Q & A Advice from local veterinarians

By Kitty Bottemiller

Local veterinarians haven’t just studied animals to graduate from college -- they see a plethora of pet conditions in their practices daily. Three share their knowledge here: Shelley Humphrey, veterinarian/owner of Animal Care Center of Green Valley; Stacy Nolasco, DVM/owner of Valley Verde Veterinarians, Green Valley; and Lucy Schroth, veterinarian/Medical Director at VCA Valley Animal Hospital, Sahuarita.

QYour advice for prospective pet owners on finding a good and lasting fit, especially for first-timers, multiage households or senior citizens, and key considerations.

are created equal,” Humphrey said. Some have specific needs that may not fit with certain lifestyles, families or environments. Kibble for thought: • Be prepped: Learn about the type of pet you’re considering, Nolasco suggests. Decide whether to adopt a young or mature pet instead. Pups and kittens can require large time commitments. However, work that you put in on a young one likely pays off for a more well-trained, socialized companion. Adult pets are generally calmer; often they come with training, though may also have bad habits or anxieties to overcome. • Cost: Medical care is a huge consideration, and costs are rising, noted Humphrey. Estimate yearly expenses (food, vaccinations, grooming and initially, training). There are numerous coverage choices from pet insurance providers, and third-party financing options in case of emergency. • Energy level: Some breeds require multiple walks/runs daily. Are you a couch potato, or don’t take routine walks? Consider a cat. Want a running/hiking partner? Maybe a dachshund or cat isn’t best. • Pups and kittens: Consider their life span. Will you have the energy to care for this pet for the next 10 to 20 years? (Some parrots can live more than 50 years, a cat, 20; smaller-breed dogs, 18 years; larger breeds, 8.) • Older pet? Are you financially set to deal with predictable issues? Emotionally prepared for a short time to enjoy their company? • Busy lifestyle? It’s inadvisable to routinely leave a dog alone or kenneled more than six hours; cats are happy alone.. • Tight quarters? It’s unwise to get a large dog unless they’re exercised often. “A walk to the mailbox for a 70-pound dog living in an 800-foot dwelling won’t likely suffice,” Humphrey said.

dren? Look for a pet that can tolerate the behavior of children at different ages. A dog protective of toys or food can be a serious hazard to a child,” Schroth said. • Never expect to buy a good, well-balanced purebred puppy, adult dog,kitten or cat from a pet shop. Reputable breeders never sell to them, Schroth said.

Research its personality traits, good and bad, common health tendencies, grooming requirements and environmental needs. Find a trustworthy breeder knowledgeable about your potential breed, who breeds primarily for improving the breed, and offers a legally binding agreement that includes addressing what to do if problems arise after purchase.

Advantages: possibly fewer genetic, physical and psychological problems, although they may also have missed personality traits.

able: One advantage of adopting an adult pet is that you can see what its personality is like. Rescue organizations, veterinarians, books and articles (check out library listings) on raising pets can help choose wisely..

A small pet can be a tripping hazard; a large one may knock you over. Have difficulty lifting? Could you lift a large dog if it gets sick or can’t walk? If not, consider a smaller pet.

Some are so used to being alone or with established buddies, they resent (and may act aggressively toward) a newcomer. Big dogs can injure small pets, sometimes unintentionally. Assess individual temperament before introducing them.

skilled at assessing personality/behavior? Take an expert along or arrange an evaluation from an outside expert before adopting. It’s heartbreaking to have a pet

not work out and potentially harmful to pets or people in the home, Schroth said.

QWhat vaccinations and other wellness care are essential for a pet’s well-being in our desert climate?

for dogs and cats are imperative, the vets said. A trained professional can spot conditions not readily apparent; establishing normal parameters is essential for thorough evaluation.

• Vaccines: Discuss with a veterinarian your pet’s lifestyle including travel, to determine what’s advisable and have vaccine protocols tailored to particular needs/ risks. • Dogs: Most common: rabies, distemper/parvo combo, and Bordetella (a respiratory bacterial infection) Parvo is rampant here and heartworm, seeing a recent increase, Schroth said. Regular fecal testing for intestinal parasites is key, especially for puppies. • Cats: Most common: rabies and upper respiratory vaccine; also ask about protection against most common contagions (FVRCP), given every three years.

Carry pet ID including a microchip in case of escape. Be aware of infectious diseases in areas you travel. Take your pet’s own food (and their own water if recommended), “poop bags;” vaccine documentation and other local requirements (ask vet what health certificates are indeed). Never leave your pet alone in a car. Beware of automatic window openers that can be stepped on and allow escape.

Consult your vet if your pet experiences anxiety or motion sickness. Medication can help but may require dose adjustments, so address this before travel day. • Desert dangers: Rabies is prevalent in Arizona and deadly. All dogs and even indoor-only cats should be vaccinated to protect them and their owners, Humphrey said. Pets are always at risk if left unaccompanied outdoors from cactus spines and predators including hawks, owls, coyotes, bobcats, snakes, javelinas, stray dogs, valley fever and Colorado River toads.

QWhat do you see owners bringing their pets to your office for most that could be avoided through prevention/routine care? What are the top 3 concerns?

• Dental disease, which is hard to spot for lack of clinical signs. Even with abscessed teeth and severe gum infections, pets continue to eat, play and seem normal. Routine exams can easily pinpoint these. Daily brushing, dental chews and pet diets help but once calculus builds, a dental procedure under anesthesia is the only way to return to/maintain oral health and avoid costly extractions, Schroth said.

bolic diseases, also spotted via routine exams, and senior wellness blood and urine analysis, looking for diabetes, kidney disease and Cushing’s (which occurs naturally and is either pituitary- or adrenal-dependent) and other conditions). Waiting for your dog to “act sick” is inadvisable to fight and defeat early-stage problems, the vets said.

• Kidney disease • Unexplained weight loss • Dental disease. Cats are experts at hiding disease.

QWhen should a petowner (or sitter) not hesitate to call/ visit a veterinary clinic?

cern. Many variables can contribute to a true emergency. When in doubt, ask. Life-threatening emergencies include urinary blockage in male cats; distended abdomens and non-productive vomiting in dogs: overheating/heat stroke; poisonings including human medications or people food; unexplained weakness and breathing difficulties.

“I’d rather advise an owner about a minor issue than have them try at-home remedies that could make a problem much worse,” Nolasco said.

As pet owners who’ve been spending more time at home during COVID resume work/ activities outside home, how can you help your pet transition to being alone again? • Dogs: There’s no one answer, but suggestions include leaving for a few hours vs. several hours during the day to slowly adjust them your absence, or a few hours of daycare. Offer plenty of exercise or activity when you are home, leave the radio on while out, and provide safe, interactive toys.

ing, be as calm as possible. “Getting excited with your pet at these times can teach them your absence is ‘bad’ and further reinforces their anxiety,” Nolasco said. Determine what “triggers” alert your pet to you leaving, and avoid them. When you go, pretend you’re coming right back; body language says a lot, Schroth said.

ed for most cats; many prefer being alone.

QWhat do you advise for animal lovers whose income levels sometimes shift and find themselves on a limited budget, but don’t want to give up their pet?

to finances can be very difficult and should be a last option, Humphrey said. If the situation is dire and you find a loving home to care for them as you would, it may be best. Inquire at rescue organizations, local shelters and animal-assistance groups; they can often be empathetic and generous in special situations and may find creative ways to help.

Plan ahead for essentials and don’t be afraid to ask for help deciding what’s most important – what’s “ideal” may not be most vital.