Since it seems like winter is going to pass us by this year, the warmer weather is getting people outside and active a little earlier. To ensure your four-legged sidekick is ready, here are a few easy medical tips to provide your pet with a lifetime of good health.

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When February rolls around, almost everyone starts to think about boxes of chocolate and candle lit dinners in honor of Valentine’s Day, but, did you know this month is also Responsible Pet Owners Month? So, while you are enjoying your candy or admiring your bouquet of roses, don’t forget that this holiday poses threats to your pet. Celebrate Responsible Pet Owners Month by keeping them safe and showing them some love, too.

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Most Americans remember to brush their teeth regularly. Their pets’ pearly whites, however, don’t always get the same kind of attention. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, so why not schedule a check up for both of you?

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Pets can sometimes be reservoirs of diseases that infect humans. Most viruses and organisms that cause illness are species specific, or specially adapted to the host they infect. When a disease is able to make the leap from our pet to us, it is referred to as zoonotic.

The most important historical zoonotic disease is the Plague that ravaged Europe in the 1300’s killing tens of millions of people. Primarily a disease of rats and wild rodents, the Plague is transmitted from animal to animal by the bites of infected fleas, with humans as the accidental host when the rat dies and the fleas look for a warmer host.

Today, the number of potential zoonotic diseases is impressive. Let’s look at some of the more common dog and cat diseases that may pose a threat to humans.

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Medical procedures that were once limited to humans have become available for our four-legged friends as well. Advances in animal neurology, dentistry, imaging, surgery and rehabilitation have given veterinarians the opportunity to provide our pets with the same kind of medical services that are available to humans. Veterinarians are able to provide the highest level of care and treatment that is humanly possible using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT), ultrasound, laser surgery, stem cell therapy, endoscopy (a technique for viewing internal organs with a fiber optic scope) and echocardiography (specialized form of ultrasound to view the heart).

Continue Reading "Where Will Veterinary Medicine Go in 2012?" »

While people battle stuffy noses and watery eyes at the peak of this allergy season, we are not the only one’s suffering from the sniffles and sneezes. Our pets are also experiencing the irritation of allergies, too.

The respiratory system is the primary target of allergies for humans, but for our pets, the skin is the major target, so severe itching and scratching, which may lead to raw and irritated areas on the skin, are the main symptoms to look for. The most common pet allergy is the fleabite allergy, however, fleas may not be the only reason behind your pet’s discomfort.

Continue Reading "The Sniffles, the Sneezes and Our Pets" »

Traditionally, New Years resolutions are commitments people make to themselves that are intended to keep them on track in the new year. Sometimes people want to resolve to lose weight, get control of finances or volunteer more. Often New Year’s resolutions come down to simply being a better person. As a pet owner, being a better person may mean more than dropping a few pounds, it may mean helping your pet do the same.

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The holidays create a dramatic shift in the environment and schedule of pets, which can impact their behavior, activity and safety. The new smells, objects, sounds, frequent visitors and house guests all contribute to making your pets’ surroundings unfamiliar.

This time of year is a time for friends, family and, of course, our furry companions. It is a time of relaxation and enjoying time with those we care about. There is no doubt our four-legged family members enjoy the holidays as much as we do, still, there are a few things to keep in mind as the holidays approach.

Continue Reading "Help Your Pet Avoid the "Jingle Blues"" »

The holidays are full of surprises. There is none more stressful than the impromptu vacation, especially when you have a pet in the family. Before frantically calling every kennel in town, check with the hotel (if you’re staying in one) to see if they allow pets and what the pet policy is. If taking a four-legged companion isn’t an option, there are certain considerations to make before boarding your pet.

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When the weather forecasters predict a winter blast they always remind us of the three P’s – Pipes, Plants, and Pets.  Don’t be fooled by their fur coat, your pets are still bothered just as much as you are when the temperature drops. Here are a few guidelines to help protect your pets when the weather gets rough.

Continue Reading "Winter Weather Warnings" »