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Veterinarian Julianne Miller writes that seeing the pain of pet owners who must euthanize a pet because they can’t afford emergency medical care is the toughest part of her job. Dr. Miller points out that good medical care inevitably carries a cost, and veterinarians can’t render services for free, so owners should be mentally and financially prepared for a pet before they commit to ownership. One way owners can be prepared is to purchase pet insurance, Dr. Miller writes. The Arizona Daily Sun (Flagstaff)

As I think about my life as a veterinarian here is Flagstaff, first and foremost, I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a diverse and wonderful profession in which I get to meet terrific people who love animals. It is also fulfilling to be able to support the local animal charities.

The hardest part of my job is watching the emotional suffering of pet owners as they try to deal with an emergency with their pet. My clinic deals with a large number of animal emergencies and these are highly charged, emotional situations that no owner can possibly be mentally prepared for.

The hardest part of my job is watching the emotional suffering of pet owners as they try to deal with an emergency with their pet. My clinic deals with a large number of animal emergencies and these are highly charged, emotional situations that no owner can possibly be mentally prepared for.

It is the financial toll, however, of these situations that are the most devastating for most owners. Speaking for the profession, most of us did not enter this field to make money but rather to fulfill some deeper need to help and treat animals. Unfortunately, medical care is not free and we must charge for our services, and in an emergency situation, this can be devastating.

If I could give all pet owners one piece of advice it would be that when they adopt a pet they need to be mentally and monetarily prepared for the possibility of an emergency medical situation with their pet. This could mean getting pet insurance or putting money in their budget every month for pet expenses.

Emergencies never happen when you are expecting them and to have to euthanize a pet because of financial reasons is devastating. Trying to emotionally support an owner through this horrible decision is the worst part of my job.

Veterinary care is not free and good veterinary care is not cheap. Make sure you’re prepared for emergency care by budgeting or purchasing pet insurance now and not regretting it later when you need it. Contact your veterinarian to find out more about pet insurance.

It’s possible that allowing employees to bring their dogs to work could improve a company’s bottom line, according to this article, which notes that powerhouses including Amazon and Google allow dogs in the office. Potential upsides include better employee satisfaction and productivity, fewer missed workdays and increased congeniality at work. However, employers need to have clear rules about cleaning up after pets, training of animals and dealing with aggression, as well as a plan to address the possibility of allergies among workers. 4Hoteliers

Do you want to follow the example of successful businesses like Google and Amazon?  One way to start is to allow employees to bring dogs to the workplace, just as they do.
You wouldn’t be alone –  it is estimated that 2.3 million dogs attend work each day with 1.4 million owners, and that’s not even counting one-person shops and those who work at home.
While you will not be guaranteed to transform your company into an internationally-recognized brand overnight, you may take a step towards that direction.  This article will cover the pros and cons of a pet friendly workplace, and will offer some guidance if your office wants to go to the dogs.
Two important points before going further: first and foremost, this article does not cover service animals, including seeing-eye dogs.  There is a whole special set of regulations and responsibilities when it comes to accommodating workers and members of the public who require assistance because of disabilities, and these rules and tips do not apply to them.  Second, this article focuses on dog-friendly workplaces, so leave the ferrets and the cats at home.
While some may choose to allow any type of pet at the workplace, most companies restrict their policies to dogs only (with perhaps fish also being allowed, given they are unlikely to escape the office or cause too much of a mess).
Puppy Uppers Vs. Doggie Downers
Companies that offer dog-friendly workplaces cite numerous advantages to allowing the animals at work.  Some reasons can’t be easily quantified – improved quality of life, better office morale, increased camaraderie, lowered stress, and greater happiness are all cited as positives.  But beyond these warm and fuzzy reasons, there are some distinct advantages that may increase your company’s bottom line.
Employees with dogs are likely to work longer hours since they don’t have to leave for doggy daycare at 5:00 PM.  You will probably see decreased absenteeism because your workers won’t have to stay home to tend to their pets.  Employers often note increased productivity and efficiency when employees have dogs with them at work.
Combine all of these factors, and also consider that employees enjoy saving pet-sitting money, and you have probably separated yourself from your competitors when it comes to attracting and hiring new talent.  There is no doubt that, at least for some employees, a dog-friendly workplace is a benefit no different than healthcare coverage or three weeks of vacation, and they will choose where they work based on that benefit.
On the other hand, remember that not all employees love dogs, and perhaps a pet-friendly workplace will be a disincentive to some current or prospective workers.  For all of the benefits listed above, some workers – and customers – may view the atmosphere as too unprofessional.  Further, there may be some industries where state or local regulations prevent dogs from being present, such as some restaurants, food stores, hair salons, medical offices, etc.
Follow The Rules
If you are ready and able to move forward with a dog-friendly workplace, here are the steps to take and issues to consider.  First, check to make sure that the building you occupy allows dogs, and also make sure that you have proper insurance to cover any injuries or damage that may occur.
Next, take some time to consider what kind of rules you want to have in place, and put them in writing.  Will you require all workers to prove their dogs have been recently vaccinated and are free of fleas, etc.?  Would you want all dogs to go through a pet training class as a prerequisite?  Will you do a trial run, such as dogs allowed on Fridays only for a month, before deciding your next step?  Are there areas of the office where dogs will not be allowed (kitchens, work rooms, bathrooms, etc.)?   Will all dogs be allowed, or only those under a certain weight?  If an employee needs to go out of the office, where will the dog be kept in his or her absence?
Staying Out Of The Doghouse
Finally, at a bare minimum, you need to address the following issues.  If another employee has or develops an allergy to dogs, or perhaps even a psychological phobia to animals, you will need to accommodate that employee under disability law.  Consider having a “dog free” area of your workplace, or installing high-grade filtration systems to reduce dander and hair.
Make sure your policy addresses aggressive behavior against other employees and dogs, and enforce the policy by barring offending animals for good or until they are properly trained.  And lay down rules regarding cleaning up after the animals, being clear about whose responsibility it is to wield the pooper scooper.

Thanks to Orangutan Outreach’s Apps for Apes program, the orangutans at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo enjoy 10 iPad apps as part of their regular enrichment. The animals’ preferred apps include cognitive skills challenges and virtual instruments. Orangutan Outreach has provided iPads for apes in other zoos in part to promote conservation of the endangered species. The idea is to “show zoo visitors how similar humans and apes are, be it through observation, talking with wildlife experts or seeing the apes use the same technology we use every day,” said Richard Zimmerman, Orangutan Outreach’s founding director. LiveScience.com

Orangutans at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are now using iPad apps to keep occupied.

“It’s about changing up the day-to-day lives of our animals,” Becky Malinsky, a keeper at the zoo, said in a statement. “We already vary their food, toys and social interactions every day, but the iPad offers another way to engage their sight, touch and hearing.”

So far, the apes are using 10 different apps, including cognitive games, drawing programs and ones that feature virtual musical instruments. According to their keepers, some of the orangutans are already showing their preferences — 36-year-old Bonnie likes to hit the drums, 16-year-old Kyle likes to play the piano, and 25-year-old Iris likes watching animated fish swim in a virtual koi pond on the screen.

The iPads were made available through Apps for Apes, an initiative from the conservation organization Orangutan Outreach, which has already provided tablet devices for the intelligent primates in 12 other zoos, including zoos in Houston, Atlanta, Toronto, Utah and Milwaukee. [10 iPad Alternatives]

“Primarily, we want the Apps for Apes program to help people understand why we need to protect wild orangutans from extinction,” Richard Zimmerman, founding director of Orangutan Outreach, said in a statement. “We do that when we show zoo visitors how similar humans and apes are, be it through observation, talking with wildlife experts or seeing the apes use the same technology we use every day.”

Orangutans are among humans’ closest living relatives, and there are only a few tens of thousands of them currently left in the wild. They are found in the Sumatran rain forests, where they are critically endangered, and the Borneo rain forests, where they are endangered.

Spaying or neutering a pet is an important preventive health measure as well as a means of limiting the number of homeless pets, writes veterinarian Ann Hohenhaus, who notes the AVMA’s Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership encourage owners to help keep the pet population under control. During a neuter operation, a veterinarian removes a male dog’s testicles, the main source of reproduction and testosterone, thereby preventing the dog from siring puppies and protecting it from testosterone-related problems including behavior issues and health threats such as prostate cancer, Dr. Hohenhaus points out. WebMD/Tales from the Pet Clinic blog

By Ann Hohenhaus, DVM

Neutering meets the guidelines

The American Veterinary Medical Association has developed guidelines for responsible pet ownership.  One of the guidelines obligates pet owners to control their pet’s reproduction through spaying and neutering; subsequently helping to control pet overpopulation in their community.  Neutering is the common term for castration of a male dog or cat and spaying refers to removal of the ovaries and uterus, or in some cases just the uterus, of a female pet.

Lifesaving responsibility

Pet overpopulation is a serious issue in the United States today.  According to the Humane Society of the United States, over 4 million unwanted pets are destroyed annually.  For every puppy or kitten prevented by neutering an adult pet, there is one less homeless and unwanted puppy or kitten euthanized in an animal shelter.

The traditional surgery

Surgical removal of the testicles is the current standard of care in both dogs and cats.  This surgery renders a male dog or cat unable to reproduce and also removes the major source of the male hormone, testosterone.  Removing the source of testosterone eliminates mating behavior in males and also plays a role in eliminating other unwanted dog behaviors.  In both the dog and cat, neutering involves a small skin incision through which the testicles are removed.  Cats typically go home the same day, but dogs may stay overnight to recover from anesthesia and for incisional monitoring.

My recommendation

Dexter’s owners were concerned about the surgery.  They asked if he could just have a vasectomy instead of the traditional neutering surgery.  Because my job is to make the best medical recommendations for the specific health concerns of each of my patients, I recommended the traditional surgery for Dexter.  It provides him with the greatest number of health benefits.  The surgery prevents unwanted litters of puppies and also prevents prostatic disease, testosterone-induced tumors and behaviors linked to testosterone production.

Although clothes for pets can be trendy, the AVMA says certain breeds benefit from wearing coats, sweaters, booties and other items when the temperature is too cold for them to handle naturally. However, dogs can overheat in sweaters, so owners should closely monitor the weather, the dog and the dog’s activity, according to Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a past president of the AVMA

In certain parts of New York City, high-end dog clothing shops are as ubiquitous as coffee shops. Not all well-heeled pooches are dressed up for reasons of fashion, though. When the weather turns frigid, even furry creatures might appreciate the comfort of a warm sweater.

“Just like people, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet, based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level and health,” The American Veterinary Medical Association says.

(Photo: Flickr via Creative Commons/lindyj)On especially frigid days, vets recommend keeping walks short.

Certain breeds, especially short-haired ones, are not as naturally adapted to be cold-tolerant as, say, a Siberian husky. Smaller dogs with short legs may also feel the cold more because their stomachs and bodies are more likely to touch snow-covered ground, according to the AMVA. Pets with certain medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or hormonal imbalances may also be more susceptible to the cold because they can’t regulate their internal temperature as well.

(Photo: Flickr via Creative Commons/eco-pup)In moderate temperatures, dogs might be better off naked.

If you do choose a dog sweater or coat, experts recommend that you bring a spare.

“Have several on hand, so you can use a dry sweater or coat each time your dog goes outside. Wet sweaters or coats can actually make your dog colder,” the AMVA says.

(Photo: Flickr via Creative Commons/Laertes)Even big dogs might appreciate a little extra warmth when it gets really cold.

But pet owners should exercise caution, especially in moderate temperatures.

“Wearing a coat can be very dangerous for a dog, especially if it’s a heavy coat and the dog is doing a lot of exercise,” Bonnie Beaver, a past president of the AVMA, told the New York Post in 2010.

Another cold-weather accessory to consider is booties. Both city and country dogs wear them to protect their feet from freezing sidewalks or ground.

(Photo: Flickr via Creative Commons/goldberg)Booties can help protect your dog’s paw pads from frostbite.

Even sled dogs get in on the act!

(Photo: Flickr via Creative Commons/Alaskan Dude)Dog competitors in the famous Iditarod race in Alaska.

Some 2,500 service dogs that aid disabled veterans may soon be insured for routine veterinary medical care including annual vaccinations, exams and certain lab tests. The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking veterinary medical insurance for the dogs. The coverage will only apply to those that are actively engaged as working dogs. Time.com/Battleland blog

Depending on which vet you talk to, health  care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs is either the cat’s  meow…or going to the dogs.

We mean that literally: the VA is seeking to keep its growing pack of service  dogs provided to wounded veterans in tip-top shape by buying “veterinary health  insurance and wellness coverage” for 301, and as many as many as 2,500, dogs now  helping veterans around the nation.

It’s another example of the hidden costs of war that you might not think  about unless you stumbled across a contract solicitation for it. Vets get dogs from the VA to help them  with physical disabilities; there is also discussion about expanding such programs to aid vets with  PTSD or other mental ills.

“Coverage will encompass Service Dogs owned by Veterans suffering from  visual, hearing and/or substantial mobility impairments and may be expanded to  include any other future disabilities approved by VA,” the solicitation says. “The Contractor shall provide VA with full comprehensive, quality veterinary  health care insurance coverage for all Service Dogs approved by VA for receipt  of insurance coverage regardless of age, breed, geographic location or  pre-existing condition as long as the Service Dog is determined capable of  performing as a Service Dog.”

The breeds to be covered include boxers, collies, Dobermans, German  shepherds, golden retrievers, great Danes, black, golden and yellow Labs,  Labradoodles, poodles, pugs, and Rottweilers. They range in age from 1 to 12  years.

Under the deal, VA service dogs will be entitled to these vaccinations:

– Distemper Parvo

– Leptospirosis

– Hepatitis

– Rabies

– Lyme Disease

– Bordetella (2 per year)

…and these annual exams:

– Otoscopic Exam

– Opthalmic Exam

– Rectal Exam

– Dental Exam

– Neurologic Exam

– Cardiovascular Evaluation

– Weight/Nutritional Counseling

– Coat & Skin Evaluation

– Abdominal Palpation

– Urogenital Evaluation

– Musculoskeletal Evaluation

– Pulmonary/Lung Evaluation

– Tonometry/Ocular Pressure

– Intestinal Parasite Fecal Exam

– Roundworm and Hookworm Dewormings

– Blood Sample Collect/Prep

– Blood Cell Count

– Differential Exam of Blood Cells

– Internal Organ Function Screens (liver, kidney, calcium/phosphorus,  cholesterol and diabetes)

– Canine Dental Prophylaxis Protocol (utilizes one blood screening and one  internal function screen, listed above)

– Urine Sample Collect/Prep – Free Catch

– Urinalysis – Individual Tests

– Urine Specific Gravity

– Urine Sediment Exam

– Chest X-Rays (3 views)

– Electrocardiograms

– Ear Swab and Microscopic Exam

Weight/Nutritional Counseling?

As well as:

– Dental Cleaning (sedation/general anesthesia is required for all  cleanings)

– Grooming (Blind Veteran-owned Service Dogs only)

– Heartworm/Lyme/Ehrlichia Test – Rocky Mountain Tick Fever

– Free Interstate Health Certificates (when needed)

Of course, such care won’t continue forever, according to the VA:

Upon successful completion of the annual comprehensive exam, VA will certify  or non-certify each Service Dog as fit/unfit for further duty. Those Service  Dogs determined by VA as non-certifiable will no longer be eligible for  insurance coverage and the Contracting Officer via contract modification in  accordance with Section 5.4.2 will terminate the insurance coverage for the  non-certifiable Service Dog.

We’ve asked the VA for an estimate of the annual per-dog cost, but it’s bound  to be more than you might think, given the VA’s response to a potential bidder  who asked if his employees would need security clearances if their company won  the contract:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requires that all contractor  personnel with access to VA sensitive data have a fingerprint check adjudicated  favorably and a security investigation, which includes submission of various  security documents, be favorably evaluated before access may be granted to VA  information. In addition, all contractor personnel must successfully complete  the following training each year:  VA Cyber Security Awareness and Rules of  Behavior training, VA privacy training,  and any additional cyber security  or privacy training deemed necessary by the Contracting Officer and/or  Contracting Officer Representative.

Wonder if the dogs have to be so, ahem, vetted, as well?

Read more: https://nation.time.com/2013/01/24/taking-care-of-a-vets-best-friend/#ixzz2JJS4ZQSG

Preventive care is the most important strategy for keeping pets healthy, writes veterinarian Lidja Gillmeister. Preventive care includes regular veterinary visits, vaccines, internal and external parasite control, proper nutrition and exercise, and routine dental care at the veterinary clinic and at home, advises Dr. Gillmeister. A good relationship with a veterinarian is the foundation for the best possible preventive care, Dr. Gillmeister adds.

By Lidja Gillmeister, DVM

The New Year is a great opportunity for individuals to set goals for health and prosperity; and this year, why not consider making a few resolutions to help keep your pets healthy as well? When it comes to pet health advice, most veterinarians will agree that preventative health care is the single greatest gift you can give your furry and feathered friends. With that in mind, here are some tips to help jumpstart a healthy New Year for your beloved pets.

Top preventative health tips for pets

• Schedule      a veterinary appointment: don’t wait for Fido to start exhibiting signs of disease or injury. Instead, make regular veterinary check-ups part of your routine – and stay ahead of the game with improved chances for early detection and prevention.
• Say      yes to vaccinations: talk to your vet      about the vaccinations that are right for your pet, and stay current with      the appropriate treatments.
• Focus      on nutrition and exercise: pet      obesity is a grown trend throughout the U.S., and just as in humans it can      lead to a number of serious health concerns including diabetes and      arthritis. Prioritize active playtime with your pet, and take dogs for      daily walks. In addition, make sure to discuss proper nutrition with your      veterinarian in order to select the best possible food source for your      pet.
• Take      a proactive role: whether the issue      is getting your pet spayed or neutered or scheduling behavioral training      sessions, it is important to take action early. Unless you are serious      about breeding your pets, get them fixed – and invest in some basic      behavioral training early on to ensure a better quality of life for both      you and your pets.
• Seek      out safe pest and parasite prevention:      ask your vet about the right flea and tick prevention methods for your      pets to prevent inconvenience, discomfort and the threat of disease. Not      all products are safe and effective, so do your homework before giving      your pet topical or oral treatments. Also, schedule routine fecal      examinations and dewormings to check for intestinal parasites, which can      cause disease in both animals and humans.
• Don’t      forget dental care: don’t skimp on dental      health care for your pet. Take your dog or cat in for professional      cleanings, and make at-home tooth brushing a habit early on. Your      veterinarian can give you suggestions to make this process easier and more      effective.

Ultimately, preventative health care for pets is all about common sense, customized recommendations and a good relationship with your local veterinarian. If you have a new pet in the family this year, now’s the time to visit La Jolla Veterinary Hospital for a complete examination and personalized care. Visit us online to learn more and schedule an appointment today, at www.lajollavet.com.

As pet owners, we do all we can to safeguard our pets from dangers in and around the house. We can do a lot to keep some risks — like medications, poisonous plants, and antifreeze — away from our pets, but some dangers — like wild animals — may be out of our control. In this podcast, Dr. Bernadine Cruz, associate veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Woods, Calif., talks about what we can do to protect our pets from wildlife. Listen to the podcast.

SECAUCUS, N.J., Jan. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily withdrawing its Hartz ® Chicken Chews™ and Hartz ® Oinkies® Pig Skin Twists wrapped with Chicken for dogs in the United States because they contain trace amounts of unapproved antibiotic residue.

When a pet owner asks about arrhythmia under general anesthesia, veterinarian Padma Yadlapalli explains that the issue can result from medications or underlying medical problems. Dr. Yadlapalli writes that in most cases, the arrhythmia can be corrected, but she recommends a frank conversation with a veterinarian to discuss the risks and benefits of anesthesia and the procedure for which it’s needed. Dr. Yadlapalli emphasizes that dental cleanings under anesthesia are an important part of preventive care. The Baltimore Sun

When my Chihuahua had her teeth cleaned last week, the vet said her heart rate went down into the high 60s and that an episode of second-degree heart block occurred, but they reversed it with meds. Does this mean she is at risk of it happening again under anesthesia? Other than perhaps a follow-up EKG at her next comprehensive exam, should anything else be done? I am scared to have her teeth cleaned again.

First, I would schedule a consult with this pet’s veterinarian and review the risks and the benefits of the procedure.

That said, there are a certain possibilities that could cause the heart rate to drop or cause an arrhythmia. Some medications used to anesthetize pets have the potential to cause bradycardia (a slow heart rate) or other forms of arrhythmia. The good news is that when you have good equipment and, most important, skilled personnel monitoring anesthetized pets to watch for these issues, you can correct them before major problems arise. And some of these medications can be reversed to eliminate those side effects.