February 18, 2008

Expert: Pet owners can avoid costly medical care through preventive steps

"With rising fuel costs, health-care premiums and inflation, many people are looking to save money wherever possible, but the health of your pet is not a place to wait until it gets out of control," says Lorraine Corriveau, wellness veterinarian at Purdue's Small Animal Hospital. "Despite a concern about expensive diets, medications and dental care, preventive wellness care can help prevent costly diseases."

Corriveau says ways that pet owners can help avoid costly medical care include:

* Vaccinations  - Specific risk factors determine what kinds of vaccinations might help a pet avoid future costly hospitalizations and infectious diseases.

* Heartworm prevention  - Heartworm treatments often cost between $500-800 and can be dangerous to the pet, yet preventive medications are rarely more than $10 per month.

* Preventive dental care - Routine dental care can help stop some heart disease, liver problems and kidney issues. Veterinarians now have barrier sealant gels that can be applied at home to dramatically slow the development of tartar and expensive gum disease. Owners also get the additional benefit of enjoying a pet with clean, fresh breath.

* Diet - The right diet can be good medicine. Quality pet foods prevent disease, and some are formulated to treat diseases.

* Exercise – Everyone gets busy and forgets to exercise, but don't forget to include pets in an exercise program. Take pets along on the walk or visits to the park so they can share in the health benefits of exercise.

* Protection - Avoid trips to the emergency room or traumatic emergency situations by keeping pets on a leash or confined in a yard.

As always, consult a veterinarian on a regular basis, Corriveau says. Routine visits to a veterinarian can help spot problems before they become expensive to treat.

"Twice yearly visits give your veterinarian a second chance to help keep your pet as healthy as possible," she says.

Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu

Source: Lorraine Corriveau, (765) 494-1107, corrivea@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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