Rattlesnake Season

(photo source: Joyce Kuzmanic, St. George News, stgeorgeutah.com)

Now that the weather is really warming up, rattlesnake season is now upon us. Did you know that Valley Veterinary Clinic offers a rattlesnake vaccine?

The Rattlesnake Vaccine helps to prevent injury and even death from rattlesnake bites but stimulating your dog's immune system. It helps your dog produce antibodies that can effectively neutralize rattlesnake venom.  Over time these antibodies acclimate to their normal immune system and are therefore available if your dog is bitten.

There are also several things you can do to try and prevent your dog from getting bitten. Some ideas include: 

• Always keep your dog on a leash when outside exploring
• Avoid letting your dog wander into tall grass or shrubbery where snakes may be resting out of eyesight 
• If you do encounter a rattlesnake, stay a minimum of 10 feet away from it 
• Keep the grass in your yards cut short, and clean up any yard clutter (wood, leaves, etc) that could be an ideal hiding spot for snakes 
• Picking up food off the ground and securely closing your trash cans keeps small rodents away, therefore keeping away the snakes that may try to prey on them
• Fill in any small holes around fences and walls that snakes could enter your yard through 

Be sure to use these tips to keep you and your favorite doggy companions safe as you enjoy the outdoors this season! 

New Years Resolutions

The first month of our new year is almost over! How are YOUR New Year Resolutions going?

Did you know that your beloved pets can help you keep your resolutions?

From Bonney Brown, RGJ.com:

"Studies show that people who partner with someone else on a goal are much more likely to succeed. The idea is that when you forget or don’t quite feel like it, your partner will remind you or inspire you to action. Your pet could be just the partner you need

The top resolution for 2013 is losing weight and developing a healthier lifestyle. Your dog is the ideal partner for this goal because he or she will happily remind you to get out there to walk or run if you just get them used to a routine. If you are more of a cat person, consider yoga — cats are natural yogis.

Saving money is a popular goal this year, too. Your pet does not need dinner at a fancy restaurant or expensive gifts to adore you. They offer both companionship and entertainment at bargain prices.

Enjoying life more is also high on the list of top resolutions this year. Just being with your animal friend can lower your blood pressure. Their antics bring humor to the day and they live in the moment as only the most disciplined of zen masters can."

So whether your goals need another jump start or you are going strong, invite your furry friends to join in the fun!



Source: Pets Can Help People Keep Resolutions 

Did you know? Pets and Breast Cancer

"We share everything with our pets: love, friendship, joy and comfort. Unfortunately, we also share the same genetic basis for certain types of cancer, including breast cancer...take a moment to consider the impact a cancer diagnosis may have on your pet, and take action to give her the best fighting chance of overcoming the disease. Together we can race, donate, shop, hope, pray, bark and meow for the cure."
              - Natasha Ashton, Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Petplan

Did you know that your beloved pet can be sickened by mammary tumors? Remarkably, these mammary tumors in dogs and breast cancer in women have many similarities, and the study of both can advance our knowledge of breast cancer biology.

However, cancer is still one of the most frequent causes of death for humans and pets. Here are some steps you can take, as listed by Ms. Ashton, to help our furry friends stay ahead of cancer.

1) Monitoring is mandatory. Take your pet to the vet regularly - at least once a year - for a check up. Be sure to ask about specific risk factors for your pet.

2) First things first - the very best thing you can do to prevent breast cancer in your pet is to have her spayed at a young age. Ideally, have her spayed before her first heat cycle.

3) Exam your pet. Have her lie down for a belly rub and massage for lumps. If you find anything suspicious, it's time to visit your vet.

4) Preventative measures. Consider looking into health insurance for your pet before she gets sick.


Take action to give your pet her best fighting chance!



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Original Article:

Pretty in Pink: How Pets Are Helping the Fight Against Breast Cancer

By Natasha Ashton, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Petplan

As the leaves outside turn orange and gold over the next couple of weeks, we will see everything from skyscrapers to sneakers turn pink to promote breast cancer awareness in October. For nearly three decades, we've marked National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with fundraising and awareness efforts, all aimed at encouraging early detection and finding a cure. The global success of the campaign has hugely increased our understanding of the disease, but there still remains a side to the story that goes largely untold; breast cancer also affects our pets. Many are surprised to learn that mammary tumors can make our pets sick, and that the research and development of treatments for our pets can unlock clues about helping people beat breast cancer.

Here in Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine runs a Shelter Canine Mammary Tumor Program with the dual mission of providing care to homeless dogs afflicted with the disease and advancing our knowledge of breast cancer biology. It turns out that mammary tumors in dogs and breast cancer in women have many similarities, and the program collects data that could lead to more progressive treatment of both canine and human breast cancers. Because dogs have 8-10 mammary glands capable of producing tumors simultaneously, doctors are able to observe the entire spectrum of cancer development and search for patterns that could provide valuable insight into its progression. Since similar disease processes take place more quickly due to dogs' shorter lifespans, canine breast cancer research produces faster results, which could have promising implications for human cancer research.

When it comes to breast cancer, dogs are slightly better off than their feline friends; 50 percent  of canine mammary tumors are malignant, while 90 percent are typically malignant in cats. Like cancer in humans, breast cancer that affects our pets can metastasize to other areas of the body in both species, often spreading rapidly to the lymph nodes and lungs.

Despite ever-improving methods of diagnosis and treatment, cancer still represents one of the most frequent causes of death in both humans and dogs. But a breast cancer diagnosis doesn't have to mean the end for your pet. In fact, you can take steps both to help prevent the disease and to give your pet the very best medical care should she ever need treatment. Follow this simple advice to stay a step ahead of cancer:

Risky Business
Hereditary, hormonal and environmental factors can put some pets at higher risk for developing mammary tumors. Other risk factors include age and diet, so monitoring is mandatory. Take your pet to the vet regularly for a checkup -- at least once per year -- and talk to your vet about your pet's breed and possible risk factors, as well as their diet and exercise habits. Geriatric pets should have semi-annual veterinary visits so signs of illness or other problems can be detected and treated early.

An Ounce of Prevention
The best thing you can do to prevent breast cancer from developing in your pet is to have her spayed at a young age, ideally before her first heat cycle. Female dogs who are not spayed are much more likely to have mammary tumors -- as many as one in four unspayed female dogs will develop breast cancer in her life. For cats, the incidence of mammary tumors is reduced by 91 percent when spayed prior to six months of age, and by 86 percent in cats spayed before their first birthdays.

Playing Detective
Like human breast cancer, successful diagnosis and treatment depends largely on early detection, and at-home exams are an essential part of ensuring breast health. Checking your dog or cat for signs of abnormal growths around the mammary glands is as easy as giving her a belly rub. When your pet is lying on her side, gently massage each teat and the surrounding tissue. Abnormalities can range from smooth pea-sized growths to lumpy larger masses. If you think you've detected a lump, it's time to visit the vet.

Forward Thinking
Though no one wants to imagine getting a cancer diagnosis for their pet, it pays to think ahead and consider options for treatment, pain management and even end-of-life care. Protect your pet with pet insurance at the time of adoption or purchase (don't wait until the pet gets sick -- no pet insurance provider can cover pre-existing conditions) and make sure the policy covers comprehensive cancer treatment. Pet insurance can ensure peace of mind that you won't be faced with choosing between your pet and your pocketbook down the road, and you'll be able to approve the treatments your veterinarian recommends to save your pet's life without worrying about cost.

We share everything with our pets: love, friendship, joy, comfort. Unfortunately, we also share the same genetic basis for certain types of cancer, including breast cancer. This October, as you're tying on that pink scarf or walking in support of the millions of women touched by breast cancer, take a moment to consider the impact a cancer diagnosis may have on your pet, and take action to give her the best fighting chance of overcoming the disease. Together we can race, donate, shop, hope, pray, bark and meow for the cure.

source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natasha-ashton/animal-breast-cancer_b_1920260.html

DOGS & CATS: Follow Some Simple Steps For Pet, Owner Harmony - Gazettes.com: Dogs Cats

"The special bond we share with our pets enriches our lives, our 

physical health and our emotional well being. Studies have 

shown that our health and happiness improves while we take 

care of our pets. Pets help lower our blood pressure, reduce 

stress and prevent heart disease. They help us fight depression 

and loneliness. They can even help us recover faster from major 

illness." 

- Dr. Greg Perrault 


At Valley Veterinary Clinic, we know that your pets are your family. Read about these ten steps from 
Dr. Perrault on how to ensure a healthy life for your beloved pets. 

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Our pets bring us happiness, companionship, protection and love. A few simple steps will insure a happy and healthy life for your pet. 

1. Budget: Plan ahead. Start a health savings account for your pet. $25 to $50 per month will come in handy for unexpected emergencies. You may also want to explore pet insurance.

2. Physical Exams and Dental Care: Barring any illness, plan on at least one checkup per year for your dog or cat up to age 7 and at least two check ups per year thereafter. Dental prophylactic cleaning usually starts at 3 or 4 years of age and future cleanings will vary with each pet.

3. Vaccinations: Puppy and kitten boosters should be given to all pets during their first year. After that, some vaccines may be given less frequently than once per year. When possible, give fewer vaccines at one time. For cats, request non-adjuvented vaccines. They may be safer than traditional vaccines.

4. Flea Control: Flea control given every month is the best, least expensive way to keep your pet healthy. Flea prevention has never been safer for you and your pet. Fleas not only feed on your pet, they can transmit disease. 

5. Heartworm and Internal Parasite Control: Heartworm is a deadly parasite transmitted by mosquitoes and we are seeing more cases every year in Southern California. Inexpensive and safe preventives are available for your pet. Many of these medicines also will treat intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, which can be harmful to people. 

6. Diet: Obesity in pets is an epidemic in this country. Portion control and limiting treats will help maintain a proper body weight. Your pet’s diet should match its energy requirements as well as any health issues they have. Check with your veterinarian for what’s best for your pet. 

7. Exercise: Exercise is just as important for your pet as it is for you. Most dogs should get 30 minutes of brisk walking twice per day. It’s a good way to monitor your pet’s cardiovascular fitness. If your pet seems winded, have them checked for heart disease or arthritis. Laser pointers, feather toys, empty boxes or paper bags will get your cat moving. Cats can’t seem to resist exploring new things. 

8. Mental Stimulation and Emotional Health: Sometimes overlooked, mental stimulation plays a big part of your pet’s happiness and well-being. Playing games such as tug of war or fetch will create a bond that pets need. Happy pets will have fewer health problems and behavioral issues, such as barking or destructive tendencies. A happy cat will have fewer urinary health issues and accidents outside the box. 

9. Weekly Check Ups: Weigh your pet and record it weekly. Changes in weight could be an early sign of disease. Check for lumps and bumps. Look in their ears and mouth for anything abnormal. Problems caught early are easier to treat. 

10. Pet-Proof Your House: Assume anything within reach may become a chew toy for your pet. Electric cords are obvious but even discarded dental floss may lead to an obstruction if eaten. There are two plants that are highly toxic to pets. Lilies will kill your cat. Any part of the lily, even if just chewed, may lead to kidney failure and death in your cat. Cycad palms can cause liver failure and death in dogs. 

The special bond we share with our pets enriches our lives, our physical health and our emotional well being. Studies have shown that our health and happiness improves while we take care of our pets. Pets help lower our blood pressure, reduce stress and prevent heart disease. They help us fight depression and loneliness. They can even help us recover faster from major illness.

The happiness you give your pet will return to you 10-fold.

Credit:


DOGS & CATS: Follow Some Simple Steps For Pet, Owner Harmony - Gazettes.com: Dogs Cats