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Caring for Your Pet Before and After Surgery
Category:
Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
Is a surgery in your pet's future? If it is, you probably have a few questions about pre- and post-surgery care. Paying close attention to care recommendations will help you ensure that the surgery is just a minor disruption to your pet's normal routine.
Before Surgery
Stop Food
Your pet will need
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What is an Emergency?
Category:
Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
We all become worried when our beloved pets become ill, but when should we take them to an emergency hospital? Most larger communities have an ER for pets, but when do we need to utilize one? What symptoms are serious and need immediate attention, and what can wait until the next day for your regular
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What Is a Spay?
Category:
Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
Everyone knows they should have their females dogs and cats spayed, but what exactly does that mean? The word "spay" is thought to originate from the Old French espeer meaning to cut with a sword, which then may have been changed to the Middle English spayen. Today the word means to perform a surgery
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Vaccine Reactions in Pets
Category:
Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
Vaccines are intended to stimulate the immune system. In effect, they induce the response the immune system should have in the face of a real infection. They are like a fire drill for the immune system. As a result, our pets' bodies can have appropriate vaccine response symptoms as well as unexpected
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Saving On Pet Costs Doesn't Mean Reducing Care
Category:
Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
Having a pet can cost owners hard earned money. There are food costs, recreation or pet-sitting costs, grooming fees and veterinary visits. When you want to save on the dollars you spend keeping your family's pets healthy and well remember that reducing their care is not the first choice to make.
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Preparing for Your Next Vet Visit
Category:
Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
If you have ever returned home from a vet visit and realized that you forgot to ask an important question, you are not alone. It's easy to become distracted during the appointment, particularly if your pet is frightened or anxious. Preparation is the key to ensuring that all of your questions and concerns
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Planning for Your Dog's Health Care
Category:
Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
Before adopting a dog, take a moment to consider the amount of care your pet will require and your ability to provide that care. Too often a cute face and wagging tail inspires individuals to bring home dogs without really considering the amount of time and financial resources required to raise healthy
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Pet Insurance Explained
Category:
Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
As the amount of money spent on pet healthcare increases steadily at an estimated rate of 40% a year, and as pets become more like family, owners are looking to spend more on their pet's health. Pet owners also want to have their pets covered by insurance.
Some basic plans start at $10 a month, while
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Pet Care During Tough Times
Category:
Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
Studies have repeatedly shown that a large majority of pet owners consider their pets as a family member. We spoil them with birthday parties, presents, and all manner of toys and treats to keep them happy. But, when money is tight, extra expenses need to go. Sadly, some pet owners choose to avoid veterinary
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Lumps and Bumps: Routine Visits Pay Off
Category:
Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
When was the last time your pet visited the veterinarian? If you answered "not in a while," it is time to book your next appointment. Have you recently discovered a lump or bump on your pet? Don't let that new discovery go unexamined. While it may be completely benign, it is essential for your pet's
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Feeling Apprehensive About Pet Treatment Involving Anesthesia?
Category:
Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
Emergencies happen when we least expect it, and anesthesia could be a necessary component required to treat your pet. Treatment recommendations your veterinarian makes could also include dental care involving anesthesia. You may elect to neuter or spay your pet. Anesthesia will be required. Repair
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Don't Delay Pet Care While You Surf For Answers
Category:
Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet
The World Wide Web has opened up communication opportunities between veterinarians and pet owners. Convenient hand held devices allow pet owners with Web connections to scan, surf, text and email to their heart's content at any hour of the day. Or night. You might think this is convenient for pet
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Managing Food Allergies with an Elimination Diet
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Food allergies are the third most common allergy that affects dogs and cats, outranked only by fleabites and inhaled allergens (e.g., pollen). Allergies to common food ingredients are also on the rise and now account for at least 30% of all allergy cases. Unfortunately for many pets, the most common
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Pet Food Safety Measures to Avoid Health Complications
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Foods with inadequate nutrition, stored improperly or not handled safely can present problems for you and your pet. Making the right choices for the right pet will give your pet the best chance at optimum wellness.
You'll have peace of mind and know your pet will receive the best health value possible.
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Pet Weight Critical to Wellness of Cats and Dogs
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention advises that pets are suffering from epidemic obesity and it is preventable. Obese or overweight animals weigh in at nearly sixty-percent for cats and nearly fifty-percent for dogs. The number is constantly increasing and causing health conditions and physical
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Why Pet Nutrition Matters
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
With more than half of all dogs and cats overweight or obese, pets are increasingly at risk for a number of chronic health problems, according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). An appropriate, balanced diet can make a significant difference for a pet’s overall health, reducing the
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Nutrition Terms
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
As pets have become more important to their owners, what the pets are fed has become more important as well. Most pet owners are concerned about the quality and nutrition level of the food they are feeding their furry family members. There are now hundreds of pet foods available to the consumer. How
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Reading Pet Food Labels
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
When you visit the grocery or pet store, you can find hundreds, if not thousands, of kinds of dog and cat foods. The advertisements and marketing materials for each claims their food is the best. How can you decide what food to feed to your pet?
Dedicated pet owners will attempt to read labels to help
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When Your Pet's Food Is Recalled
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
According to government regulatory agencies, there are three types of pet food recalls that can be issued. Recalls can be conducted by a company or brand, by request from the regulatory agencies, or by order from the government agency. When your pet's food has been recalled, you'll want to contact your
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What is in Your Pets' Food?
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Every day we are besieged with pet food advertisements, in magazines, newspapers and on television. Tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars are spent per year trying to convince us that their pet food is the best. Who to believe? What is really in pet food? Is the pet food label helpful? A Chapman
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Why Your Guinea Pig Needs Vitamin C But Your Dog Doesn't
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
We all need to eat a complete and balanced diet. We feed our dogs and cats food developed by companies that study their nutritional needs, but if you study the list of ingredients, Vitamin C is not listed. When we prepare our own meals, we have to make sure we consume a source of Vitamin C such as orange
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Pet Food Allergies? The Rules for a Pet Food Trial Have Changed
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Food allergies are common in dogs and cats. It usually manifests as itchy skin, chronic vomiting, or diarrhea. If you suspect that your pet may have a food allergy, you will need to investigate by performing a food trial. There are no intradermal skin tests or blood tests that are valid for determining
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Obesity in Dogs
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Obesity is on the rise, and not just for humans. Dogs are increasingly overweight and even obese. In the United States, an estimated 43 million dogs are overweight or obese - that’s over half of all dogs! And it is not just dogs in the United States that need to lose a few pounds - canine obesity is
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Foods to Avoid for Pets on Low Sodium Diets
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Pets afflicted with heart failure or high blood pressure should not be fed salty foods, as they cause fluid to be retained in the body and make it harder for the heart to work. They also can lead to fluid developing in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Most commercial dog foods have a decent level of sodium,
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Food Allergies
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Food allergies occasionally occur in dogs and cats. They usually manifest themselves as itchy skin, ear infections, chronic vomiting, or diarrhea. If you suspect that your pet may have a food allergy, you can investigate by performing a food trial. There are three rules for a food trial:
1. Pick a new
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Fitting Fiber into Fido's Food Bowl
Category:
Newsletter Library, Nutrition & Food
Fiber is important because it helps dogs feel full, supports natural, healthy digestion and aids in moving material through their digestive tract. Is there fiber in your pet's food bowl with each meal? Does your pet need fiber, or more fiber? Grains like wheat, barley, corn and rice contribute small
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Spring Hazards
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Everyone looks forward to spring with its fresh air, colorful flowers, and sense of renewal. But there are many hazards associated with this season. We should always be on guard when it comes to our pets and potential dangers. Many areas of the country have a problem with snails; people often put snail
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Six Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Many areas of the world are seeing record high temperatures, which makes it even more important to ensure that your pets are kept cool. Veterinarians commonly see dogs with heat stroke, but most of these cases could easily have been averted with some easy precautions.
The following six tips will help
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Preparing Your Pet for the Winter
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
This winter, while you curl up next to the fire with a cozy blanket, a good book and some hot chocolate, don't forget about your pet! Winter can play it rough with your pet and you have to look out for his health and well-being. Here are some preparations you should make to help your pet prepare for
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Prepare Your Pets for Halloween
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Halloween is right around the corner!
Whether you are planning on participating in the spookiest night of the year —Halloween — it is likely that people in your neighborhood are. This means that the streets will be filled with loud noises, new faces and all manner of things that can stress out your
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Keeping Pets Cool This Summer
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
For humans, that means better beach days and much needed vacations, but for your animals, the warmer weather can be dangerous. Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration and heat exhaustion, so it’s important to take proper precautions and protect your pets from overheating. By following
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Holiday Hazards for Pets
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
The holidays are fun, even for pets, but the season brings added danger for animal companions. Learn to recognize and manage holiday hazards to keep your pet safe during the festivities.
Tinsel
Tinsel is attractive, especially to cats. Tinsel is not toxic but consuming tinsel can cause serious harm
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The Incredible Sense of Smell in the Dog
Category:
Newsletter Library, Newsletter Archive, Unbelievable Pets
There are many ways in which people and dogs are similar, but an area in which dogs are much superior is in their olfactory ability, or their sense of smell. Dogs can smell 100,000 times better than humans. In tests, dogs have been able to detect a chemical in a solution diluted to 1 to 2 parts per trillion.
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Keep Your Pets Safe During Fireworks Season
Category:
Newsletter Library, Seasonal Topics
Fireworks are the perfect ending to any summer celebration, but while you are oohing and aahing as the night sky lights up, your dog or cat may be cowering in fear. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to keep your furry friend safe, calm and happy during a fireworks show.
Why Are Fireworks So
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Living with a Handicapped Pet
Category:
Newsletter Library, Tips for Pet Owners
Strokes, vision problems, arthritis and other conditions don't just affect people. Pets also develop serious health problems that change their lives. Fortunately, you can help your handicapped pet enjoy a comfortable, happy life by making a few modifications to your home.
Make Your Home Accessible
Many
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