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Do you know how to recognize pain in your pet? Some signs are more obvious, such as limping or yelping, while others are more subtle, such as excessive grooming or a change in litter box habits. September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, which is a good time to get to know the signs that your pet may be suffering. Be on the lookout for the following behaviors and call your veterinarian if you think your pet is in pain. Never try to treat your pet with human medications since many of them are toxic to animals.  

Vaccines are an easy way to prevent your dog from getting sick with serious, sometimes fatal, diseases. Groomers, daycare, or boarding kennels may require vaccinations to prevent the spread of diseases in close quarters. Your veterinarian can discuss with you which vaccines your dog needs and how often to get them. Core Vaccines Core vaccines are considered vital to all pets based on risk of exposure, severity of disease or transmissibility to humans. Distemper: A very contagious, often fatal virus that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. The virus spreads through the air and vaccination is the only way to effectively prevent or control it. Hepatitis: A disease caused by a virus that affects the liver and cells lining the blood vessels. It can cause a high fever, swelling, and uncontrolled bleeding. Leptospirosis: A disease that can cause permanent kidney damage. It spreads through contact with nasal secretions, urine, or saliva of infected animals. Rats, mice, squirrels, and other rodents are common carriers of the bacteria. Parainfluenza: A very contagious disease that attacks the respiratory system. It is spread through contact with infected dogs or through the air. Parvovirus: A very contagious viral infection that affects a dog’s gastrointestinal tract and immune system and can cause sudden death. It’s spread by contact with the infected poop of other dogs, contaminated environments or objects, or even people with the virus on them. This infection can be life-threatening in puppies. Rabies: A serious, fatal viral infection that affects a dog’s central nervous system. It’s usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal but can also be spread when an infected animal’s saliva comes in contact with broken skin (through licking, drooling, etc.). Rabies vaccinations are required in most states. Non-Core Vaccines Bordetella: This bacteria causes what’s commonly known as “kennel cough” and affects the respiratory system of a dog. It is spread in places where there are many dogs in contact with each other, like kennels, grooming facilities, and dog shows. Puppies are at the highest risk, but adult dogs can get sick too. Canine Influenza: Canine influenza (also known as dog flu) is a contagious respiratory disease caused by specific viruses known to infect dogs. There is now a single vaccine  to prevent both the H3N2 and H3N8 strains of the virus. The vaccination series requires a booster shot two weeks after the initial vaccination. Vaccines take 3-4 weeks to provide immunity. Lyme disease: A tick-borne disease that causes inflammation of the joints and can cause lameness. Some dogs may also develop kidney problems.

Dr. Leilani Alvarez, Director of the Tina Santi Flaherty Rehabilitation and Fitness Service at the Animal Medical Center, demonstrates five strengthening and toning exercises to do with your dog at home. These exercises are for healthy dogs without injury. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before starting any exercise regimen with your pet. Sit to Stand Down to Stand Standing Up Backing Up or Walking Backwards Three Leg Stand

Whether your pet has fur, feathers, or scales, it’s important to keep them both mentally and physically stimulated with enrichment! Enrichment is anything used to modify your pet’s environment that helps them engage in normal animal behavior and can range from items such as toys to tunnels to touch screen devices. The best part? You can create enrichment for your beloved pet using items lying around the house!

Pet insurance can take the pain out of unexpected vet bills so you can focus on getting your dog or cat the care they need. But with so many different types of plans out there, it can be difficult to find the one that’s right for your pet. Your best bet is to contact a few companies to request a quote and sample policy, and then compare them. To help you get started, here are answers to some common questions.