Furry Family Members Need Care Too!

by Dr. Stephen Thimmig

Properly caring for a furry family member is a HUGE responsibility! Everyone is aware of the obvious including feeding an appropriate diet for their life stage i.e. puppies and kittens have vastly different nutritional needs than do their senior counterparts. You must be certain all living creatures have continuous access to fresh water. They need a place where there is peace and quiet so that they can get uninterrupted rest. Let’s not forget, to maintain good health, an appropriate amount of exercise is a must.

We know pets have other needs that are just as important but a little less obvious. These include an annual Comprehensive Physical Examination. This is a great time for caregivers to ask their veterinarian about other health concerns they have for their companion. Some of the more common issues we deal with include; hair loss, excessive drinking or urinating, lumps and bumps on any part of their body, and the all too common problem of halitosis (breath that will clear the room!). Detecting medical and physical problems early in the game vastly increases the likelihood a remedy can be found, saves your pet substantial pain and often costs significantly less.

Immunizations should be given based upon a pet’s lifestyle. At the very minimum cats, as well as dogs, should receive a Rabies vaccination. It matters not that you have an “Indoor Only” pet as they too are at risk. The most frequent way exposure to this horrible disease occurs is from contact with a bat. Yes, even in Michigan! Just think of the shear delight your kitty would have finding a “flying mouse” in their home! The initial rabies immunization provides one year of protection. Michigan law recognizes three years of immunity with each subsequent booster.

Even indoor pets need vaccinations. Believe it or not, people can bring home a variety of diseases on their shoes and clothing. Two most common diseases are particularly serious and may lead to the premature demise of any pet they infect. Cats of all ages are prone to becoming infected with Distemper and dogs may contract Parvo. Both are caused by a virus that will last in the environment for more than a year in spite of routine cleaning. Either is easily prevented yet both are very difficult and costly to treat.

Daily brushing is a great way to keep your pet’s coat in good condition. The skin is stimulated to release more oils and the loose hair can be collected in the brush rather than on your carpet, tile floors or furniture. Not to mention, they are far less likely to cough-up a hairball or develop a “Hot Spot” a.k.a. skin infection.

Stool examinations will help identify intestinal parasites. Checking a fresh sample, not less than once a year, is an excellent way to ensure your four-legged buddy stays worm free. Oh, by the way, some of the intestinal parasites we find in our pets are able to infect the people with whom they have contact.