My Pet!

Lots of folks are picky about their vet, and for good reason. You don’t want some insensitive clod messing around with your precious pooch, especially if he or she is in a fragile state due to illness or injury. It goes without saying that your vet should be a certified expert in the field of animal medicine. But it’s also just as important to find a veterinarian who truly loves animals, and who will be sensitive to the needs of both you and your dog. If you feel unsure about your vet for any reason, it’s worth investigating your options to find a new vet who you really like!

What should you look for when choosing a vet?

1. Someone who is understanding, yet impartial. There will be times in your pet’s life where you’ll have to make tough and costly decisions on his behalf. Your vet should be an understanding pillar of strength and support; someone who can empathise during such trying times, without pushing you into anything you’re not ready for or comfortable with.

2. A vet who practices preventive medicine. The best veterinarians practice and encourage preventive medicine… routine checkups, treatments and follow-ups that can nip a small health problem in the bud before it becomes a big (and expensive) one down the road.

3. Someone who can put your dog at ease. A really good vet will have a calm, soothing demeanor, and a way with animals that is truly magical to see! Gentle hands, a comforting tone of voice… all of these things will help your pet feel calm and secure in your vet’s care. Oh yes: and of course, your vet should have a way with humans, too.

4. An office full of employees who truly love animals. It’s wonderful to bring your dog in for a vet checkup and be greeted with big smiles, belly rubs and a good scratch behind the ears (for your dog- not you, silly)! With repeated visits, your dog will grow to love the friendly folks at the vet’s office, and the experience will become pleasant rather than stressful.

5. Someone who will listen. As with any doctor, your vet should approach the matter of your dog’s health with open ears and an open mind. Each situation is unique, and new practices and procedures evolve every day. Maybe you’ve read about a treatment that your vet has yet to mention? You should feel comfortable approaching your doggie’s doctor with ideas, questions and concerns.

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

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Proper dental health is important for all pets. Often owners of older pets are concerned about the anesthesia that must be used in order for a proper dental procedure to be performed. Because every doctor does anesthetic procedures differently, I strongly encourage pet owners to discuss these topics with their veterinarians.

Here’s the way I approach anesthetic procedures. First, I think it’s important to make sure that the pet is healthy prior to performing any anesthetic or surgical procedures. Except in emergency situations, most anesthetic and surgical procedures are elective procedures that can be performed any time. If the pet is not in the best health prior to the procedure, it’s usually best to improve the pet’s health then move forward with the procedure. This means a thorough examination and lab testing, such as blood, urine, or radiographic testing, should be done prior to anesthesia. Since many pets have 1 or more abnormalities on the exam or lab testing (most of which do not necessitate postponing anesthesia but may cause problems later,) this pre-anesthesia evaluation is important. Assuming nothing on the pre-anesthesia evaluation postpones the procedure, the type of anesthesia is important. In our practice, we use a balanced holistic approach to anesthesia so that pets go to sleep quickly, wake up quickly (most are ready to go home within 5 minutes of the procedure,) and experience no pain. For dental cleanings, gas anesthesia administered via an endotracheal tube placed in the pet’s throat is essential (veterinary dentists consider it malpractice to perform dental cleanings if this is not done.) Discuss these concerns with your doctor to make sure the procedure is done safely and quickly. One final note:age is NOT a reason to skip cleaning your pet’s teeth. Most older pets, using a holistic approach, are safely anesthetized and do very well.

In summary, it’s important not to neglect dental health in your pet regardless of age. Anesthesia can be performed effectively and safely in older pets. Using a holistic approach to anesthesia will ensure a safe procedure that will keep the pet healthy.

Dr. Shawn Messonnier is the author of 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, and the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats. Dr. Shawn is the medical consultant for Pet Togethers, a pet supplement company.

http://www.pettogethers.net/healthypet

http://www.petcarenaturally.com

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There are two popular ways of cleaning carpet. Dry cleaning and steam cleaning.

First I would like to tell you about dry cleaning. Dry cleaning is not really dry per say.
A high PH chemical is applied to the carpet with a pump sprayer then the cleaning process is executed with the use of a very heavy floor buffer that you would normally see cleaning or waxing hard surface flooring.

There is no extraction (vacuum) in the cleaning process. Sowhere dose the dirt go?
Some of the dirt is absorbed by the cotton bonnet on the buffer then distributed to the rest of your carpet giving you the illusion that the stains are gone when in fact they have been moved from a concentrated area to the rest of your carpet.

The dry cleaning method may be ok for new and unstained carpet but if your carpet is actually stained and soiled this method is only going to clean out your wallet.

Now I will tell you about steam cleaning. Steam cleaning carpet is not actually steam. Actual steam would most likely delaminate the carpet so the phrase steam cleaning actually came from the appearance of steam as the carpet cleaning wand passes over the floor.

With most truck mounted carpet cleaning machines the water is heated to around 200 degrees. As you know hotter water breaks down oils and soils faster and more effectively.
The most important part of the steam cleaning process is the extraction. These new truck mounts are equipped with extremely powerful vacuum blowers that pull out the dirt and send it to the truck where it is stored there for leaving your home. You know where the dirt goes. It leaves with the carpet guy.

Steam cleaning is the preferred and recommended method of cleaning carpet for almost all carpet manufactures to not void warrantees.

You choose yours but I am going with steam. If you would like more info on steam cleaning you can visit http://shampooit.com/carpet.html

Tony Moore
http://shampooit.com/carpet.html

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