Newsletter

PetsMatter Newsletter Nov-Dec, 2010

Why Is My Cat Coughing?

Does your cat cough frequently? Don’t dismiss it as a harmless hairball — something else could be wrong. Many causes of cats coughing are easily treatable; however, if left alone, they can cause lung damage. Read on to learn the signs and symptoms, and what to do if your kitty is coughing.

Diabetes Month Heightens Awareness

Human diabetes is viewed by many as a national epidemic, and November has been designated “Pet Diabetes Awareness Month” to bring attention to the seriousness of the disease. Many pet owners don’t realize that dogs and cats can get diabetes too, and that its incidence is on the rise. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is sponsoring Pet Diabetes Awareness Month in November to create more awareness of this disease affecting pets.

Your Pet Portal: THE Source for Pet Health Information

Studies show that the vast majority of pet owners get most of their pet health information from their veterinarian, and that’s a very good idea. After all, veterinarians spend at least 4 years dedicated to learning about pet medicine and surgery, not to mention the countless hours of continuing education they get through meetings and journals that keep them up-to-date.

However, where do you go when you have a question and it’s just not convenient to ask your veterinarian?

Flu Season for Dogs?

Unlike most human influenzas, canine flu is not seasonal — it can occur at any time of the year. Canine influenza virus (CIV) was first detected in 2004 in racing greyhounds in Florida. Investigators learned that this new canine influenza developed when an equine influenza virus adapted to infect dogs. This was the first time that an equine influenza virus had been found to “jump” from horses to dogs.

A Holiday Puzzle for the Kids

Hey kids, complete this puzzle and then visit HealthyPet.com to print out a coloring sheet of the same picture! Help your family decorate for the holidays and hang it on your refrigerator! Remember to keep your pets safe during the holidays. Don’t let them play with small things around the house like Christmas tree decorations, ribbon and wrapping paper. They might accidentally swallow them.

Holiday Temptations Can Cause Emergencies

Tinsel, lights, food! The holidays offer many temptations for all of us, including our pets. Think about how you’re attracted to all of the glitz and fun of the holidays, and multiply that by 10 for your pets. Amid the holiday cheer, we know that hazards are lurking everywhere, but they don’t.