Friday, July 20, 2012

How to Get the Most from Your Veterinary Appointment


Your relationship with your veterinarian is a partnership. The better able you are to communicate your pet’s needs and understand your options, the more productive your appointment will be and the more likely your pet will get the treatment needed.

Before the appointment, write down your pet’s symptoms and their dates of onset. List the questions you want answered.
Establishing a good working relationship with your doctor can make a difference in your health and the health of your family. Make sure you: Choose a doctor with whom you are comfortable talking. Your doctor may be helping you make life and
At the appointment:

·      Get to the point. Explain why your pets there by relaying the present symptoms and concerns. Relate any relevant past medical history and, if possible provide copies of lab reports, X-rays, etc., if done at another clinic.

·      Tell your veterinarian if your pet has had any adverse reactions to vaccines.

·      Ask questions. Your veterinarian should fully explain your pet’s problem and discuss the pros and cons of the proposed treatments or tests in simple terms. Make sure you understand your pet’s condition and treatment options before you leave the office. Don't be timid or embarrassed: Keep asking questions until you understand. Your pet’s health, and life, may depend on understanding what is being said.
After the appointment:

·        Follow your veterinarian’s orders. If you find you are confused about what you should do when you get home, call the office and ask for clarification.
·      When you pick up prescriptions ask the doctor or technician to review them in detail. Make certain you understand why your pet is taking the drug, when your pet should take it, how much to take, and how it should be taken, i.e. by mouth, mixed with food, etc.

·       Tell your veterinarian about any side effects your pet experiences while on the medication or if the condition doesn't improve or gets worse.

·       Take medications as directed. Follow drug dosages precisely. Taking more of a medication could be dangerous; taking less could delay recovery.

Finally, make any lifestyle changes your veterinarian recommends, such as improving your pet’s diet, and exercising regularly; doing so can improve your pets life.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Pet Fire Safety Day

National Pet Fire Safety Day




Did you know that home fires affect an estimated 500,000 pets annually?  The National Fire Protection Association has determined that nearly 1,000 house fires are accidentally started by the homeowner's pets.  Here are some fire prevention tips for you and your pets!  






Prevent your pet from starting fires

Extinguish open flames: Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.

Invest in flameless candles: These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.

Beware of water bowls on wooden decks: Do not leave a glass water bowl for your pet outside on a wooden deck. The sun's rays when filtered through the glass and water can actually heat up and ignite the wooden deck beneath it. Choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead.

Pet proof the home: Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently, such as loose wires and other potential hazards.


Keep your pets safe

Keep pets near entrances when away from home: When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.

Secure young pets: Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home, such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.

Practice escape routes with pets: Keep collars and leashes at the ready in case you have to evacuate quickly with your pet or firefighters need to rescue your pet.

Consider using monitored smoke detection services: As an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms, smoke detectors connected to a monitoring center help save pets who can't escape when left home alone.

Affix a pet alert window cling: Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.





References:
http://www.fdnntv.com/National-Pet-Fire-Safety-July-15
http://www.clickertraining.com/node/2954