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Congratulations on seeking out information that will help you to become a better pet owner. The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association is dedicated to helping Georgia's animal live long and healthly lives and to that end, here you will find links to articles about pet care and health and a link to help you find a GVMA member veterinarian in your area.
FAQ About Rabies and Animal Safety
What does a rabid animal look like? Rabid animals may act tame, but they also may display strange or unusual behavior. They may act aggressive, avoid food and water, foam at the mouth, or have trouble moving. Stay away from any unknown animals, especially wildlife. Report any dog, cat or other animal that acts unusual to your county Animal Control office.
What if another animal bites my pet? Call the Georgia Poison Control Center, your county Animal Control office, or your veterinarian for instructions.
Can I get rabies? You could get rabies if a rabid animal bites or scratches you or if its saliva or brain tissue gets in your mouth, your eyes, or an open cut. Rabies can be prevented in humans if medical treatment is begun soon after contact with the rabies virus. If left untreated, rabies is always deadly.
What if an animal bites me? Wash the bite area with warm, soapy water, and call the Georgia Poison Control Center or your doctor right away. They will advise you of any medical treatment needed.
How can I help protect myself and my family from rabies?
- Make sure your pets get their rabies shots regularly.
- Keep your pets on your property. If pets are free to wander around, they are more likely to come in contact with wild or stray animals.
- Do not leave garbage or pet food outside. Food left out may attract wild or stray animals.
- Teach your children not to go near, tease, or play with wild animals or strange dogs and cats.
- Stay away from wild, sick, hurt or dead animals. Do not pick up or move sick or injured animals. If you find a wild, sick, or hurt animal, call your county Animal Control office.
- Do not keep wild animals like raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, and wolves as pets. It is dangerous and also illegal.
Georgia Poison Center
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How Much Do Pet Owners Love Their Pets?
from the American Animal Hospital Association |
| 74% |
Would go into debt for their pet's well-being. |
| 27% |
Of those with a will have included provisions for their pets. |
| 37% |
Talk to their pet on the telephone or an answering machine. |
| 44% |
Have acquired a pet to keep their pet company. |
| 44% |
Have purchased souvenirs for their pets while on vacation. |
| 39% |
Have furniture that is reserved for their pet's use. |
| 32% |
Of dog owners have dressed their canine in clothing. |
| 52% |
Provide more exercise for their pets than for themselves |
Tips for Talking to Your Veterinarian
Could your pet look healthy on the outside but not be okay on the inside? “Absolutely,” says Dr. Marty Becker. “Since pets can’t tell us when they’re not feeling well, it’s up to owners to manage their pet’s care,” says Becker, “and the best way to do that for healthy looking dogs and cats is to provide them regular veterinary care.”
Hanna’s story is a good example. A 7-year-old golden retriever mix, she was taken in for her six-month wellness exam. According to her veterinarian, Dr. Mike Rehm of Mobile, AL, Hanna was slightly overweight, but otherwise appeared normal and healthy. A routine blood profile, however, showed that Hanna’s liver enzymes were dangerously elevated, and even worse, her gallbladder was almost ready to burst. Dr. Rehm operated immediately and was able to save her life. Hanna is now being treated for liver disease and has made a full recovery from surgery. She is doing well and has had no additional health problems. “Hanna is a great example of a pet whose life was saved because of a six-month wellness exam,” said Dr. Rehm.
Twice yearly wellness exams help the veterinarian detect, treat and, ideally, prevent problems before they become life threatening. During the exam, the veterinarian will conduct a physical, take the pet’s history, conduct blood and urine screenings, and update vaccinations. The veterinarian will look for signs of kidney, liver and heart disease as well as cancer.
Dr. Becker, who also serves as contributing veterinarian for Good Morning America and veterinary/pet columnist for Knight Ridder Tribune, says that pet owners can take control of their pet’s health in two ways. First, by scheduling a wellness exam every six months with their veterinarian. Second, by informing their veterinarian and clinic staff about changes taking place with their pet.
Dr. Becker offers the following tips on topics owners should be prepared to discuss with their veterinarian about their pet:
- Any changes in weight, diet, eating, drinking, elimination or behavior
- The pet aging process and how it affects pet health
- Environmental exposures – indoors and outside
- Use of any over-the-counter medications
- Health of any other household pets
- Travel plans involving your pet
- Vaccination and preventive health care plans
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