1. Newsletter
WWW.MORRISVET.COM Like Us On Facebook! Third Quarter 2012
Summer is Certainly Here! Responsible Breeder- They’re in the Paper,
Right?
chris
Chris
As the hot weather is hear it becomes the
time to consider having your long haired dogs You know you aren’t supposed to purchase
pets from the pet store because you are
shaved to help keep them cool. It is a myth
directly supporting the puppy mill trade. So
that the coat provides protection and cooling where is a person supposed to get a
from the baking sun. They will be undeniably purebred dog or cat from? How do you
know when someone is a “good” breeder?
cooler without the heavy fur! It is true that
hair may grow in a different texture. Many The Akc, http://www.akc.org/index.cfm is the
groomers or breeders will tell you not to shave first place to obtain names of canine
breeders and breed clubs. This is only a
your breed because it may change the coat. starting point for your research! It is a registry.
BUT! Isn’t it more important to have your pet Just because a breeder is listed does not
comfortable? Also, remember any wounds mean they are reputable nor does it
guarantee their animals are healthy. The Cat
such as hot spots, ear infections, or diarrhea Fancier’s Association
on fur can be an invitation for flies to lay eggs http://www.cfainc.org/Client/home.aspx is a
on your pet. Maggots eat your pet from the registry for cat breeders.
outside in causing the pet to become toxic Any breeder worth their salt will allow you to
and if untreated they will die! see the premises that the pets are kept, as
well as meet the animal. The housing should
be clean and the animals friendly and social.
The breeder should be able to discuss what
Advantage Multi/ Advantage/ Advantix sale: Buy they want to accomplish with their breeding
6 get 2 free. Limited time offer. program. They should offer health
guarantees and be able to show that the
Furminator sale: All sizes $25 while supplies last! parents have passed any health testing
required for their breeds. A good breeder will
Stop by and check out a new line of all show their pets in some type of performance
arena such as conformation, obedience,
natural, healthy biscuits for dogs. Now agility, etc.
offering Three Dog Bakery treats!
A good breeder can be a life-long support
system and an invaluable resource.
Newsletter 1

2. Selected highlights from “Pet Insurance (“noncurable” preexisting conditions are not covered).
Buyer’s Guide” Higher priced policies offer coverage for boarding and
even advertisements and rewards for lost pets.
1. AKC Pet Healthcare Plan: Covers well-pet visits,
vaccinations, dental cleanings, flea prevention, and 48- 8. PurinaCare Pet Health Insurance: Coverage can be
hour emergency boarding at higher payment tiers. purchased for non-preexisting congenital and
Deductibles are available either by year or by incident. hereditary conditions. Behavior training is covered
AKC scored lowest on “reputation of the company” of even under less costly plans. PurinaCare has a policy
the companies evaluated. cap of $20,000 per year for most policies, one of the
highest in the industry.
2. ASPCA (Hartville) Insurance: Coverage can be
purchased for congenital and hereditary conditions as 9. Trupanion: Covers 50% of prescription food costs,
well as for dental cleanings and vaccinations. Ongoing and services such as acupuncture and physical
conditions are not covered for dogs at age 9 years and therapy. Trupanion offers a lifetime per-incident
cats at 11. deductible, which can save money compared to an
annual deductible for pets with recurring conditions.
3. Embrace Pet Insurance: Covers all diagnostic tests,
Routine health coverage (wellness, dental cleanings,
including those for congenital and hereditary
etc) is not offered.
conditions. Care for chronic conditions that cost in
excess of 25% of the policy maximum is not covered. 10. Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI): VPI, the
“granddaddy” of pet insurance providers, reimburses
4. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance: Offers coverage for
based on its own benefit schedule, not what the
hereditary conditions that are not preexisting. There is
veterinarian charges. Higher tiered plans offer some of
no annual cap on coverage, which can be especially
the lowest copays in the industry, while less-expensive
useful for pets with a lifelong condition. Healthy Paws
plans have some of the highest.
has an especially strong rating with consumers and
earned the highest overall rating of the companies
evaluated. Are Supplements For My Pet?
5. Pets Best: Offers an inclusive list of coverage Chris
items, including oncology, chiropractic, and behavioral Go to any pharmacy or discount store and you can
be overwhelmed with the choices in nutritional
treatment. Routine care (eg, well care, vaccinations,
supplements. How do you know where to start?
neutering) can be covered for an additional charge. What is necessary and what is fluff? Do they
This company uses a per-incident rather than the more really help? A nutritional supplement is just that-
common annual deductible. it is supplying or boosting a nutrient that we need
to stay healthy, but are not getting, in our pets as
6. Pet First Healthcare: The accident-only rate is well as ourselves. Often a regimen would address
a specific illness. Let’s take a look at the basic 3
among the lowest in the industry with no copay
that every pet could benefit from.
required (a $50 deductible is charged for accidents,
Omega 3 Fatty Acids are found in fish oil, other
however). marine sources such as spirulina and blue green
algae, and flax seed oil; the most useful in pets are
7. Pet Plan: Coverage is available for congenital,
fish oils.
hereditary, and some preexisting conditions
Newsletter 2

3. Cooked/processed foods can be lacking this Whether you’re considering taking your pooch on a boat, or
“fresh” nutrient. Benefits of fatty acids include to the ocean, lake, swimming pool, pond or ice, make sure
controlling and minimizing inflammation, aiding you follow these simple common sense steps suggested by
in heart disease, cancer therapy, and renal disease. Dr. Pettit to keep your pet safe.
They are essential in any allergy patient to
Pet Water Safety: Rated PG
decrease itching, promote skin healing, and help Parental guidance is the most important thing you can
the body cope with the daily insult of allergens. remember about pet water safety. Always supervise your
Because of the anti-inflammatory properties they pet near any body of water and be prepared to intervene if
are also essential if your pet has any type of he/she gets into trouble.
autoimmune issue such as IBD or orthopedic
problems. Make Sure the Water is Clean
Lakes, ponds and rivers may contain chemical
Joint Health Supplement contaminants, algae and bacteria or other microorganisms
(Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM): No matter dog that can threaten your pet’s health through skin exposure or
or cat, no matter the age of your pet, this ingestion. Avoid any water that is discolored or smells bad,
supplement is always beneficial. In pets without or is known to receive runoff from industry, farm activity
or municipal sewage.
diagnosed disease we receive important
protective/preventive benefits. The key is Life Vests
“diagnosed disease”. How many times do joint Your pet should wear a life vest when in any body of water
problems go unnoticed by owners and healthcare that is too deep for him/her to walk on the bottom. Any
professionals alike? Pet owners may not circumstance where it is advisable for a person to wear a
understand the subtle signs and your vet may not life vest is one where your pet should wear it as well. Be
see stiffness or pain in the short time the pet is in sure it is sized and designed for a proper fit.
the office. Supplements such as Cosequin,
Glycoflex, Phycox, or for cats Feline Joint Gel are Boating Safety
quality supplements that can help minimize joint Your pet may look cute perched on the bow of your boat,
damage of bad breeding, age changes, and help but dogs can fall off as easily as they fall out of pickup
trucks! Make sure he/she is wearing a life vest, and is
minimize the bigger mediations we have to use in
secured by a leash or crate when the boat is moving. This
future. will prevent drowning or injury by the boat propellers.
Probiotics: The body’s powerhouse is the Keep Fresh Drinking Water Available
intestines! Keeping it healthy reaps great benefits Pool water contains chlorine and other chemicals that can
such as strong immune system and resistance to cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities.
illness, correct absorption of nutrients in food, and Natural bodies of water can contain chemical poisons and
healthy poops! Prostora, and Fortiflora are infectious organisms. Encourage your pet to drink from
excellent sources of quality probiotics. your fresh water supply and he/she will be less likely to
drink water that may be harmful.
Every pet can benefit from these 3 supplements. Consider Your Pet’s Health Conditions
Started early enough these workhorses will work Dogs that are prone to skin and ear infections should not be
quietly in the background doing their jobs. exposed to frequent swimming since chronic moisture can
However, it is never too late to add these to any encourage such infections. While swimming is excellent
treatment plan to receive great benefit. exercise for the arthritic pet, don’t let him/her overdo it or
he/she will be in pain afterward.
Pet Water Safety End with a Good Bath
After a day of swimming, bathe your pet with a mild
Water sports and recreation can be a terrific way to
shampoo to remove chlorine, sea salt and any other
spend some quality fun time with your pet. Many dogs
potential contaminants. Use an ear cleaner to rinse and dry
can enjoy the water for fun. Although cats can swim,
the ears, and flush his/her eyes with sterile saline solution
they don’t like it, despite what you’ve seen on The
to prevent irritation.
Adventures of Milo and Otis, explains Sandra Pettit,
veterinarian with the Milton Animal Hospital, Milton,
Florida.
Newsletter 3