Brandpoint - Free Online Content

Boarding your four-legged family member

2/15/2013

(BPT) - Whether traveling for business or fun, it’s not always practical to take along a four-legged family member. Arranging care of a beloved pet for an extended absence can be daunting. Knowing what to look for in a kennel, and what to look out for, can help you choose wisely.

Ask around

“Family and friends can be a good source of recommendations,” says Christi Olszewski, registered veterinary technologist (RVT) and instructor at Brown Mackie College - Albuquerque. “Your veterinarian is also a good reference point."

Scout out facilities

Be sure to tour a facility before boarding your pet. “Ask to see everything, not just a single room or two,” says Dr. Barry Kellogg, senior veterinary advisor for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association.

Here are some factors to consider during your tour:

* Cleanliness: Floors, runs and kennels should be clean and free of debris.

* Light and ventilation: The interior should be bright, with odors whisked away.

* Cage size: Each animal needs space for a bed, plus room to move. For cats, the space also should accommodate a litter box, and offer a place to hide.

* Exercise runs: Runs are usually located both inside and out; those with a double-gated entry provide extra security.

* Separation of dogs and cats: Ideally, cats and dogs are kept in separate rooms, not just separate enclosures; it can be highly stressful for cats to reside near unfamiliar canines.

Who are the caretakers?

“Most kennels won’t have a veterinarian on staff; however, the staff should be trained and experienced, and include at least one RVT with technical knowledge of health concerns and elderly pets,” says Olszewski. Kellogg reminds pet owners to “watch staff interaction with your pet. You want to see if they can sense the personality, and understand animal communication and behavior.” The experts also advise to ask about the ratio of staff to pets. The fewer animals each staffer is responsible for, the more individual attention your pet is likely to receive.

Daily activity

“Ask about the daily routine, the number and length of walks and exercise sessions,” Olszewski advises. “Exercise should occur more frequently than is necessary for bladder relief.”

Kellogg suggests defining ‘exercise.’ “Do they put him in a run by himself, or is there a person there with hands-on interaction? Some dogs prefer to go running alone. Other animals would become highly stressed without human playtime,” he says. He also recommends against group play.

“Dogs are pack animals, but the pack is hierarchal. There will be issues. This is always the risk associated with group play,” he says.

When boarding a cat, beware the cat condo structures with lots of cubbyholes. “A big castle may look appealing, but the carpeted surfaces pose a sterility problem. It cannot be cleaned thoroughly, and can become a source of disease,” Kellogg says.

Individual needs and preferences

Even though the Humane Society of the United States names boarding kennels as a known cause of stress in pets, you can take steps to help calm your furry friend. “Providing a familiar blanket or sleeping pad can help to reduce anxiety associated with being in different surroundings,” Olszewski says. “This stress coupled with a sudden change in diet can lead to gastro-intestinal upset. I recommend providing the kennel food your pet regularly eats.

If your dog is on medication, ask about the administration procedure. Most facilities will give medications, but some will not. Ask ahead of time to be sure.

Safety issues

Safety is the most important thing you want for your pet. Here are some important issues to address.

* Vaccination policy: Look for a strict vaccination policy, verified through a veterinarian; unvaccinated animals could threaten the health of vaccinated ones.

* Aggressive animal screening: You will no doubt feel better if aggressive animals are not permitted.

* ER clinic affiliation: Many kennels have a contract with a local ER clinic; an RVT on staff is trained to know what to look for and when to take an animal for treatment.

* On-site supervision overnight: Is someone on the premises 24 hours a day?

* Disaster plan: Fires, floods and earthquakes happen. Ask for details of the facility’s plan to be sure they have one in place.

Birdfeeder basics: Bring on backyard birds with the right feeders

5/21/2013

(BPT) - When you dine, do you prefer clean and attractive tableware? Does ambiance enhance your enjoyment of your food? Birds feel the same way about their dining habits – the type and cleanliness of your bird feeders directly affects the number and species of birds that will visit your backyard this season.

To attract birds, you need to understand not only what they prefer to eat, but how they like to eat it. For example, while many species prefer seed, some birds like to eat their seed from elevated platforms, others prefer hanging feeders and still others are content to forage on the ground. All birds appreciate a clean feeder to prevent the spread of disease, and none of them like those pesky, seed-stealing squirrels any more than you do.

The bird experts at Cole’s Wild Bird Products offer some guidance for choosing the right feeder styles to attract the maximum number of feathered friends to your yard:

* Keep it clean – Everyone knows you should clean your feeders regularly to prevent disease, but many feeders are a pain to disassemble, clean and reassemble. Many people keep feeders less than pristine because of the hassle of cleaning. Look for feeders that make the process easy. All Cole’s tube feeders have a Quick Clean feature that allows you to remove the bottom of the feeder with the push of a button for easy cleaning access– no need to completely disassemble the feeders to clean them.

* Tube feeders are terrific – For versatility and wide appeal, it’s hard to beat a tube style feeder. These workhorses of the feeder world can handle seeds both large and small – from sunflowers to petite mixes. Tube feeders make great all-purpose feeders or excellent starter feeders for people just beginning backyard birding. Most songbirds will happily dine at a tube feeder.

* Some seeds are special – Niger is a favorite seed type for finches, siskins and several other appealing species, but not all tube feeders can handle this oily seed. If you’ll be serving niger, consider a specialty feeder like the Nifty Niger Feeder. The feeder dispenses the seed through special, tiny holes to limit the amount of waste.

* Cater to the clingy – Some birds, such as chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers and bluebirds, like to cling to the feeder. For these birds, a mesh feeder can be just what the diner ordered. Mesh feeders satisfy a bird’s desire to cling while also keeping larger birds from hogging the feeder. The Mighty Mesh Feeder is great for serving Nutberry Suet, Suet Kibbles, Suet Pearls, raw peanuts and any sunflower-based seed blend.

* The beauty of bowl feeders – Bowl feeders are another versatile style, and are great for serving not only seeds and seed blends, but also dried mealworms, fruit and suet in either kibble or pearl forms. The Bountiful Bowl Feeder comes with an adjustable dome cover that you can raise or lower to prevent larger birds and squirrels from getting to the food – and it also helps protect feed from rain.

* Hummingbird feeders are something to sing about – Hummingbirds are endlessly fascinating to watch, but you have to be quick to catch a look at them. Your best opportunity is when they’re eating, and a hummingbird feeder can help extend your viewing time. The Hummer High Rise feeder gives hummers a penthouse-view with elevated perches and keeps ants out of the nectar with a special built-in ant moat.

* Those darn squirrels – As much as you enjoy watching their antics, you probably don’t want squirrels on your bird feeder. These persistent bandits can wipe out a seed supply in minutes and damage even the best-made birdfeeders. One way to keep squirrels away from all your feeders is to install a Tough Bird Feeder Guard from Cole’s on your existing feeder poles. The simple device uses static pulse to train squirrels not to climb on feeder poles. Use your favorite feeders on your own shepherd staff or pipe-style poles and add the Tough Bird Feeder Guard to keep squirrels away. Only the tube portion of the guard is charged, so the pole and birdfeeder are safe to touch for humans and birds alike.

For more info on birdfeed blends and where to buy, visit www.coleswildbird.com.

How to find the right vet for your pet

2/5/2013

(BPT) - Pet owners have many responsibilities, and keeping your pet healthy with veterinary care is a significant one. To help make sure your pet receives high quality medical care, several veterinarians offer advice on how to find the right vet for your pet.

Ask for recommendations
“A good way to begin your search for a high quality veterinary practice is to ask for recommendations from friends and family,” says Dr. Meredith Hope, fulltime Veterinary Technology instructor at Brown Mackie College - Louisville. “Word of mouth from people with experience as a client can be valuable. You can also read online reviews and look at veterinary websites for information on specific doctors and practices.”

Dr. Barry Kellogg, senior veterinary advisor of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, suggests paring down your list of options by looking for a practice that is certified by American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). This independent organization has developed accreditation standards to measure excellence in veterinary medicine. “AAHA represents the gold standard in quality,” Kellogg says. “Certification is voluntary and shows that a practice goes above and beyond to ensure certain standards are met both for the doctors and the facility.”

Visit the practice
“Practices grow by developing relationships that show you are valued as a client,” says Hope. The temperament and qualifications of the overall staff say a lot about the practice. “Staff members trained as registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) are a good sign of quality care,” continues Hope. “The training provides clinical competence and technical knowledge.” This can go a long way in easing your mind about the people who will play a major role in your pet’s care.

Doctor credentials
One of the first things many people notice about the veterinarian is his or her bedside manner. Are you comfortable talking to and listening to this person? Keep in mind you are looking for a medical expert; you want to weigh more than personality. “How do you know what the vet knows?” asks Kellogg. “Technical knowledge and educational status aren’t easy to judge from the outside. Your decision should come from a blend of interpersonal relationship and educational knowledge and credentials.” Credentials are typically displayed on an office wall in the form of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

Accessibility matters
In addition to office visits, how accessible is the veterinarian or a professionally trained staff member to answer your questions on the phone? “If a practice is too busy to respond, you may want to rethink your decision,” says Kellogg. “You want access to guidance when you have a question about your pet. As a client, you deserve personal service and attention. Some practices now use email as a forum to answer questions.”

Overnight essentials
In case your pet ever requires surgery and an overnight stay at the veterinarian’s office, it’s a good idea to ask up front about overnight care. “Some practices have an attendant on site throughout the night,” Hope says. “Others may assign a staff member to check in periodically. If there is no night staff, many will transfer the patient to a local ER veterinary clinic for overnight monitoring.” Each pet owner must decide what seems right for each pet. “Animals need some kind of supervision, even after a simple spay procedure,” says Kellogg. “The larger multi-doctor practices may be more available to staff the facility at night, sharing off-hour coverage.”

No one knows your pet better than you do
“Veterinary care involves give and take between you, the doctor and the staff. Most pet owners want to make their own decisions about their pets with appropriate guidance from the practice,” says Kellogg. “I feel a veterinarian’s responsibility is to present treatment alternatives objectively and let the individual decide how to proceed.”

Help your pet shed unhealthy weight

5/16/2013

(BPT) - Are you killing your pet with kindness? We’re not talking about the compassion that motivates us to vaccinate our pets, or keep them warm in cold weather. Kindness that can be harmful to pets comes in the form of an overabundance of food and treats. The all-too-common result is a pet that becomes overweight or even obese.

A 2012 survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found 52.5 percent of dogs and 58.3 percent of cats to be overweight or obese by their veterinarian. This translates to nearly 80 million dogs and cats in America with a weight problem. Dr. George Banta, chair of the Veterinary Technology department at Brown Mackie College - Akron and Dr. Mary Jo Wagner, attending veterinarian at Argosy University, Twin Cities, offer useful information for pet owners.

How can you tell if your pet is overweight? “It’s not the number of pounds, it’s how the animal carries the weight,” says Banta. “The number on the Body Condition Score is more important than pounds.” The Body Condition Score offers a way to assess the condition of an animal, usually on a scale from one to five, taking into account height, weight, and relative proportions of muscle and fat.

With a little knowledge, you can use sight and touch to figure your pet’s general condition. “When looking down on a dog or cat from above,” says Banta, “the body should slim to a discernable waist. An animal is too thin if you can see the spine or ribs; however, you should be able to feel them beneath the fur.” An animal of ideal weight will also display a pelvic tuck when viewed from the side.

“Just like humans, when animals overeat, they face increased risk for health problems like diabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems and cancer,” continues Banta. In fact, these risks also include a shortened life expectancy.

Many owners feed pets according to the manufacturer’s suggested amounts; however, this instruction may not be right for your pet. “These guidelines are meant to cover all animals of a certain weight range,” says Wagner. “An owner must consider the age and activity level of each pet. The more active they are, the more calories they will burn in a day.”

Metabolism rates vary in animals the same way they do in people. Metabolism is the body process in which food is broken down for energy; another factor that affects the amount of food a pet needs. Wagner advises owners to keep an eye on body condition to judge whether a pet is eating properly. “If your pet shows signs of being overweight, simply cut back the amount of food given at each meal. Then weigh the pet in two or three weeks to see if it has made a difference,” she says.

Choosing the right food for your pet is important as well. Different brands of pet food contain varying amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates and calories. “As a general rule, young, active dogs need high protein food,” says Wagner. “Older dogs need higher fiber to keep the gastrointestinal (GI) tract moving.” Ingredients listed on the package appear in descending order of volume; the first item on the list is most abundant in the food.

Most of us love to give treats, but many of us don’t realize how many we offer each day. “A 40-pound dog is one quarter the size of a 160-pound person,” Wagner says. “They have smaller stomachs. Look at calories in everything your pet eats. After that, it’s simple math.”

“Table scraps are a definite no. Zip, zilch, nada,” says Banta. “They are not good for two reasons. First, foods like chocolate, caffeine, grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs. Second, the high fat content associated with table scraps, especially holiday trimmings, can lead to the onset of acute pancreatitis, which can be fatal.”

He recommends offering a kibble of food or a carrot instead of a cookie. If you must give cookies, try breaking them in half. “Pets do enjoy treats as a reward; however, attention from you is also a reward. It’s important to praise animals. In some ways, spending time with them is better than a treat,” Wagner says.

Dogged by pricey pet care? Cost-cutting tips for pet owners

1/23/2013

(BPT) - These days, everyone is searching for ways to save money and stretch budgets. Consumer experts advise people to sniff out deeper discounts, saving opportunities and additional ways to cut costs. For pet owners, it can feel challenging to cut costs without compromising on care.

Being vigilant is key, according to pet expert, Charlotte Reed.

“Clip coupons, use store circulars and ask for discounts like family and friend’s rewards, and multiple pet or store loyalty programs,” says Reed. “Constantly challenge yourself to find ways to save money when it comes to pets. I do it every day!”

To get started, Reed suggests using these five tips. Before you know it, you’ll be seeing savings on everything your four-legged friend needs.

1. A membership that pays

You might think of AAA as being strictly for roadside assistance. Think again – pet owners can enjoy additional discounts, which most people never take advantage of. For example, pet-owning members can shop in-store or online and receive discounts with pet manufacturers and national pet retailers. Some discounts vary among regional auto clubs, but it’s always worth it to ask.

2. Investigate discount pet medications

The Advocacy for Pets and Affordable Wellness (APAW) raises awareness among pet owners about significant cost savings they can enjoy simply by asking their vet for a prescription, and purchasing that medication from their local retail pharmacy. Just be sure to confirm the retailer’s pet pharmacy program before dropping off your pet’s prescription. In addition, pet owners can purchase vet-grade, over-the-counter, generic medications, such as flea and tick treatment, for a fraction of the cost of the brand name at pharmacies such as Walmart, Sam’s Club or Costco. Visit www.APAW.org for more savings tips, and to find out what pharmacies carry pet Rx programs.

3. Deep discounts on pet necessities

Pet food and cat litter are two of the biggest pet expenses for dog and cat owners. If you purchase these products online from larger online retailers, cash in on the auto-ship option. In most cases, consumers not only get the discount prices of online purchasing, but they frequently get additional discounts which can more than make up for shipping cost.

4. Pet insurance can help you save in the long run

Americans spent $50.96 billion on pets in 2011, and $13.41 billion of that was on vet care, according to the American Pet Products Association. In recent years, treatments once reserved for humans, from radiation therapy to kidney transplants, are now available for pets. That means once-fatal conditions are now treatable, but often at high cost. For pet owners willing to spend the money to treat their pet, insurance can be a viable option. Carefully reviewing deductibles and monthly payments will ensure insurance can fit into your budget, ultimately helping to defray costs in the event of an emergency.

5. DIY can keep money in your wallet

Bathing and grooming at home can help save money, as opposed to going to a dog wash or paying a groomer. For additional savings, protect your pet’s health by cleaning his ears, brushing his teeth and clipping his nails. Ask your veterinarian or a vet tech to teach you how to maintain your pet’s health with these preventive measures.

When your pet is a member of the family, you want to give him the best care possible. These ideas and others about affordable pet care can be found using resources like APAW; they’ll help you treat your pet right – without breaking the family budget.

Housetraining your puppy: Tips for keeping your dog behaved and your home clean

5/21/2013

(BPT) - Few things are as exciting as bringing home a new puppy. Whether Chihuahua or Great Dane, a pup’s playful antics delight people of all ages. Having a dog can bring many years of companionship and precious memories, but before you ask, “How much is that doggie in the window?” consider a few expert tips for positive housetraining.

Responsible pet parents start planning long before bringing a puppy home. “Research your lifestyle – what your living accommodations are. Do breed research into what you want the pet for,” says Dr. Chris Stearns, partner at Dalton Animal Care clinic in Dalton, Ga. “It’s so important to have the right environment – enough room indoors and out, and enough attention.”

Talk with different people who can share insight about the breeds you are considering. Veterinarians, trainers, groomers and breeders can provide valuable information about what dogs are best for your lifestyle, and what to expect for each in regard to training.

Stearns, along with Stephanie Daughtrey, a certified animal behaviorist at the clinic, offers these important tips for housetraining your puppy and keeping your home intact in the process.

1. Know potty triggers

Start by understanding your puppy’s potty triggers. What exactly stimulates a pup’s bladder and digestive system? While it varies from dog to dog, triggers are typically feelings of excitement, like when visitors arrive, and particular times of day, like after he wakes up or right before bed. Keep in mind, puppies will need to go after eating and/or drinking – usually within 15 minutes.

2. Establish a routine

Find a designated “potty patch” outdoors so your dog can associate that space with doing his business. Start by leash walking the pup to that spot so he can focus before spending any time playing.

If your dog doesn’t go, consider keeping him on a leash inside too. Rotate 15 minutes inside and 15 minutes outside. Stay close to your new furry family member. If he starts to circle and sniff, in that familiar way, take him outside. If he starts to squat to urinate, clap or make a sharp sound that will stop him in the act. You can transfer him outside to finish and praise him there.

“Young puppies learn through positive reinforcement – not negative. Give them a treat when they go potty outside – that reinforces the good behavior right then and there. Praise them with a happy tone of voice,” says Stearns.

3. Avoid indoor accidents

Accept that a puppy will need to go outside every one or two hours. It’s the owner’s responsibility to provide plenty of time outdoors, otherwise if left unattended for extended periods, a puppy will find a place to piddle.

“Close the doors out of the room where the puppy is – get baby gates to seal off other areas. A puppy will seek out areas of the house that are not part of the ‘family den’,” says Daughtrey.

4. Clean messes immediately

“Accidents will happen,” says Stearns. “Expect it and work with it when it happens. You must deodorize it, so he can’t use it as a scent-marking area. Use a product that does more than just mask the odor – it needs to enzymatically destroy the chemical in the urine.”

Start by blotting to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then treat the mess with a pet stain and odor remover that has the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval. Each certified product that features the national trade association’s seal goes through rigorous testing in an independent laboratory, so you can be confident you’re treating the stain, removing the odors, and protecting the integrity of your carpet.

If your carpet becomes deeply soiled from multiple accidents and dirty little puppy paws, you may want to consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner. For those with allergies, frequent vacuuming and regularly-scheduled cleaning will remove virtually all embedded allergens and pet dander. Certified CRI Seal of Approval service providers have the experience needed to treat stains, remove odors and leave carpet looking like new. Visit www.carpet-rug.org to find a provider near you.

5. Spay or neuter

Finally, spay or neuter your dog at the appropriate age according to your vet’s recommendations. Unneutered dogs typically urinate more in the house as an action of marking their territory, so it’s something every caring pet parent should consider.

Busted: The top 4 most common pet myths

4/5/2013

(BPT) - It’s no secret that Americans love their pets. When it comes to U.S. pet ownership, 39 percent of households own at least one dog, and 33 percent own at least one cat, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Furry family members bring joy and excitement to a household, and providing the best care possible helps ensure pets have a long, healthy life.

Unfortunately, with so much information available, it’s easy to become confused about what’s really best for them. To cut through the clutter, Dr. Ashley Gallagher, veterinarian at Friendship Hospital For Animals and petMD contributor, sheds some light on some of the most common pet myths.

Myth 1: If cats have nine lives, what do dogs have?

Cats’ curious nature and quick reaction times are likely the basis of the nine lives reputation, but in reality owners need to remember that both cats and dogs only have one life. That is why it’s important to schedule regular veterinary visits to ensure your pet has a long, healthy and happy one. Going to the veterinarian shouldn't only be reserved for times when your pet is sick. Your pet needs annual wellness check-ups, vaccines, dental exams and nutritional consultations, just like humans do.

Myth 2: Table scraps are OK.

Did you know that one ounce of cheddar cheese for a 20-pound dog is like a human eating more than one and a half chocolate bars? That same piece of cheese for a 10-pound cat is like eating almost three full chocolate bars! Table scraps are basically empty calories for cats and dogs. They need precisely balanced nutrition for their specific life stage and special needs to remain healthy. A food like Hill’s Science Diet is great because it gives them exactly what they need without any excess nutrients that might be harmful.

Myth 3: Dogs wag their tail when they are happy.

Dogs wag their tail for many reasons; the most common is that they are either happy or nervous. Cats will also wag or flick their tail when they are upset or thinking. Pets communicate via complex body language rather than vocal expression like humans. Learning to read what your pet is telling you will go a long way in helping to build a fulfilling relationship. Ask your veterinarian for advice if you feel stuck learning your pet’s body language cues.

Myth 4: Letting my dog out in the yard is enough exercise.

Dogs and cats both need plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to stay healthy. If you just leave your dog out in the yard alone they might not get much of either. It’s important to take them for walks, play fetch or simply run around together. Not only will it make for a happier, healthier dog, but it will also help to strengthen your relationship. Cats should be kept indoors for their safety, but there are plenty of toys that work their brains and their bodies at the same time. Visit your local pet store to find some toys that fit the bill.

Each pet is unique, so ongoing care, including precisely balanced nutrition, regular wellness visits to the vet and daily play periods are all good things that keep your pet healthy and living well for many years to come.

Scratching the right itch: Does your pet have seasonal allergies?

4/15/2013

(BPT) - Humans may sneeze and sniffle when trees and flowers start to bud in the spring, but many pet owners wouldn’t know if their pet was suffering from treatable allergy symptoms, which are likely to occur at the same time of year.

According to the Pet Allergy Worldwide Survey (PAWS) sponsored by Novartis Animal Health, 44 percent of pet owners are unaware that their pet can suffer from chronic seasonal allergies, just like people.

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common allergic skin diseases in pets and is estimated to affect 10 to 15 percent of animals. It is also among the top 10 reasons that pet owners take their cats to their veterinarians. The disease is chronic, recurrent and requires lifelong management.

Online quiz sorts out common symptoms

According to the PAWS survey, 80 percent of pet owners would like to know more about how to recognize and treat pet allergies. To determine whether a pet’s symptoms warrant a veterinary visit and possible treatment to relieve the symptoms, pet owners can take a simple online quiz developed by veterinarians at www.itchfreepet.com.

Signs of allergic dermatitis in pets may vary, but common symptoms include red, scaly patches, persistent itching and scratching, and biting or licking of paws. Hair loss and sores are also common, as a result of the itching and scratching, although the pattern for this differs between dogs and cats. By taking this online quiz, pet owners can determine if they should bring their pet to the veterinarian for testing.

What allergens cause these symptoms?

Just like people, dogs and cats can suffer from seasonal allergies to pollen, as well as year-round allergies to dust mites and mold spores. Although the underlying mechanism of the allergic response is similar to what people experience, the symptoms are quite different. People with allergies sneeze, cough and suffer from runny nose, eye irritation and sinus problems. Allergic cats and dogs, by contrast, itch, scratch and lose their hair.

In the past, treatments were limited to creams and steroids, which either caused limited effectiveness or less-than-desirable side effects when used long-term. Today, while there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, there are more options to help animals find relief. Pet owners can ask their veterinarians about the drug that treats the problem from the inside out, at the pet’s cellular level. This treatment, ATOPICA(R) (Cyclosporine capsules, USP) MODIFIED for dogs or ATOPICA (cyclosporine oral solution, USP) MODIFIED for Cats, can reduce the itching and restore comfort to pets. Getting help for an allergic pet may be just one veterinary visit away.

“Allergic dermatitis for some pets means scratching or licking more frequently than what is considered normal, and for other pets it can mean sores and furless patches on the skin or painful paw biting that gets in the way of exercise, sleep and overall comfort for the animal,” says Dr. Keith Hnilica, DVM, MS, MBA, DACVD. “It is important to take your pet to see the veterinarian if you suspect your pet may have allergies, to determine whether it is a candidate for a long-term, comforting solution to this painful condition.”

Visit www.itchfreepet.com to learn more. For specific information on ATOPICA in the U.S., please visit www.us.atopica.com.