Pets
Helping Pets Live Longer, Healthier Lives
By
May 15, 2007, 22:23

(NAPSI)-Sharing information with your vet can be more than a purr-fectly good idea. It can help you get better care for your pets.

Americans spent nearly $13 million on veterinary care last year, says the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. To get the most out of the money they spend, owners need to share some details.

According to Dr. Arnold Plotnick, president of Manhattan Cat Specialists, "We can't ask our patients how they are feeling, so we need pet owners' help."

He offers five vet visit tips:

Know The Basics: Share your cat's age, breed, whether or not your cat is neutered or spayed, and if he is an indoor or outdoor cat.

Food For Thought: Be prepared to discuss your cat's eating habits. What kind of food does he eat and what brand? How frequently is he fed? Does he have a good appetite? Has your pet gained or lost weight?

Vital Cat Stats: Share your cat's basic medical history, especially when meeting a new vet. Bring copies of previous medical records. Ask about testing and prevention for conditions such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and heartworm disease. "Testing cats promptly for FeLV and FIV is important because, as with human care, catching problems early can really help your cat live a long, healthy life," said Dr. Plotnick.

Heartworm disease is found in cats in all 50 states, making indoor and outdoor cats equally susceptible. Many cat owners mistakenly believe that heartworm is a disease only affecting dogs.

"Not so," said Dr. Plotnick. "Cats and dogs are equally at risk for heartworm."

Brush Up On Home Care: Ask what you can do to keep your cat healthy, including at-home grooming tips for nail clipping and brushing-his fur and his teeth.

A recent IDEXX Laboratories study reports that cats with common dental diseases are five times more likely to test positively for FIV and FeLV.

Harmless Vs. Harmful Behavior: Tell your vet about any sudden behavior changes. Lethargy, hyperactivity, aggression, growling and urinating/defecating in inappropriate places may indicate an underlying medical problem.

Your veterinarian is the best source for information on testing, disease prevention and pet wellness, but you are the best source of information about your pet.

It's important to tell your veterinarian about any behavior changes in your pet since they could indicate an underlying medical condition.

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