dogs and cats

The New Holistic Way for Dogs and Cats by Paul McCutcheon

Is stress causing your dog or cat to be sick? Dr. McCutcheon believes that emotional and environmental disorder can present serious but unspecific symptoms that can be problematic for both the pet and its owner. There is a direct correlation between the mental and physical well-being in humans. So, too for pets. The New Holistic Way for Dogs and Cats is a comprehensive and helpful guide for keeping your pet healthier by reducing its stress level.

Have you noticed that when you are sick your pet tries to comfort you? The authors explain that the empathy our pet feels for us when we are down is the very same thing that can make it sick. Our stress triggers an emotional reaction in our pets, the underlying cause for many of their physical ailments.

Although working with a trusted veterinarian is essential to your pet's care, the buck does not stop there. "Because you are the person closest to your dog or cat, you are in the best position to influence her well-being." These forward-thinking authors include detailed information for doing just that.

Many people readily embrace holistic medicine for themselves. The New Holistic Way for Dogs and Cats praises acupuncture, herbal remedies, chiropractic and bio energy as effective tools for keeping what the authors call "the living terrain" (the body) healthy. However, they emphasize that marrying healing medically sound modalities with managing stress is the key to a new, more effective state of wellness for your pet. Mainstream medicine uses terms like "fighting disease." The new holistic approach talks of "encouraging healing."

The book is chock full of case studies and practical suggestions. Exercise your pet but take into account its breed and age. Go green with your household products to prevent exposure to harsh chemicals. Don't expose your dog or cat to second-hand smoke. Feed your animal fresh, unprocessed foods. Most of all make sure your pet lives in an environment of joy.

Paul McCutcheon, DVM, is the founder of Toronto's East York Animal Clinic, serving 5,000 patients, and a former director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. He hosted the popular Canadian television series "Perfect Pet People" and has written extensively about his approach to healing. Co-author, Susan Weinstein, combines her writing skill with a deep understanding of the contexts in which humans and their pets live together.

Topics covered include:

• An Integrated approach to Pet Care
• Stress: the Key to Animal Wellness
• Tuning into Your Pet's Needs
• Preventing Stress in Daily Life
• Learn the Early Signs - Then Trust Your Instincts
• Working with Your Vet
• Choosing Therapies to Restore Wellness
• Understanding Your Pet's Last Transition

Impressive endnotes indicate the extensive research and veterinary experience poured into this book. The Appendix contains a stress-buster diet for dogs and cats, bibliography and a listing of veterinary holistic health care associations in the United States.

The book is a comprehensive look at health care for pets, full of helpful advice for finding the right vet for you. Your dog or cat will be happy you read it.

Article originally published by Holly Weiss on http://www.blogcritics.org.

Holly Weiss is the author of a historical fiction novel, Crestmont, writer and reviewer of newly-released books. http://www.hollyweiss.com.

Free reprint of article if entire bio is intact.

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Food for dogs

If electing to become a dog owner, then you are assuming a very tiring, but enthralling responsibility, and truly ushering in a new era of your life. One must be prepared for a non-stop runaround experience. There is no off button on a new dog, especially a puppy. That being the case, there are also few downsides to the company a dog brings. It is a relationship you will want for a long time, and that is why you should be serving the best raw food diet for dogs possible.

That sounds sort of bizarre though. When is a dog's food raw? Isn't it just food from a can or bag?

Actually, when one says raw food they are talking specifically about dry food, which can sound confusing at first. We promise though, there is no difference in the two. It's just not wet or moist food in any way.

The raw food diet for dogs is just that then. It is putting your dog on a dry food only kind of meal system. However, why exactly should one change if they currently only provide their dog with wet food? Or what if they mix wet food and dry food? Does it really matter?

The short answer is yes. But we know how people want to be certain. After all, we are discussing man's best friend, and you never want to wrong any friend. For this reason, we present to you the slightly longer answer.

Statistically speaking, categorically speaking, and financially speaking we are going speaking now about the premier advantages, which is still one of many. The core one, however, is the kind of advantage not just you will understand, but that your bank accounts and paychecks will as well.

To be particularly basic about the issue of cost revolving around the feeding of your dog, there are essentially three methods to the madness. The first situation one can undertake is by far the most expensive of them all and that is to buy only wet cans of food. This is not only cumbersome to your wallet, but cabinet space and your trash can, in less you get excited about cleaning out the residue well enough to not attract the fruit flies. Next in line is a combination platter. It is half moist food and half dry or raw food. While that is certainly a better situation, it is certainly still a pricer situation. By cutting down on dry food, you do not cut down on the price of moist. You only improve it. What's our last scenario then? You guessed it, those heavy bulk bags catering to the raw food diet for dogs. They are not only the cheapest, but not the healthiest.

In conclusion, we will mention in passing that many a raw food diet for dogs is healthier today than it has ever been. With nutrients packed into raw food, there is no beating the one-two punch. That said, reach out to your vet and hear some recommended brands. You won't be sorry.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Care of Parrot

You don't have to be a veterinarian to be able to take care of an injured bird on your own. Of course, anything major is beyond your control but you can do some first aid before hand. It can save the bird's life.

1. Heat

Temperature is important with parrots. At least 85 degrees are needed to keep these birds warm. If they are warm enough, they will use their metabolic energy and their resources to keep their body temperature to at least 104 degrees.

This is the reason why, you need to increase the temperature if you have a sick bird in your hand. You will be able to save a lot of their energy when the temperature is close to what their body needs. This will allow them to conserve most of their energy to fighting the illness.

2. Humidity
Humidity is vital when you are dealing with an illness that is caused by a respiratory problem. If it is just a wound or a physical energy, humidity is not that essential. This is because humidity allows the parrot to breathe easily as it eases the passage of air. Respiratory problems in parrots are often seen through the odd noises that they make when they breathe. Their breathing will be wheezy and raspy. There will be significant movement in the tail when they have problems in breathing.

Another sign is when they hold their beaks open to breathing. If you have it in your house, use a vaporizer or a humidifier to help keep the humidity stable. If you don't have this, you can improvise and take the parrot inside a bathroom. Turn the hot water faucet on. This will help keep the room humid.

3. Water or liquids
Like humans, parrots need water or liquid to keep them going. High temperature such as fever and problems in the body can drain the body of its fluids. To give water to parrots, you can use a spoon or syringe. Your finger can even be used. Do not use just water. Grape or apple juice are good choices. So is a bottled water with honey on it.

4. Taking it easy and rest
Rest is what everybody needs to help the parrot regain its strength back. An injured or ill parrot may be placed in a dark room where he cannot do much of anything but sleep and rest. Noise will jar them awake while the lure of toys and colorful and shiny stuff will only tempt them to move around.


Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

a.i

Veterinarian

Are you between the ages of 8 and 12 years old and you want to become a veterinarian? I know exactly what you are going through. I am a veterinarian and I made my decision to become a veterinarian at 11 years of age. The truth is, you are at the age when most veterinarians make their career decision. Recently, I surveyed over a hundred veterinarians nationwide and 65% of them said they made their decision to become a veterinarian before they reached the age of 13. So you are in the most important years for a future veterinarian. Do all you can to explore animals and veterinary medicine right now!

OK, so I've got you ready to go, but what should you do? Let me be your guide on how to become a veterinarian. As a Vet for Kids, I focus my time on helping future animal doctors like you pursue their dreams. In fact, I recently connected with practicing veterinarians all over the country and I want to share the advice these veterinarians had for kids like you.

When I asked them how to become a veterinarian, by far, the top recommendation of the veterinarians I surveyed was for you to explore and study science as much as possible. When I meet children who want to be veterinarians, the first thing I tell them is "Many children love animals. The children who love both science and animals are the ones who become veterinarians." It's so important to explore as much science as you can in school, but don't stop there.

Science doesn't only live in the classroom. Visit a museum, go to a science camp or get involved with a science club. If you want to have an even greater impact, you can help scientists collect data on animals. There are many national programs like the Great Backyard Bird count and local programs like amphibian monitoring sponsored by organizations throughout the country. You can go out in the area around your home and help scientists track the animal populations across our country.

The veterinarians I surveyed also recommended that you get as many "animal experiences" as possible. What this means is that, when they were younger, many practicing veterinarians found unique ways to be around pets and learn all they could about the science of animals. Some took the leading role in caring for their family pets, some fostered pets for the local animal shelter and others pet-sat for their neighbors.

When I asked one veterinarian oncologist her advice on how to become a veterinarian, she shared what she did when she was young. She told me she made animals a part of everything she did at school. If she had to write a book report, it was always on an animal book. If she was drawing a picture for an art project, it was always of an animal. If she had to bring something in to share with the class, it was something she got from a trip to the local zoo or aquarium. Animals and the science of animals were a major part of everything she did at school.

So, there you have it. Remember, the key is to make certain that you are doing something everyday to become a veterinarian of tomorrow. As Walt Disney once said "All of our dreams can come true-if we have the courage to pursue them."

For more information on how to become a veterinarian visit Ichabod Ink.

Dr. Carpenter is considered the Veterinarian for Kids. He has written books and articles for children on veterinary science and presented at schools and camps. A member of the American Veterinary Association and the National Science Teachers Association, Dr. Carpenter recently launched IchabodInk.com. http://www.ichabodink.com/, the go to website for children who want to be veterinarians and parents who want to help their child explore their dream.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Carpenter_DVM

vet science

As a veterinarian dedicated to sharing my profession with children, I have met with hundreds of kids between the ages of 8 and 12 years old who want be veterinarians. I have also talked with the parents of these children and helped them to understand what they can do to help their children explore their passion. During these times, I am often asked, "If you could give just one piece of advice to a future veterinarian or the parent of a future veterinarian, what would it be?" That's easy. If you or a child you know wants to become a veterinarian, attend a veterinary camp or zoo camp.

I am not the only veterinarian who is making this recommendation. Recently, my company surveyed practicing veterinarians across the country and asked them what advice they had for 8 to 12-year-old future veterinarians. Their top two answers were to "study science" and "get as many animal experiences as possible". Where can you do both in a fun and safe environment? Veterinary camps and zoo camps.

I have spent the past year attending, writing about and filming these camps in order to share them with the members of my website community. During that time, I have interviewed both the campers and their parents. What makes these camps perfect for future veterinarians is that they bring the science of animals to life in a fun and exciting way.

Zoo camps take children behind the scenes. Campers explore the areas where animals are kept and fed. As they explore, camp attendees meet with the zookeepers and learn about the animals they care for. In addition, most zoo camps have classroom time where campers get to touch and interact with the zoo's collection of smaller classroom animals.

Veterinary camps give children the same opportunity to interact with animals. In addition, campers have the chance to explore veterinary medicine in a realistic environment. At many veterinary camps, attendees get to do physicals on various animals, observe surgeries, learn the basics of radiology and spend time in pathology and anatomy. This fun, hands-on approach makes veterinary science come alive for the campers.

What I like most about veterinary camps and zoo camps is they solve one of the biggest dilemmas of the future veterinarian - getting animal experience. Even though the vast majority of veterinarians recommend that all children between the ages of 8 and 12 interested in veterinary medicine get as much animal experience as possible, it is easier said than done.

Most humane societies and veterinarian hospitals will not let children volunteer until they are well into their teens. This is because there are significant liability issues associated with having younger children in an animal facility. Zoo camps and veterinary camps are the perfect solution. They offer a way for future veterinarians to get animal experience and learn the science of animals in a safe environment.

Unlike other professions, the ages of 8 to 12 are some of the most critical years for a veterinarian. Nationwide surveys of practicing veterinarians have shown that these are the years when the vast majority of practitioners made their decision to become an animal doctor. These are also the years when a parent can best help their child explore their passion and get a head start on fulfilling their dream. Make zoo camps and animal camps the first thing you explore. They are just what this doctor recommends.

For more information on veterinary and zoo camps visit Ichabod Ink.

Dr. Carpenter is considered the Veterinarian for Kids. He has written books and articles for children on veterinary science and presented at schools and camps. A member of the American Veterinary Association and the National Science Teachers Association, Dr. Carpenter recently launched IchabodInk.com http://www.ichabodink.com/, then go to website for children who want to be veterinarians and parents who want to help their child explore their dream.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Carpenter_DVM

Veterinary

It is estimated by the National Pet Owner's Survey that 63 percent of households have a pet. This equals out to millions of pets across America that at some point may need assistance to get better from injuries or illnesses. Online career training in veterinary science and animal care can be pursued through different degrees.

The two professional pathways that can be followed are a veterinarian and a veterinary technologist or technician. The main focus is on giving specific care to a patient, which in this profession is an animal. Veterinarians can work with household pets as well as livestock. Duties include:

• diagnosing health problems
• vaccinating
• medicating
• treating wounds
• fixing fractures
• advising owners on animal care
• providing preventative care
• performing diagnostic tests

All of these job responsibilities will be learned through schooling and clinical practice before stepping into the workplace. Specific duties learned through coursework involve specific procedures that must be performed to treat an animal. These areas can include urinalysis, blood work, and dental work.

Education is obtainable from an associate's degree to a doctorate degree. Students typically earn an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, or a doctor of veterinary medicine degree to establish themselves as professionals inside the industry. Students need to take into consideration what area they want to work in. Students that don't necessarily want to become a Veterinarian or want to gain work experience first then go back to college should consider becoming a veterinary technologist. Individuals with the goal of becoming a veterinarian need to take into account that the field requires them to have at least a master's or doctorate degree to practice.

The titles for veterinary technologists and technicians are used interchangeably but there is one difference. The difference is in training: technologists usually earn a bachelor's degree and technicians earn an associate's degree. Either degree level adequately prepares students to perform their job duties correctly. Individuals in this line of work take on routine laboratory and clinical procedures. Students study courses specifically in science and math. Hands on training is gained from:

• working with an animal
• restraining an animal
• conducting tests
• performing treatments

In a way that is safe for the animal.

In a four-year bachelor's program students gain in depth procedural knowledge. This includes anesthesia, dental care, radiology, and clinic management. The amount of time a student is able to dedicate to school determines what specific roles they will have in a clinic setting.

To become a doctor of veterinary medicine students have to complete a graduate program. To enter a graduate program students must first have received a bachelor's degree. Education provides in depth study of:

• animal anatomy
• physiology
• chemistry
• microbiology
• high-level math
• pharmacology

Two important learning factors that are central to a student's knowledge are surgical procedures and lab procedures. The final year of a students four-year degree program centers on clinical rotation by treating animals at a college's referral clinic. Earning a graduate degree is essential for having the highest level of responsibility in the profession.

Acquiring an advanced degree in this field is competitive. There are only 28 veterinary schools that are accredited to reward diplomas. This fact limits the amount of educational spaces available. Students need to prepare for the aggressive enrolling process today by equipping themselves with experience. Obtaining educational knowledge in math and science is another beneficial factor for students to have. Dedicated individuals will find a place for themselves inside the academic community.

Interested students should seek out colleges and universities that offer accredited degree programs that fit their career goals. Accrediting agencies like the Distance Education and Training Council (http://www.detc.org) can provide full accreditation to qualifying schools and colleges. Accreditation provides proof of a quality education. Learn how to treat animals by enrolling in a program today.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Visit http://www.petap.org to locate Online Veterinary Schools and Colleges providing the education you're looking for. PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.

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Animal Husbandry and Nutrition

Animal husbandry, or animal science, is commonly described as the study of the biology of animals under the control of humankind. Although this definition has traditionally centered around farm animals, over the past decades the term has been broadened to include companion and exotic animals as well. Human and animal kind continue to find themselves coexisting in an ever changing variety of ways as human dwellings move farther and farther out into what were once wild habitats.

Where livestock and range management deal primarily with large and small scale animal producers and the conditioning and marketing practices involved in food animal production, animal husbandry (science) is concerned with understanding how animals work. Animal science deals with the physiology and biochemistry of tissues and major organs all the way down to the structure and function of biomolecules and cells.

In husbandry particular emphasis is given to the study of nutrition, reproduction, growth, and lactation of farm and companion animals and how these processes can be optimized. Expertise in these areas is not only important for the health of the livestock being produced, but also for their protection. Livestock owners must be aware of the quality of their pasture and what is available for the animals to forage. At certain times of the year certain plants or the nuts (seeds) from some trees can be toxic to livestock.

Nutrition is the provision of materials necessary to cells and organisms to support life. Specializing in animal nutrition can take many forms; working for animal food producers or zoos and aquariums, or animal hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.

Dr. Elizabeth White

Veterinary Science Information Technologies

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AgriBusiness

The number of career paths available to choose from in the field of veterinary science are almost too many to count. Although the first thing most people think about is a doctor of veterinary medicine (veterinarian), there are many, many other career paths open in the field of veterinary science. Agribusiness is just one other area of veterinary science and includes range and livestock management, animal husbandry and nutrition, and biosecurity practices.

Range and livestock management involves the care and feeding of food animals. Cattle, sheep, swine, and poultry all require special care and conditioning. Many livestock producers obtain degrees in veterinary sciences such as animal biology and sometimes agricultural sciences such as soil and crop management as well. The health and quality of the agricultural industry of the United States is crucial to the world marketplace. The agricultural and livestock industries are closely interconnected.

In the livestock production profession it is crucial to understand the connection between livestock, pasture condition, and livelihood. To maintain the health of livestock an owner must immunize livestock at the correct intervals, protect against environmental conditions that are conducive to parasite production, and monitor the quality of his or her pastures throughout the season. A producer must monitor the health of his or her livestock and be aware of what changing environmental conditions might cause certain symptoms in animals. Pests are more of a problem during certain seasons and infestations can lead to other unhealthy conditions.

Livestock owners maintain a delicate balance of agricultural and animal science awareness to maintain the health and safety of the animals in their care.

Dr. Elizabeth White

Veterinary Science Information Technologies

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Elizabeth_White

Biosecurity

Biosecurity is defined as the protection of the economy, environment, and health of living things from pests, diseases, and bioterrorism. With the constant growth of the world marketplace biosecurity practices on every level from small family farms to large scale livestock and poultry producers are imperative to guarding against the spread of disease.

The food animal industry is of major impact to the United States economy at every level. Animals imported into the country are subject to extensive biosecurity regulations. Career opportunities for veterinary science professionals that specialize in biosecurity and biochemistry will continue to increase as the world marketplace grows.

Primary biosecurity practices include basic cleanliness like washing boots, clothing, and instruments, to monitoring livestock for any symptoms of disease and reporting all reportable diseases to State and Federal regulation agencies. Some diseases are endemic (already present) in some parts of the country and not in others as well as in some species, but not yet in others. Some diseases are present only in animals and cannot be spread to humans (zoonsis) while others pose a threat to humans. Veterinary science professionals can make the kind of determination livestock owners need in order to decide whether or not they have a reportable condition. It is very important for livestock owners and producers to be aware of the signs of specific diseases such as Avian Influenza and Ebola.

Biosecurity positions will be available at all levels of animal production services. Small farms, large livestock production facilities, federal transit authorities, and stockyard and feedlot industries will have important regulatory practices that must be administered by veterinary science professionals.

Dr. Elizabeth White 

Veterinary Science Information Technologies

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Veterinarian

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"vet" redirects here. For the article on people of the armed forces,  veteran.

A vet or a veterinarian, is someone who gives animals medical treatment. They are doctorsfor animals.There are many different types of veterinarians; some work with small animals, large farm animals, or wild animals. Veterinarians learn to treat all animals, but sometimes work with a specific type. Other veterinarians specialize in a particular type of medicine - for example, veterinary dermatologists work with animals with skin problems. Finally, some veterinarians do research on animal or human diseases.

To become a vet in North America, you must go to college for at least 2 or 3 years, and take several required classes, including many science classes. You then apply to veterinary school. If you are accepted, you are in veterinary school for 4 years, and then graduate with the degree Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), or Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD) if you graduate from the University of Pennsylvania. In the United States and Canada, you have to pass a test (called the NAVLE or North American Veterinary Licensing Exam) before you can practice as a veterinarian. In other countries such as Australia, veterinary schools are 5 years long and take students that have finished high school.

Source:

http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterinarian

First Aid for Parrots

Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always a good idea to be prepared! While accidents usually produce obvious injuries, illnesses are often kept well hidden by birds. In nature, if you're sick you pose a threat in making your whole flock vulnerable to predators, so parrots have become adept at masking signs of illness. This is one reason that it's vital to have a "well bird" check-up annually. Needless to day, once a bird is showing obvious signs of illness, he's often very sick and needs immediate vet attention. First Aid is intended to help you get by until you can see the vet, or in treating minor injuries.

It's helpful to have a "hospital cage" for emergencies - a smaller, easily portable cage where you can isolate a sick or injured bird and easily move him to a warm, quiet, area of your home. It's advisable to have a quarantine area as well - for new birds coming into the home, as well as sick birds recovering from an infection. This area should be well separated from the rest of your birds to prevent air-borne transmission of germs, as well as those spread by direct contact.

Some of the signs of possible illness include: more time on cage floor, talking and playing less, fluffed feathers, lack of appetite, drinking more water, personality changes (such as becoming bitey or not wanting to come out of the cage), tail bobbing, puffy eyes, sleeping on both feet with head tucked, droopy wings, sneezing or coughing, "clicking" in chest, vomiting, diarrhea, soiled vent, etc. I won't go into specific diseases here, but hopefully you get the general idea - if things are "different," get to the vet! Other problems include broken blood feathers or egg binding.

It's a good idea to put together a first aid kit (Your Parrot Place has a nice one for sale!) 

Include:

· Eye and skin wash

· Styptic powder

· Corn starch

· Antiseptic wipes

· Cotton Swabs and balls

· Eye dropper

· Assorted bandages - gauze, adhesive, vet wrap

· Scissors

· Latex Gloves

· Forceps or hemostats

· Betadine or iodine swabs

· Adhesive tape

· Penlight

· Heating pad and/or lamp

· Hydrogen peroxide

· Pedialyte (Electrolyte solution for babies)

· Hand feeding formula and syringes

· Phone number for vets and poison control

Generally, with any illness or injury, remove the bird to a hospital cage and put him in a warm, quiet, dimly lit room (bathrooms can work). Provide fresh water (and Pedialyte if needed). Feed favorite foods (healthier things you know he'll eat) plus warm foods like cooked rice or oatmeal. IN addition, spray millet is often enjoyed by smaller birds. If he's not eating well on his own, offer some warm food with your fingers or a spoon. If need be, you may have to mix up hand feeding formula and give by cup or syringe. If you've kept your bird in the habit of eating from a spoon or cup, this will be easier. DO NOT use over the counter remedies from pet stores. It's too much of a guessing game. I know a Pionus who became psychotic after being given an OTC bird "remedy" and would not stop thrashing around her cage. A little chamomile tea can help the bird relax and ginger tea is good for digestive upsets. If you're familiar with herbal remedies, you can safely 

use those without causing harm to your bird. NEVER give antibiotics without knowing your bird actually has a BACTERIAL infection (and which bacteria!)

Broken blood feathers (or those accidentally clipped) can be hard to stop bleeding. Do not use styptic powder on skin or soft tissue - only on bleeding nails. Otherwise, use corn starch as a coagulant. If the blood feather (immature feather with live blood supply) won't stop bleeding, it has to be pulled or the bird can bleed to death.

A note on egg binding: If a hen is on the cage bottom, fluffed up and straining, she may be "egg bound". Put her in a warm, humid place (like the bathroom). You can rub some vegetable oil around her vent. Egg bound hens can die fairly quickly, though, and if the egg does not pass within several hours, she needs to get to the vet immediately (a good diet with extra calcium will help prevent this.)

So get in the habit of inspecting your birds on a daily basis, and being alert for signs of distress. Read up on diseases and gain a basic knowledge of illness in birds. "Bird proof" your home, avoid toxic fumes and unsafe toys. Have a first aid kit and hospital cage available. No what's "normal" for your bird and act quickly if things don't seem right. Find a good AVIAN vet and see them annually. Be sure your house and your bird's cage and play areas are as safe as possible. Feed the best diet you can to ensure your birds best possible health. Wouldn't it be nice if your first aid kit never gets used?!

The First Aid kit available at Your Parrot Place (under accessories) contains most of the essentials such as: Styptic Powder, Latex Gloves, Eye Skin Wash, 1"x6 yd Sterile Bandage, Scissors, Locking Forceps, Iodine Swabs, Antiseptic Towelettes, 2"x2" Gauze Pads, Cotton Swabs, Adhesive Tape, Hand Wipe, Emergency Info Card, Directions, and Case. Perishables, like hand feeding formula, should be stored in the freezer and replaced every six months.

Your Parrot Place

Marilu Anderson, Bird Nutrition and Behavior Consultant, (503) 771-BIRD. Marilu is a regular contributor to the Your Parrot Place Newsletter. YourParrotPlace.com [http://www.yourparrotplace.com] - Only the Best for Your Parrot!

Free eBooks!

Over 170 pages! A compilation of parrot articles.

[http://www.yourparrotplace.com/home.php?cat=263]

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Avian vet

It's 2:30am, you hear a crashing sound in your bird's cage and rush to investigate. Your bird has crashed to the bottom of the cage from a night fright and appears to have a broken wing. What do you do? Hopefully you never find yourself in this position but if you do, are you prepared? Often the most critical part of any emergency plan is having a good Avian Vet. And 2:30am is NOT the time to fumble through the yellow pages to find an avian vet. Right now is the time to start your search for an avian vet BEFORE you have an emergency! Here are the top ten questions to ask when looking for a good avian vet.

1. Are They Recommended? - Use all available sources to create a list of recommended avian vets in your area. Here's a list to start with. Can you think of more?
   • Local, State and National veterinary associations
   • Local Veterinary schools
   • Local and National pet and bird groups
   • Local Animal Shelters
   • Local Pet owners
   • Local Pet breeders
   • Local Pet stores
   • Local Yellow pages and newspapers for veterinarians
   • Local avian rescues and sanctuaries
   • Local Zoos
   • Your friends and family
   • Internet Search Engines
   • Internet bird boards and forums
2. Are They Avian Certified? - Check to see if they're a Board-Certified Avian Veterinarian and/or a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians. Warning Flag - If they are not certified or a member, this doesn't immediately disqualify them. But it should raise a very serious warning flag.
3. Do They Treat Birds? - Not all veterinarians treat birds so be sure to ask if they treat birds. If they do, ask them how many avian patients they have and how frequently they have avian patients. Do their patients routinely visit them or do they use them mostly for emergency cases? If most of their patients use them for routine checkups then that may indicate that they have a happy and dependable patient list. Warning Flag - If they mostly treat emergencies then it may be an indicator that they are just the most convenient vet and not necessarily the most qualified. Don't forget to ask how long they've been treating avian patients.
4. Will They Provide References? - If they're willing to provide references, call the references. Ask the references if they're willing to give you additional names of people and contact information for people that also use the veterinarian and call them too. Warning Flag - Refusal to give references should be a warning flag.
5. Are They Up To Date? - How do they stay current on avian knowledge, procedures and treatments? Avian veterinarian science isn't as mature as that for dogs and cats so it's important for veterinarians to keep up to date on the latest procedures and technologies. Warning Flag - It may be difficult to evaluate their plan for staying current but they should at least HAVE a plan.
6. Is Their Facility Clean and Orderly? - Take a tour of their facilities and don't forget to leave the pets and kids at home for this tour so you don't cause any disruptions. This should be just a quick walk-through tour and not a site-seeing guided tour. Are all areas (public AND non-public) clean and orderly? Obviously all areas won't be dining room clean but you should get the impression that all areas are routinely cleaned. Warning Flag - If they won't allow a quick walk through tour this could be an indication that they have something to hide.
7. What Are Their Hours of Operation and Emergency Plans? - What are their normal working hours? Do their normal hours mesh well with your work/school/family schedule or if not, are they flexible? More importantly, what is their plan for emergencies that occur after normal working hours? Warning Flag - Not having a plan for after hour emergencies is a major problem. Murphy's law dictates that this is a requirement.
8. What Type of Personal Pets Do They Have? - Does your vet have pet birds at home? While this is obviously not a disqualification, it gives you an idea about their interests and may indicate their area of expertise.
9. OMG! It Costs HOW much?!?!?!? - Compare their cost of routine services to other comparable vets. While this shouldn't be high on your list of qualifications, it should be considered. Warning Flag - Routine costs being abnormally high or abnormally low could be a warning flag. If their costs are way out of line compared to other vets, make sure you ask why their costs are not comparable to other comparable vets services.
10. What is Their Staff Like? - Make sure to interact with their supporting staff when contacting the vet and when visiting the vet. They should be courteous, helpful and knowledgeable. The Proverb "Birds of a feather flock together" is very appropriate in this situation. A good vet will surround themselves with a good supporting staff and a good supporting staff will flock to a good vet. Warning Flag - If the vets entire organization doesn't work well together, this may be a warning flag of other problems in the office.

Selecting your avian veterinarian may be the most important decision you make for your pet. You owe it to your pet to make a careful and informed decision. So please use this top ten list to help make your decision BEFORE you and your pet bird have an emergency requiring a good vet.

The Author is the creator of the InfoSuperFlyway.com. It's a webpage dedicated to Kibibi a Congo African Grey Parrot with parrot recordings, funny parrot videos, top ten lists, parrot jokes, clicker training info and a large database of parrot articles. For more articles about African Greys and other Parrots, check out Kibibi's Parrot Article Archive.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_B_Weber

Vets for birds

We've all been there, done that. Made an appointment with a vet that claims to see birds, only to find out that the only bird they 'see' on a regular basis is the one that eats from the feeder outside their office window. How do you find a good vet in your area? Take the following questionnaire and see if it can't help you in your search.

1). Is the vet you are considering listed in the AAV -Association of Avian Veterinarians?

2). Is this vet recommended by any local clubs or rescue organizations? (1 point)

3). Go visit the clinic. Is it clean? Does the staff seem friendly and knowledgeable? Are there bird magazines or other tell-tale paraphernalia in the waiting area? (2 points)

4). Call other local vets and ask for a referral to a 'bird' vet. What names do you get? Do any of them suggest the prospect? (1 point)

5). Does the vet you are considering own a pet bird? (yes, 1 point) Do they breed birds? (if yes, add an additional point)

6). How many years has the potential vet been treating exotics?

1-3 years (1 point)

3-6 years (2 points)

6+ years (3 points)

Suggested Evaluation:

14 points or more: Is that the choir I hear singing? Book an appointment!

10-13 points: Probably a decent bird vet.

6-9 points: Worth a try, if this is one of the few in your area.

Less then 6 points: Is this the only vet you can find? Yikes! Be very careful.

Now that you've found a vet you want to try, lets go over some basics for the first visit.

The First Visit:

1) Are there any other birds waiting? Can you hear any other birds in the back?

2) Are there appropriate bird related items in the exam room? For example, towel, gram scale, perches, etc.

3) How does the vet handle your bird? Is he/she confident, and gentle? Pay close attention to how your bird reacts around the vet- their intuitive feelings are oftentimes better then ours. Does the vet talk to the bird? Does the vet ask the bird to step up instead of just grabbing it?

4) Be sure to ask questions! If the vet gets annoyed with your desire to understand as much as possible, be aware. Most vets automatically explain the process of what is happening (eg, "Now I am going to towel Pickles and palpate the breastbone"). Are your questions answered carefully and thoroughly?

5) Is the vet explicit about home care, and what to do with the bird once back at home. Does he/she provide any information about the best possible home setup for a sick bird, and offer any additional advice? If the vet is recommending measures such as handfeeding, giving medication, or other measures, can they explain the proper protocol for carrying out their instructions? Are they willing to show you how to best restrain your bird and give them oral medications?

6) If possible, consider paying the first bill with a credit card. That way, if anything is to go wrong, you'll have someone 'on your side' with leverage- you can dispute the charges and the vet won't get paid until or unless the card company is satisfied. The vet is more likely to try and satisfy you if they have not yet received payment.

Finding a good avian vet can be a long and often frustrating process. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek recommendations, and interview any prospects before actually bringing your animal into the clinic. Once you find that gem of a vet, you'll want to keep them for years to come!

If you read this article and found it helpful, consider stopping by my website http://www.BirdToys.com

You can also find me and over 22,500+ other parrot owners at http://www.BirdBoard.com where you can ask questions and get immediate feedback.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelli_L