(NAPSA)—If you don’t want your pet’s health to go to the dogs, you're not alone. One out of three American households includes a dog or cat. A recent study found that nearly 70 percent of these pet owners think their pet’s health is as important as their own. In addition, nearly 90 percent of owners consider their pet to be part of the family. Yet many pet ownersbring their pets to the veterinarian just once a year—and when it comesto pet health, that’s equivalent to people waiting seven years between medieal and dentist visits. Pets age five to seven times faster than people. By age 2, most pets have reached adulthood. By the time a pet reaches age4, it’s considered middle-aged. At age 7, many dogs have already started their senior years. Veterinarians say the best way to care for your four-legged friend is to bring him to your veterinarian twice a year. It’s a message the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) worksto get out year-round, but especially in October, which is National Pet Wellness Month. As part of the effort, pet owners can visit their veterinary clinic to receive important pet aging and wellness exam information, specifically tailored to their pets, from their personal veterinarian. Edu- It's A Dog’s Life—Pets should see their veterinarian twice a year. cational literature and other information will be available at participating clinics as well, and people can visit the National Pet Wellness Month Web site at www. npwm.com. “Advances in veterinary medicine have led to an increased percentage of aging cats and dogs in this country,” says AVMA immediate past president Jack O. Walther, DVM. “Unlike people, cats and dogs can’t tell you where it hurts. An exam every six months enables early detection and treatmentof potentially life-threatening conditions.” For more information, contact your veterinarian.
