PULLMAN, Wash. Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is offering a new take on the traditional holiday song, “12 Days of Christmas,” by providing 12 tips for keeping pets healthy in the coming year.12 years have passed, approximately, since the last case of rabies in a domestic animal was identified in Washington. That animal was a cat in Walla Walla County that acquired rabies from an infected bat.
Pet owners should have animals vaccinated for rabies. It is an inexpensive vaccination that can be part of a regular veterinary check-up.Bat are valuable because they help control insects; yet the primary rabies reservoir in the Northwest is bats. Rabid bats have been found in almost every county in Washington. Between 5-10 percent of bats submitted to the Washington Department of Health for testing are found to be rabid.However, these mostly come from populations of sick and injured bats; less than 1 percent of healthy bats are infected with rabies.
11 aggression triggers are commonly recognized in cats. Unacceptable behaviors in any companion animal should be addressed sooner rather than later. Some require changes in how you manage your pet and some require changes in how you manage yourself.
It is especially important to discuss any abrupt change in pet behavior with your veterinarian as it can be an indicator of pain, injury or illness.
10 percent of dogs seen by veterinarians in 2010 were Labrador retrievers. This was followed by Chihuahuas (8 percent), shih tzus (5.8 percent) and Yorkshire terriers (5.4 percent).
Despite the popularity of purebred dogs and cats, most animal control agencies are overrun with mixed breed animals that make excellent pets. Additionally, mixed-breed animals often suffer from fewer breed-related medical problems and, depending on size, can live longer.
9 lives. Although untrue, of course, a lot of people still talk about cats having nine lives. This is thought to come from many folks having seen cats survive falls that would kill a human.
A study by New York veterinarians showed cats actually suffer more deaths from lower height falls than higher falls. Ten percent died when they fell 2-6 stories while only five percent died when they fell 7-32 stories. The greater distance allowed cats time to spread their legs horizontally, create more wind resistance and slow their descent from terminal velocity.
Protecting pets from injury is an owner’s responsibility. One of the worst things an owner can do is allow dogs to ride in the back of open pick-up trucks, which is a crime in Washington state.
8 months in kitten age equals about 15 years in human age. Cats mature faster at younger ages than people realize.
To convert cat age to an equivalent human age, add 18 years for the first year of life. Then add 10 years for the second year of life. After that, add 4 years for every cat year.
7 out of 10 people will slip pets unnecessary treats. Well, OK, the number is made up; but the fact remains, when pets and guests come together, people slip pets too much of foods that are not good for them.
The result can be nausea, vomiting and diarrhea – among the top reasons pet owners call their veterinarian.
6 months is the length of time recommended between wellness check-ups for pets. Owners save money if they keep pets healthy rather than waiting for them to become ill before seeing a veterinarian.
5 states – Massachusetts, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Nevada and New Hampshire – have the lowest levels of diabetes in cats. This serious disease affecting blood sugar metabolism is on the rise in both dogs (up 32 percent since 2006) and cats (up 16 percent) in the U.S.
The most effective things owners can do to lower a pet’s risk of developing diabetes is to keep its weight down, keep it active and feed it a complete and balanced diet.
4 people calling at your home can be too much; having a number of guests over for the holidays can be stressful for pets. Consider restraining pets in their kennels or in a darkened, quiet area. In extreme cases, talk to your veterinarian about medication or boarding to help ease holiday stress.
3 years of age. According to the nationwide Banfield Pet Hospital, 68 percent of cats over age 3 suffer from preventable dental disease. Dental health is vital to pets living long, healthy lives.
A thorough dental exam and cleaning can only be done under anesthesia, so ask your veterinarian. Good dental maintenance by owners extends the length of time between cleanings. And certain foods can reduce dental disease.