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Just like children, dogs and cats need to visit
a medical professional once a year, and not just for their
shots. While vaccination is an important part of routine
care, regular visits to the veterinarian allow them to
be screened for a variety of diseases, and provide owners
with
the
best |
possible information about caring for their dog or cat.The
latest buzz. Heart worm disease is a potentially fatal condition,
spread by mosquitoes. While heart worm disease is easy to prevent
by using a monthly preventative, like HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/
pyrantel) , it is difficult to treat. Symptoms of heart worm
disease in dogs vary from nothing to a cough and exercise intolerance,
and a dog may carry anywhere from one to 250 worms. Cats, however,
usually have only one to three worms, and symptoms may vary
from nothing, to a cough and respiratory distress, or even death.
Keep
cool.
Heat stroke is a dangerous condition where normal body temperature
of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit in cats and 102.0 degrees Fahrenheit
in dogs is extremely elevated, sometimes as high as 109.5
degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms include vomiting, increased breathing,
unresponsiveness and collapse. Heat stroke can be avoided
by providing pets with shade and fresh water. If you suspect
a pet is suffering from heat stroke, immerse or spray him
with cool water and see a veterinarian immediately. Do NOT
use cold or ice water.
Pesky
Pests.
Fleas and ticks are more then a nuisance; they can cause
serious problems, ranging from mild skin irritations to life
threatening diseases. Flea allergy dermatitis, the most common
cause of itching and scratching in dogs and cats, can be caused
by fleas. Ticks may transmit numerous diseases, including
Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Using a flea
and tick control product, such as FRONTLINE® brand products,
can help keep these pests at bay.
Show
those pearly whites.
Dogs and cats can suffer from the same dental problems
as people, including pain, infection and tooth loss. If left
untreated, poor dental hygiene can lead to disease in the
heart, lungs, kidneys and liver. While bones and toys help
reduce plaque accumulation, you may need to brush their teeth
daily to prevent dental problems. Use a soft toothbrush and
toothpaste specially formulated for animals.
Sit,
stay, heel, roll over.
Though you may think of Fido as one of the kids, training
is a necessary part of puppy care. A well-trained dog is often
more welcome then an unruly one, and subsequently can spend
more time with its owners without getting into trouble.
You
are what you eat.
A balanced diet is important to help maintain your dog's
or cat's health. What is healthy for humans isn't necessarily
healthy for pets - table scraps can't fulfill their dietary
needs. Foods specifically designed for cats and dogs and approved
by the Association of American Feed Control Officials will
help provide your dog or cat with a balanced diet.
Beggin'
for a workout.
Exercise is as important for pets as it is for people.
Not only does it help prevent obesity and other health problems,
but it also builds the human-animal relationship.
Safeguard
the home.
Safeguarding the home and yard can help prevent serious
accidents. Watch out for poisonous plants (dumb cane, philodendron,
hyacinth and mistletoe), pesticides, medications, antifreeze,
low electrical cords and small objects animals could choke
on.
Have
a heart to heart.
The most important way to keep dogs and cats healthy is
to give them lots of love. Spending time with them and including
them in activities strengthens the bond you share. Remember,
in order to be truly healthy, your dog or cat needs to be
happy.
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