Healing Your Pets Holistically

Many of us have taken supplements, had a massage or received adjustments from a chiropractor. But, did you know that holistic veterinarians can help your furry family members using many of the same methods? Holistic veterinarians receive the same training and have the same credentials as a traditional vet (D.V.M.) but, they continue their education by receiving certification in other areas (e.g. chiropractic, acupuncture, supplements, nutrition, massage, acupressure, etc.). Holistic veterinary medicine refers to the treatment of the whole organism rather than the treatment of individual body parts or simply the removal of symptoms. To find out more about holistic vets, the various modalities that are considered “holistic” or to find one in your area, please click on the following link to the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) web site. http://www.holisticvetlist.com/

Pet Vaccines and Titers: What You Need to Know Before Your Pet's Annual Exam

As everyone knows, vaccinating your pet is the responsible thing to do each year as part of your pet's annual check-up. What you may not be aware of is that you may be able to have your pet vaccinated every 3 years for rabies rather than every year. Your vet would be able to tell you whether the law permits the 3 year rabies vaccine to be given to pets in your area.

One other interesting point is that immunity provided by some vaccines lasts for much longer than one year. A great way to find out if your pet is still protected by a particular vaccine is to ask your vet to do a titer. Titers are tests that measure the level of antibodies in the blood and indicate whether immunity still exists. If you would like to read more about the 3 year rabies vaccine or about vaccine titers, please click here for dogs and here for cats.

State-of-the-art Dog Hospital Treating Military Working Dogs

Holland Military Working Dog Hospital, located at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas cares for the health needs of more than 2,000 working dogs currently serving in the military, the Transportation Safety Board (TSA), the US Customs Service and other government agencies. The hospital was named for Lt. Col. Daniel E. Holland, a veterinarian killed in Iraq in 2006.

Approximately 60 dogs per day are seen at the hospital for everything from regular check-ups to life-threatening emergencies. Many of the dogs are redeployed. But, for those that can't be, they are adopted out to loving families where they can spend the rest of their lives. The director, Col. Bob Vogelsang, was quoted in a recent article on People Pets as saying, "These dogs are veterans, too. We should be taking care of them." For more information about this amazing facility and to read the full article, please click here.

Colorado State University Program Helps Pets Remain in Their Homes

As you may have heard, for the elderly and disabled, it is sometimes difficult to care for a pet without the help of a friend or family member. But, what if you don't have someone nearby to help you? At Colorado State University, there’s an innovative program called Pets Forever that veterinary students can participate in. This program is helping many animals stay in their homes. In an article that I read recently, a schnauzer named Pocket was featured and was shown being given in-home treatment for his diabetes by a veterinary student. His owner, who is elderly and disabled, thought that she would have to put Pocket to sleep because she could no longer take care of him on her own. However, thanks to this program, Pocket can stay with his owner for the rest of his life and receive the care that he needs to manage his diabetes. It’s always great to read about a program that is making a positive difference for pets and their people.  If you would like to learn more about the Pets Forever program at Colorado State University, please click here. If you would like to read the full article about Pocket, please click here.

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