Dogs may experience distress when separated from the person or persons to whom they are most attached. As a result the dog may become destructive, vocal and/or eliminate in the house. As many as 1 out of 4 dogs experience some degree of separation anxiety. It can start as early as 6 months of age but is worst in dogs over 8 years of age.

Once properly diagnosed, pet owners must commit to the time and work necessary to successfully resolve the problem. Treatment is geared toward behavior modification, sometimes with the aid of medication which lowers the anxiety. But medication alone will not resolve separation anxiety. Treatment includes changing predictive pre-departure cues (eg. picking up keys, putting on a coat, going to a particular door, etc.), thereby disassociating the cues from departures and lowering the pet’s anxiety over greater amounts of time.

The ultimate goal is to make the dog more independent and able to calmly deal with the owner’s departure and absence. Once the pet is reprogrammed, care needs to be taken to prevent relapse for the rest of the pet’s life. All cases, but especially difficult ones, would benefit from consultation with a board certified veterinary behaviorist.

• Are they safe? (eg. pyrethrins, lufenuron, fipronil, imidacloprid, selamectin, nitenpyram)
• Are they effective?
• Guaranteed?
• Time needed to work?
• Water resistant?
• Know how they work. Do not expect more than the product is designed to do.
• Keep insecticides away from children.
• Flea collars work well in vacuum bags where they can destroy fleas sucked up, while they do not work well killing fleas on the pet.

Note: Cost is purposely not addressed due to regional variation, regional economics and the adage “you get what you pay for”.

• Skilled in grooming your breed or type of pet? (Get references)
• Do they follow your directions?
• Is the facility clean and odor free?
• Is the facility comfortable for the pets?
• Do they require pets on premise to be vaccinated for contagious diseases?
• Are pets inspected for external parasites (eg. fleas, etc.) immediately upon arrival?
• Are pets with fleas, etc. separated from other pets sufficiently?
• Do pets get out to relieve themselves frequently enough?
• Are pets supervised and checked frequently when under a dryer?
• Are eyes protected with ointment prior to bathing?
• Are there adequate measures taken for pets with special needs? (eg. elderly, breeds predisposed to injury, handicapped, etc.)
• How are fractious pets dealt with?
• Are pesticides used on the pets? How can they be guaranteed safe?
• Is veterinary care available in case of injury or emergency? How will the pet get to the hospital?
• Will the same groomer be doing my pet?
• How long will the pet have to stay?
• Do they have pick up and delivery service?
• What are the groomer’s hours?
• Are pets separated at all times to avoid injury?

NOTE: Cost is purposely not addressed due to regional variation, regional economics and the adage “you get what you pay for”.

• The kennel should be clean, comfortable and non-stressful.
• The runs should have:
• Three solid sides to minimize cross contamination.
• Non permeable surfaces (eg. epoxy) in order to minimize contamination and facilitate cleaning.
• Tops and front gates should be secure with small enough mesh to minimize injury while maintaining air circulation.
• There should be adequate drainage for accidents.
• There should be at least four feet between kennel front gates to minimize cross contamination.
• Air should be filtered and exchanged approximately 4-6 times per hour to minimize disease.
• Dogs should be walked daily.
• Food should be of premium grade and water should be plentiful and clean.
• All occupants should be vaccinated for contagious diseases (eg. distemper, rabies, Bordetella, etc.)
• All occupants should be free of external parasites.
• Pets should be housed separately.
• Dogs and cats should be housed in separate areas.
• Veterinary care should be available for any pet falling ill or injured.

NOTE: Cost is purposely not addressed due to regional variation, regional economics and the adage “you get what you pay for”.

(Following the guidelines outlined below, one should compile a short list of potential pets.)

Does the breed or type of the cat fit your lifestyle and commitment? (Consult your library.)

• Is the breed oriented toward children, single adults, multiple cat households, multiple pet households, city living, country living, two parent working household, etc.?
• Does the type of the cat fit your environment? (eg. long-haired cats are more prone to coat problems secondary to underbrush, heat, humidity, etc.)
• Is your lifestyle conducive to cat ownership? (eg. lack of allergies, enough room, enough time, finances to properly care for the cat, etc.)
• Are you committed to the needs of the cat and breed? (eg. grooming, exercise, nutrition, veterinary care, etc.)

Health

• Is the cat free of disease?
• Did the cat come from a clean, healthy environment?
• Have the new pet examined by your veterinarian before taking them home.

Breeder

• A good breeder utilizes the expertise of qualified professionals in order to maximize the production of top quality cats. (eg. veterinarians, nutritionists, genetic experts, etc.)
• Breeders should provide a clean, healthy environment for their cats and kittens.
• Medical care (including vaccines) should be provided by a qualified veterinarian, not a breeder.
• A good breeder places pets only into good, quality homes.

Expected maintenance (breed or type specific)

• One should understand the proper maintenance required for specific breeds or type of cat. (Research at your library.)

Known congenital or breed predilection problems?

• After compiling a preliminary list of potential breeds for your ownership, consult a medical listing of congenital and breed predilection problems for those breeds for comparison.
• Congenital problems are those present at birth.
• Breed predilection problems are those the particular breed is more likely to possess under the proper conditions.

NOTE: Cost is purposely not addressed due to regional variation, regional economics and the adage “you get what you pay for”.

(Following the guidelines outlined below, one should compile a short list of potential pets.)

Does the breed or size of the dog fit your lifestyle and commitment? (Consult your library.)

• Is the breed oriented toward children, single adults, multiple dog households, multiple pet households, city living, country living, two parent working household, etc.?
• Does the size of the dog fit your environment? (eg. large dogs need large areas to exercise, etc.)
• Is your lifestyle conducive to dog ownership? (eg. lack of allergies, enough room, enough time, finances to properly care for the dog, etc.)
• Are you committed to the needs of the dog and breed? (eg. grooming, exercise, nutrition, veterinary care, etc.)

Health

• Is the dog free of disease?
• Did the dog come from a clean, healthy environment?
• Have the new pet examined by your veterinarian before taking them home.

Breeder

• A good breeder utilizes the expertise of qualified professionals in order to maximize the production of top quality dogs. (eg. veterinarians, nutritionists, genetic experts, etc.)
• Breeders should provide a clean, healthy environment for their dogs and pups.
• Medical care (including vaccines) should be provided by a qualified veterinarian, not a breeder.
• A good breeder places pets only into good, quality homes.

Expected maintenance (breed or type specific)

• One should understand the proper maintenance required for specific breeds or type of dog. (Research at your library.)

Known congenital or breed predilection problems?

• After compiling a preliminary list of potential breeds for your ownership, consult a medical listing of congenital and breed predilection problems for those breeds for comparison.
• Congenital problems are those present at birth.
• Breed predilection problems are those the particular breed is more likely to possess under the proper conditions.

NOTE: Cost is purposely not addressed due to regional variation, regional economics and the adage “you get what you pay for”.

• Meets minimum requirements of independent national feed associations such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). (Should be printed right on food container.)
• Should be fresh. (Check expiration date.)
• Use the proper food for the pet it is intended.
• Puppies/kittens-growth food up to 6 months of age.
• Large and giant breed puppies should be fed adult food after 3 to 5 months of age in order to aid in the prevention of metabolic bone diseases and hip dysplasia.
• Pets 7 years of age and older should be fed senior diets.
• Cat food for cats; dog food for dogs.

NOTE: Cost is purposely not addressed due to regional variation, regional economics and the adage “you get what you pay for”.

• Convenient location and hours.
• Large, well stocked supply of items the consumer wants.
• Good reputation.
• Good return policy on supplies and a good warranty on pets.
• Clean, odor free facility.
• No overcrowding of pets.
• Reputable and trackable suppliers of pets.
• Verifiable pedigrees.
• Many references.
• Local veterinary care which is approachable and verifiable.

NOTE: Cost is purposely not addressed due to regional variation, regional economics and the adage “you get what you pay for”.

• Should be safe. (No pieces that can break off and cause obstructions or choking.) (No toxins.)
• Should be fun.
• Should be training devices for the young.
• Should not promote undesirable behavior.

NOTE: Cost is purposely not addressed due to regional variation, regional economics and the adage “you get what you pay for”.

• Avoid greasy, fatty treats. (If you can not put the treat in your shirt pocket without producing a grease spot, do not feed it to your pet.)
• They should be fresh. (Check the expiration date.)
• Cat treats for cats; dog treats for dogs.
• Dog treats should be safe and fully digestible. Avoid treats that may splinter, producing sharp edges or those that may be undigestible. (eg. bird’s feet, rib bones, cow hooves, etc.)
• Treats should not be so hard as to fracture teeth.

NOTE: Cost is purposely not addressed due to regional variation, regional economics and the adage “you get what you pay for”.

Training:

• Graduate of an accredited veterinary college?
• Length of time practicing?
• Experience with the species presented?
• Advanced training beyond veterinary college? (eg. board certification, continuing education)
• Board certified in an AVMA recognized specialty?

NOTE: AVMA is the American Veterinary Medical Association
Specialties:

• Board certified Diplomate in an AVMA recognized specialty? (eg. Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Certified in Canine and Feline Practice).
• Restricted practices are not necessarily specialists in that species (eg. cats only practice).
• Advanced or complicated problems should be treated in conjunction with a board certified specialist while your regular veterinarian maintains primary control of the pet’s treatment.

Experience:

• Experience is a valuable commodity but does not supplant care, compassion, communication, skill and knowledge.

Continuing Education:

• Veterinarians should actively participate in a minimum of 20-40 hours of continuing education each year. Keeping current on their areas of practice.
• Veterinarians should keep current on their areas of practice through reading quality journals.
• New procedures should be learned hands on through workshops.

Compassion:

• Veterinarians should be sincerely compassionate toward their patients.

Thoroughness:

• Veterinary clinicians need to be thorough and systematic in their approach to practicing medicine and surgery. Short cuts have no place in practice. Compromises due to financial restraints should be explained and dealt with professionally with the patient’s best interests in mind.

Commitment:

• Veterinarians should be committed to practicing the best medicine and surgery they can.
• Many problems do not have “quick fixes”. Their treatment involves hard work.

Mission:

• Does your clinician’s veterinary practice have a mission statement that fits your expectations and beliefs? Does the practice live up to its mission statement?

Trustworthiness:

• You must be able to trust your veterinarian’s judgement and treatment in order to best care for your pet.

NOTE: Cost is purposely not addressed due to regional variation, regional economics and the adage “you get what you pay for”.

Services:

• Annual comprehensive physical examination.
• Neonatal care (puppies, kittens, etc.).
• Reproduction counseling and services.
• Geriatric care and counseling.
• Vaccinations.
• General care and treatment.
• General surgical treatment (including routine spays, neuters, etc.).
• Advanced surgery (eg. orthopedics, oralmaxillary, thoracic, abdominal, reconstructive, etc.).
• General dental treatment.
• Advanced dental services (eg. endodontics, reconstructive, orthodontics, oral surgery, etc.).
• Radiographic services (general and dental).
• Ultrasonic imaging.
• Endoscopic services (both flexible and rigid).
• Hospitalization services. (with nursing care).
• Isoflurane anesthesia (better safety).
• Surgical monitoring (eg. pulse oximetry, doppler blood pressure measurement).
• Ancillary services (eg. boarding, grooming, supplies, food, etc.).
• Emergency care.
• Specialist on staff.
• Telemedicine (on-line contact with specialists).
• Exotic pet care? (eg. birds, reptiles, pocket pets, etc.)

Availability:

• Open during the day? (How early? Drop off services available?)
• Evening hours? (How late?) (Which days?)
• Weekends? (Times and days?)

Emergency Coverage:

• Available during regular hospital hours?
• Available after hours?
• Available at regular facility or at rotating group or at a separate facility?
• Manner of contacting emergency service ? (eg. direct contact, message service, etc.)
• Cost and manner of payment?
• Coverage for non-clients? (ie. patients not normally seen at a particular practice or group)

Ancillary services:

• Boarding? (dogs, cats, exotics?)
  • Can boarders get treatment (eg. insulin, pills, special diets?)
  • Will medical care be provided if a boarder falls ill?
• Grooming?
  • What is available? ( ie. full clipping, bathing, nail trim, ear cleaning, etc.)
  • Type of flea control available? (eg. pyrethrins)
• Supplies?
  • Over the counter products (eg. shampoos, grooming products, toys, etc.).
  • Food (specialty diets).

NOTE: Cost is purposely not addressed due to regional variation, regional economics and the adage “you get what you pay for”.

Who?

• All pets 7 years of age or older.
• Larger dogs or exotic pets should participate in this program earlier.

What?

• Geriatric pet care is a combination of examination and care directed at both healthy and debilitated older pets to keep them at the peak of health.

Why?

• As pets age, it becomes more important to detect the beginning of disease as early as possible.
  Many times before the problem is noticeable to you or picked up on a physical exam alone, your pet may harbor a serious ailment which can be successfully treated with early detection.

How?

• The level of testing and care your pet receives will be determined by you in conjunction with your veterinarian’s advice. Listed below are the individual services that may be offered in this type of program along with a brief explanation of the service.
  • Physical Exam: A complete hands on examination of your pet from head to toe.
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test looks for anemia and infection.
  • Blood Chemistry Profile: This test looks at the health of your pet’s internal organs.
  • Urinalysis: This test helps check the urinary tract for infection, crystals and certain tumors.
  • Thyroid (T4): This checks the health of the thyroid (pacesetter of the body).
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): This checks the health of the heart.
  • Radiographs (X-rays): This helps check the heart and lungs and checks for tumors and stones.
  • Ophthamology exam: This checks the health and function of the eyes and tears

• Preliminary examinations should be done at all annual health exams.
• The mouth should be examined in all cases related to the digestive tract, oral cavity and such.
• Complete oral exams should be done under general anesthesia.
• Dental radiographs should be taken of any trouble areas.
• Extractions should only be performed on teeth that can not be properly repaired.
• Repairs are best done by veterinarians trained and experienced in dentistry.
• Proper home care is essential in successful dental work. Consult your veterinarian.
• When in doubt, consult a board certified veterinary dentist.
  NOTE: Cost is purposely not addressed due to regional variation, regional economics and the adage “you get what you pay for”.