Make Sure They Can Get Home: Check Your Pet's Microchip

Is your pet's microchip up-to-date? If your pet were lost, would an animal hospital or shelter be able to contact you once your pet was found?

It's important to get your pet microchipped; but it's just as important to make sure that microchip contains the correct information in order for your four-legged friend to get home.

That's why the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) are teaming up to encourage pet owners to update their pet's microchip information on National Check the Chip Day, Aug. 15.

Almost 9.6 million pets are euthanized every year because their owners can't be found, according to the American Humane Association. While tags and collars are important, microchipping is a valuable method because the microchip won't wear out, tear, slip off or become lost.

How does a microchip work?
The microchip, which is about the size of a grain of rice, is injected by a veterinarian or veterinary technician just beneath your pet's skin in the area between the shoulder blades. This is usually done without anesthesia, and the experience can be compared to getting a vaccination.

Each microchip has a unique registration number that is entered into a database or registry, and is associated with your name and contact information. If your lost dog or cat is found by an animal hospital, shelter or humane society, they will use a microchip scanner to read the number and contact the registry to get your information.

Make sure you can be found, too
While it may be comforting to know the microchip won't get lost or damaged, and that it will probably last the pet's lifetime, the microchip is useless if you're not updating your contact information with the registry. If your pet has been microchipped, keep the documentation paperwork so you can find the contact information for the registry. If you don't have the documentation paperwork, contact the veterinarian or shelter where the chip was implanted.

Keep in mind there are more than a dozen companies that maintain databases of chip ID numbers in the U.S. By using AAHA's Universal Pet Microchip Lookup at petmicrochiplookup.org, you can locate the registry for your chip by entering the microchip ID number. If you don't have your pet's microchip ID number, have a veterinarian scan it and give it to you.

Only about 17% of lost dogs and 2% of lost cats ever find their way back to their owners. Prevent the heartache and ensure your pet has an up-to-date microchip.

Originally published by Healthy Pet.

CareCredit and Pet Insurance

Whether it’s a routine checkup or emergency surgery, you shouldn't have to worry about getting the medical care for the pet you love. That’s why we’re pleased to offer CareCredit®. CareCredit lets you say “yes” to the best treatment for your pet immediately, and pay for it over time with low monthly payments that fit your budget.

Apply for CareCredit NOW today by clicking here:
https://www.geonlineapply.com/servlet/MCSGenericApp

We also often get questions about Pet Insurance. Pet insurance can be a great asset when unexpected pet care is needed. Pet insurance provides Peace of mind. If your pet is sick or injured, you won't have to make medical care decisions based on finances. Here, we try to take some of the confusion out of selecting the right plan for your pet As you are aware, the quality of pet care is rising as more advanced treatments become available for pets. These newer advanced treatments can bring an added cost with that quality. The fact is your pet has a 99% chance of facing one or two major health care issues during its lifetime. These incidents can be emotionally and financially draining, which is why pet insurance makes so much sense. The following is a side by side comparison of three of the most popular companies:

TRUPANION, VPI, and ASPCA. For a more exhaustive review of these and many more pet insurance providers please visit Pet Insurance Review

Trupanion
The only pet insurance endorsed by American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Strictly Accident and Illness only Premium remains the same for the life of the pet You pay the veterinarian upfront, insurance reimburses you up to 90% Free 30 days of coverage for puppies and kittens under one year of age after having a physical with a veterinarian and calling to register; you must enroll within 24 hours of the physical to be eligible

Visit online at www.trupanion.com or call 1-800-569-7913

VPI
Has both accident and wellness plans available Lower initial premium but the premium does increase with the pets' age You pay veterinarian upfront, insurance reimburses you up to 90% Visit online at www.petinsurance.com or call 1-866-VET-PETS

ASPCA
Has four levels to choose from: Accidents, Illness, Wellness, and Wellness Plus You pay the veterinarian upfront, insurance reimburses you up to 80%.

Visit online at www.isyourpetcovered.com or call 1-866-861-9092.

ASPCA Guide to Pet-Safe Gardening

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) experts field tens of thousands of calls each year involving animal companions who’ve had potentially hazardous contact with insecticides, weed killers and pet-toxic plants.  

"Keeping animals safe from accidental poisonings should not end once you've stepped outside," says Dana Farbman, APCC pet poison prevention expert. "Protecting your pet from potential hazards in your yard is just as critical."

While gardens and yards are lovely for relaxing, they can also prove dangerous for our animal companions.
Our experts recommend you watch out for the following:
Poisonous Plants
When designing and planting your green space, it's a good idea to keep in mind that many popular outdoor plants—including sago palm, rhododendron and azalea—are toxic to cats and dogs. Sago palm and other members of the Cycad family as well as mushrooms can cause liver failure, while rhododendron, azalea, lily of the valley, oleander, rosebay, foxglove and kalanchoe all affect the heart. Please visit our full list—and pics!—of toxic and non-toxic plants for your garden. 
Fertilizer
Just like you, plants need food. But pet parents, take care—the fertilizer that keeps our plants healthy and green can wreak havoc on the digestive tracts of our furry friends. Ingesting large amounts of fertilizer can give your pet a good case of stomach upset and may result in life-threatening gastrointestinal obstruction. Be sure to follow instructions carefully and observe the appropriate waiting period before letting your pet run wild outside. 
Cocoa Mulch
Many gardeners use cocoa bean shells—a by-product of chocolate production—in landscaping. Popular for its attractive odor and color, cocoa mulch also attracts dogs with its sweet smell, and like chocolate, it can pose problems for our canine companions. Depending on the amount involved, ingestion of cocoa mulch can cause a range of clinical signs, from vomiting, diarrhea and muscle tremors to elevated heart rate, hyperactivity and even seizures. Consider using a less-toxic alternative, such as shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark, but always supervise curious canines in yards where mulch is spread.
Insecticides
Like fertilizer, herbicides, insecticide baits, sprays and granules are often necessary to keep our gardens healthy, but their ingredients aren't meant for four-legged consumption. The most dangerous forms of pesticides include snail bait with metaldehyde, fly bait with methomyl, systemic insecticides with the ingredients disyston or disulfoton, mole or gopher bait with zinc phosphide and most forms of rat poisons. Always store pesticides in inaccessible areas—and read the manufacturer's label carefully for proper usage and storage. 
Compost
You're doing the right thing for your garden and Mother Earth—you're composting! Food and garden waste make excellent additions to garden soil, but depending on what you're tossing in the compost bin, they can also pose problems for our pets. Coffee, moldy food and certain types of fruit and vegetables are toxic to dogs and cats, so read up on people foods to avoid feeding your pet.
Fleas and Ticks
Since fleas and ticks lurk in tall brush and grasses, it's important to keep those lawns mowed and trim. Fleas can cause excessive scratching, hair loss, scabs, hot spots and tapeworms as well as anemia from blood loss in both cats and dogs. Ticks can cause similar effects and lead to a variety of complications from tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Babesia.
Garden Tools
Unattended garden tools may seem like no big deal, but rakes, tillers, hoes and trowels can be hazardous to pets and cause trauma to paws, noses or other parts of a curious pet's body. Rusty, sharp tools caked in dirt may also pose a risk for tetanus if they puncture skin. While cats don't appear to be as susceptible as dogs to tetanus, care should be taken by storing all unused tools in a safe area, not haphazardly strewn on the ground.
Allergy-Causing Flora
Ah-choo! Like their sneezy human counterparts, pets have allergies to foods, dust and even plants. Allergic reactions in dogs and cats can even cause life-threatening anaphylactic shock if the reaction is severe. If you do suspect your pet has an allergy, please don't give him any medication that isn't prescribed by a veterinarian. It's also smart to keep your pet out of other people's yards, especially if you're unsure of what kinds of plants or flowers lurk there. Keeping your pet off the lawn of others will make for healthy pets and happy neighbors.

Originally published by the ASPCA.

Prevent Heartworm to Save Your Dog's Life

INDIANAPOLIS (31 May 2013)—Each year as spring arrives, so do the bugs, particularly mosquitoes. Ants can ruin a picnic, but disease-carrying mosquitoes can negatively affect your dog’s life. Mosquitoes transmit heartworm disease. While every dog could become infected with the illness, protection is easy. Mosquitoes become carriers when they feed on a currently infected wild or domestic dog. They ingest the larva and carry it to another animal through a bite. The disease can be transmitted between dogs, but also between pets and wildlife. Mothers can pass the disease to their puppies, since the larva live in the bloodstream; however, the illness can be eliminated when the puppy is given preventative medication because the larvae must pass through a mosquito before becoming harmful.

 Heartworms are endemic in the wildlife communities—particularly fox and coyotes—which means the disease is out there and cannot be controlled; only prevented. On rare occasions, cats may become infected. Veterinarian Dr. Sandra Norman, companion animal director for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, recommends protecting dogs through a monthly pill, which is given to the pet throughout the duration of its life. There is no vaccination. “Dog owners can also benefit by giving their pets a combmination product that treats for worms and fleas at the same time, taking care of two things at once,” added Dr. Norman.

 A veterinarian can explain all the options available. Dog owners should watch for signs of this disease if pets begin to cough, tire easily, or have exercise intolerance. That may mean a very playful dog begins to stop more often than normal while playing catch. Heartworms live in the right side of a dog’s heart, where the blood flows into the lungs. The disease can also spread to other parts of the animal’s body, such as the kidneys and liver, causing additional damage. There is a treatment for infected dogs, but the process is very taxing. A dog must be healthy and young to undergo the treatment, and even then results could be less than ideal. In the end, the damage to the internal organs has already been done.

 Without treatment, a dog will die from heart failure 2 years to 3 years after infection. Pet owners should also take steps to reduce the places around their homes where mosquitoes can grow and live. Spots where water may pool should be kept dry, such as bird baths and buckets. “Through it all, prevention by giving your pet a monthly pill is the key, and an easy way to keep your dog protected,” reminds Dr. Norman. -30-

 For additional information, contact: Denise Derrer at 317-544-2414 dderrer@boah.in.gov About the Indiana State Board of Animal Health The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH), also known as "the Office of the State Veterinarian", has primary mission areas of: animal health, food safety (Dairy, Meat and Poultry Inspection), disaster preparedness and animal care.

 For more information,visit www.boah.in.gov. www.boah.in.gov *

 www.facebook.com/INBOAH

Pet Appreciation Week

This week is Pet Appreciation Week, a time set aside for pet owners to show their pets how much they mean to them. Are you doing anything special for your pet this week?

What would you do if…

...your dog ate the bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips that was left out on the kitchen counter?

 ...your cat had a seizure right in front of you?

 ...your dog fell down the stairs and started limping?

 ...your cat was overheating on a hot summer day?

To avoid the feelings of panic that may accompany these situations, we recommend the following steps to better prepare you for a pet medical emergency. The following links summarize the basics you need for giving first aid care to your pet.

Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until it receives veterinary treatment.

First aid supplies
Our handy checklist tells you all the supplies you should have on hand for pet first aid. Print out a copy to use for shopping, and keep a copy on your refrigerator or next to the first aid kit for your family, for quick reference in emergencies.
How to handle an injured pet
Knowing how to comfort an injured pet can help minimize your pet's anxiety and also protect you and your family from injury.
Basic pet first aid procedures
Read our simple instructions for providing emergency first aid if your pet is suffering from poisoning, seizures, broken bones, bleeding, burns, shock, heatstroke, choking or other urgent medical problems. Print out a copy to keep with your pet emergency kit.
First aid when traveling with your pet
A few simple steps can better prepare you to help your pet in first aid situations while you are traveling. Remember: pet medical emergencies don't just happen at home.
Pets and disasters
Whether confronted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, or unexpected catastrophes such as a house fire, you need to be prepared to take care of your animals. A pre-determined disaster plan will help you remain calm and think clearly.

Additional pet first aid links

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)/Healthy Pet: Pet First Aid
• The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Basic First Aid for Your Pet
• American Red Cross: First Aid for Pets
• VeterinaryPartner.com: First Aid and Emergency Care

Adapted by an article posted by the AVMA.

It's National Pet First Aid Awareness Month