ABOUT
PETS &
VETERINARY CARE
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nearly three-quarters of U.S. households own pets, and very little is spared when it comes to pampering those pets. Americans spent approximately $61.4 billion on their pets in 2011, which is an average of more than $500 per household on everything from food to veterinary services. That doesn’t surprise Dr. Derek Wilson of Old Farm Veterinary Hospital in Frederick. In the nearly 18 years that he has been practicing, he has seen owners become willing to invest more and more money in their pets’ overall care. The result is that many pets—like humans—are living longer than ever before. “I have a number of canine patients who are in their upper teens, something I wouldn’t have seen even just 10 years ago,” Wilson said. As is true of the human species, improved health care and disease prevention is a big reason for that, and Wilson noted that a heightened awareness of the importance of dental care in animals is leading to a reduction in other health issues. “My patients that have better dental care have fewer chronic, degenerative conditions.” Animal health has also benefited from new vaccine protocols that take into consideration factors such as the pet’s lifestyle and living conditions. And a growing number of vets are choosing to specialize in specific areas, such as orthopedics to treat bone and ligament injuries. The improved health of pets also contributes to the health of their owners. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pets can lower their owners’ blood pressure and cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while also decreasing feelings of loneliness, espe-
70
PROGRESS 2016 |
cially since pets increase opportunities for exercise and socialization. Frederick Countians annually demonstrate their devotion to animals through their support of the Frederick Animal Control and Adoption Center (FACAC) on Rosemont Avenue
in Frederick. In 2015, 1,179 animals were adopted from the shelter, while another 622 were returned to their owners. Unfortunately, however, because the FACAC accepts all unwanted, injured, stray and sick animals in the county, it is often unable to find homes for all the pets in need. In 2015, 2,000 animals had to be euthanized. To encourage successful pet placement, the FACAC works with those who are interested in adopting to find out how they live and what they want in their pet. Pets from the shelter are neutered prior to adoption and a counselor works with new owners to review important information on proper training and what to expect, especially during the first few days. Linda Shea, division director for Frederick County Animal Control, said that animal adoptions are similar to human relationships: once the immediate infatuation with a cute puppy or kitten passes, adopters need to be willing to work to make the relationship last. “When people come in and want to adopt, we know they love the animal, but we want to make sure they are committed to making it part of their life forever,” she said. “Our goal is to make sure this is the animal’s last adoption ever.” Part of that hard work to make the relationship work involves exercising restraint—even when there is a big set of brown eyes and floppy ears staring at you. For those owners who like to spoil their furry friends with extra treats and bigger bowls of food, animal experts caution against the dangers of excess. “Being overweight really takes a toll on animals, especially later in life,” Wilson said. –KATE MCDERMOTT
A p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e F r e d e r i c k C o u n t y C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e a n d T h e F r e d e r i c k N e w s - Po s t