Dr Suttons Blog

How Can You Be a Responsible Pet Owner?

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:02:00 GMT

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility, as anyone who has raised a puppy or a kitten or cared for a debilitated pet can attest! Aside from giving your pet love and attention, what else constitutes being a responsible pet owner, ensuring a mutually beneficial partnership?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has created a set of guidelines to outline how you can be a responsible pet owner, which includes the following:

Create a lifetime commitment for responsibility of the pet. If you are unable to continue to care for the pet, find another more suitable home or environment. Many shelters and breeders will gladly take back a pet that didn’t “work out” in it’s new home.
Before obtaining a pet, understand that pet ownership will require an investment of time and money. Do some research. What is an average annual cost for a pet at different life-stages (food, parasite preventatives, vaccinations, wellness or sick pet examinations, leashes, collars and other gear)? Does this fit into your budget?
Choose a pet that is suited to your home, lifestyle and family needs. Does a curious kitten or a laid-back older cat fit your lifestyle? Does a high-energy puppy or a lap-dog fit your schedule better? Research the species, age, and breed of pet you are interested in obtaining to ensure you have a general understanding of his or her needs. Most simple internet searches can give you basic information to direct the search for your perfect pet match!
Provide an appropriate and safe environment for each individual pet, which includes food, water, shelter, health care and companionship. Understand that too many pets may compromise these basic needs for the individual pet.
Make sure that all pets are properly identified with tags, a microchip and/or tattoos, and keep registration information for identification databases current. If you are unsure if your pet is microchipped, or you would like to have your pet microchipped, schedule an appointment with your family veterinarian. We can scan your pet to see if there is a microchip present, or implant a microchip and coordinate your registration.
Obey all local, county and national laws and ordinances for your pet. See Pinellas County Animal Services for official information regarding licensing, permits, code enforcement and animal law information for Pinellas County. Some of the notable laws relating to pet ownership in Pinellas county include leashing your dog, not tethering your pet and ensuring a current Rabies license verifying current vaccination status.
Help control pet overpopulation by spaying or neutering your pet unless your pet is part of a managed breeding program. Not only does spaying and neutering help control pet populations, but it also affords many health benefits to the individual pet, such as reduction of certain types of cancers and life-threatening infections.
Establish and maintain a veterinary-client-patient relationship at a local animal hospital. In coordination with your veterinarian, provide your pet with preventative, wellness and therapeutic healthcare throughout his or her life. This will include vaccinations, parasite control, and possibly diagnostic lab work. See AAHA-AVMA Preventive Healthcare Guidelines and AVMA Preventive Pet Healthcare, and discuss recommendations with your family veterinarian.
Socialize and provide appropriate training for your pet to prevent any negative impact to other people, animals or the environment. This includes picking up and disposing of your pet’s waste appropriately, ensuring noise control and not allowing your pet to stray or become a nuisance.
Facilitate age, breed, and health-appropriate stimulation for your pet through exercise and enrichment. There are many toys available that help meet this goal, and often some dedicated playtime with your pet can meet this need!
Be prepared to ensure your pet’s well-being for an emergency or disaster, such as a hurricane, through advanced preparation. Know your local emergency animal clinic’s contact information, hurricane shelters (Pinellas County Public Shelter List) and evacuation routes. Consider pet insurance for medical emergency situations.
Know your pet. Recognize declines in his or her health that may lead to a decreased quality of life and discuss these concerns with your veterinarian. Together, as a team, determine an appropriate course of care for your pet through palliative or supportive care, hospice or humane euthanasia. See last month’s blog for more information on this difficult topic and memorials that Northeast Animal Hospital offers to commemorate your loved one.

Pet ownership affords us unconditional love and companionship, in addition to multiple reported health benefits. Ensure that you are upholding your end of the bargain as a responsible pet owner by following these simple guidelines. If you have a question or concern regarding your pet’s health, or want to create a veterinary-client-patient relationship, call us today to schedule an appointment!

Gretchen E. Sutton, DVM

Associate Veterinarian

Saying Goodbye

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:58:00 GMT

Our pets bring us joy and happiness beyond compare. The deep love we have for our pets causes profound loss when it’s time to say goodbye. We understand the overwhelming sorrow that results from the death of a dearly loved companion.

Knowing when to say goodbye is different for every pet. Some express the feeling that their pet let them know it was okay to let them go. But it can be difficult when your pet has a few good days followed by some bad ones. We feel conflicted because we want to be able to have them in our lives as long as possible, but we don’t want them to suffer either. We expect sadness, but it can also lead to feelings of guilt after we make the decision to let go. Guilt is a common and natural response when we lose a pet. Whether we have struggled with the decision to euthanize or our pet died as a result of illness or an accident, feelings of guilt can be one of the most difficult emotions to resolve. Please know these feelings are a natural part of the grieving process.

We are here to help you in any way we can. Our compassionate and caring doctors can help you decide when it’s time to say goodbye. You do not have to make the decision alone. Being pet lovers and owners, we have all had the very same feelings at some point. It’s true that opening your heart to a pet means having to experience eventual loss, but we would not have it any other way.

We partner with Anderson-McQueen to provide dignified pet cremation services to make this major life passage one of meaning and significance. They have their own private, on-premises Pet Crematory, so you can rest assured that your pet will go from our compassionate care to theirs and be treated with dignity.

We are pleased to be able to now offer Memorial Packages to provide you with a special keepsake of your beloved pet:

Private Memorial Package: Your pet’s ashes within a wooden memorial box will be delivered back to us within days for you to pick up whenever you are ready. Anderson-McQueen provides SecurePassages pet tracking system for your peace of mind. Additionally, we will make a clay impression of your pet’s paw-print that you can take home with you the same day.

Private Cremation: The same service as above, but does not include clay paw-print.

Memorial Package: Your pet will be cremated with the same honor and dignity Anderson-McQueen is trusted for, but the ashes of your pet are not returned. We will make a clay impression of your pet’s paw-print that you can take home with you the same day.

Communal Cremation: The same service as above, but does not include clay paw-print.

Dog Walking "Poo-petrators"

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:53:00 GMT

Catch a glimpse of any person walking their dog along the streets and sidewalks of St. Pete and you will see one thing they all have in common—or at least you should. Whether it's a fancy plastic bag dispenser clipped to the leash or simply a repurposed grocery bag, everyone should be carrying a baggie to scoop the poop.

We educate our clients about the importance of cleaning up after their dog, providing them with information from Pinellas County Parks and Recreation and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. If you haven't already seen this information, click here for some interesting facts regarding what unscooped poop does to our environment.

Not only is not scooping up after your dog bad for the health of other dogs and humans, potentially spreading parasites such as hookworms and roundworms, it's bad for the waterways, bad for the parks and bad for the poor neighbor who got left with a unwanted "surprise," but it can also be bad for your wallet—if you get caught.

A city outside of Tel Aviv, Israel, collects DNA from dog droppings to match against a dog DNA registry used to identify owners who didn't pick up, and in some US states fines can be as high as a few hundred dollars. While local authorities aren't going to that extreme, you could be fined if you are seen repeat offending. You could even wind up in court if your neighbors have had enough. One judge in Tampa usually sees one or two poop cases each month, viewing such evidence as photos or video of an offending dog using the plaintiff's lawn.

So, as you slip on your shoes and grab the leash, remember the doggie bag.

Halloween Safety

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:10:00 GMT

Here are some quick tips for Halloween safety this year:

Keep the candy out of reach of the paws of pets. Chocolate—especially dark chocolate—can be deadly for dogs and cats. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is also a deadly ingredient in some candy. Ingested wrappers can also cause intestinal blockages.
Exercise care if you are using candles or electric lights for decorations. Burns can result from a too curious pet or from chewing electrical cords.
If you cannot resist the urge to dress your pet up, please make sure that it does not pose a choking hazard and is not too tight. Never leave your pet unattended in a costume and check often for signs of stress. If your pet simply will not tolerate being dressed up, consider a festive collar instead.
Keep pets away from the front door. A constantly ringing doorbell and people in unfamiliar costumes could cause undue stress and cause an otherwise friendly pet to bite or bolt. Make sure your pet is wearing identification. Consider having your pet microchipped if you haven’t already done so.
Exercise extra caution if you have a black cat, keeping them indoors if at all possible. Halloween poses a risk for cruel treatment by pranksters. Some shelters will not even allow black cats to be adopted around this time of year for that very reason.

Does Your Doggy Paddle?

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 01:25:00 GMT

Whether at the beach or in the family pool, most dogs can swim and some absolutely love it! But dogs entering the water for the first time should be under close supervision. Here are some important tips for teaching your dog how to swim:

Never throw your dog into the water.
Start in shallow water, call your dog's name and offer lots of praise. You can also try to coax him in with a treat or toy – but always keep your dog within reach.
If your dog has a doggy friend that already knows how to swim, invite him along. Let your dog follow his friend.
If your dog begins to doggy-paddle with his front legs only, help him float by supporting his belly. He should quickly catch on and keep his back end up.
Don't let your dog overdo it. Swimming is a fun way to exercise, but he will be using new muscles and may tire quickly.
Be careful of strong tides at the beach.
Never leave your dog unattended! You should always be close by to help him get out of the water.
Make sure your pool has a dog-safe fence surrounding it.
Install a pet ramp for easy exit out of the pool and teach your dog where it is located.
Give your dog a bath after their swim as salt, minerals and chlorine can irritate and dry out their skin. Remember, you won't have to worry about your dog's flea protection washing off if you are using an oral treatment such as Sentinel.

Have fun and stay safe this summer!

A Day at the Beach

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:04:00 GMT

As the summer heats up many people head to the beach, but there's no reason to leave your dog at home! Fort De Soto has a beach where dogs are allowed in a designated area. Before heading out, read these tips for keeping your dog safe at the beach:

Check conditions. Hazards such as jellyfish, undercurrents, and sharp objects pose just as much of a threat to dogs as they do to humans.
Keep your dog hydrated. Bring plenty of clean, fresh water—and never let your dog drink salt water. It can make him sick.
Be vigilant. Remember that many items washed ashore, like fishing lines, litter, plant-life, and dead fish, may not be safe for your dog. When he goes exploring, keep a close eye on the objects he finds.
Keep a close eye on your dog and be aware of other dogs around. Stay within reach as dogs are often not on a leash at the dog beach.
Pick up after your dog! Keep our beaches clean and pleasant for other visitors.
Give your dog a bath. There are faucets located at the adjacent dog park to give him a good rinse with fresh water before leaving the beach. When you get home, make sure to wash your dog immediately! Salt and other minerals from sea water can be harmful to your dog's coat and health.
Remember to update your dog's vaccinations if necessary. Precautions should be taken against diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvo and kennel cough.
Dogs can get sunburned too, especially short-haired dogs. Apply sunblock—to his ears, nose and any other area where the fur is thinner—30 minutes before going outside. Many pet stores have sunblocks made just for dogs.
No matter how careful and responsible you may be, accidents can still happen. Make sure you have our phone number (and that of an emergency clinic) close at hand.

Click here for a complete list of rules at the beach and any of Pinellas County's dog parks.

In our next post, we'll talk about keeping your dog safe when they go in the water.

Reading a Cat's "Tell"

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:54:00 GMT

"Non-cat people"may blame a cat's reputation for being aloof and non-communicative as why they prefer dogs. Forget dogs playing poker though, cats could rule the casino with their cool exterior. But just as any good poker player studies his opponent for any "tells," learning to read body language could be the key to understanding what your cat is feeling. The way to tell a cat's emotion can be as simple as watching their tail.

Swishing

You may think that a swishing tail means a cat is mad, which may be partially true, especially for a rapidly swishing tail. Just as an excited dog wagging his tail, a slowly swishing tail may indicate that there is interest or excitement.

An angry or anxious cat quickly flicking their tail from side to side is a sign to "Back Off!" We sometimes see this at the hospital when our feline patients are anxious about having to leave their comfy home to visit the veterinarian. It's best not to attempt to approach the cat until he or she calms down. Trying to soothe the cat by petting can make the situation worse.

On the other hand, if he or she is slowly and fluidly whisks her tail side to side, then something may have her attention, which may signal impending play time!

Puffed

This may be the best illustrated cat appearance, thanks to Halloween artwork. When a cat is scared and frightened they attempt to look as large as possible. They arch their backs, and "puff" the fur along their body and tail. They may walk sideways, almost like a crab, to keep the largest side of their body in sight. This is certainly a time to allow the kitty some space!

Straight and Tall

A happy cat usually holds his or her tail straight up in the air. As you are preparing his or her dinner, there may be a little curl at the end his or her tail or it may even quiver a little. You may also get this reaction when you come home and he or she is excited to see you!

Learning your cat's body language is important in understanding not only how your cat is feeling emotionally, but physically as well. When you learn what is normal for your cat, you will be alerted to when your cat’s behavior is abnormal. Since your cat cannot tell you when he or she isn't feeling well, and may even try to hide the signs, being in tune to your cat's behavioral changes becomes even more important. This may be his or her way of telling you "where it hurts."

If you have is any question regarding your cat's body language or "mood," allow some space and see if he or she approaches you for attention. If you have any concern regarding your cat's "tell," don’t hesitate to contact your veterinary team to ensure your cat's behavior isn't a sign of illness.

This Fourth Consider Your Pets First

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:05:00 GMT

You may be looking forward to celebrating the 4th and watching the Florida night light up with fireworks, but your pet may not think it's so much fun. Dogs and cats can become frighten by the sudden, loud noises and flashing lights, causing them to hide, or worse yet, try to flee.

Shelters see a rise in lost pets in the days following fireworks displays. Even after the festivities die down, the dangers can still exist come morning with firework debris laying in yards. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe this holiday.

Don’t leave your dog outside.
Crate your dog or create an area in your home where your pet feels safe.
Dogs can become destructive when frightened. If you are not crating your dog, remove anything in the room which could be destroyed or which could injure him if he chewed it.
Closing blinds and curtains can reduce noise and bright flashes.
Leaving a TV or radio on at normal volume can be a distraction for your pet and help them relax.
Having proper identification securely fastened to your pet’s collar is important in case he does get out. Talk to us about microchipping your pet, and make sure that we have your correct contact information.
Keep your pet away from the front and back doors. Stress can cause them to dart out the door.
Ask us for ways to keep your pet calm if they become seriously distressed by fireworks or other loud noises. A mild tranquilizer for your pet or a Thundershirt for dogs can help provide needed stress relief.
Do not use fireworks around your pets.
Check your yard for any potential leftover firework debris. Even if you did not use fireworks, some could have landed in your yard from neighbors. Firework debris can become a choking hazard or become a serious problem if ingested.

Stay safe this holiday.

It's All In a Name!

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 17:33:00 GMT

We come across some unusual names here at Northeast Animal Hospital. "Buford VonPuppyheimer III", "Taco Bella", "Low Ryder", "Frodo Baggins" and "FSBO" are just a few that come to mind. But according to VPI, a pet insurance company, these names may not really be that unusual. Some of the most unique names in 2010 included "Pickle Von Corndog", "Bing Clawsby" and "Admiral Pancake". Interestingly, pet owners are leaning towards more human names for their furry friends.

Of the nearly half million pets insured by VPI, only 13 were given the name Fido. The most popular names for 2010 turned out to be inspired by the "Twilight" series, causing "Bella" to come in 2nd place behind "Max". Other top names were Bailey, Chloe, Lucy, Molly, Buddy, Maggie, Daisy, Charlie, and Sophie

Names for exotic animals were counted for the first time last year and included Baby, Sunny, Jack, Bandit, Samy and Gizmo.

No matter what you have decided to name your pet, make sure you’ve registered that name with the county by having a current rabies vaccine and county license. Not only is it the law, but it protects your pet against this fatal disease and could help in recovery if your pet should ever become lost. For more information about rabies vaccination and county licensure, contact your pet's veterinary hospital team!

Unleash Better Health

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:06:00 GMT

If you are one of millions having trouble sticking to an exercise program, help could be as close as your best buddy at the end of the leash. Studies show that dogs are actually your best workout partner! Energetic and enthusiastic, dogs are always ready to go for a stroll and won't convince you to skip your next workout.

A survey of dog owners, conducted at the University of Western Australia and published in Health Promotion Journal of Australia, revealed that dogs are great motivators for walking because they:

Provide a strong motivation to maintain a program
Are good walking companions
Provide good social support when exercising

Is dog walking really effective exercise? Dog owners who reported walking their dogs were almost 25 percent less likely to be obese than people without dogs. In fact, according to a new study, dog owners end up walking more than 23,000 miles with their pet during its lifetime—that's almost as far as walking around the world! Even though your dog may not forget your daily walk, you may be tempted to skip the walk and simply let your dog out for a solo romp in the backyard instead, especially as the weather heats up. But with a little planning, you can set yourself up for successfully adhering to a routine.

First, establish a walking schedule; plan to walk 30 minutes total each day. You can break this up if you need to, choosing a 10-minute walk in the morning and a 20-minute walk in the evening. Or maybe three 10-minute walks throughout the day, whatever works best for your lifestyle. Second, remember to write it down. When you "schedule" your walks into each day, you’ll feel more responsible keeping your appointments. Best of all, your dog will also get used to the routine and remind you when "it’s time!"

A few special considerations for starting a workout program with your dog:

Always be receptive to your dog’s needs. If he or she stops or begins limping during a walk, don’t continue. Carry the dog or arrange for a ride back home.
Young puppies should work up to walks over time. Fitness running is not recommended for puppies, so as not to damage the growth plates of their bones.
Try not to walk your dog during the hottest part of the day (typically 10am – 2pm), as they can quickly become overheated, potentially leading to life-threatening heat stroke.

So, grab a leash, call the pooch, and go for a walk—today and every day! Jumpstarting a healthy lifestyle program is as easy as taking the dog for a walk!

Sleeping with the Enemy?

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 03:49:00 GMT

Are there Zoonoses in the Bedroom?

You lock the doors, set the burglar alarm and climb into bed, with the family dog and/or cat following close behind. As your furry friends give you a kiss goodnight and settle in next to you, in the usual spot under the covers, you feel safe and secure. But, are you? Could there be hidden dangers right in your own bedroom just waiting to attack?

To the approximately 56% of dog owners and 62% of cat owners, sleeping with their pets is more than must a habit. Pets offer comfort, a sense of security and companionship, but a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has these owners potentially rethinking this bedtime routine.

A group of medical professionals including veterinarians and a human physician evaluated the possible risks associated with sleeping with, sharing a bed with, kissing or being licked by their pets. The researchers found clear evidence of disease transmission resulting from such interactions. Such infectious diseases that can be transmitted from an animal to a human are known as a “zoonoses” or a “zoonotic disease.” Some of the zoonotic diseases that were found to have been transmitted included parasites, both external and intestinal, bacteria and viruses. Though zoonotic infections acquired by sleeping with a pet are ultimately considered uncommon, the possibility exists that life-threatening infections or diseases can, in fact, be transmitted. Overall, young children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals are at greatest risk.

So, how can you prevent these hidden dangers from being a problem in YOUR bedroom? Overall, collaborate with your veterinary healthcare team to ensure your pet is healthy, including:

Regular wellness exams (at least semi-annual for seemingly healthy animals)
Monthly parasite prevention – external, intestinal and heartworm
Ensuring all recommended vaccinations are kept current

At home, a few ways to decrease the risk of zoonotic disease transmission include:

Wash hands after playing with pets, before preparing food and after handling feces
In a sanitary manner, pick up and dispose of all feces produced by your pet
Avoid letting your pet lick your face or open wounds
Not allowing your pet (especially young puppies or kittens) sleep with individuals most at risk

While it is likely that we will all still continue to sleep with our pets, it is important to understand the risks involved and what we can do to prevent these risks. While the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does not have a formal recommendation about people sleeping with their pets, what is clear is that the benefits of having a pet (whether they sleep in your bed or not) far outweigh the small risk they pose.

If you have any questions or concerns that remain, please contact your veterinary healthcare team to discuss further!

Four Paws for Laws

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:08:00 GMT

In honor of fallen police officers

The police dogs of the St Petersburg Police K9 unit have been in our thoughts lately, largely due in part to the recent, tragic loss of Officer Yaslowitz. We had the privilege of working with both him and his canine partner, “Ace”, as we have the honor of providing veterinary care for the dogs of the St Petersburg Police K9 unit. In commemoration, we'd like to share what goes into being a police dog in general, though this information may not apply to the St Petersburg Police K9 unit specifically.

The first step in a police dog's career is training to become an expert at basic obedience. They cannot hesitate to obey the commands of their handler.

A police dog candidate must also be able to make it through endurance and agility training. They must be able to jump over walls and climb stairs.

After meeting these goals, each dog then receives specialty training, whether it is to search for drugs, bombs or guns. Police dogs can also be trained to track suspects or missing persons. They have proved invaluable in locating missing children.

In St Petersburg, before graduating, the dogs must complete a rigorous four-month K-9 training school with their human partner, where they learn how to track suspects, complete building searches and search open fields. By the end of training, the two have developed a remarkable bond, creating a strong partnership.

Two commonly used breeds for police dogs are the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois, most often purchased from Europe. European dogs are felt to be more of a working dog than the show dogs bred in the United States. Many begin their careers at about 14-18 months of age and can have a career until they reach 7-10 years old. Retired police dogs often continue to reside with their partners.

In many jurisdictions the intentional injuring or killing of a police dog is a felony, resulting in harsher penalties than those laid out in local animal cruelty laws, just as an assault on a police officer is often more serious of an offense than an assault on a civilian.

The money for a city's Police K9 Unit often comes from the proceeds of the sales of seized goods, or from donations from the community. The dogs cost the St Petersburg Police Department between $6,500 and $10,000, and require only $3,000 annual maintenance once they're trained. The value of protection they provide the city, however, is priceless.

If you would like to show your support to the families of Officers Crawford, Yaslowitz, and Baitinger, Suncoast Law Enforcement Charities is accepting donations on behalf of the fallen officers. You can send contributions to 14141 46th Street North, Suite 1205, Clearwater, FL 33762.

New Year's Resolutions: How does your Pet want to start 2011?

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 01:06:00 GMT

Many of us resolve to turn over a new leaf at the beginning of each new year…exercise more , lose weight, eat healthy, donate to charity, to name a few. As you consider what YOUR resolutions will be for 2011, why not consider making (and sticking with) a few resolutions for your pets? Here are a few resolutions that might be on their list.

I RESOLVE TO…

Be more healthy

Establish a relationship with a veterinarian for your pet before you need one. Ask questions in order to gain the best understanding of how to keep your pet healthy. Understand that preventative wellness is paramount – it makes your pet more comfortable, helps extend his or her quality of life and life span and saves money.

Some key preventative veterinary health care measures include making sure that your pet visits his or her veterinarian for wellness visits biannually in order to receive necessary vaccinations and bloodwork screening. Ensure that your pet receives flea, heartworm and intestinal parasite control monthly. Make sure your pet is eating a well-balanced nutritional pet food and that they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Provide your pet with exercise daily. Not only does exercise help prevent obesity, but it also goes a long way towards preventing behavior issues and helps strengthen your bond, making your pet both healthy and happy! Any time you have a concern, don’t hesitate to make an appointment to see your veterinarian, as waiting could delay treatment and may even worsen the prognosis.

Plan for my safety and protection

Make sure that your pet has proper identification and a microchip in case he or she becomes separated from you or lost. A microchip, complete with an identification code unique to your pet and linked to you, provides the greatest opportunity that your lost pet will be returned to you. If your pet already has a microchip, check to make sure that your contact information is up-to-date.
Prepare for health emergencies. Consider purchasing pet health insurance before an accident or unexpected illness occurs. To learn more about pet health insurance go to www.petinsurancereview.com and read “Pet Insurance 101” blog below.
Use my manners

Invest time in training (or re-training) your pet to have good manners - not begging, jumping on people or furniture. If your training tactics aren’t getting the desired results, enroll your pet in training classes with a certified trainer. After that, consider joining the Canine Good Citizen program, a certification program that stresses responsible pet ownership designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community (http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/program.cfm).
Encourage my human to support an animal-centered charity

There are many ways to help animals in need. You can donate your time, money or needed supplies to an animal rescue or charity. You can also directly help reduce the number of homeless animals by adopting a shelter animal who needs a loving home. Or, consider enrolling your canine companion in a therapy dog program (http://www.tdi-dog.org) to help brighten the day of another person! Whatever you and your pet resolve to improve in 2011, make sure to love, laugh and enjoy each other!

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2011!

No Bones About It...

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 00:57:00 GMT

We May Need to Revise the Old Saying “Give a Dog a Bone!”

With the holidays approaching, it can be tempting to offer your pet a sampling from the family holiday meal. It is important to use caution when making decisions to feed your dog, whether it is turkey or ham from the table, or the bone left at the end of the of the meal. The idea that it’s natural for dogs to chew on bones is a popular one. However, it can be dangerous to the dog, even causing serious injury to your pet.

Here are some reasons why it is not recommended to share your holiday meal with your dog:

Human food, especially food enjoyed during the holidays, is typically higher in fat and calories than a dog’s gastrointestinal tract can support. This can cause a variety of conditions from gastroenteritis, to a more painful condition known as pancreatitis that may cause the dog to need hospitalization.
Bones can present a variety of hazards to dogs including broken teeth, mouth or tongue injuries. Bones or bone fragments can also get stuck or lodge in the esophagus, stomach or intestine or create an obstruction, which could even lead to perforation of any part of the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, a bone can even puncture the airway on the way down! Other bone related hazards include constipation due to bone fragments and potential bleeding due to trauma to the colon or rectum.

There are many alternatives to feeding your dog from the table and giving him or her bones. You can offer your dog a special pet-friendly treat or a chew toy made with ingredients that are safe for dogs to chew. Anytime your dog has a new treat or chew toy, make sure you can supervise him or her to ensure safety! If you have any questions regarding chew toy safety in your dog, contact your family veterinarian.

For additional tips to keep your pet safe this holiday season, see the “Winter Holiday Hazards for Pets” Blog!

Pet Health Insurance 101

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 02:49:00 GMT

Money spent on wellness and prevention, as well as keeping pets in a safe environment, significantly reduces the risk of illness and injury. Nevertheless, pets do occasionally become sick or injured and the cost to treat can be a strain on your wallet. The American Animal Hospital Association suggests all pet-owning families assess their financial situation and consider their ability to meet unexpected expenses that may arise for veterinary care.

Did you know that pet health insurance can help you cover the cost of such unexpected illnesses, accidents and possibly even routine care? Pet health insurance may be able to help provide the financial support to allow you the freedom to provide the best possible care your pet needs.

For those considering pet health insurance and the benefits to your pet:

Go to www.petinsurancereview.com to compare rates, coverage and get quotes from leading pet insurers, in addition to being able to read reviews from current policy owners.
Be sure you understand what the policy covers. Some policies (but not all) cover some preventative care, such as vaccinations, but there may be additional cost for this coverage.
Understand the exclusions. Almost all policies exclude pre-existing conditions and some exclude hereditary conditions. Some may exclude certain conditions unique to certain breeds.
Almost all policies have a deductible and a co-pay requirement. Some pay according to a set schedule of “usual and customary fees” while some pay based on the actual incurred expense. Be sure you understand how expenses will be reimbursed.
Ask whether or not the policy allows you to seek care from a veterinarian of your own choosing or whether you must go to a veterinarian that participates in the company’s network of providers. When faced with a pet’s serious illness, most pet owners want to be able to obtain care from their regular veterinarian.
Speak with your veterinarian or a Northeast Animal Hospital team member regarding health insurance.

Some frequently asked questions regarding pet health insurance include:

Is pet health insurance just like human health insurance?
No. Pet insurance is classified as a different type of insurance than human insurance. Typically, you, as the pet owner, pay the veterinary bill at the time of service, and the insurance provider reimburses you based on the diagnosis and/or percentage of the bill. Keep in mind that not all pet health insurance companies are the same, so make sure to do some research into the policies before choosing the policy that is best for your pet. A good starting point for policy comparison is www.petinsurancereview.com.
When is the best time to buy health insurance for my pet?
Before an accident or illness occurs!! Overall, the best time to purchase health insurance for your pet is when he or she is a puppy or kitten. You can purchase health insurance policies later in your pet’s life, but your coverage may be limited by “pre-existing” conditions.
How much does pet insurance cost – is it really worth it?
Like all insurance, a pet insurance policy insures against expensive medical costs while charging a monthly premium. Pet insurance costs generally range between $20-50 per month, depending on the policy and coverage. Some of the differences include policies ranging from high-deductible plans meant to offset the cost of true emergencies, to wellness plans that cover preventative care such as wellness examinations and vaccines. Additionally, pet health insurance coverage allows you to budget for your pet’s health care needs!