IN THE NEWS | PET HEALTH WEB SITES | ADOPT A PET | HOME-AGAIN MICROCHIP
In the News
New Vaccination Protocol
One thing about medicine, it is always changing. We are continually altering our recommendations for the best pet care based on the latest research studies. One fairly recent development is individualizing our vaccination protocols to your pet's specific needs. It has been shown that some of the vaccinations that we have given annually in the past probably give longer than one year's duration of immunity. This means that, once the pet's initial series of vaccinations and boosters is given, some of the vaccinations (such as distemper and parvo in dogs, and panleukopenia or feline distemper in cats) may only need to be given every two to three years. When you receive a reminder card, it will probably say that Fifi is due for an annual physical exam and whatever vaccinations are deemed necessary at that time. When you come in for the annual exam, the doctor will determine, based on your pet's daily activities and environment, which vaccinations are needed.
Caring for your Aging Pet
As pets get older, they develop signs of aging just like people. Older pets can develop many different conditions including are kidney and heart disease, dental disease, arthritis and cataracts. It is important for owners to be aware of these conditions so they can watch for signs that they are starting to develop.
Dental Care is Key
The most common problem is dental disease. Dental disease develops when food builds up on your pets teeth. This food mixes with the saliva in your pets mouth to form a hard substance called tartar or plaque. Plaque usually has a dark green or grey color and adheres to the teeth. Over time, the plaque builds up and cuts in the gum. The gum then starts to recede and an infection develops.
As your pet ages, you may need to brush its teeth as well. When your pet us young, rub your finger or a tooth brush regularly on its teeth to it becomes accustomed to this activity at an early age. When the time comes to brush, ask your veterinarian about the flavored tooth pastes available that will make the job easier and more fun.
Heart Healthy Advice
Most heart disease develops when the heart is required to pump blood through more issue that it was designed to. Obesity has become a major contributor to heart disease over the last 10 years. The more overweight our pets are the more their heart must do to pump blood to all of the bodys tissues. Step one in reducing the chance of heart disease is feeding your pet a healthy diet to keep it at its optimum weight.
Light exercise is also important. Make sure your pet exercises regularly. Short, frequent walks or one long walk three times a week is enough to keep the heart in shape. It will help to control weight gain as well
Tips for Healthy Joints
Arthritis can also develop as a result of your pet being overweight. While obesity isnt the only cause of arthritis, it does affect the frequency and severity of the disease. Other causes of arthritis are excessive running, hard aggressive exercise and individual diseases such as Lyme disease.
Long-distance running can keep your pet in shape but, over time, can wear down the cartilage in weight-bearing joints. Also, aggressive exercise such as Frisbee and ball chasing can strain the hips, knees and shoulders. The sudden turns at full speed can produce sprains and torn ligaments. Limit this kind of activity. Allow your pets to enjoy themselves, but dont overstress their joints.
For aging pets, proper diet and light exercise are very important. Avoid obesity by feeding the correct amount of a quality food. Then, make sure your pet exercises regularly. This will help your pet live a longer, healthier life.
Reprinted with permission from MDVMA.org
Pet Health Web Sites
Here are some pet health-related links you should find useful to check out:
Next time you visit or call us, please let us know what you think. We welcome your comments and suggestions!
Want to Adopt a Pet?
The American Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has formed a partnership with Petfinder.org, a site that lets potential pet owners "visit" more than 1,200 shelters and rescue groups. You can search shelters in your area for the ideal companion by size, sex, age and breed. The ASPCA hopes that pet owners using this resource will find the perfect match, and that this will help reduce the current 2 to 3 million dogs given up to shelters each year. Of these, 60% are euthanized because homes aren't available.
Worried about losing your pet?
Ask us about implanting a microchip under your pet's skin to help you find each other if your pet should somehow wander off. The chip is registered with the American Kennel Club, and if your lost pet is scanned by a humane society or veterinarian, the AKC can put you in touch with each other. The microchip is relatively easy to implant, permanent, and non-reactive. Call the hospital for additional information.
