Pet Goals for 2010

Did you make any New Year's Pet Resolutions?

Popular New Year's pet resolutions are similar to our traditional goals: lose weight, more walks (exercise), eat better.

There is one resolution that costs you almost nothing but will go a long way towards providing better care for your pets.

Resolve to be a proactive partner in your pet's health care.

That sounded fancier and more intimidating than it needs to be. As with most things, there are different levels of involvement. It is laudable if you research every pet products, read (and understand) the pet food labels, know why puppy mills are bad, and are aware of the changes in vaccine protocols.

No, we are not suggesting that everyone should make that part of their New Year's Resolutions. That level of participation require a commitment and training that may be too much for some of us. Let's start with baby steps.

Resolve to be more aware of your companions' conditions and to bring that information to the veterinarian(s).

A major part of the office visit and consultation is your pet's subjective history and information provided by you. The veterinarian uses that information along with the physical exam findings and medical history to evaluate your pet's health. Without your information, the veterinarian will be working with an incomplete history and you will get less value for your consultation.

For wellness or routine general check-up, be prepared with the following information:
1) Have you notice any coughing, sneezing, or vomiting? If yes, how long has it been going on?

2) How are the stools? Diarrhea? Constipation? Report any straining, change in colors, shapes, and consistency. When did you first notice the change(s)?

3) Any change in the water intake? More than usual or less than usual? For how long?

• To make it easier to monitor this, try changing / filling the water bowl(s) at least once daily. Over time, you will notice if the bowls are emptying faster or slower.

4) Have you noticed any urination problems? Straining to urinate? More frequent urination? More to scoop out of the litter box? If yes, when did you first notice the change?

5) Any change in his appetite? Eating more than usual? Eating less? If yes, when did you first notice the change?

• If you have to use a gravity feeder or if your pets are fed free-choice, establish a set routine so you have an idea how long it takes for the food to go down.

6) What is the current diet? How much and how often is he fed? Any diet changes?

7) Any change to his behaviors or activity levels? Any change in his environment? New pets? New family members?

8) Make a list of all medications, supplements, flea control products or bring them to the appointment (a good incentive to having a pet care box containing all the medications and pet products).

9) Bring a list of questions or concerns you collected since the last visit (including any visits to a different clinic). A pet diary or journal can help collect these tidbits. If you have a wall calendar in your kitchen, a quick scribble works just as well. The eye discharge or lameness that happened one morning and was gone by the end of the day, etc...

10) Be on time for the appointment to make sure you have plenty of time to discuss things with your family veterinarian.

Once you get used to the questions, the list will not look as complicated. Another level of involvement is needed when your pet is sick. For now, start with this small resolution and get involved with your pet health care.

In the United States, a valid veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) must exist for a veterinarian to provide medical advice and administer therapy. The most effective VCPRs call for participation from all three: veterinarians, clients, and patients (pets). Take control of what is in your control. Be an active part of the VCPR.