C O L O R A D O V E T E R I N A R Y M E D I C A L A S S O C I A T I O N. Return for Care. Healthy New Pet Guide. Powered by Catalyst Connection

Transcription

1 C O L O R A D O V E T E R I N A R Y M E D I C A L A S S O C I A T I O N Return for Care Powered by Catalyst Connection Healthy New Pet Guide 2018

2 Valid thru 12/31/18. One per customer. Not valid on gift cards, services, online or previous purchases. No cash value. Void if copied. While supplies last. Must join or be part of Friends of Chuck free rewards program. Minimum purchase excludes tax. Purchase total must be met for each coupon/offer individiually. Cash or credit not issued for remaining balance or if Valid thru 12/31/18. One per customer. Not valid on gift cards, services, online or previous purchases. No cash value. Void if copied. While supplies last. Must join or be part of Friends of Chuck free rewards program. Minimum purchase excludes tax. Purchase total must be met for each coupon/offer individiually. Cash or credit not issued for remaining balance or if merchandisine is returned. Item No: merchandisine is returned. Item No: FOR ALL CHUCK & DON S COLORADO LOCATIONS, VISIT CHUCKANDDONS.COM

3

4 THE CHEW PUPPIES CHOOSE TO KILL FLEAS & TICKS NexGard is powerful flea and tick protection that comes in a delicious, easy-to-give chew dogs love. 1 Plus, it s safe and effective for puppies as young as 8 weeks, and weighing 4 pounds or more. The vet s #1 choice for their dogs and yours. 2 Ask your veterinarian. NexGardForDogs.com IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Reported side effects include vomiting, itching, diarrhea, lethargy and lack of appetite. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures. See your veterinarian for more information. 1. Data on file at Merial. 2. Data on file at Merial. NexGard is a registered trademark, and FRONTLINE VET LABS is a trademark of Merial Merial Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. Merial is now part of Boehringer Ingelheim. NG17_PrintAds (3/17) 2018 Healthy New Pet Guide 4

5 What s Inside Return for Care Program... 6 Here s everything you need to know about how the Return for Care Program works, including your free veterinary examination for your new family member. Return for Care Certificate... 8 You will need this Return for Care Certificate when you take your pet in for its free veterinary examination. Veterinary Clinics An alphabetical list of Colorado Veterinary Medical Association clinics participating in Return for Care. Responsible Pet Ownership You ve done the right thing by adopting a pet here s how to keep doing the right things! Welcoming Your New Pet...14 There are a few simple steps you can take to make sure your new friend feels comfortable in its new home. Vaccinating Your New Pet...16 What you need to know about vaccines and why they are important in keeping your pet safe and healthy. Frequently Asked Questions...18 You ve got questions about veterinarians and healthcare for your new pet? We ve got the answers! Summertime Safety...20 When the temperature rises, so should your attention to your pet s wellbeing. Here s what to keep an eye on. Pet First Aid A quick reference to help your furry friends when they need it most. CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Description: NexGard (afoxolaner) is available in four sizes of beef-flavored, soft chewables for oral administration to dogs and puppies according to their weight. Each chewable is formulated to provide a minimum afoxolaner dosage of 1.14 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg). Afoxolaner has the chemical composition 1-Naphthalenecarboxamide, 4-[5- [3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-4, 5-dihydro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-3-isoxazolyl]-N-[2-oxo-2-[(2,2,2- trifluoroethyl)amino]ethyl. Indications: NexGard kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis), and the treatment and control of Black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), American Dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum), and Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) infestations in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing 4 pounds of body weight or greater, for one month. Dosage and Administration: NexGard is given orally once a month, at the minimum dosage of 1.14 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg). Dosing Schedule: Body Afoxolaner Per Chewables Weight Chewable (mg) Administered 4.0 to 10.0 lbs One 10.1 to 24.0 lbs One 24.1 to 60.0 lbs. 68 One 60.1 to lbs. 136 One Over lbs. Administer the appropriate combination of chewables NexGard can be administered with or without food. Care should be taken that the dog consumes the complete dose, and treated animals should be observed for a few minutes to ensure that part of the dose is not lost or refused. If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost or if vomiting occurs within two hours of administration, redose with another full dose. If a dose is missed, administer NexGard and resume a monthly dosing schedule. Flea Treatment and Prevention: Treatment with NexGard may begin at any time of the year. In areas where fleas are common year-round, monthly treatment with NexGard should continue the entire year without interruption. To minimize the likelihood of flea reinfestation, it is important to treat all animals within a household with an approved flea control product. Tick Treatment and Control: Treatment with NexGard may begin at any time of the year (see Effectiveness). Contraindications: There are no known contraindications for the use of NexGard. Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, contact a physician immediately. Precautions: The safe use of NexGard in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures (see Adverse Reactions). Adverse Reactions: In a well-controlled US field study, which included a total of 333 households and 615 treated dogs (415 administered afoxolaner; 200 administered active control), no serious adverse reactions were observed with NexGard. Over the 90-day study period, all observations of potential adverse reactions were recorded. The most frequent reactions reported at an incidence of > 1% within any of the three months of observations are presented in the following table. The most frequently reported adverse reaction was vomiting. The occurrence of vomiting was generally self-limiting and of short duration and tended to decrease with subsequent doses in both groups. Five treated dogs experienced anorexia during the study, and two of those dogs experienced anorexia with the first dose but not subsequent doses. Table 1: Dogs With Adverse Reactions. Treatment Group Afoxolaner Oral active control N 1 % (n=415) N 2 % (n=200) Vomiting (with and without blood) Dry/Flaky Skin Diarrhea (with and without blood) Lethargy Anorexia Number of dogs in the afoxolaner treatment group with the identified abnormality. 2 Number of dogs in the control group with the identified abnormality. In the US field study, one dog with a history of seizures experienced a seizure on the same day after receiving the first dose and on the same day after receiving the second dose of NexGard. This dog experienced a third seizure one week after receiving the third dose. The dog remained enrolled and completed the study. Another dog with a history of seizures had a seizure 19 days after the third dose of NexGard. The dog remained enrolled and completed the study. A third dog with a history of seizures received NexGard and experienced no seizures throughout the study. To report suspected adverse events, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the MSDS, contact Merial at or For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at FDA-VETS or online at AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth. Mode of Action: Afoxolaner is a member of the isoxazoline family, shown to bind at a binding site to inhibit insect and acarine ligand-gated chloride channels, in particular those gated by the neurotransmitter gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA), thereby blocking pre- and post-synaptic transfer of chloride ions across cell membranes. Prolonged afoxolaner-induced hyperexcitation results in uncontrolled activity of the central nervous system and death of insects and acarines. The selective toxicity of afoxolaner between insects and acarines and mammals may be inferred by the differential sensitivity of the insects and acarines GABA receptors versus mammalian GABA receptors. Effectiveness: In a well-controlled laboratory study, NexGard began to kill fleas four hours after initial administration and demonstrated >99% effectiveness at eight hours. In a separate well-controlled laboratory study, NexGard demonstrated 100% effectiveness against adult fleas 24 hours post-infestation for 35 days, and was 93% effective at 12 hours post-infestation through Day 21, and on Day 35. On Day 28, NexGard was 81.1% effective 12 hours post-infestation. Dogs in both the treated and control groups that were infested with fleas on Day -1 generated flea eggs at 12- and 24-hours post-treatment (0-11 eggs and 1-17 eggs in the NexGard treated dogs, and 4-90 eggs and eggs in the control dogs, at 12- and 24-hours, respectively). At subsequent evaluations post-infestation, fleas from dogs in the treated group were essentially unable to produce any eggs (0-1 eggs) while fleas from dogs in the control group continued to produce eggs (1-141 eggs). In a 90-day US field study conducted in households with existing flea infestations of varying severity, the effectiveness of NexGard against fleas on the Day 30, 60 and 90 visits compared with baseline was 98.0%, 99.7%, and 99.9%, respectively. Collectively, the data from the three studies (two laboratory and one field) demonstrate that NexGard kills fleas before they can lay eggs, thus preventing subsequent flea infestations after the start of treatment of existing flea infestations. In well-controlled laboratory studies, NexGard demonstrated >97% effectiveness against Dermacentor variabilis, >94% effectiveness against Ixodes scapularis, and >93% effectiveness against Rhipicephalus sanguineus, 48 hours post-infestation for 30 days. At 72 hours post-infestation, NexGard demonstrated >97% effectiveness against Amblyomma americanum for 30 days. Animal Safety: In a margin of safety study, NexGard was administered orally to 8 to 9-week-old Beagle puppies at 1, 3, and 5 times the maximum exposure dose (6.3 mg/kg) for three treatments every 28 days, followed by three treatments every 14 days, for a total of six treatments. Dogs in the control group were shamdosed. There were no clinically-relevant effects related to treatment on physical examination, body weight, food consumption, clinical pathology (hematology, clinical chemistries, or coagulation tests), gross pathology, histopathology or organ weights. Vomiting occurred throughout the study, with a similar incidence in the treated and control groups, including one dog in the 5x group that vomited four hours after treatment. In a well-controlled field study, NexGard was used concomitantly with other medications, such as vaccines, anthelmintics, antibiotics (including topicals), steroids, NSAIDS, anesthetics, and antihistamines. No adverse reactions were observed from the concomitant use of NexGard with other medications. Storage Information: Store at or below 30 C (86 F) with excursions permitted up to 40 C (104 F). How Supplied: NexGard is available in four sizes of beef-flavored soft chewables: 11.3, 28.3, 68 or 136 mg afoxolaner. Each chewable size is available in color-coded packages of 1, 3 or 6 beef-flavored chewables. NADA , Approved by FDA Marketed by: Frontline Vet Labs, a Division of Merial, Inc. Duluth, GA USA Made in Brazil. NexGard is a registered trademark, and TM FRONTLINE VET LABS is a trademark, of Merial Merial. All rights reserved Rev. 1/ Healthy New Pet Guide

6 Return for Care Program Information Congratulations on adopting your new pet! Thank you for giving a companion animal a new start and for supporting a local shelter. This is an exciting time for you and your new pet. To help get your pet off on the right paw, veterinarian members of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) listed in this booklet will provide a complimentary veterinary wellness exam through the Return for Care program. What is Return for Care? The Return for Care program provides newly adopted pets with a complimentary wellness exam at a participating veterinary practice. This exam must be scheduled within 5 working days of adoption. At this initial exam, the veterinarian will discuss your pet s health and core vaccination needs, as well as any other questions or concerns you have. The initial exam is free of charge, thanks to the charitable efforts of participating veterinary practices. Charges may apply for vaccinations, treatments, or other medications for medical issues not related to a shelter illness. In addition, should your pet become sick with a shelter-related illness within 15 calendar days of adoption, the participating veterinary practice has generously committed to providing your pet with $250 worth of treatment, free of charge. (See below for more information on what is covered). Return for Care FAQs How do I get started with the Return for Care program? Please see the list of participating practices on pages 10 and 11 and choose the one most convenient for you. To qualify for the program, you are required to schedule your complimentary wellness exam with the participating practice of your choice within 5 working days of adoption. It is your responsibility to call the practice directly to schedule your appointment within the 5 working-day period. In addition, you MUST bring the certificate on page 8 with you to the appointment. What if I choose a non-participating veterinarian? If you have an existing relationship with a veterinarian and they are not participating in Return for Care, you can elect to opt out of the program. If you opt out, any care for your pet is your financial responsibility. You would not qualify for the complimentary wellness exam or the 15-day Return for Care treatment. What is the Free Veterinary Wellness Exam? This complimentary examination will help you and your veterinarian assess the overall health of your pet. At your first visit, you should expect your veterinarian to perform a complete health evaluation. This begins with a review of your pet s lifestyle, behavior, and diet. A complete physical examination will be performed, including dental evaluation, body condition scoring, and a pain assessment. Based on the information provided in the history and the finding of the physical exam, your veterinarian can discuss any medical concerns, infectious disease risks, parasite control, dental care, behavioral concerns, and nutritional considerations. You and your veterinarian can then develop a specific plan based on your pet s individual needs to keep them healthy and happy for many years. Because this is a thorough exam and you will need time to talk to your veterinarian about your new pet, make sure you allow for enough time for the visit when you call to schedule your appointment. The complimentary exam does NOT include any additional tests, administrative costs, vaccines, medications, or treatments. Please discuss fees for any extra services before they are performed. What is covered as a shelter-related illness? If your pet becomes ill with a shelter-related illness within 15 calendar days of adoption, you can return to the participating veterinary practice you chose and receive $250 worth of care, provided you scheduled your complimentary wellness exam within 5 working days of adoption. Any costs over $250 are your responsibility. Only shelter-related medical conditions are covered, such as: Upper respiratory infections Kennel cough Vomiting/Diarrhea (parvo excluded) Skin and ear infections Eye infections Only medications prescribed to treat your pet s shelter-related illness are covered; if the veterinary practice does not supply the needed medication, please discuss with the veterinarian how best to fill a prescription or obtain the medication at another location Continued on next page Healthy New Pet Guide 6

7 Return for Care Program Information Care that would be excluded from the $250 worth of care (costs that are your responsibility) may include (but are not limited to) the following: Vaccinations Microchip Accidental injury including, but not limited to, broken leg due to a fall or car accident Laceration(s) Serious infectious diseases: Distemper, Parvovirus, Influenza, FIP, FeLV, and FIV Infectious skin conditions: Demodicosis, Ringworm Congenital or inherited diseases Other pets in the household that may become infected by the new pet Dental care THANK YOU CVMA MEMBERS! Please be sure to thank your veterinarian for participating. They are donating these services, and it is only through their generosity that the Return for Care program is possible! This program is offered in partnership with the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, whose mission is to enhance animal and human health and welfare, and advance the knowledge and wellbeing of Colorado veterinarians. For more information about Return for Care, visit to learn more. COMING SOON ONLINE ACCESS! The Return for Care program will eventually be moving to an online selection process. Once that system is in place, your contact information and medical records will be sent automatically to the veterinary practice you select! We hope to launch the online portion of this program sometime later in 2018! Until then, this booklet and the certificate on page 8 serve as your enrollment into the program. Resources for Pet Owners Visit the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association website and click on Pet Owner Resources at the bottom of the page for easy access to information on: General Animal Health Websites Travel, Play, and Activities Veterinary Laws and Licensure Verification Pet Loss and Bereavement Animal Poison Control, Pet First Aid, Emergencies, and Disasters Cats, Dogs, and Other Pets Some information also available in Spanish! Join CVMA on Facebook! Follow Colorado Veterinary Medical Association on Facebook for pet fun and info, and to share stories and photos of your new furry friend! Healthy New Pet Guide

8 Return for Care Certificate You MUST bring this certificate with you to your first appointment. THIS SECTION TO BE FILLED OUT BY SHELTER PERSONNEL ONLY Animal ID: Animal Name: Adopter Name: Practice Selected: Adoption Date: Must schedule free exam by: (This date is 5 business days from date of adoption) Return for Care window expires: (This date is 15 calendar days from date of adoption) THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BY ADOPTER Please read through the acknowledgements, initial each line, and sign below. I understand that in order to qualify for the Return for Care program, I must schedule a wellness exam with my selected participating veterinary practice within 5 business days. I understand that the $250 worth of treatment is limited to shelter-related illnesses (such as the items listed on page 6) and that I am financially responsible for any other treatment (including but not limited to: vaccines, microchips, accidental injuries, serious infectious diseases, congenital or inherited diseases, and dental care). I understand that any treatment for a shelter-related illness BEYOND the initial $250 provided by the practice is my financial responsibility. Adopter Signature Date 2018 Healthy New Pet Guide 8

9 About CVMA and MDAWA Congratulations! Congratulations on adopting a new pet and for supporting a local animal shelter! To help your pet get off to a great start, the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) member veterinarians in this booklet will provide one free veterinary wellness exam if scheduled within 5 days of the date of adoption. Many Thanks! Thank you to the CVMA member veterinarians at the 54 practices who are participating in this year s Return for Care program. We also thank our advertisers for their support of the veterinary profession and their dedication to the health and wellbeing of pets. Advertisements in this booklet do not constitute an endorsement from CVMA. About CVMA The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is a not-for-profit organization whose members value the human-animal bond and provide veterinary medical care to companion animals, livestock, and exotic species. CVMA exists to enhance animal and human health and welfare, and advance the knowledge and wellbeing of Colorado veterinarians. CVMA member veterinarians participate in a variety of programs with the goal of teaching responsible pet ownership and promoting preventive veterinary medical care. CVMA proudly serves pets and their companions through outreach efforts, veterinary referrals, pet loss support from licensed therapists, and free wellness exams for adopted pets through this Return for Care program. For more information and resources for pet owners, visit About MDAWA You ve adopted an animal from a member organization of the Metro Denver Animal Welfare Alliance (MDAWA), a coalition formed in 2000 of public and private shelters, rescues, and other animal service providers, committed to promoting humane care for companion animals in our community through the collaborative efforts of our members (listed below). MDAWA Members Adams County Animal Shelter Angels With Paws Aurora Animal Shelter Cat Care Society Denver Animal Protection Dumb Friends League Dumb Friends League Buddy Center Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center Foothills Animal Shelter Forgotten Felines Rescue Freedom Service Dogs The Gabriel Foundation Humane Society of Boulder Valley Humane Society of South Platte Valley Intermountain Humane Society Metro Denver Parrot Rescue Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue MDAWA Partners Animal Assistance Foundation Animal Haus Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund Colorado Veterinary Medical Association Community College of Denver Veterinary Medical Technology Program Feline Fix National Mill Dog Rescue PetAid Colorado University of Denver Institute for the Human-Animal Connection IF IT WERE ONLY THIS EASY FOR A LOST pet TO FINd ITS WAY HOmE. LIcENSE YOuR pet IN jefferson county, and we ll know who to return it to should it get lost. For details, visit or call Healthy New Pet Guide

10 THANK YOU TO OUR PARTICIPATING THANK YOU to the CVMA member veterinarians at the following practices who are participating in the Return for Care program this year and offering to help you get your newly adopted pet off to a healthy start! Please see pages 6 and 7 for information on selecting a veterinarian, what is included in the free exam, and vital Return for Care program information. ARVADA Care Animal Hospital 8044 Kipling St careanimal.com Harmony Veterinary Center W 85th Dr harmonyvetcenter.com Dr. Shelley Brown Jefferson Animal Clinic 8790 Ralston Rd jeffersonanimal.com AURORA Aurora Hills Animal Hospital E Mississippi Ave aurorahillsanimalhospital.com Dr. Nicole Reilly Loving Family Animal Hospital E Arapahoe Rd loving-family-vet.com Mission Viejo Veterinary Hospital E Hampden Ave mvvh4pets.com Pet Palace Veterinary Clinic 4098 S Parker Rd petpalaceusa.net Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital, Inc E Girard Ave hillsvet.com Special Friends Veterinary Clinic 509 Airport Blvd Ste C Summer Valley Veterinary Clinic E Quincy Ave Unit D summervalleyvet.com Tall Grass Animal Hospital E Quincy Ave Unit J tallgrassanimalhospital.com Dr. Matt Fordham Dr. Melissa Ward BOULDER Gunbarrel Veterinary Hospital 4636 N 55th St gunbarrelvet.com/ South Boulder Animal Hospital 4660 Table Mesa Dr southboulderanimalhospital.com Dr. Clinton Kay CASTLE ROCK Blue Spruce Animal Clinic 101 Briscoe St bluespruceanimalclinic.com Cat Specialist 612 Atchison Way catspecialist.com Dr. Jennifer Lavallee CENTENNIAL Aurora Animal Hospital E Smoky Hill Rd auroraanimalhospital.com Cherry Knolls Veterinary Clinic 7300 S Colorado Blvd cherryknollsveterinaryclinic.com Homestead Animal Hospital 6900 South Holly Circle homestead-animal-hospital.com Vida Veterinary Care 2261 E Arapahoe Rd vidavetcare.com DENVER Bear Valley Veterinary Care Center 2111 S Sheridan Blvd Belcaro Animal Hospital P.C Leetsdale Dr belcarovets.com Broadview Animal Clinic E Evans Ave Dr. Douglas Davies Dr. Barbara Caldwell Dr. Eric Hanson Dr. Erin Newport Dr. Jason Rucker Dr. Mitch Zale Evans East Animal Hospital 5353 E Evans Ave evanseastvet.com Dr. Stephen Kromka Dr. Erin Casey Dr. Jennifer Lei Dr. Rebekah Porter Dr. Jennifer Cole Dr. Ashley Ackley Dr. Erin Farmer Dr. Sarah Lipkin Dr. Analisa Schilling Dr. Rachel Galluzzo Dr. Rick Gardner Goldsmith Veterinary Clinic 6777 E Hampden Ave goldsmithvet.com Dr. Douglas Rea Highlands Animal Clinic 3727 W 32nd Ave highlandsanimalclinic.com Dr. Allison Jenkins Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center 2255 Oneida St Dr. Margot Vahrenwald Dr. Kellie McGuire Dr. Kim May Dr. Michelle Woolly Tender Touch Animal Hospital 350 Kalamath St tendertouchvet.com The Vet s Animal Hospital 8395 Elati St vetsanimalhospitaldenver.com 2018 Healthy New Pet Guide 10

11 RETURN FOR CARE PRACTICES Urban Vet Care 2815 Clay St urbanvetcare.com Dr. Amy Rupp Fuller Dr. Kate Andreae Dr. Betsy Feighner Dr. Shane Zambon Dr. Diana Luplow Dr. Rodrigo Velez Mijangos Dr. Naomi Weber Vetcare Animal Hospital 6611 Leetsdale Dr # Dr. Steve Feldman Vida Veterinary Care 4175 E Warren Ave vidavetcare.com GOLDEN Golden Paws Animal Hospital 701 Pine Ridge Rd Unit goldenpawsvet.com Dr. Sam Lane GoldenView Veterinary Hospital 885 Lupine St Ste C goldenviewvet.com HIGHLANDS RANCH Alpenview Veterinary Hospital 3996 Red Cedar Dr Ste #A5-A alpenviewvet.com LAKEWOOD Dr. Bob s Vet Shop 6745 W Mississippi Ave drbobsvetshop.com Dr. Robert C. Howland LITTLETON Bouton Veterinary Hospital W Progress Ave boutonveterinaryhospital.com Dr. Lara Houston Chatfield Veterinary Hospital 8420 W Ken Caryl Ave chatfieldvet.com Dr. Cara Edelstein Dr. Tyler Renehan Dr. Lori Perrow Columbine Animal Hospital 5546 W Canyon Trl columbineanimal.com Dr. Lee Bregitzer Highland Animal Hospital 311 E County Line Rd Ste A highlandanimalhospitalco.com Just For Paws Veterinary Hospital 9789-B W Coal Mine Avenue Littleton Veterinary Clinic 6596 S Broadway littleton-vet.com Dr. Mary Sare Redstone Animal Hospital 9111 S Santa Fe Dr redstonevet.com Woodlawn Veterinary Hospital 1500 W Littleton Blvd Ste woodlawnvet.com Dr. Bradley Benson LONETREE Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center 8681 E Lincoln Ave lonetreevet.com Dr. William J. Moyle LONGMONT Coal Ridge Animal Hospital 6171 Country Road coalridge.com Dr. Anita Knudson Nelson Road Veterinary Clinic 8875 Nelson Rd nelsonroadvet.com Olde Town Animal Medical Center 426 Terry St oldetownveterinary.com Dr. Susan M. Muench PARKER Parker Center Animal Clinic S Parker Rd parker-vet.com/ Dr. Mark Motichka Dr. Jim Noone Dr. Heather Toyne Dr. Justin Starnes Dr. April Larson Pine Grove Animal Hospital Cottonwood Dr Unit K pinegroveparkervet.com Dr. John Hess Dr. Kathleen Costello Dr. Ashley Bawcum Veterinary Center of Parker, Inc Pine Bluffs Way vcparker.net Dr. Lindsay Mamula-Crippen THORNTON Huron Animal Hospital 8840 Huron St huronanimalhospital.com WESTMINSTER Arrowhead Animal Hospital, P.C Sheridan Blvd arrowheadvets.com Dr. Donald Pfretzschner Cheshire Cat Hospital 9251 Wadsworth Blvd cheshirecathospital.com Dr. Jill Starcevich VitalPet at Church Ranch 8308 Church Ranch Blvd vitalpet.com WHEAT RIDGE Lakeside Animal Hospital 4243 Harlan Street lakesideah.net Healthy New Pet Guide

12 Responsible Pet Ownership It s exciting to welcome a new animal in your home and that companion is excited to be part of your life! Here s some information to help you make the most of that relationship. Sometimes, a challenging behavior issue may surface shortly after you bring your new friend home, or even after things have been going well for awhile. These challenges may include soiling in the house, cats scratching on inappropriate items, and a dog s biting behavior. If these or other challenging behaviors occur, please take your pet for a veterinary exam. Many times, problem behaviors occur as a result of an illness, even when your pet does not appear to be sick. Only a physical examination by your family veterinarian can rule out a serious medical problem. Your veterinarian can determine if a behavioral problem is related to a possible medical issue. If your pet is healthy but still has any issues or behavior problems, please: Check with your veterinarian to see if he or she may have other ideas or can suggest other veterinarians or animal care professionals whose practice specifically addresses behavior issues. If you need assistance in locating a veterinarian, please refer to the listings in this Healthy New Pet Guide. Contact the animal shelter you worked with for suggestions related to your pet s behavior; or Make an appointment to speak with a Dumb Friends League pet behavior counselor for free advice on behavior issues by visiting ddfl.org/helpline or calling Annual Exams Sick or not, take your pet to your veterinarian at least once a year for a wellness exam. Preventive vaccinations and early disease detection are very important for your pet s wellbeing. Also, pets age at a much faster rate than people, and these annual visits may reveal subtle signs of disease or illness not easily detected by the pet owner. Your veterinarian should be viewed as a partner in your pet s care and development, not just a problem solver. Nutrition Different pets have different nutritional needs based on their age, health, and activity level. For example, a highprotein diet is great for growing puppies, but diets high in protein can aggravate kidney disease in an older pet. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the best food for your pet. Water Plenty of clean water should be available all day, every day especially during the summer. If your pet spends time outdoors, make sure that his or her water doesn t freeze during the winter or evaporate in the summer. Shelter Animals need a safe, secure place to live. Give outdoor dogs shelter from the weather and access to food and water. Tall fences can keep a dog at home where it belongs. Cats should be kept indoors to avoid hazards like cars, poisons, other animals, and disease. Free-roaming cats typically live less than 5 years, while cats kept exclusively indoors often live to 17 years or more. Identification Identification for both dogs and cats is key to helping a lost pet find its way home. ID tags should be replaced when they become hard to read. If the shelter you adopted your new pet from does not already do so, ask your veterinarian about microchipping a permanent and inexpensive way to identify an animal. With microchipping, a tiny, sterile chip is injected just beneath the skin. Each microchip bears a number that, once registered (by the shelter, you, or your veterinarian), is reported to an international database with your contact information. If your pet is ever lost, a veterinarian or shelter will read the chip with a scanner and reunite you with your wayward friend. Just be sure to keep your contact information updated if your phone number or address changes. Spaying & Neutering If it isn t already, have your pet spayed or neutered. You ll end up with a calmer, healthier pet and also help reduce the animal overpopulation problem. Vaccinations An initial series of immunizations is necessary to start a kitten or puppy on a lifetime free of certain preventable contagious diseases. Adult cats and dogs may also require certain vaccinations to protect them from disease, including the rabies vaccination, which is required by local law. There are a number of optional vaccines that may benefit your pet based on its lifestyle, including vaccines for kennel cough, canine influenza, and leptospirosis. It is important to discuss your pet s lifestyle with your veterinarian to fully protect it from preventable diseases Healthy New Pet Guide 12

13 Exercise Like humans, pets need frequent exercise. Schedule time every day to take a walk together, throw a ball, dangle some string anything to provide opportunities for exercise. Dental Care Dental care is a very necessary and often overlooked element of pet wellness. Dental disease can lead to more serious problems if untreated. Ask your veterinarian about an annual dental exam and what you can do to maintain good animal oral health. Socialization & Behavior For a social, well-trained pet, slowly expose him or her to people and animals. Set rules immediately and stick to them. Never physically punish an animal. Your veterinarian can give you the names of trainers or training programs. Grooming Ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer for recommendations to maintain your pet s coat in the best manner. Pets need frequent exercise as well as plenty of opportunities to socialize with other animals. The Official Printer of the Denver Broncos We are proud to support the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association. The paper content of this publication has been certifiably reforested via PrintReleaf the world s first platform to measure paper consumption and automate reforestation across a global network of reforestation projects. Want vibrant printed marketing material? Call us today at and mention code CVMA18* to receive 10% off of your first printing. Visit myppmg.com to learn more about our services. *Offer valid for new customers only. Not valid with any other promo. Discount does not apply to postage LEARN MORE AT PRINTRELEAF.COM photo: flickr.com/nicholas_t CC BY Healthy New Pet Guide

14 Welcoming Your New Pet It s exciting to have a new animal in your life there s no telling how much enjoyment you ll get out of this new relationship. With that excitement, however, comes a lot of responsibility: you ve accepted a living thing into your home, and its health and welfare are up to you. It s important to realize that your pet is dependent on you for all of its needs, including food, shelter, exercise, proper healthcare, companionship, and more. If you take care of your end of the bargain, your new pet is sure to reward you as part of the amazing human-animal bond. Because this new pet will be part of your life for many years, here are some steps to make sure that your new relationship gets off on the right foot (and paw): No matter what kind of animal you ve selected, be sure to schedule a veterinary examination right away so that your pet s health can be determined. Veterinarians are your go-to experts when it comes to not only evaluating your new companion s current health, but also advising about proper immunization, nutrition, socialization, training, grooming, and other ways to ensure your pet s continued health. The veterinarians listed in this booklet are willing to provide a free veterinary examination for your new companion that s how important this initial examination is. Be sure to schedule regular wellness examinations with your veterinarian as well just as in human health, preventive care is incredibly important when it comes to your pet s health. Welcoming a Cat Before bringing your new kitty home, prepare spaces in your house where it can eat, sleep, and use a litter box in peace and quiet. You should also cat-proof your house, which includes putting poisonous chemicals, toxic plants, and other dangers out of the reach of cats and remember that cats are remarkable leapers and climbers. Make sure that all windows are properly Take time each day to play with your animals they ll appreciate the chance to be with you and get exercise as well! screened and secure, and cords on window blinds aren t within reach. Scratching is a natural behavior in cats, so having scratching posts or boxes available to provide them with proper places to exercise this instinct is important. Cats can have a vertical or horizontal preference for scratching, so provide a few different options to discover which one your cat likes the best. Special Notes for Kittens and Puppies If you ve decided to bring a very young animal into your home, there are a few additional key points to remember. Kittens require additional time for litter box training and socialization, as well as more frequent time for feeding and supervision. For puppies, be prepared for several weeks or even months of housetraining. Also, it s crucial in the early weeks and months of a puppy s life to take time to socialize and train it to be the kind of well-behaved dog you want. Frequent and positive contact during this time will make its future interaction with people and other animals much more positive Healthy New Pet Guide 14

15 Spend time training your cat so that it becomes familiar with being held and groomed and learns to interact with people and other animals in your home. Provide a variety of toys for your cat and spend plenty of time with it so that it can have lots of opportunities to exercise its body and stimulate its mind. To reduce the risk of injury and disease, cats should always be kept indoors. And even indoor cats should be microchipped and wear a collar with proper identification in case they accidentally get out of the house. Welcoming a Dog Make spaces for your dog to eat and sleep before you bring it home, and have accessories such as a collar with ID tag and leash ready. Pet-proofing a home for a dog includes removing toxic items as well as making sure that electrical cords and wires are out of reach. Set aside time each day to spend with your dog it s the best way to make sure that it doesn t get bored and take that boredom out in destructive ways. Taking walks, playing with toys, and petting and grooming your dog are all great activities that have added benefits for both you and your pet. Dogs appreciate opportunities to interact with people and other animals. Please don t isolate your dog to the backyard with no chance to play with others it s one of the very worst things you can do to these highly social animals. Isolating a dog will almost always result in serious behavioral issues your dog wants to be part of the pack! Did You Know? Depending on the size and age of the animal, the normal heartrate for a dog is beats per minute (bpm); for cats, it s bpm (normal for human adults is bpm) Healthy New Pet Guide

16 Vaccinating Your New Pet Vaccinating Your New Pet As part of your new pet adoption process, the shelter will discuss with you any vaccinations that have already been provided and advise you on any additional ones that may be necessary, especially if you are adopting a kitten or a puppy. Plese bring your new pet s medical records to your first appointment so you can discuss any vaccinations that may be needed with your veterinarian. What are vaccines? Vaccines are products designed to trigger protective immune responses and prepare the immune system to fight future infections from disease-causing agents. Vaccines stimulate the immune system s production of antibodies that identify and destroy diseasecausing organisms that enter the body. Vaccines provide immunity against one or several diseases that can lessen the severity or prevent certain diseases altogether. Why is it important to vaccinate your pet? Experts agree that widespread use of vaccinations within the last century has prevented death and disease in millions of animals. Vaccinations protect your pet from highly contagious and deadly diseases and improve your pet s overall quality of life. 5 Reasons to Vaccinate Your Pet 1. Vaccinations prevent many pet illnesses. 2. Vaccinations can help avoid costly treatments for diseases that can be prevented. 3. Vaccinations prevent diseases that can be passed not only from animal to animal but also from animal to human. 4. Diseases prevalent in wildlife, such as rabies and distemper, can infect unvaccinated pets. 5. Many areas, local or state ordinances require certain vaccinations of household pets. Do vaccinations ensure protection? For most pets, vaccination is effective in preventing future disease and only rarely will a vaccinated pet have insufficient immunity to fight off the disease. It is important to follow the vaccination schedule provided by your veterinarian to reduce the possibility of a gap in protection. Are there risks to vaccinating a pet? Any type of medical treatment has associated risks, but the risk should be weighed against the benefits of protecting your pet, your family and your community from potentially fatal diseases. The majority of pets respond well to vaccines. The most common adverse responses to vaccination are mild and short-term, and serious reactions are rare. An uncommon but serious adverse reaction that can occur in cats is tumor growth (sarcomas), which can develop weeks, months, or even years after a vaccination. Improvements in vaccination technology and technique have greatly reduced the occurrence of sarcomas. Why do puppies and kittens require a series of vaccinations? Very young animals are highly susceptible to infectious disease because their immune system is not yet fully mature. They receive protection through antibodies in their mother s milk, but the protection is not longlasting and there may be gaps in protection as the milk antibodies decrease and their immune system is still maturing. In many instances, the first dose of a vaccine serves to prime the animal s immune system against the virus or bacteria while subsequent doses help further stimulate the immune system to produce the important antibodies needed to protect an animal from diseases. Which vaccinations should pets receive? Core vaccines are recommended for most pets in a particular area or geographical location because they protect from diseases most common in that area. Noncore vaccinations are for individual pets with unique needs. Your veterinarian will consider your pet s risk of exposure to a variety of preventable diseases in order to customize a vaccination program for optimal protection throughout your pet s life. Talk with your veterinarian about your pet s lifestyle, including any expected travel to other geographical locations and/or contact with other animals, since these factors impact your pet s risk of exposure to certain diseases Healthy New Pet Guide 16

17 How often will pets need to be vaccinated? Many vaccinations provide adequate immunity when administered every few years, while others require more frequent schedules to maintain an acceptable level of immunity that will continually protect your pet. Your veterinarian will determine a vaccination schedule that s appropriate for your pet. What are antibody titers, and do they replace vaccinations? Antibody titers are blood tests that measure the amount of antibodies in the blood. While antibody titers do not replace vaccination programs, they may help your veterinarian determine if your pet has a reasonable expectation of protection against disease. Many factors are taken into consideration when establishing a pet s vaccination plan. Your veterinarian will tailor a program of vaccinations and preventive health care that will help your pet maintain a lifetime of infectious disease protection. Do vaccinations have side effects? It is common for pets to experience some or all of the following mild side effects after receiving a vaccine, usually starting within hours of the vaccination. If these side effects last for more than a day or two, or cause your pet significant discomfort, it is important for you to contact your veterinarian: Discomfort and local swelling at the vaccination site Mild fever Decreased appetite and activity Sneezing, mild coughing, snotty nose or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine More serious, but less common side effects, such as allergic reactions, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. These reactions can be lifethreatening and are medical emergencies. Seek veterinary care immediately if any of these signs develop: A small, firm swelling under the skin may develop at the site of a recent vaccination. It should start to disappear within a couple weeks. If it persists more than three weeks, or seems to be getting larger, you should contact your veterinarian. Always inform your veterinarian if your pet has had prior reactions to any vaccine or medication. If in doubt, wait for minutes following vaccination before taking your pet home. Vaccination information courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Finish the Series! An incomplete series of vaccinations may lead to incomplete protection, making puppies and kittens vulnerable to infection. To provide optimal protection against disease in the first few months of life, a series of vaccinations are scheduled, usually 3-4 weeks apart. For most puppies and kittens, the final vaccination in the series is administered at about 4 months of age; however, your veterinarian may alter the schedule based on an individual animal s risk factors. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea Itchy skin that may seem bumpy ( hives ) Swelling of the muzzle and around the face, neck, or eyes Severe coughing or difficulty breathing Collapse Healthy New Pet Guide

18 Frequently Asked Questions Q. What does DVM stand for? A. In the United States, graduates of veterinary schools are awarded a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, or the Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD) degree if they are a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Like those for human medicine, veterinary school programs last four years with at least one year dedicated to clinical rotations. Admission into veterinary school is very competitive; prerequisites include veterinary medicine undergraduate studies and lots of veterinary and other animal-related experience (as much as 1,000 hours). The average veterinary student has an undergraduate GPA of 3.5. Q. Why is it important to put so much effort into finding a veterinarian? A. More than ever before, companion animals are an important part of people s lives. Thanks to pet owners careful monitoring of their animals for early signs of illness, as well as the availability of highquality medical services and products, today s pets are living longer lives. It only makes sense, given the attention that pet owners pay to their pets needs, that a reasonable amount of time should go into selecting a healthcare provider for those pets as well. Q. Why is there such a wide range of prices for the same procedure(s) among veterinarians? A. Prices are set by each individual veterinary practice and each one has different expenses that are covered by fees charged (e.g., state and local taxes, salaries, rent, utilities, equipment overhead, continuing education, etc.). Often, the different prices do not reflect the same set of services, even though there may be certain basic procedures in common. The choice of potentially better but more costly drugs, the availability and use of newer surgical and medical products, and the choice of an individualized, safer anesthetic procedure for your pet represent some of the many reasons for cost of service variations. Q. Should I be wary of bargain basement veterinary care? Why? A. As with most products and services, you usually get what you pay for. Comparing price alone, however, does not reflect the level of service veterinary practitioners provide. You are entitled to ask your doctor for charges in advance. In veterinary care, the development of a close doctor-clientpet relationship is of utmost importance. The knowledge your veterinarian has of your pet from past physicals, along with his or her recognition of your concerns financial, personal, and petoriented enables him or her to guide you in selecting the best healthcare choices for your pet. CVMA endorses the best possible care for each animal, taking into consideration the owner s financial constraints. Remember that a low-cost treatment choice may even cost you more in the long run. Q. What should I do if my pet has an emergency on a weekend or holiday? A. Prepare yourself for emergencies by talking to your veterinarian in advance about after-hours policies and emergency care. Carry your veterinarian s phone number and any other emergency numbers with you and make sure that everyone else in your household and petsitters have them as well. And anytime you feel that your animal needs medical attention or that something is not right, don t hesitate to call your veterinarian right away Healthy New Pet Guide 18

19 Pets make our lives better. They are... Snuggle buddies. Personal trainers. Lap warmers. Alarm clocks. Confidants. Healers. Comedians. Doesn t everyone deserve to have a family? At PetAid Colorado, we believe that when pets thrive, people thrive. Our programs help those with financial and other barriers to veterinary care get the often lifesaving services their pets need to remain healthy, happy, and with the families that love them. Won t you help PetAid in its mission to keep pets and people together? Pets are family members. And for some, pets are the only family they have. The only reason to get up every day. The only one to turn to. Learn more or donate today at petaidcolorado.org Healthy New Pet Guide

20 Summertime Safety Summertime in Colorado means lots of fun in the sun and by following just a few pet safety guidelines, your animals can safely enjoy all the good times with you. Heatstroke in dogs is a serious medical emergency (see box at right); prevention is easy and it s in your hands. Never leave pets in the car cracking the windows isn t nearly enough; the temperature inside a vehicle with the windows completely down can get dangerously hot (over 120 degrees even on a relatively cool day) very quickly. If you re motoring about and your pets can t leave the car with you, leave them at home. Always provide your pet access to plenty of fresh water at all times both in and out of doors. On very hot days, keep walks shorter and at a slower pace (and don t forget the water). Overexertion can lead to serious problems. If your dog starts panting excessively or seems tired, cut the walk short. Because very young, elderly, and ill animals aren t able to regulate their body temperatures very well, keep them inside on very hot days. Keep in mind that short-nosed dog breeds like Pugs and Pekingese have a more difficult time cooling off because they aren t able to pant very efficiently. Also, the extra fat on overweight dogs can trap heat in their bodies and make it more difficult for them to breathe. Heatstroke Can Be Fatal! If your dog is panting excessively and has any of the following symptoms: a staring or anxious expression does not obey commands warm, dry skin a high fever a rapid heartbeat vomiting collapsing call your veterinarian immediately! You must also lower the dog s body temperature as quickly as possible. Immerse the dog in a body of water, spray it with a hose, or cover the hairless areas of the dog s body with wet towels. Start them off on the right paw TRAINING & BEHAVIOR CENTER Ensure the best possible future for you and your newest family member. Join us for training classes such as Puppy Social, Puppy Prep School, or our Puppy Parenting Workshop and watch your dog achieve greatness! Our methods are innovative, reward-based, and fun for both you and your puppy! Call , option 4, or visit training.boulderhumane.org For more info and a list of upcoming classes offered seven days a week Healthy New Pet Guide 20

21 Pet First Aid Are you prepared to help your furry friend when they need it most? Many of us are certified in human first aid and CPR, but what about when our pets are in trouble? Your pet depends on you for his or her wellbeing. In addition to providing daily care, love, and affection, your best friend depends on you in an emergency. While getting your pet to a veterinarian quickly is essential, here are some tips to help you deal with an emergency situation and help to save your pet s life: Always approach a sick or injured animal slowly and cautiously. Watch the body expressions and sounds your pet makes to warn you. Even your own pet can be aggressive toward you when in pain or frightened. Do not make quick, jerky, or loud movements. They might further scare your pet. When necessary, use towels or blankets to subdue cats or small dogs. Keep your pet s medical conditions and emergency veterinarian information with you or on the animal. Research emergency veterinarians in your area as well as where you are traveling, hiking, etc. Stock a pet first aid kit in your home and make one for travel (ask your veterinarian for your pet s specific needs). Take the American Red Cross Pet First Aid Course to learn how to: Administer medications Recognize an emergency Perform CPR and first aid Treat common problems and emergencies Stock a pet first aid kit Did You Know... Rabies is increasing in wildlife along Colorado s Front Range. This places both humans and animals at risk for this deadly disease. Rabies is a viral disease that causes severe inflammation in the brain and spinal cord and is nearly always fatal. Rabies is transmitted in saliva through animal bites. Skunks and bats are the most significant sources of rabies in Colorado, but other wild animals can also be infected. Rabid animals usually show abnormal behavior, such as aggression, confusion, or lack of fear of people. Dogs, cats, horses, and livestock can become infected if they are bitten by rabid animals. Contact with infected animals places you and your family at risk for rabies infection. Immediate medical treatment is required if a person or animal is exposed to rabies. The best way to protect your family and animals against rabies is to have your dogs, cats, horses and livestock vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinating your animals is simple, inexpensive and could save lives. Take your new pet to your veterinarian for a rabies vaccination today. The best way to protect your pets and your family against rabies is to have your new pet vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian. Here are the other things you can do to prevent rabies: Spay or neuter your pets Maintain control of your pets when outdoors Do not feed wild animals Do not touch or handle wild animals Protect your home from wild Healthy New Pet Guide

22 Does your dog have arthritis? Dr. James Gaynor and Peak Performance Veterinary Group have all the answers! Stem Cell Therapy Advanced Joint Injection Therapy State-of-the-Art Drug Therapy Data Driven Nutraceutical Therapy Therapeutic Laser Acupuncture We also treat CATS! Arvada Location: 8044 Kipling Street Arvada, CO (Located in Care Animal Hospital) To Make an Appointment or for More Information Giving Pets a New Leash on Life Frisco Location: 700 Summit Blvd Frisco, CO (Located in Frisco Animal Hospital) 2018 Healthy New Pet Guide 22

23 Healthy New Pet Guide

24 HomeAgain has helped reunite over 2,000,000 lost pets with their families.