Dog Service Network, LLC » Health

Only One in 10 Americans Consider Their Cat or Dog’s Age When Selecting Food

Dog Service Network — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 02:03:43 +0000

Pet Parenthood Survey from Iams Reveals Opportunity to Help Consumers Understand Their Pet’s Nutritional Needs at Various Stages of Their Lives

Mason, Ohio (PRWEB) January 18, 2011

Results from a national survey* commissioned by Iams® and released today reveal that only 11 percent of U.S. pet owners take the age of a cat or dog as the most important factor when determining which formula to feed their pet. Propelled by this statistic, leading pet food maker Iams is reminding Americans to keep their resolutions to start 2011 off on the right paw by feeding pets a life stage specific diet.

“The new year is a time when we make resolutions to get healthier and improve ourselves, so why not extend that approach to our cat or dog’s overall well-being?” said Dr. Katy Nelson, DVM, emergency veterinarian, in Alexandria, VA and a member of the Iams Pet Wellness Council. “I always tell my patients that healthy checkups start on the inside. Feeding a high-quality diet specific to an animal’s age, like Iams Premium Protection, which offers specially formulated life-stage specific diets, is one of the most important ways to ensure four-legged family members lead healthy, happy lives.”

In 2011, Iams is making it easier for pet parents to keep their new year’s resolutions by bringing its most advanced nutrition ever – Iams Premium Protection – to mass retailers nationwide.

“When choosing a food for your cat or dog it is important to select a diet that has the right ingredients for that stage of your pet’s life,” continued Dr. Nelson. “Diet requirements – including protein levels, calories and vitamins and minerals – vary over the life of a pet and, in turn, an animal’s needs change as he grows from a puppy or kitten, to an adult into a senior,” said Nelson.

Oftentimes pet owners are not sure which life stage their cat or dog falls into. As a result, pets might not be receiving the nutrients or nutrients at the right levels critical for optimal health for their age. While life stage can vary between species and breeds, general guidelines include:

One to 12 months: Kitten and Puppy formula includes DHA for brain and vision development;
One to seven years: Adult formula includes HMP to keep teeth clean during and after meals, as well as balanced omega 6:3 ratio for healthy skin and coat;
Seven years and older: Senior formula with L-carnitine helps burn fat and keep muscles lean.

“Iams is deeply committed to enhancing the well-being of dogs and cats throughout their entire life,” said Neelam Modi, brand manager, Iams North America. “It is this commitment that inspired our nutritionists to work closely with veterinarians to develop Iams Premium Protection for each life stage.”

Other factors the survey revealed that pet parents consider when purchasing food for their cat or dog include:

Read Labels – Only one of out of three respondents (30 percent) rank ingredients as the most important criteria for which food to feed their cat or dog. Reading pet food labels is essential to ensure cats and dogs receive optimal nutrition.
Listen to the Experts – Nearly four out of ten (36 percent) pet owners cite personal recommendations from trusted resources such as veterinarians, as the most important factor of diet selection. Pet parents should consider looking to their veterinarian for nutrition recommendations.
Invest in Your Pet – Nearly one in four surveyed rank price as a deciding factor when choosing their pet’s food. Feeding pets a proper diet based on age is a lifelong investment in a cat and dog’s health.

Iams Premium Protection comes in three formulas for each species (dog and cat), which include: Kitten or Puppy, Adult and Senior. For more information about Iams and its pet food formulas, visit http://www.iams.com.

Survey Methodology
The above sourced findings are from an Ipsos poll conducted October 22 – 25, 2010. For the survey, a nationally representative sample of 1,006 randomly-selected adults aged 18 and over residing in the U.S. were interviewed online via Ipsos’ U.S. Online Express Omnibus. With this sample size, results are considered accurate within ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what they would have been had the entire population of adults in the U.S. been polled.

About P&G Pet Care
For more than 60 years, P&G Pet Care (NYSE:PG), the maker of Iams and Eukanuba, has enhanced the well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods and pet care products. To learn more about Eukanuba® and Iams® Dog & Cat Foods or general pet care and nutrition information, call the Iams Consumer Care Center at (800) 446-3075. You can also visit us on the Web at http://www.iams.com or http://www.eukanuba.com.

About Procter & Gamble
Four billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®, Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Gain®, Pringles®, Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun® and Fusion®. The P&G community includes approximately 127,000 employees working in about 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

*Online survey conducted among nationally representative sample of 1,006 randomly-selected adults aged 18 and over residing in the U.S. via Ipsos’ U.S. Online Express Omnibus. Survey was completed October 22-25, 2010. Margin of error +/-3%.

Source: PRWeb

Summer Fun Can be Deadly for Pets

Dog Service Network — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:17:41 +0000

Summer fun can be deadly for pets. Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital warns of the dangers of heatstroke particularly in dogs.

(PRWEB) December 17, 2010

While chasing a ball at the park and taking trips to the beach might sound like fun, pet owners are being warned of the dangers of heatstroke this summer, particularly in dogs.

According to Murdoch University’s veterinary expert Dr Katrin Swindells, heatstroke is one of the most catastrophic, and yet easily prevented, conditions that dogs can suffer.

“Dogs are so eager to please their owners; they often won’t stop playing until their bodies can’t take any more. Owners need to watch for warning signs of heatstroke such as heavy panting and act quickly,” said Dr Swindells.

“Days with temperatures of over 30 degrees bring an increased risk of heatstroke – and days of 36C or more make it a lot harder for your dog to cool down. When a dog overheats, the proteins in their cells start to break down, which can lead to the dog cooking internally.

“Dogs can’t sweat – they can only pant, so they need to find other ways to cool down such as drinking water, seeking shade or laying on a cold surface to manage their body heat.

“Heatstroke can lead to vomiting and diarrhoea, bleeding disorders and even brain damage. If the dog survives one episode of heatstroke it has a higher risk of future episodes as the area of the brain that responds to heat is forever changed.”

According to Dr Swindells, dogs most at risk of heatstroke include those with existing airway abnormalities who may snore or have noisy breathing, short-nosed breeds such a pugs that can have structural problems in their larynx, and dogs that have recently moved to hotter climates without having time to adjust.

“Particularly dangerous situations for all dogs include driving in cars if the dog’s area of the car is not air-conditioned or cross-ventilated, and exercising in the heat of the day – even if the dog seems to want to run or play.”

Watch for signs of heatstroke

Dr Swindells says it is easy to prevent heatstroke by avoiding activity in the middle of the day and providing ways to cool down, such as large iceblocks or a paddling pool and at least two bowls of fresh drinking water. Importantly, pet owners should monitor their animals for signs of heatstroke.

“If your dog collapses, or is breathing strangely or panting excessively, cool it down by hosing or wetting all over. Spend five minutes at home cooling your dog down, then drive to your vet with your windows open or air-conditioning on.

“If you spend a few minutes cooling your dog at home and then go to your vet, they generally have the best chance of survival, compared to going straight to the vet, or doing nothing to see if the situation improves.”

For more information about keeping your pets safe this summer, please visit http://www.murdoch.edu.au/Summer-fun

About Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital
Open hours for General Practice 8.30am-6pm
Murdoch Pet Emergency Centre open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Phone: 1300 652 494

Source: PRWeb

What Not to Feed Your Pet: Vets Warn Pet Owners on National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

Dog Service Network — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 04:36:40 +0000

Everyone’s heard that we humans have a little weight problem. Okay, a huge weight problem. Studies show we’re now sharing those excess pounds with our pets. On October 13, 2010, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) will set out once again to determine how many of our furry friends are too fat.

Calabash, NC (PRWEB) October 7, 2010

Everyone’s heard that we humans have a little weight problem. Okay, a huge weight problem. Studies show we’re now sharing those excess pounds with our pets. On October 13, 2010, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) will set out once again to determine how many of our furry friends are too fat.

“As a practicing veterinarian for almost twenty years, I’ve never seen this many overweight pets.” remarks Dr. Ernie Ward, founder and president of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. “We’re witnessing the super-sizing of America’s pets before our very eyes.”

All that super-sizing carries a hefty price. Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) claims it pays out over $14 million in weight-related claims each year. “It’s not only the cost in tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars in largely preventable medical expenses that concerns me.” reports Dr. Ward. “It’s the incalculable suffering and needless loss of life that compels me to take action against obesity. Pet obesity is by far the greatest health threat our pets face.”

APOP will conduct its fourth annual National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Study October 13, 2010 in almost 1,000 veterinary clinics nationwide. “This year we’ve teamed up with Banfield Pet Hospital, the largest group of veterinary clinics in North America, to increase the number of pets in the study. Banfield’s commitment to helping us wage the war against pet obesity is a welcome addition to our efforts.”

Last year’s study revealed 45 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats were classified as overweight or obese by their vets. This equals almost 90 million pets at risk for developing diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and respiratory disease and many forms of cancer.

Ward says high calorie treats are a major cause of the problem. “Many of today’s treats are so full of sugar and fat that I call them “Kibble Crack” because they can cause the same sorts of changes to brain chemistry as illicit drugs.” Ward goes further to state that pets are often fed several treats per day. “I’m not against treats; I’m against too many treats. It’s no different than eating dessert at breakfast, lunch and supper and then enjoying a few in-between meal snacks. We’ve become a nation of mega-treaters.”

In Ward’s book on pet obesity, “Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs Are Getting Fatter,” he calculates the impact even small treats have on a dog’s weight. “If an average 20-pound dog eats a Snausages SnawsomesPeanut Butter and Apple Flavor treat, it’s the same as an average human eating half of a large Domino’s Pizza with Extra Cheese.”

Other of Ward’s “What Not to Feed” treats include:

1 Purina Busy Bone, size small/medium fed to a 40-pound dog is similar to an adult eating 4 McDonald’s Egg McMuffins
1 Milk-Bones Large Dog Biscuit fed to a 60-pound dog is the same as an adult eating 1 Snickers Bar
1 Pup-Peroni fed to a 10-pound dog is equal to an adult eating a Little Debbie Fudge Brownie
1 Premium Pig Ear fed to a 40-pound dog is no different than an adult drinking 6 12-ounce Coke Classics
½ hot dog wiener fed to a 20-pound dog is equivalent to an adult eating an 8-ounce choice, lean broiled T-bone steak
½ tablespoon Jif Creamy Peanut Butter fed to a 40-pound dog is the same as an adult eating 1 McDonald’s Sausage Patty
1 McDonald’s Cheeseburger eaten by a 60-pound dog is similar to an adult munching on 2 Taco Bell Taco Supremes and 1 20-ounce Coke Classic

“Because pet treats aren’t required to list calories on their labels, most pet owners aren’t aware of the dangers many treats pose. Our organization’s goal is to raise awareness about the causes and treatments for pet obesity in order to help pets and people live longer, healthier lives.”

For more information, visit http://www.PetObesityPrevention.org.

Source: PRWeb

How Fat Is That Doggie in Your Window? Vets Release Pet Weight Translator

Dog Service Network — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:52:09 +0000

Pet Weight Translator Compares Weights of Portly Pets to Pudgy People

Calabash, North Carolina (PRWEB) August 2, 2010 – Vets concerned about the growing pet obesity epidemic want people to know that a 12 pound Yorkie is the same as an average female weighing 218 pounds and a 14 pound cat is equivalent to a 237 pound man. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) has created an online pet weight translator and tables of the most common breeds that compare those extra pounds on our pets in terms of love handles we can all relate to.

APOP Founder and President Dr. Ernie Ward remarks on why the group created these tools. “As a veterinarian I’m always looking for ways to demonstrate how serious even a few extra pounds on a pet can be. These tables and calculations put pet weights in human terms, making it easier to understand. For example, if I tell a client their female Lab is 20 pounds overweight, that doesn’t sound too bad. Owners think ‘It’s a big dog.’ If I tell them it’s the same as them weighing almost 190 pounds, suddenly the light bulb goes on. ‘My dog is fat.’”

More important than light bulbs flashing, Ward hopes to educate pet lovers about the dangers of pet obesity and poor nutrition.

“Over half the nation’s dogs and cats are now overweight making obesity the leading health threat of our pets. Largely preventable diseases such as arthritis and diabetes are being seen in record numbers costing pets their life and owners millions in medical bills. The reality most of these cases could be avoided simply by preventing weight gain and shedding excess pounds.” So what can pet owners do to fight excess weight in their pets?

“The single most valuable tool a pet owner has in the fight against obesity is a measuring cup. Most pet owners don’t measure how much they’re feeding and even fewer know how much they should be feeding.” responds Ward.

To determine how many pounds on a pet equal those on a person, the group used average heights for men and women, 5 foot 9 inches and 5 feet 4 inches, respectively. They then used the normal range of the Body Mass Index (BMI), 18.5 to 24.9. These weights were then compared to a breed’s normal weight range.

Ward explains, “Our calculations were performed in the most conservative fashion. We used the upper range of ‘normal’ weights for women (145 pounds) and men (169 pounds) as well as the upper weight range for breeds as a starting point for our pet equivalents. When our charts state a 23 pound Shih tzu is equal to a 208 pound female, you can count on it.”

One of the key barriers to pet weight loss is owner’s denial of the problem which Ward calls the ‘fat gap.’

“Many owners incorrectly believe their pet is big. The reality is very few of us are the size of an NBA or NFL professional athlete. Those guys are large. By putting their pet’s weight in terms normal people can relate to, I can more easily explain why their pet is ‘fat,’ not ‘big.’”

Visit www.PetObesityPrevention.com for details.

Other highlights of the data include:

90 pound female Labrador retriever is equal to a 186 pound 5’ 4” female or 217 pound 5’ 9” male
Every excess pound on a female Lab is equal to 4 to 5 pounds on a 5’ 4” female or 5’ 9” male
15 pound average DSH/DMH/DLH cat is equal to a 218 pound 5’ 4” female or 254 pound 5’ 9” male
Every excess pound on an average DSH/DMH/DLH cat is equal to 14 to 15 pounds on a 5’ 4” female or 17 pounds on a 5’ 9” male
15 pound average DSH/DMH/DLH cat is equal to a 218 pound 5’ 4” female or 254 pound 5’ 9” male
105 pound male Golden retriever is equal to a 203 pound 5’ 4” female or 237 pound 5’ 9” male
Every excess pound on a female Golden is equal to 4 to 5 pounds on a 5’ 4” female or 5’ 9” male
12 pound Pomeranian is equal to a 249 pound 5’ 4” female or 290 pound 5’ 9” male
Every excess pound on a Pomeranian is equal to 21 to 21 pounds on a 5’ 4” female or 24 to 25 pounds on a 5’ 9” male

Contact:
Dr. Ernie Ward
DrWard(at)PetObesityPrevention(dot)com
9256 Beach Drive
Calabash, NC 28469
Ph: 910-579-5550

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Source: PR Web

Veterinary Neurologist Campaigns for High Blood Pressure Screenings for Pets

Dog Service Network — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:23:57 +0000

Dr. Anne Chauvet is offering a free pet hypertension guide so pet owners know how to take life-saving action to avoid stroke or seizure, which can be caused by high blood pressure. Veterinarians are encouraged to include blood pressure screenings in routine exams.

Sarasota, Fla. (PRWEB) June 3, 2010 — Veterinary neurologist Dr. Anne Chauvet is helping to educate pet owners and other veterinarians about the importance of routine blood pressure screenings with the free Guide to Hypertension in Pets.

Untreated hypertension in pets can lead to many of the same problems as in humans, such as strokes, seizures or sudden blindness, said Chauvet, founder of Veterinary Neuro Services. She is offering the free guide to help pet owners take life-saving action to help their pets.

“While blood pressure is not routinely taken during a veterinary exam, I encourage owners to ask their vets if it would be appropriate for their dogs,” Chauvet said. “It is far more common than is generally thought. As a veterinary neurologist, I have added a blood pressure check to my routine work-ups, and I am encouraging other veterinarians to do the same.”

High blood pressure in dogs and cats can be caused by disease or lifestyle issues the same as in humans, she said, including adrenal cancers, brain disease, certain drugs, chronic kidney disease and some endocrine diseases. Other causes are poor diet, obesity and lack of exercise.

For dogs, the systolic pressure, which is when the heart is pushing blood through the arteries, should not exceed 170 to180 mmHg and the diastolic (heart at rest) blood pressure should not be higher than about 100 to 110 mmHg, Chauvet said. Blood pressures significantly higher than those ranges can lead to a stroke or other pet emergency, she said. A veterinarian measures blood pressure with a special cuff placed on the foreleg, much the same as it is taken in humans.

Hypertension can be managed by lifestyle changes such as weight loss and increased exercise and through medications like amlodipine, benazepril and enalapril. However, Chauvet said underlying causes of high blood pressure should be diagnosed and treated. Routine follow up checks also are required for hypertensive pets.

More information is available at www.PetNeuro.com. Information about pet weight loss and pet exercise is available at www.BigDogBigLoser.com and www.HealthyPetRehab.com.

About Veterinary Neuro Services:
Dr. Anne Chauvet, one of fewer than 200 veterinary neurologists and neurosurgeons in North America, is the founder of Veterinary Neuro Services in Sarasota, Fla. Veterinary Neuro Services treats brain, spinal cord and neuromuscular conditions in animals and is the only strictly neurology and neurosurgery practice on the Gulf Coast. It is located at 3900 Clark Rd., Building M, Unit 4, Sarasota, Fla. More information is available by calling 941-929-1818 or online at www.PetNeuro.com

Source: PR Web

Dog Food Allergies – How to Treat the Problem

Dog Service Network — Mon, 10 May 2010 23:52:17 +0000

Dog food allergies are rather difficult to distinguish from other allergies like atopy, etc., because the symptoms of food allergies tend to be similar to the symptoms of the other allergies. Despite there not being one outstanding symptom that would point us in the direction of food allergy, which makes diagnosis very difficult, there are some symptoms that have been identified as being related to a dog’s food allergy.

Dog food allergies are rather difficult to distinguish from other allergies like atopy, etc., because the symptoms of food allergies tend to be similar to the symptoms of the other allergies.

SYMPTOMS

Despite there not being one outstanding symptom that would point us in the direction of food allergy, which makes diagnosis very difficult, there are some symptoms that have been identified as being related to a dog’s food allergy.

Symptoms tend to vary from case to case but I have listed some that have been identified as symptoms displayed by a dog with a food allergy:

Dry, flaky skin
Hair loss
Itchy skin, feet and paws
Persistent skin infections/ hot spots o Persistent ear infections especially yeast infections o Constant vomiting o Frequent bowel movements o Skin rashes and hives

Other symptoms like flatulence, sneezing, changes in behavior patterns and asthma can also indicate food allergies.

CAUSES

Research has shown that some dog food ingredients could be the cause of a dog’s food allergies, such as corn, dairy products, beef, eggs, wheat, chicken and soy; all common dog food ingredients by themselves.

Dog allergies are most often caused by the consumption of the same food for several years. These allergies tend to manifest themselves quite suddenly, irrespective of the fact that the dog has been eating the same thing for years. Detecting the actual cause of the dog’s food allergy can be both a frustrating and time consuming exercise, but here’s what you can do…

SOLUTION

Exclusion diet: this is probably the most effective way to find out the cause of a food allergy.

One source of protein is used for up to 12 weeks to see if the dog’s condition improves. After that, new ingredients are added (every seven days) one at a time until the problem returns so you can identify the ingredient that was causing the food allergy. This is a very slow and painstaking method but it is effective.

Make sure that you use a protein source that your dog has not been previously been given, such as tofu, venison, fish, lamb or rabbit, making sure that the digestibility percentage is at least 85%. Try to avoid additives as much as possible. Combine the protein source with a carbohydrate; one example would be lamb and rice.

A vet can give medication to help cope with the allergy and can administer a blood test to try and figure out the ingredient causing the allergy. However, such tests are not very accurate as a diagnostic tool and an exclusion diet is usually the best way to go about it.

To help relieve exterior symptoms, I suggest you consider using an all-natural product.

Tip: using distilled water or boiled tap water that has been refrigerated will help to avoid the chlorine content in the water, which is a possible factor.

PREVENTION

There is no quick fix for dog food allergies. It is up to you to find out the ingredient that is causing the allergy and eliminate it from your dog’s food. Once you have identified the food ingredient(s) to which your dog is allergic and removed them from your dog’s diet, the allergy should clear up quickly enough. Don’t forget to keep a diary to record the elimination process – this is crucial to helping your dog get rid of its food allergy.

Brandon Roe is the developer of K9 KlearUp http://k9klearup.com/amx.php?adminid=5090&id=19726, the world’s only all-natural dog balm that helps clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems… Guaranteed or your money back.

Signup today for Brandon’s weekly K9Kourier newsletter and get all the best from the canine world sent right to your inbox – http://k9klearup.com/amx.php?adminid=5090&id=19726&pid=17483. Signup today and receive a special free gift.

Free Dog Calorie Calculator for all Dog Websites

Dog Service Network — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:49:56 +0000

TrainPetDog.com’s Dog Calorie Calculator gives the calorie needs for Dogs based on their age and lifestyle.

West Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) January 4, 2010 — TrainPetDog.com, a long-known resource for free dog training courses and videos, is now offering a free online calculator for website visitors to calculate a dog’s daily calorie count. This Dog Calorie Calculator gives the calorie needs for dogs based on their age and lifestyle. It also suggests the amount of food to feed your dog based on the quality of the dog food.

Now, TrainPetDog.com is proud to announce the offering of this free calculator tool to any dog website owners for use on their pages. Whether the website is about dog training or different types of dog breeds, like a Boston Terrier or Rhodesian Ridgeback, the calculator is free to use. “Because many pet owners are now concerned with the households’ dog diet, including the nutrients and amount of food they should be getting each day.” Nipa, Director of TrainPetDog.com, said. “The Dog Calorie Calculator will help a dog website’s visitors discover the exact calorie requirements for their dog, the ingredients in the food they’re feeding their dog now, and how they should be feeding them.”

While this tool is free, TrainPetDog.com is making this dog calorie calculator available to only a select few dog training and dog-themed websites in order to keep it exclusive and in demand. Dog website owners can get the code now from http://www.trainpetdog.com/calorie-calculator.html.

Besides providing the free dog calorie calculator, TrainPetDog.com offers a wide variety of information for dog owners and enthusiasts. Dog training videos, including the “4 P’s of Dog Training” are popular, as well as summaries on different dog breeds, which dogs shed the most (and how to control it), and which dogs are best for children.

About TrainPetDog.com

Founded 5 years ago by dog enthusiasts, TrainPetDog.com was created with the intention of providing a much-needed resource to help owners train their dogs and puppies, based on their natural breed instincts. Today, the website has more than 875,000 subscribers to their free, breed-specific dog training course. It also has information about all kinds of dog breeds – from small breeds like Italian Greyhounds to large breeds like the Great Dane. The website’s staff is constantly researching, conducting surveys, and experimenting with dog training techniques to ensure that the information provided is the best and most current available. For more information, please visit www.trainpetdog.com.

Source: PR Web

CVMF Advises on How to Save Money on Veterinary Bills

Dog Service Network — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:05:30 +0000

The most common causes for vet visits and how to avoid them.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) May 27, 2009 — Avoiding common diseases in pets is not only possible but by being proactive, you can save a great deal of money in medical expenses, says leading veterinarian Dr. Arnold Goldman, president of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Foundation (www.petsafetyct.org) and director of the Connecticut State Animal Response Team.

Dr. Goldman explains, “There are very serious pet health issues that can be completely avoided or minimized with a little common sense and proactive attention by owners. You can save thousands of dollars, and keep your companion healthy and safe.”

The top reasons for costly veterinary visits, according to The CVMF, and how to avoid them include:

Motor vehicle trauma:

Use a six foot leash — not a flexilead, when outside, especially near roads.
Do not rely on an electric fence. They may be inoperative when you least expect it.
Do not rely on your belief that your pet will never leave your yard. It takes just one squirrel to lead to serious injury and needless pain. Trauma care costs may exceed $5000.00

Arthritis:

Keep your dog and cat lean (obesity can cause arthritis, as well as diabetes and other ailments).
Avoid running with your pet on pavement
Do not force dogs with “specialized” conformation to perform like a wolf (for example: toy breeds dogs cannot run alongside their owners).

Gastroenteritis:

Use a leash at ALL times.
Do not allow eating things off the ground,
Do not vary diet or feed people food.
Do not allow your dog to make contact with other dogs’ stools or where parasites may be present. (This is common at dog parks, many doggy day cares and wherever dogs congregate).

Skin Disease:

Practice strict tick and flea control.
When the dog has a history of skin disease, see your veterinarian early for preventative measures such as antihistamines to avoid more costly interventions later.
Most often ear disease is linked to allergic disease, so see your veterinarian early for ear discomfort.

Periodontal Disease:

Train puppies that brushing is normal — start early.
Brush the teeth and gums. You must train them to accept it. Teach them this is not optional.
Allow regular professional dental cleanings from age two on.
85 percent of dogs and cats have moderate to severe periodontal disease due to not brushing or cleaning. It leads to many other ailments, all of which cost more to treat than prevent.

Bloat:

Feed two equal meals daily of a measured amount.
Avoid exercise after eating.
Be aware of signs of bloat (non-productive vomiting, abdominal distention).

In addition to those common issues, Dr. Goldman says “The ideal way to avoid health problems is by early detection and prevention — just like with people — with twice-yearly physical exams after age seven. And always examine your pet regularly at home for lumps and other abnormalities to try to catch things early. Weigh your pet regularly. Any changes should be reported to your veterinarian.”

The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Foundation mission is to be a safety net for domestic animals and to enhance their health and welfare while promoting the human-companion animal bond (www.petsafetyct.org).

Media contact:
Rodi Rosensweig
203/270-8929

Source: PR Web Press Release Newswire

When It’s Time To Say Good Bye

Dog Service Network — Sat, 23 May 2009 16:55:59 +0000

In this article, “When It’s Time To Say Good Bye”, written two weeks after the loss of the author’s beloved pet to cancer, is a reflection on what dog owners must consider when choosing to put their dog to sleep.

The decision to euthanize a pet is for most owners a difficult choice. Consultation with your veterinarian will help you make the right choice. Some pet owners are unable to cope with the daily care of an ill pet. The tasks around the care, cleaning, feeding, and expense can build resentment towards the pet and would rob them of happy memories. Some pets are euthanized because of behaviour problems such as aggression and barking. Rather than consult their veterinarian or an animal behaviorist, the owner opts for an easy out. They are focusing on the possibility of law suits or eviction rather than the love for their pet. Healthy dogs are also euthanized because the owners housing situation has changed. The owner finds that they are moving to an apartment where no pets are allowed. Rather than consulting their veterinarian or a pet placement service the owner opts for euthanasia. They either do not feel they can trust someone else to love their pet, have a distrust of the pet placement services, or do not want the expense and trouble of finding someone to adopt their pet.We’ve all heard the phrase “Quality of life, not quantity.” When a dog becomes old, or ill, or is in pain, it may be the best and kindest thing to let the pet go in peace and with dignity. Your veterinarian should always be consulted before and during this decision. He/she will know when the time is right for you and your pet so than neither your nor your pet will suffer excessively physically or emotionally.

The act of euthanasia is never as bad as we fantasize. We can choose to be present or not during the actual euthanasia. The shot is painless and many veterinarians will tranquilize the pet before hand as many pets will react to the nervousness of their owners and react likewise. Being with your pet gives you a chance to say your final good-byes and put closure to your relationship. If grief seems unbearable ask your veterinarian for some brochures dealing with loss of pets. Be assured that if you have been consulting your veterinarian all along during your pets life and illness, that you have now made a wise, informative, and correct decision. Be at ease and turn your thoughts to happy memories.

Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, www.k9klearup.com/19362. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox – Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter at www.k9klearup.com/k9klearup/19362 and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on “Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine”.

More Than 1,500 Service Dogs Receive Free Sight Saving Eye Exams

Dog Service Network — Wed, 20 May 2009 22:24:38 +0000

ACVO®/Merial® National Service Dog Eye Exam event is highly successful in pairing veterinary ophthalmologists with service dogs throughout the U.S. and Canada

Meridian, ID (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 20, 2009 — She has been blind for 13 years. So, when Lisa Davidson, of Warminster, PA found out about the ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam event, she was elated. She completely relies on her guide dog, Eagle for assistance. “I think it’s great these animals are being represented because they have a very special job to do,” says Ms. Davidson. “Eagle has opened many doors for me, to allow me to become independent. It’s so important that his eyes are working.”

And, that’s exactly the reason behind the event. Stacee Daniel, executive director of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) says, “If we can assist more dogs, then the dogs can better assist people.” The effort, which took place the week of May 4th, 2009 brought together more than 150 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists across the U.S. and Canada to provide free sight-saving eye exams to more than 1,500 dogs. “This event was such a success due to the outstanding support of our volunteer ophthalmologists, our sponsors and the service dog community,” adds Ms. Daniel. “All were instrumental in helping these dogs.”

Lisa Davidson took Eagle to the Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services in Langhorne, PA to get his free eye exam. Board certified veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Robert Peiffer, examined the 6 year-old black lab/golden retriever mix and gave Eagle a clean bill of health. “In these exams, we hope to identify any health issues in their early stages,” says Dr. Peiffer. “Early detection and treatment are the keys to fast recovery.”

At Katonah Bedford Veterinary Center, in Bedford Hills, NY, Pele, a young Labrador retriever was examined by board certified veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Cory Mosunic. “We’re looking for any retinal disease or early cataracts,” says Dr. Mosunic. “We’re also looking for things that will limit their vision down the road, whether it’s an ingrown hair or anything that can result in a scratch of the cornea. It’s a complete ocular exam.” Pele is from Puppies Behind Bars, an organization providing psychiatric service dogs to soldiers coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan. “I’m deeply appreciative of the veterinarians that participate in this,” says Puppies Behind Bars President and Founder, Gloria Gilbert Stoga. “I think it’s a wonderful service.”

Dogs participating included active “working dogs” that were certified by a formal training program or organization or currently enrolled in a formal training program. Specific service groups are listed on the website at www.acvoeyeexam.org.

Plans for next year
This is the second year for the ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam Event. Plans for next year are already underway and will likely take place again the first week of May 2010. People are invited to learn more, by visiting www.acvoeyexam.org.

Sponsors:
Sponsors for the 2009 ACVO/Merial National Service Dog Eye Exam Event include: The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, Merial, Kong Veterinary Products, Optigen and Hills.

About the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists® is an approved veterinary specialty organization of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Its mission is “to advance the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence as specialists in veterinary ophthalmology.” To become board certified a candidate must complete a DVM degree, a one year internship, a three year approved residency and pass a series of credentials and examinations. For more information, please visit www.ACVO.org.

The following non-profit organizations have supported the National Service Dog Eye Exam Day: American Animal Hospital Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, state veterinary medical associations in the U.S. and Canada, American Society of Veterinary Medical Association Executives, Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians Society, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, American Association of Detection Dogs, North American Police Dog Association, National Narcotic Detection Dog Association, Patriot Paws Service Dogs, Paws with a Cause, Department of Homeland Security and Service Dogs of America. Additional organizational support is pending.

Media Inquiries:
For more information, photos and interviews with Stacee Daniel, Executive Director of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists or to speak with a participating veterinary ophthalmologist, service dog (and their owner), please contact Kelly Farnan at 727.709.5252 or Kelly(at)FetchingCommunications.com.

Source: PR Web

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