Genetic disease is one of the most common preventable causes of illness and emergency visits. Today, breeding a pet comes with more risk and responsibility than ever. Irresponsible breeding leads to more pets suffering from genetic diseases such as heart disease, breathing problems, hip dysplasia and even cancer. How can a pet parent know if they are dealing with an irresponsible breeder? Comment below if you have had to learn the hard way about BAD GENETICS.
Related posts:
- Vet Talk: My dog is having puppies. I think they are stuck.
- IVDD- Back Pain and Difficulty With Stairs
- Congestive Heart Failure in a Dog / CHF
- Genetic Heart Disease
Additional resources:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Hotline: (888) 426-4435
- Preventive Health in Puppies
- Meet "Oliver"
- Medical Insurance Can Save Lives
- 3 Tips From The Emergency Vet That Could Save Your Pet's Life
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
- AKC Guide to Responsible Pet Breeding
- AKC Breeder Education Courses
- Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership
- Responsibilities of Pet Ownership
- Animal Shelter in Houston
- Pet Statistics (ASPCA)
- Canadian Animal Shelter Statistics (Humane Canada)
- Where to find a purebred or mixed breed rescue pet
- CVMA Position Statement on Responsible Pet Breeding
- AVMA Passes Policy on Responsible Pet Breeding
- A Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations
TREES PET FIRST AID COURSE! This course is FREE and open to the public. We designed it for pet owners, dog walkers and pet sitters. If you pass the quiz at the end you can get a First Aid Certificate. Take notes and leave your questions and comments below :) Make sure to share with your friends that need to watch this!
Here are the 3 best pieces of advice from the emergency vet that could save your pet's life:
- DON'T WAIT TOO LONG TO GET HELP! If you wait too long, it could be too late. This is especially true for concerns such as laboured breathing, pale gums and weakness. You know your pet best, so if you are worried or concerned, "when in doubt, check it out!"
- PREVENT THE PREVENTABLE. Learn as much as possible about dangers that face your pet, such as household poisons, seemingly harmless objects (such as toys, clothing, garbage and rocks), other animals, and vehicles. Pets are like toddlers and they need a responsible adult/babysitter to protect them from danger. Puppies and kittens need to start their vaccines at 8 WEEKS (and they need boosters too!) to protect them from deadly diseases.
- BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST CASE SCENARIO. Have a plan in place, know your nearest emergency clinic, have the ASPCA phone number on speed dial. Know basic first aid training and CPR. But MOST IMPORTANTLY, BE FINANCIALLY PREPARED. The cost of medical treatment in an emergency, and the owners' ability to pay for it, is probably the most important factor that determines whether a pet will receive the medical care it needs. The best way to protect yourself is to have good medical insurance for your pet. Do your research.
**REMEMBER**: WE ARE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM, with the best interest of the patient as everyone's first priority. Let your vet do what he/she does best, and don't try to grab the steering wheel and obstruct your vet from doing his/her job. We are all in the same car, we are all headed to the same place, but only one of us has the driver's license (meaning, only the vet has the medical training and background to "drive the car").
Please remember to spay/ neuter your pet, and to donate to your local animal shelter- they really need your help!
Additional Resources:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Hotline: (888) 426-4435
- Preventive Health in Puppies
- Meet "Oliver"
- Medical Insurance Can Save Lives
- 3 Tips From The Emergency Vet That Could Save Your Pet's Life