Dog Lover Community

Pets continue to be popular in our society, yet the reasons we have them is changing. No longer are our dogs, cats, and horses “working” for their keep, they have become trusted companions and family members. They enjoy the comforts of our homes, and in recent years the benefits of improved health care and specifically holistic veterinary care.

Holistic veterinary care, like that of human care, looks at the “whole”, not just isolated parts. It focuses on resolving the cause and the problem, not just alleviating symptoms. Overall improvement of the quality of life and living is the goal. In addition to western approaches, such as antibiotics (drugs) and surgery, holistic approaches include acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, herbology, Bach flower remedies, and nutritional therapy.

A major key in holistic veterinary care is that the doctor looks at the whole picture. Most will take a detailed background of the animal–medical being just a part. They will look at the environment the animal came from and where it is now, any recurrent problems and their pattern, and the pet’s relationship with its owner (and family members). From this information the veterinarian, with the owner, can work to pinpoint causes and develop appropriate and feasible treatment plans. The plan may include several approaches and phases with optimum health as its goal. An example may be that the pet receives an antibiotic for a severe infection, acupuncture for improved healing and well-being, and an improved diet.

Holistic veterinary care in the Western world is still in its infancy. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, based in Maryland, was just founded in 1981. And more recently in 1988, acupuncture was recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Both veterinary acupuncturist and chiropractors have formed their own organizations to help educate and create awareness of the alternatives available in veterinary care. Homeopathic veterinarians participate in the National Center for Homeopathy.

Holistic pet care has come along way in just a short time, but it still has a way to go to be accepted and utilized by more pet owners.

Marian Brown has been active in holistic health care for over 15 years. She is editor of Holistic Health News. Visit our site at http://www.hhnews.com to join our free email newsletter.

Tags: care, cat care, cat health, dog care, dog health, holistic, holistic pet care, natural pet, petcare, cat care, cat health, dog care, dog health, holistic, holistic pet care, natural pet, pet

Share This

Filed under: Dog Health | No Comments »

Looking for a reason to quit smoking? The effects of smoking are widely known. It is a fact that smoking causes heart disease, strokes and contributes to a number of cancers. One in two lifetime smokers will die from their habit. Basically, smoking inevitably leads to death. It’s just that simple. What isn’t as widely known is that smoking can also harm your pets as well. In fact, people who smoke could be putting their pets as risk of getting cancer.

Unfortunately, your cat may be most at risk of the developing a preventable disease from your smoking habit. That can develop Feline Lymphoma and Oral Cancer from your second hand smoke. Since cats often groom themselves diligently, cats in smoking households can lick up carcinogens that have been deposited on their fur. Daily grooming over a long period of time can expose the delicate skin in the mouth to hazardous amounts of carcinogens causing Oral Cancer. In addition, the lymph nodes filter the blood, inhaled or ingested carcinogens can build up in these structures, causing Feline Lymphoma. This type of cancer kills three out of every four cats every year.

Man’s best friend is not out of harms way either. In dogs, second hand smoke may cause Nasal Sinus Cancer and in more serious cases Lung Cancer. A study at Colorado State found a higher incidence of nasal cavity tumors in dogs exposed to second hand smoke than in dogs that live in non-smoking households.

These days, pets mean more to some than children. They are extremely loyal and ask for nothing but love in return. Americans spent 34 billion dollars last year to pamper our most beloved pets, while ignoring an overwhelming preventable problem. If your health and the health of the others around you can not persuade you to quit the nasty habit maybe your helpless furry companion can.

Nikki Carroll proud mother and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedpets.com with Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters
Visit Elizabeth Austin to find Wholesale Dog Clothes and Wholesale Pet Supplies.

Tags: cat cancer, cat health, dog cancer, dog health, second hand smoke, smoking and petscat cancer, cat health, dog cancer, dog health, second hand smoke, smoking and pets

Share This

Filed under: Dog Health | No Comments »

Vaccinations are important, even for indoor pets. Some diseases are airborne or can be acquired by contact with fecal matter that might be brought into your house on your street shoes. Diseases that affect pets are present in the environment, and some diseases can spread to humans.

Any animal that goes outdoors should be vaccinated annually for rabies. This includes ferrets and bunnies. If you have a small house dog, or your dog is at low risk for contracting Leptospirosis, your vet may determine that this vaccination is not necessary. Aged animals should only be vaccinated on the recommendation of your vet.

Vaccinations protect your beloved pet from painful and often fatal diseases. They help ensure a long and happy life for your pet, with many hours of enjoyment for you with your animal companion. The cost of vaccinations is very small, compared to the cost of treating a disease or of losing your pet altogether. Many communities have vaccination clinics where you can get free rabies vaccines for example. Check with your local animal shelter or veterinarian to find out when a free vaccination clinic is scheduled.

Your pet’s age, health, lifestyle, environment, and geographic location can all affect the vaccination schedule. Ask your veterinarian about the most appropriate vaccines for your pet.

Vaccination Schedule

Cat

Vaccine: Panleukopenia, Herpesvirus and calicivirus (combined)

When: As early as 6 weeks, with boosters every 3 to 4 weeks until at least 12 weeks of age

Booster: Every 3 years

Cat

Vaccine: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
When: Begin at 4 months old, repeat in 2-4 weeks
Booster: Every year

Cat

Vaccine: Feline distemper
When: At 9 weeks old and 12 weeks old
Booster: Every year

Cat, Dog, Ferret, Bunny

Vaccine: Rabies
When: At 3 months for initial protection, and again at 1 year
Booster: Every 1 to 3 years

Dog*

Vaccine: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (combined DHPP), Leptospirosis, Adenovirus
When: At 6 to 8 weeks, 9 to 11 weeks, and 12 to 14 weeks
Booster: 1 year after last puppy dose, then every 1 to 3 years depending on vaccine type

Dog

Vaccine: Rabies
When: 3 months
Booster: 1 year after puppy dose, then as required by local authorities

Dog

Vaccine: Coronavirus
When: 6 weeks of age, then every 2-4 weeks until 12 weeks of age

Dog - if it will be exposed to ticks

Vaccine: Lyme
When: 9 to 11 weeks, and 12 to 14 weeks
Booster: Every year

Dog - if it will be boarded, or going to dog shows or obedience classes

Vaccine: Kennel cough (Bordetelle)
When: 16 weeks
Booster: Every year

Dog - outdoor dogs; can spread to humans

Vaccine: Giardia
When: 12 weeks, 15 weeks
Booster: Every year, if indicated in your area

* Not a vaccination, but dogs should receive heartworm prevention starting at between 8-15 weeks of age, continued for life, with annual heartworm blood tests.

After the vaccination, it is important to watch your pet for the next couple of days for any signs of a reaction to the shot. Possible symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite

• Minor fever

• Irritability, expressed as biting, growling, or unwillingness to be with people

• Unusual sleepiness, lack of energy

• Swelling or redness around the injection site

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian. If you observe a lump on your cat for more than 3 months after it has been vaccinated for rabies or feline leukemia call your vet. This could be a sign of a vaccine-associated tumor.

Reactions to vaccines happen from time to time, but for the most part, having your pet vaccinated, and given a health checkup once a year, is the safest way to protect them and help them live a long, happy life.

Sources: American Animal Hospital Association and Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, Ontario, Canada

Find Everything Pets - Petboro.com

Tags: cat health, cat vacc, dog health, dog vaccination, pet health, pet vaccination, vaccination schedulecat health, cat vacc, dog health, dog vaccination, pet health, pet vaccination, vaccination schedule

Share This

Filed under: Dog Health | No Comments »