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Lots of people are going through some tough times right now.  But, Sleuth the Reporter Dog has found some information that shows how pets can help you cope!  Here are some top reasons why pets can help families in a changing world!

1) Studies show that owning pets enhances a child’s self-esteem and teaches responsibility and respect.  Kids with pets are also more active in sports, clubs and hobbies.

2) Pets can help adults lower blood pressure levels and ease stress and anxiety.

3) Senior citizens with pets are more likely to be involved in daily activities and show lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels than seniors without pets.

4) Even though our pets give us all of these great benefits plus unconditional love, they ask for very little in return.  It’s our responsibility to give them the proper care that they need.

5) Owning a pet comes with daily costs, such as food or daycare and ongoing expenses like vaccines and heartworm preventive.  Additionally, unexpected costs could crop up!

6) A good way to avoid surprise expenditures is to follow wellness protocols that your veterinarian can customize for your individual pet.  Pet health savings plans and pet insurance also help to reduce or even eliminate veterinary bills.

7) Don’t forget your pet needs you to watch for his mental/social health as well.  Behavior classes and a wide selection of toys can help minimize behavioral issues.

8) Common sense and responsible pet ownership, like neutering your pet and using microchips, can have a big impact on keeping your pet’s costs under control.

9) Your veterinarian and team can offer you wonderful advice on the type of pet that might be best for you and your family.

10) Be sure to bookmark www.PetDocsOnCall.com and www.MyVNN.com as your sources for accurate and up-to-date pet health information.

New Pets Help Families In A Changing World

The joy of raising a new puppy or kitten to be your constant companion is one of life’s greatest experiences.  In a crazy economy, mixed up politics and stressful family lives, pets can actually bring a cohesive and loving touch.  So if you want to add a little unconditional love and lots of fun at home, a new pet may just be what the doctor ordered. 

By:  Dr. Jim Humphries, Veterinary News Network

There is no doubt that we find the little round heads and big eyes of young puppies and kittens irresistible.  Millions of new pets find their ways into our hearts and homes each year.  Studies show pets are a very positive addition to families or singles and even empty nesters!  Pets relieve stress, add joy and give us love unconditionally. 

So a new pup or kitten may be just what you need.  Whether you picked out your new friend at a breeder or you’ve rescued a pet in need of a great home, all puppies and kittens have requirements that you must know before bringing them home. 

Prepare for day to day needs, like food and playtime, plus the on-going needs, like vaccines and preventive care, and for those unexpected things, like emergency care or behavioral problems. 
It’s common sense that puppies and kittens need adequate amounts of food and clean water to grow to their potential.  What’s less well known is that your choice of food could have a huge impact on the health of your pet.

It’s easy to become confused by the many brands, flavors, and styles of pet food – all claiming they are best.  When looking for a proper diet, please ask the advice of your veterinarian.  Also look for companies that make a real effort to help consumers understand our pets’ nutritional needs – and not just sell a slick image or push celebrity endorsements.  Remember, some of the best medicine isn’t medicine at all – it is nutrition!

Whether new owners are trying to save money or they were told “all his shots are done”, inadequate preventive care dooms many young animals to suffer some terrible diseases.  Feline distemper, canine parvovirus, heartworm disease and severe intestinal parasite infestations are just a few of the serious medical problems seen routinely in veterinary offices. 

Your veterinarian will save you money and heartache by providing advice about vaccines and preventive care.  Although Internet sites and forums might seem like great places for education, many sites provide poor advice and even wrong information.  Your veterinarian will customize an individualized vaccine protocol and give the needed de-worming treatments to keep your pet safe.  When it comes to your new pet and your veterinarian – an ounce of prevention REALLY is worth a pound of cure.

Likewise, your pet’s mental/social health is as important as his physical well-being.  As Dr. Suzanne Hetts, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist says, “help your puppy do the right thing.  You won’t get the chance to redo or undo behaviors learned during this formative time.” 

Behavioral problems are a leading cause for relinquishment and even euthanasia of pets.  By spending some time working with your new pet through obedience and socialization classes, you can help prevent life-long issues.  Having the right toys and providing plenty of play time with the family is another great way to have a behaviorally healthy pet. 

Then, there are always the miscellaneous items you will need:  crates to help with housetraining, litter boxes for the kittens, scratching posts, treats, leashes, collars and stain/odor removers for accidents.  Today we have great pet super stores where you can find limitless choices of these essential things.

All told, Americans spend about $40 billion dollars each year on their pets.  An average family might spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on their dogs and cats each year.  Sadly, emergencies and serious illnesses add to this number.  Pet insurance and pet health savings plans can help reduce or eliminate some costs, but common sense and responsible ownership will have the greatest impact.

Many people can’t resist the cuteness of a puppy or kitten, but, bringing a new pet home comes with a great deal of responsibility and a little bit of cost.  But science and centuries of experiences shows us that animals bring a rare richness to our lives, and this is especially true in stressful times.