. Consequently, pets tend to suffer from allergies from dust, mites, spores, pollen and molds. The symptom can be sneezing, but the most common and severe reaction is skin irritation. The difference between human allergies and pet allergies? Humans outgrow them, pets just get worse.

Look for these signs:

- Pawlicking
- Chest, abdomen, and armpit scratching
- Rubbing face and ears
- Runny eyes
- Sneezing, coughing, wheezing (mostly in cats)

Before going to the veterinarian, consider the answers to questions he or she is likely to ask: What are the skin problems like? What food does the pet eat? What medicine allergies does it have? Is the problem seasonal? Does it lick the tops of its paws? Does the pet lick the bottoms of its paws or itch all over?

The most dangerous allergic reaction is anaphylactic - to penicillin, incompatible blood transfusions, or insect bites. Anaphylactic reactions can kill by causing cardiovascular breakdown, respiratory failure, and shock. Make sure your vet knows about any reactions to drugs or blood transfusions.

Dogs and cats, like humans, get hives from food or medication. With hives, the tissues around the head swell and other body parts may show round, red places. Signs: the pet itches and rubs its head on the ground to scratch. Give the pet a bath in mild soap and take it to the vet for treatment.

One of the most common allergic reactions is flea allergy dermatitis, which in a sensitive animal can be caused by only one or two fleabites. The most sensitive parts of the body are the base of the tail, the hindquarters, and the lower abdomen. An animal who is severely affected may lose a good deal of hair and be covered with sores. Solutions are control of fleas and allergic treatment. Animals, as well as humans, can suffer from other insect bites. Treat with cold packs and antihistamines. See your veterinarian.

Food allergies can bring about itching, vomiting, diarrhea, and gas. Cats can develop asthma (another allergic reaction) with coughing, wheezing and sneezing. Solutions: feeding of hypoallergenic foods, bronchodilators and corticosteroids.

Contact allergy, most commonly caused by flea collars, makes the skin red and causes sores, infection, hair loss. Take off the causative agent. Bathe your pet with mild soap. Feline acne (pimples under the cat's chin) is contact allergy caused by plastic food and water bowls. Water and feed pets from glass or stainless steel dishes.

Though animals can be desensitized, the treatment is expensive, time-consuming, and often disappointing. The most common treatments are antihistamines, cortisone, and anti-inflammatory drugs. The substance that causes the allergy should be eliminated.

By Joanna Sunderman
Spay Day USA officially takes place on the last Tuesday in February each year. In 2008, Spay Day USA will be on February 26. Many animal welfare organizations will be hosting special events throughout the month of February as well. Because February is designated as "National Spay Neuter Month" all special events held in February are recognized as Spay Day USA events by the Humane Society of the United States.

During National Spay Neuter Month, many animal welfare volunteers, workers, veterinarians and their staffs, business owners, and citizens will be recognizing this important event by hosting Spay Day USA programs in communities nationwide in hopes of encouraging more pet owners to spay and neuter their pets.

SPAY DAY USA HISTORY: The first SPAY DAY USA took place in 1995. It was created by the Doris Day Animal League (DDAL), who merged its operations with the Humane Society of the United States in 2006. This yearly event is now an annual program of the Humane Society of the United States, with thousands of people participating at local levels nationwide. During Spay Day USA's first 12 years, and estimated 1,366,000 animals have been spayed or neutered by participants. The result of this effort is that the births of millions of unwanted animals have been prevented, saving the lives of many animals nationwide.

HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE? Decide to get involved in your community and become part of the humane solution. There are several ways animal lovers can become a part of Spay Day USA:

Volunteer at a local event. Help is almost always needed and appreciated by those organizing these activities. To find an event near you, call 1-800-248-SPAY or visit SpayDayUSA.org for local organizations in your area who are participating.

Sponsor the cost of spaying or neutering at least one animal, whether it is for your own pet, a friend or relative's pet, a feral cat, or a shelter animal. Often, you can find affordable low cost programs in your area. If you are a Florida resident, you can find low cost spay neuter programs at http://www.SpayNeuterPets.com. This site also has links to national spay and neuter resources for non-Florida residents.

Can't find an event in your area? Organize one! No event is too big or too small. Any event promoting spay neuter--from raising money to help offer subsidized services to low income pet owners, to distributing educational brochures--helps Spay Day USA reach its goal of spaying and neutering as many pets as possible. The Humane Society of the United States offers event planning guides to people and organizations who want to organize an event. Call 202-452-1100 for further information.

It costs taxpayers in the United States several billion dollars each year to house and euthanize unwanted animals. When kittens and puppies are born, one of the top reasons that they are surrendered to shelters is because the owner cannot find homes for them. In addition, millions of stray and feral cats live a life of hardship outdoors. While some are lucky enough to live in managed altered colonies, there are many who receive no food or medical care at all and continuously reproduce while facing lives of illness, starvation, and suffering. Let's all become part of the solution to end the tragic problem of pet overpopulation this February by becoming a part of SPAY DAY USA.

By Derek Rogers
The decision to bring a pet into your home for you and your family should not be taken lightly. A pet will become a member of your family and not just a fixture in your home. Pets are not meant to come and go, but to remain as part of your home for years to come. Unfortunately for some, pets are disposable items that will be moved if they are an inconvenience. This should be avoided since unstable homes can make unstable pets.

A checklist for pet care can be an essential tool when you first bring home your new pet. For many people, a new pet is their first experience at being a full-time pet parent, and for those this list will be most useful. Preparing yourself, your home, and your pet for those first few months in a new environment will make the change go gracefully and help everyone adjust easily.

- The first thing you want to be sure of is that your pet has all of their vaccinations up to date. It is important that your new pet is protected from such outside irritants as fleas, tics, ringworm, or many other ailments such as distemper or rabies. The health of your pet is one of the most important aspects of ongoing care. Wellness exams each year are important for your pet. A veterinarian will perform a thorough exam on your pet looking at such things as their vital signs, ears, eyes, mouth, the heart and lungs, as well as the reproductive organs and their skin. This step is a very important preventative measure for your pet each year.

- Getting your home ready for your new pet can be a big task, but one that is essential for the big day that your new friend comes home. If it is a small caged animal, a small space that is quiet is fine for them to be used to their surroundings. You will not want to take your new friend out just yet, but let them get used to the sounds and smells of their new home before you start introducing them outside of their immediate surroundings. If it is a larger, self-sufficient animal such as a cat or dog, you will want to make sure that they have their own space, a blanket or pet bed for retreating to, out of the way in case they are too overwhelmed at the beginning.

- Regular physical routine is essential for any pet. This is their exercise routine since they are not like us and do activity regularly without the help of us. Larger pets such as dogs must be walked every day, smaller animals like cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, and birds can be trained to play with anyone in the family. Toys such as balls, bells, tubes, or even apparatuses are useful in helping your pet achieve physical activity during the day while you are away or even you interacting with them while they are exploring.

If you follow some simple guidelines, your new pet is sure to adapt to his new family in no time at all. Regular checkups, physical activity and preventative measures can not only make your pet more comfortable, but also extend the life of your pet. A pet is an investment so you will want to be sure to take care of him for the benefit of everyone.

By Gary Le Mon
A dozen generations ago when pet vitamins were unheard of, this good earth was a veritable victory garden. The air was clean, water pure, soil rich with nutrients. Today the world is different.

Corporate farms coax crops from barren soil using chemicals and pesticides. Food processing conglomerates replace any remaining nourishment with salt, sugar, artificial flavors and preservatives. Humans and animals subsist on a diet of lifeless inert matter in brightly adorned packaging that we call food only because we're brainwashed into eating it... and feeding it to our pets.

But you are to be congratulated. Here you are on the Internet searching for answers. Odds are, if your dog or cat had known how to search the Internet for pet vitamins and supplements, he or she would have done so long ago.

Nobody questions that humans, animals, fish, birds, plants - all living things - need proper nutrition to grow and stay healthy. The big question is which product to put your hard-earned money on. And whose claims to believe.

Here are the three most important questions to ask when searching for natural pet vitamins. We thought you should know the inside scoop because the decisions you make for your best friends are too important for guesswork.

First, how long have the people behind the pet vitamin formula been around?

Many newcomers to the pet supplement arena have not stood the test of time. Many hope to sell their products to inexperienced dog and cat owners who don't know better. A track record of 5 to 10 years is good; 20 or more even better. For over 34 years the makers of my favorite brand have developed products that provide the best form, balance and potency possible.

Second, why should I believe the claims made by pet vitamin and mineral supplement makers?

Some vitamins for pets contain ingredients that are of no value or cannot be assimilated by the animal's system. Some formulations are not laboratory tested to dissolve before being eliminated from the animal's system.

Look for formulations that optimally produce both preventative and therapeutic results. Make sure active components are combined, as they are in nature, for optimal effectiveness. Check to see that after development, all formulations are evaluated and appraised by veterinarians. Buy only formulations with ingredients that are guaranteed to conform to the highest standard of quality, purity, and potency for maximum utilization by the animal's body. Finally, choose only products that have passed sophisticated laboratory testing before the product is approved for your purchase.

Third, will they stand behind their products with a money-back guarantee?

The correct answer must be a resounding Yes! Skip over any formulation that is not guaranteed to meet your complete satisfaction or your money back! The makers of the highest quality pet vitamins must have enough confidence in their product to offer a money-back guarantee with no hassle, no questions asked. If you're not happy, how can any ethical pet healthcare supplier be happy?

So which pet vitamin/mineral formula do I use and recommend? It's called DailySure. Thanks for asking.

By Gregg Hall
If you have a pet then you know all about fleas and flea control. Even though it is hard to keep your pet from going outside you are still going to have to take them outside sooner or later and they are going to get a flea or two on them. That is why you need to get a good type of flea control. If you are using the same brand every time then it obviously isn't working out for you. So you need to get some advice and get some better stuff for your dog or cat believe me they will love you for it. I just moved from Texas to South Florida and the minute that I left Texas my Dog had stopped scratching so much. When I got down here to south Florida I haven't seen a flea on him yet and I haven't even used any flea control since I have been down here. May sound weird but it's been almost 3 months now and he still may only have 1 flea.

The simple thing to do for you and your dog is either get your dog dipped in flea control, or you just go buy some really good flea control for your dog. You can go to pet smart and get any kind of flea control that you want and as long as it is expensive it will work all the other cheap kinds will not work I have tried them all I promise. So if you cannot find a good source of flea control from a pet store then you need to find other means of getting the stuff. You can go to your vet that you take your pet to and have them dip your pet in a flea control that will keep them good for a certain amount of time.

If that doesn't work the stuff that I use now is advantage. I think that is what it is called it works really good. I have a Pit Bull and his coat has never looked so good. He is tan with a white chest and he has never looked so good and healthy. He isn't scratching every 3 minutes now he is normally sleeping all day not doing anything else but sleeping all day long. He is a very rotten dog but he doesn't have fleas.

If you still cannot find what you are looking for then you just need to go online because they offer so much stuff online that you will be able to find something that is good online for a cheap good price. If you cannot find a good price on the internet for flea controls then I have no idea what to tell you other then just get the dip by your vet because it isn't getting any better or cheaper. You can take your pet to the vet and they will probably already know your vet so it will be easy to accomplish.

If you don't have a dog, please pass along to friends who do.
Written by: Laurinda Morris , DVM
Danville Veterinary Clinic
Danville , Ohio
This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a 56-pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix that ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't call my emergency service until 7AM.
I had heard somewhere about raisins AND grapes causing acute Renal failure but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject. We had her bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me - had heard something about it, but.... Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give I V fluids at 1 1/2 times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours.
The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and creatinine! over 5 ( 1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream. We placed an IV catheter and started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was over 4 0 and creatinine over 7 with no urine production after a liter of fluids. At the point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight as well as overnight care.
He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still couldn't control his vomiting. Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 220.. He continued to vomit and the owners elected to euthanize.
This is a very sad case - great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a toxin. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats including our ex-handler's. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern.
Even if you don't have a dog, you might have friends who do. This is worth passing on to them

By Victoria M. Brown
Choosing the right veterinary hospital for you and your pet is almost as important as actually choosing your pet! It's a good idea to choose the hospital before you choose your new pet. That way if you have a sudden emergency, you will not have the added stress of picking a veterinary hospital on the spot. Start your search by asking family and friends for recommendations. Doing this helps you begin to narrow down the hospitals. Once you have done that, visit the hospitals that are on your list.

Here are some things to keep in mind during your visits to potential veterinary hospitals:

• Office hours: Be sure to notice if there are regular office hours and make sure that the hours work with your schedule. Also make sure you find out who covers the hospital when the veterinarian is not available.

• Professional staff: The attitude of the staff is very important when choosing a hospital. Take notice of how routine phone calls are handled. Find out if you can request appointments with specific veterinarians and most importantly, make sure that you feel comfortable talking to the entire staff.

• Services: Some hospitals offer services that others do not. Find out what kinds of services are offered at the hospital you're visiting.

• Emergency care: Not all veterinary hospitals handle emergencies, especially after hours. If the hospital doesn't handle during or after hour emergencies, find out if they have an affiliate hospital where they send their patients to in the case of an emergency.

• Fees and payment: Find out what types of payment the hospital accepts. Also, are payments required on the day of a visit, or can you use a payment plan?

• Professional affiliations: Find out if the veterinarians are part of any national veterinary associations.

• Facility: Take a tour of the hospital and make sure that it looks clean and orderly. Also, check for any foul odors.

Once you have made sure that the hospital facilities meet your standards and expectations, you want to make sure that you are comfortable with the veterinarian as well. You should be able to comfortably communicate with your pet's doctor. Make sure that you feel that you can ask questions and that the answers are clearly explained. Your relationship with your veterinarian is essential to your pet's health. Your pet cannot tell the doctor when something is not right, so you need to be able to.

Choosing the right veterinary hospital is an important step in choosing a new pet. Be sure to carefully choose your hospital. Be sure that your pet is going to be as important to the veterinarian as it is to you!

By Garett Flores
Why does my veterinarian always want to run expensive blood tests?

Making an accurate diagnosis can be very difficult without them. There is a wealth of information veterinarians can learn from the blood panels that pet owners would not be able to communicate. Symptoms for one illness may overlap with symptoms of another ailment that require completely different treatments. It would be much easier (and less expensive) if our pets just learned to speak English so they could tell us what they are feeling!

With a simple blood test, veterinarians can rule out a wide variety of possibilities such as kidney failure or liver failure among others. This gives them the foundation to make a sound diagnosis and provide effective treatment. In the long run, an early blood test can save you time and money.

Why does my veterinarian always give my cat his shots in the leg?

Unfortunately, there is a slight chance (~1 in 10,000) of cancer as a result of feline vaccination. The reason veterinarians give cats a shot in the leg is quite simple. A leg can be amputated, but a vital part of the body cannot. The consequences of not vaccinating your cat can be severe as diseases like feline HIV or feline leukemia are relatively common. The benefits of vaccination far exceed the risk in my opinion.

Why does my veterinarian give the same amount of vaccine to my small Chihuahua as he does my large Great Dane? Won't that overdose him?

This largely depends on the type and brand of vaccine used, but keep in mind that veterinarians are professionals that would never knowingly put your pet at risk. The majority of vaccines are designed to work based on the total particles delivered. This means that regardless of size, your pet would need to get an equal amount of the shot as all the other pets. The vaccine simply will not vaccinate if a certain percentage of those particles are not delivered. There is no such thing as a partial vaccination. It is all or nothing!

Why does my veterinarian always want to treat my puppies for worms when they have never been outside?

Roughly 97% of pets are born with them. Their mother was kind enough to not only pass on her genes, but her internal parasites as well! Some of these parasites like hookworm, roundworms, and whip worms can be transmitted from your pet to you or your children. So before you let your puppy go on a mad licking spree, it might be a good idea to have him dewormed.

Why does my veterinarian recommend an anti-flea and tick medication like Frontline instead of a flea collar?

Most anti-flea and tick applicators like Frontline have chemicals that are absorbed into your pet's skin to provide full body protection. Flea collars are effective, but are only effective in protecting the neck and head areas that are in close proximity to the collar.

By Diane Pomerance Ph.D.
Summer is the time for fun, outdoor activities, swimming, picnics and vacations. And, understandably, people love to share many of their summer activities with their animal companions. Unfortunately, every summer many beloved pets die unnecessarily during extremely hot weather.

HEAT exhaustion is one of the most common ailments of pets during the summer months, so pet owners should be cautious. If it's an exceptionally hot day, keep your dog or cat in the house with you and a fan and/or air conditioning. If it's too hot outside for you, it's too hot outside for your pet. Signs of heatstroke may include: hot skin, rapid panting, twitching muscles, salivation, a dazed expression. Wrap your pet in a towel with cool, not COLD water. Cool him down by giving him ice cubes to lick (as cold water will upset his stomach worse and hasten dehydration). Let him lie in front of a fan. To prevent heat exhaustion, make sure your outside pets have access to shade, fresh water and that you monitor them at least several times a day to make sure they're all right.!

NEVER leave your pet in a parked car - not even if you crack the windows or park in the shade. The temperature in the car can increase rapidly and cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke or even death. On an 85 degree day, the temperature inside your car, even with the windows open a bit, will climb to 102 degrees in 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, it will go up to 120 degrees or even higher!

GIVE your animal companion plenty of cool, clean water at all times. Dogs can only sweat through the pads of their feet and by panting. Evaporation from the wet surfaces of their mouth and nose helps lower their body temperature.

DO not leave your pet shut in an empty house or tied outside while you're on vacation.

NEVER force your dog to run in hot, humid weather. Watch for hot pavement. Sensitive paws burn easily. After a walk or run, check your dog's paws to make sure they are okay.

KEEP vaccinations up-to-date. This is a time when most pets come into contact with other animals at parks, beaches, lakes and campgrounds.

DON'T let your pets roam the streets. Veterinarians see numerous fight injuries and bite wounds in the summer as well as animals hit or run over by cars.

USE Heartworm preventative as mosquitoes which increase dramatically in the summer, carry Heartworm - one of the most deadly ailments household pets suffer. Mosquitoes carry a parasite that causes pulmonary vascular disease that can lead to heart failure. Preventative medication is the best way to avoid this deadly disease.

WASPS, bees and hornets are also a problem during the summer. Although there is no real way for your pets to avoid being stung, they can be treated with antihistamines to reduce the swelling that follows an attack If swelling doesn't subside, see your vet!

WATCH the exercise and diet of your pets. Overeating can result in overheating. Eating less is healthier for them. Do not encourage exercise during the hottest part of the day. Early mornings and evenings are the best times for exercising.

FLEAS, ticks and other parasites may infest your pet. There are many good products available to keep fleas and ticks off your pet. Check with your vet!

WHEN planning a vacation, don't forget your animal companions. Plan for them too. If you are planning on taking them with you, make certain that they will travel comfortably (with plenty of potty and exercise stops) and that they are welcome guests at hotels, homes of friends, etc, and your destination. If you are leaving them behind, make certain you have a well-credentialed pet-sitter or boarding facility. Referrals from trusted veterinarians and animal-loving friends are always helpful. Check them out well in advance of your proposed trip and make reservations, leaving them with a list of medications and instructions as to feeding, exercise, etc. Leave the name of your vet along with friends and neighbors who know your pet. Leave your whereabouts and how to reach you.

ON holidays such as the 4th of July when your pet is exposed to loud noises such as fireworks, make sure he has a safe, quiet place/sanctuary inside your home, that he is in a room from which he cannot escape or run away and that you have either the television or radio on for him to distract or deflect the scary outside sounds. Keep your pet away from crowds of people and loud noises. This will keep him calm and safe!

BY following these tips, there is a high probability that you and your animal companions will enjoy a safe, healthy and happy summer!

By Paul Skellenger
As pet owners, we are all concerned about the risks associated with anesthesia and surgery. Anesthesia and surgery is a more exact science than you might expect. The safety of general anesthesia is dependent upon the anesthetic agent, the equipment used, the methods of patient monitoring, patient status, and the expertise of the people involved. In fact, the safety of general anesthesia is dramatically improved by giving adequate attention to each of these areas.

To the doctors and staff of Research Pet and Bird Hospital, nothing is more important than taking steps to maximize the safety of a procedure. In fact, our core values demand that we use only the safest anesthetic agents, precise delivery systems, intense patient monitoring, and all measures available to improve the patient's status to make the procedure a success. For us, it is a mission. Our focus and intensity does not wane until the patient is fully recovered and ready to go home. Anything else is a complete failure in our minds and hearts.

If you are planning to have your dog spayed, cat neutered, your bird's broken leg fixed, the mass in your ferret biopsied, or the teeth in your rabbit floated, these procedures are performed under general anesthesia. Your pet's safety is our greatest concern.

Our goal is to minimize the risks associated with anesthesia. In order to make anesthesia as safe as possible, we use some of the safest anesthetic agents available. The use of precision vaporizers allows a constant and exact amount of anesthetic to enter the patient and allow rapid adjustments of anesthetic depth and rapid elimination of the anesthetic agent permitting quick recoveries. Our anesthetic machines also deliver 100% oxygen to provide adequate oxygen delivery to the tissues.

Our surgical nurses are the best in the business. They are hand picked to take on this profound responsibility. They understand this tremendous responsibility and they take it very seriously. We charge them with caring for the most important animals on the planet, your pet. To them, guiding your pet through the procedure to a successful conclusion is their single most important task.

We train them to be the best. They are so good, our doctors ask for their assistance on their own pets. Our surgical nurses are intensely trained and care so much that often it may seem they are making too many recommendations. The reason is simple, your pet's safety is their responsibility and they want every advantage.

If you have ever seen us working on your pet under anesthesia, you would notice all the devices connected to your pet. We use state of the art monitoring equipment to provide up to the second information about patient status. Continuous cardiac and respiratory monitoring is performed and adjustments in anesthetic depth are based on objective measurements such as pulse rate, respiratory rate, % saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen (pulse oximetry), blood pressure, and electrocardiographic tracings. These measurements are balanced along with our assessments of patient status.

We take into account variables such as patient age, size, weight, and health as well as the nature and expected duration of the procedure and make adjustments according to changing observations or expectations during the anesthetic period. Without a doubt, one of the most important keys to the safe conclusion of an anesthetic event is understanding patient status.

What we learn during your pet's history and physical help us identify the three greatest risk factors: the presence of pre-existing illness, organ dysfunction, or sensitivity on the part of an individual to a particular anesthetic agent. In addition, we strongly recommend pre-surgical blood screens or profiles for all patients for all anesthetic procedures.

In some cases, we are already aware of a pre-existing condition that should be monitored by these tests. In other cases, these tests may reveal a hidden illness or problem that could increase the patient's anesthetic risk. Complications to anesthesia are rare, but some are serious and may result in patient death. Under no circumstances do we want to jeopardize your pet's health if we feel the risk is too high.

Pre-surgical testing decreases the overall risk of anesthesia and helps prevent unexpected complications to anesthesia and surgery. This helps to decrease the risk of anesthesia by identifying problems before the procedure, instead of finding out about them afterwards. Typical tests are a complete blood count (CBC) to identify hidden infection, anemia, potential bleeding problem, or immune suppression.

It also includes chemistry tests to avoid stumbling into situations where inadequate organ function impairs anesthetic elimination or increases the likelihood of complications. An EKG is a simple way to screen patients for heart disease and potentially life threatening heart rhythm abnormalities. The testing is designed to complement the doctor's assessment of patient status and risk of the anesthetic procedure. It is used to uncover undetected illness or to monitor known problems. It provides valuable information that may prevent us from unnecessarily endangering our patient.

The likelihood that the findings will impact our decision to perform a procedure in healthy adults is small, but this does happen and there is no question those patients will be better off in the long run with that information. In some cases, a decision is made to postpone the procedure and try to resolve the problem first.

In other words the pre-surgical testing decreases the overall risk of anesthesia and helps prevent unexpected complications to anesthesia and surgery. This type of testing is needed and is extremely important for any patient that will be anesthetized.

Intravenous catheters are always recommended to provide immediate access should emergency measures or other medications become suddenly necessary during the procedure. The administration of intravenous fluids during anesthesia is known to improve patient recovery and is a wonderful way to improve patient status.

If we made the recommendation for your pet to have something done with general anesthesia, you can be sure the benefits outweigh the risks and that we will do everything possible to bring about an uneventful recovery.

Some of the agents we use for anesthesia are Sevoflurane and Isoflurane (anesthetic gases) and Propofol (an intravenous induction agent to take the patient from awake to anesthesia). Some of the other medications we use before and during surgery are sedatives, tranquilizers, and pain medications may be given alone or in combination.

We use tranquilizers such as valium or acepromazine; pain medications such as buprenorphine, morphine, butorphanol; and non steroid anti inflammatory drugs such as Rimadyl or Metacam. Patients are maintained on anesthesia by driving the anesthetic agent with oxygen through an airway tube known as an endotracheal tube.

Species of animals we perform anesthesia and surgery on include dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, and chinchillas, lizards, snakes, and turtles.

Common procedures include spay, neuter, endoscopy, lump removal, tumor biopsy, intestinal biopsy, liver biopsy, pancreatic biopsy, intestinal obstruction, foreign body removal, mass removal, tumor removal, fracture repair, bone plating, knee surgery, ACL repair, tracheoscopy, esophagoscopy, rhinoscopy, nasal biopsy, lymph nod biopsy, radiography, contrast studies, dewclaw removal, abscess surgery, urethral obstruction, bladder stone removal, fustula removal, resection and anastamosis, intussusception, perineal adenoma, perineal urethrostomy, perineal hernia, abdominal hernia, diaphragmatiac hernia, inguinal hernia, dentistry, dental cleaning, dental prophy, tooth extraction, oral surgery, periodontal therapy, root planing, gingivoplasy, external fixation, vaginoscopy, urethroscopy, cystoscopy, cysotomy, gastropexy, gastrotomy, feeding tube placement, jejunostomy, mast cell tumor removal, bile duct surgery, gall bladder surgery, corneal and eyelid surgery, enucleation, bulla osteotomy, lateral ear resection, total ear canal ablation, pelvic surgery, correctional osteotomy, and surgical sexing of birds.

By Bruce Maul
Pets can also contract urinary tract infections, much like humans do. Most likely, cats are more prone to bladder infections than dogs and these could have a debilitating effect on the felines mobility and overall systemic health.

If you have previously received treatment for an infection of this sort and endured all the related discomforts, imagine how much more painful this condition would be for a little kitty; to urinate amidst a buildup of crystallized urine passing through its tiny urethra.

At a glance, it would be difficult to determine if poor kitty is suffering from a bladder infection, much less notice the minute urine crystals discharged. Should you suspect a UTI condition, you could buy a urine pH test strip and administer it at home over a sample of your cats urine.

Nevertheless, bladder infections can be directly observed through the aberrant actuations of your pet that constitute as symptoms to this disease. Symptoms may appear as gullible as the repeated self-licking of genitals; frequent urination that is more indicative of the infection; and the more obvious symptoms of pain while passing urine and in case cloudy or bloody formations become discernable over urine.

Whatever the case may be, these symptoms are telltale signs of a bladder infection that should signal an immediate trip to the veterinarian for immediate consultations. Otherwise risk the complications that would go from a simple loss of appetite, to fevers and acute infections.

It is common practice to administer antibiotics to kill the bacteria-causing infection spawning within the confines of your pets bladder or kidneys. Yet recent medical findings reveal how prolonged use of anti-bacterial drugs can disrupt the delicate balance of your pets immune system in the course of providing relief. When this happens, poor kitty may not fully recover from the infection to instead suffer the ordeal of recurring UTIs throughout its lifetime.

Homeopathy is a fast rising, alternative treatment to synthetic drugs that is proven safe and effective for the treatment of your pets disease, even for prolonged medication. You might want to try herbal remedies such as Berberis Vulgaris with its potent extracts acting as naturally occurring anti-bacterial agents that not only stunt the growth of bacteria but also enhance the immune function.

The Arctostaphylos uva ursi is another popular herb used as an antiseptic that is known effective in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Nowadays, herbal remedies are conveniently available through bottled medications. To obtain the therapeutic benefits contained with the abovementioned herbs, one could try a product such as a PetAlive UTI Free. Makers claim it is safe, free from undue side-effects and completely cures urinary tract infections in both cats and dogs.

Consider clearing your pets bladder infections the natural way and help your cat purr its way back into health.