Pet Health Library

Hi there and welcome to our Pet Health Library!
We hope this area will become a large part of our web site.
There are so many useful pet health web sites already established that we have posted some of their links below. We will also continue to post interesting and helpful articles as they are developed.

Remember “a happy pet is a healthy pet!”

Preventive Health Care and Annual Veterinary Exams
We all know that preventing disease or catching it in its early stages is far better than trying to treat it once it has had time to progress to a more severe stage. Preventive health care on a regular basis for your pet will help you do just that, and save you and your pet from needless suffering and a larger financial burden.

Annual Physical Exam
Even our cars get regular tune-ups! Why not our pets?! Just as annual physical exams are recommended for humans, they are recommended for our pets as well. If your pet is older or has medical problems, they may need even more frequent examinations. A year is a long time in a dog or cat’s life. Assuming our pets will live to their early teens, receiving a yearly exam means they will only have about thirteen exams in a lifetime. That’s not very many when you think about it.

• During your pet’s annual physical exam there are many aspects of your pet’s health that will be reviewed. Here is a list of some of the common areas that will be looked at and discussed:
• Vaccination status
• Parasite control for intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks, mites and heartworms
• Dental health - care you give at home; any mouth odors, pain, or other signs of disease you may have observed
• Nutrition - including what your pet eats, how often, what supplements and treats are given, and changes in water consumption, weight or appetite
• Exercise - how much exercise your pet receives including how often and what kind; and any changes in your pet’s ability to exercise.
• Ears and Eyes - any discharge, redness or itching.
• Stomach and intestines - any vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas, belching, or abnormal stools.
• Breathing - any coughing, shortness of breath, sneezing or nasal discharge.
• Behavior - any behavior problems such as barking, "accidents" or changes in temperament.
• Feet and legs - any limping, weakness, toenail problems.
• Coat and skin - any hair loss, pigment changes, lumps, itchy spots, shedding, mats, or anal sac problems.
• Urogenital - any discharges, heats, changes in mammary glands, urination difficulties or changes, neutering if it has not already been performed.
• Blood tests - especially for geriatric pets, those with medical problems, and those who are receiving medications
  
  
  (our in-hospital laboratory equipment)
  
  
• You Can Be a Responsible Pet Owner!
  It is easy to be a responsible pet owner. Just remember that your cat or dog depends on you to provide companionship, healthy food, veterinary care, shelter, and safety.

  License your pet according to your local laws and have them wear an ID tag showing your name, address, and telephone number at all times.

Make your pet an indoor pet if possible. However, if they need to be outdoor pets they should be provided with a warm, safe place for shelter, fresh food, clean water and lots of love.

Keep your dog or cat on a leash or under your control whenever you take them outside for exercise. This will protect your pet from injuries caused by cars and other animals and from disease and theft, as well as keep her from being a public nuisance.

Spay or neuter your pet. This will keep him or her healthier and will reduce the problem of dog and cat overpopulation.

Give your pet a nutritious, complete diet, including constant access to clean water.

Provide your pet with plenty of exercise.

Be sure your pet receives proper veterinary care, and keep up with the necessary vaccinations, to protect your pet, other animals, and your community.

Train your pet patiently, and give them lots of love and attention. Groom your pet often to keep their coat healthy, soft, and shiny. Grooming sessions are a wonderful opportunity to bond with your pet.

Have realistic expectations about your pet; nobody is perfect. Make a commitment to work through any behavior or health problems that may arise. Don't just get rid of your pet!

Visit your local animal shelter when it's time to bring a new pet into your life, and adopt one of the many homeless dogs and cats of all types, sizes, and ages who are waiting for a lifelong responsible home.

LINKS

A good site for kids!
www.howtoloveyourdog.com

Some good dog info.
www.canismajor.com

AAHA site for pet health, lots of reliable information.
www.healthypet.com

Another good site for pet info, also articles on senior pets.
www.peteducation.com

A site sponsored by vets to provide accurate information for pet owners.
www.petsvetsandyou.com

An excellent site by the Canadian Animal Health Network.
www.pawprints.com

Pet Insurance
Vet Insurance
www.vetinsurance.com

Pet Care Insurance
www.petcareinsurance.com

Pet Plan
www.petplan.com