Education and Assessment Help Protect Pets From Disease Risks
Pets, like people, are frequently exposed to a variety of organisms that
can cause disease or illness. Now, a new educational campaign is helping
pet owners understand their pet's disease risks and, most importantly, what
to do to protect them.
The National Pet Wellness "Being a Pet is Risky Business" campaign,
sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Fort
Dodge Animal Health, is underway at thousands of veterinary clinics
nationwide.
"All cats and dogs, including indoor pets, are at some level of risk,"
says AVMA President Roger K. Mahr, DVM. "Fortunately, disease risks can be
reduced through better pet owner education, regular wellness exams and
disease-risk assessment from a veterinarian."
Pets can be exposed to disease-causing organisms in many common areas
such as parks, backyards and even inside the home. These organisms can be
spread by:
- Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes
- Wildlife
- Other pets, even if they appear healthy
- Drinking from puddles or standing water
- Contact with another animal's urine or stools
- People -- on hands, clothing or shoes
Risk assessment helps veterinarians determine the diseases each pet may
be exposed to and the best ways to prevent them. Risk assessment begins
with a veterinarian or veterinary technician asking a variety of questions
about the pet's behavior, lifestyle, travel history and other factors.
Questions include:
- Does your pet go outdoors unsupervised?
- Is there wildlife in your area?
- Does your pet have the opportunity to drink from puddles or ponds?
- Do you own more than one pet?
Based on the answers, the veterinarian develops an individualized
disease prevention program, including vaccinations, that are right for the
pet.
"At-risk pets can be protected from many common yet deadly diseases
such as leptospirosis, Lyme disease, feline leukemia virus, calicivirus,
giardia and rabies," says Craig S. Wallace, Vice President -- Marketing,
Fort Dodge Animal Health. "We encourage all pet owners to schedule a
wellness exam with their veterinarian twice a year."
National Pet Wellness is a clinic-centered educational campaign
sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association and Fort Dodge
Animal Health. Nearly 15,000 veterinary clinics nationwide currently
participate. Additional information about pet wellness, disease-risk
assessment and prevention is available at http://www.NPWM.com.
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