Helping Pets Live Longer, Healthier Lives (NAPSA)—Sharing information with your vet can be more than a purr-fectly good idea. It can help you get better care for your pets. Americans spent nearly $13 million on veterinary care last year, says the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. To get the most out of the money they spend, owners need to share somedetails. According to Dr. Arnold Plotnick, president of Manhattan Cat Specialists, “We can’t ask our patients how they are feeling, so we need pet ownershelp.” Heoffers five vetvisit tips: Know The Basics: Share your cat’s age, breed, whether or not your cat is neutered or spayed, and if he is an indoor or outdoor cat. It’s importantto tell your veterinar- lan about any behavior changesin your pet since they could indicate an underlying medical condition. susceptible. Many cat owners mistakenly believe that heartworm is a disease only affecting dogs. “Not so,” said Dr. Plotnick. gained or lost weight? Vital Cat Stats: Share your “Cats and dogs are equally at risk for heartworm.” Brush Up On Home Care: Ask what you can do to keep your cat healthy, including at-home groomingtips for nail clipping and brushing—his fur andhis teeth. A recent IDEXX Laboratories cially when meeting a new vet. Bring copies of previous medical mon dental diseases are five times more likely to test positively for prevention for conditions such as feline immunodeficiency virus Harmless Vs. Harmful Behavior: Tell your vet about any sudden behavior changes. Food For Thought: Be pre- pared to discuss your cat’s eating habits. What kind of food does he eat and what brand? How frequently is he fed? Does he have a good appetite? Has your pet cat’s basic medical history, espe- records. Ask about testing and (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and heartworm disease. “Testing cats promptly for FeLV and FIV is important because, as with human care, catching prob- lems early can really help your cat live a long, healthy life,” said Dr. Plotnick. Heartworm disease is found in cats in all 50 states, making indoor and outdoor cats equally study reports that cats with com- FIV and FeLV. Lethargy, hyperactivity, aggres- sion, growling and urinating/defe- cating in inappropriate places may indicate an underlying medical problem. Your veterinarian is the best source for information on testing, disease prevention and pet wellness, but you are the best source of information about yourpet.
