The best Rx. 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. Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition, spread by mosquitoes. While heartworm disease is easy to prevent by using a monthly preventative, like HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), it is difficult to treat. Symptoms of heartworm 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.
Information provided by the American Heartworm Society and sponsored by Merial, maker of HEARTGARD®(ivermectin) brand products.
Toll Free Number: 1-866-ASK-VETS
Hotlink: www.healthypet.com
