Why are vet bills so expensive?

Its true vet bills can be very expensive, even more so when you are dealing with emergency or critical care situations. But please don't think for a second that the whole reason for this is because all of us who work in the veterinary field are just greedy people who just want money. In fact most of us don't really make very much as compared to the skills and hard work we put in every day. Unfortunately it is just a fact that these things cost money. It is still a business and has to be able to pay for everything that goes along with running a business and being able to provide the best care that we can. It is not like a human hospital where a good amount of the cost is covered by insurance. One of the worst parts of my job is having to have that talk with a owner about money and seeing the concern and hurt a owner has when they feel like they can't help their pet because of cost. I provided a link to a couple of really good article's I think help make people think some more about why vets cost they way they do.
http://www.vetlive.com/2010/10/25/why-is-veterinary-care-so-darn-expensive/
http://news.vin.com/vinnews.aspx?articleId=22351

First Aid Kit

It is always a great idea to have a first aid kit available. I keep one in the house and one in the car in case we are traveling or camping/hiking. You can go online and buy kits already made, but if you wanna make a fun project out of it here are some of the basic things you will want to have. First find a old or new duffel bag. It doesn't have to be really big just light weight easy to carry. All the things I list you can either buy online for a discount or at any medical supply store.

• Adhesive Tape
• Self-Adherent Wrap
• 4x4 Gauze Bandage
• Gauze roll, 2-inch
• Wound Wash Saline
• Bandage Scissors
• Hemostat
• Digital thermometer
• Scissors
• Syringe
• Extra Leash
• Muzzle
• Gloves
• Sterile eye lubricant
• Instant cold pack
• Material to make a splint
• Topical antibiotic ointment (pet friendly)
• Small blanket and cloth
• Make a laminated medical card with your Vets information a Emergency clinic information and any medical information about your pet
• Print off basic emergency care hand book with basic guides to bandaging and CPR.

You can put as much of each item that you feel is necessary for you.

If you would like more information about pet first aid you can go to the Red Cross website and sign up for either classroom or online class.

http://www.redcross.org/en/takeaclass

Snail bait - Safer ideas

Now that it's getting warmer outside and the gardening is just around the corner for many of us. I wanted to share some "Pet Safe" tips for getting rid of snails.The typical snail bait you find at the store is very deadly for dogs and they WILL eat it, if it is out. It can cause such symptoms as twitching, muscle tremors, seizures, excessive drooling, panting, fever, fast heart rate, respiratory failure, rigidity, and vomiting. If you think your dog has eaten snail bait take your dog to the vet as quickly as you can. So instead of buying the snail bait from the store.Try placing small containers of stale beer in the garden. Take a small container, fill with beer and bury up to the rim place them throughout the garden. The snails are attracted to the beer, fall in and drown. Or place a copper strip completely around the garden. It is said that slugs will not cross the copper. All the time keeping the furry friends safe.

Finding the right dog for you !

I came across I fun website that helps you pick the right dog breed for you and your lifestyle. Its very important to pick the right breed for you, sadly to many times people pick breeds off of movies or cause they see a picture of a cute dog. Then when they get them home and they aren't puppies anymore  people realize they picked a dog they know nothing about and can not handle. These poor dogs end up in shelters or passed from home to home and most of the time end up being euthanized. All it takes to prevent this from happening is doing some research and talking with owners of the different breeds you are interested in. You can also talk to your local veterinarian for advice. Dogs are not something you just impulsively go out one day and get. Think about it, take time, research it. It will make all the difference in the world. Remember this doesn't mean you have to go out and get the pure breed dog that's right for you check with local shelters and rescue organizations let them know the kind of breeds that would work for you and they can help you find the prefect match. Always RESCUE !!!!

http://www.k9country.com/perl/dogBreed.pl
http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/choosing-a-dog-breed.html

Active dogs are happy dogs.

I found a few links to some great ideas for some fun activities you can do with your dog. Your dog does not have to be a pure breed top of the line dog to be amazing and have amazing skills. It is very important for you and your dog to be active together. Many breeds were breed for specific jobs and skills. If you want to keep your pup happy research the breed or breeds you think your dog is and find what they were breed to do and then you can take that information and find activities that will highlight those skills and I promise you will have a very happy dog. These activities can also bring you closer to your dog and be something the whole family can be apart of.
7 Fun Activities for Dogs
http://www.squidoo.com/dog-activities
http://www.canineadventuresslc.com/

Rat Bait

Rat Bait Ingestion

One of the most common emergencies seen in dogs is the ingestion of rat bait. Unfortunately rat bait is designed to taste good so dogs are likely to eat it. Rat baits are made with blood thinners, which will stop blood from clotting. And your dogs body will start leaking blood into the different body cavities causing anemia.

Symptoms that your dog may have ingested rat bait.

• Pale gums
• Weakness
• Bloody nose
• Blood in urine or feces
• Coughing up blood
• Rapid breathing or difficulty in breathing
• Low body temperature
• Bruising
• Loss of appetite
• Blood in the saliva

What do you do if you think your dog has ingested rat bait

• Take your dog to your vet or a emergency clinic as quickly as possible
• Some websites recommend that you induce vomiting at home with Hydrogen peroxide I do not recommend this it can often cause more damage then good and is not worth the risk.
• Remember to bring the box or container that the rat bait was in with you to the hospital.

What you can expect at the the vets office

• Depending on what time your dog ingested the rat bait your vet may want to induce vomiting with a medication given intravenously.
• Activated charcoal may be given to your dog to help by absorbing the chemicals that may still may be in the stomach or intestinal track
• Vitamin K is often prescribed to help with the bodies clotting factors that were destroyed by the rat bait.
• In server cases the dogs need to be hospitalized on IV fluids and medications as well as needing plasma or blood transfusions.

Pet safe ideas instead of rat bait.

• Snap Traps
• Glue Traps
• Live Traps: I prefer this above any of the others

www.dogateratpoison.com

Tasty Treat

Here is a great recipe for a tasty treat you can make for your pet at home.

PUMPKIN WAFERS DOG TREAT RECIPE
Ingredients:

One 15 oz. can mashed pure pumpkin (NOT the spiced pie filling)

3/4 cup cream of wheat (or rice cereal if wheat-sensitive) You can mix this dry--no need to cook it first

1/2 cup dry powdered milk

Directions: Preheat oven to 300 F.

Mix all ingredients together. Drop small spoonfuls (I use about half of a tablespoon) onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
If you'd like to make bite sized cookies for small dogs, training rewards or just small treats, you can use a pastry bag and squeeze out rosettes about the size of a dime for tasty bite sized cookies!

Depending on the size, this recipe will make around 20 treats.

http://www.all-natural-dog-treat.com/homemade-dog-treat-recipes.html