How to Stay Healthy Around Pets

"Understand the Risks and Benefits of Pets

There are many health benefits of owning a pet. They can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside, and socialize. Regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels.  Pets can help manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship. Most households in the United States have at least one pet.

Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets is linked to several health benefits, including:

• Decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD.
• Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities; better cognitive function in older adults; and more opportunities to socialize

However, pets can sometimes carry harmful germs that can make us sick even when the pet appears healthy. The diseases people get from animals are called zoonotic (zoe-oh-NOT-ic) diseases. Below are some tips to help you and your family stay healthy while enjoying pets.

Pick the Right Pet

Before adopting a new pet, make sure that it is the right one for you and your family. Do some research beforehand about the specific needs of the animal. Ask yourself these questions before getting a pet:

• How long will this animal live?
• What does the pet eat?
• How much exercise does the pet need?
• How large will it become?
• How much will veterinary care cost?
• Do I have enough time to properly care for and clean up after the pet?
• What type of habitat does this pet need to be healthy?
• What type of exercise does this pet need?
• Are pets allowed in my house, apartment, or condominium?
• Are there young children, older people, or people with weak immune systems who will care for or be around the pet?.."
  Healthy around pets 

Pet Safety in Emergencies

"Emergencies come in many forms: fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, violent storms and even terrorism. In the event of extreme weather or a disaster, would you know what to do to protect your pet? Leaving pets out of evacuation plans can put pets, pet owners, and first responders in danger. Even if you try to create a safe place for them, pets left behind during a disaster are likely to be injured, lost, or worse.  Be prepared: make a plan and prepare a disaster kit for your pet.

Before an Emergency

To get started, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that could affect your area and consider your options for providing care for your pet(s).

Disasters can happen without warning, so be prepared:

• Make sure your pet(s) wear collars and tags with up-to-date contact information and other identification.
• Microchip your pet(s) – this is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your pet are reunited if you are separated. Always be sure to register the microchip with the manufacturer and keep your contact information up to date with the microchip company.
• Keep a leash and/or carrier near the exit.
• Make sure you have proper equipment for pets to ride in the car (carriers, harnesses, pet seatbelts).
• Prepare a Pet Disaster Kitso evacuation will go smoothly for your entire family. Ask your veterinarian for help in putting together your pet’s veterinary records..."
  Pet safety

About Pets & People

"There are many health benefits of owning a pet. They can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside, and socialize. Regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels.  Pets can help manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship. Most households in the United States have at least one pet.

Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners. Some of the health benefits of having a pet include:

• Decreased blood pressure
• Decreased cholesterol levels
• Decreased triglyceride levels
• Decreased feelings of loneliness
• Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
• Increased opportunities for socialization

However, pets can sometimes carry harmful germs that can make us sick even when the pet appears healthy. The diseases people get from animals are called zoonotic (zoe-oh-NOT-ic) diseases. Below are some tips to help you and your family stay healthy while enjoying pets..."
Pets

Disaster Preparedness for Your Pet

"Pets are family – do you have a plan for your pet in an emergency? Including pets in emergency plans helps your family’s ability to respond to an emergency. Be prepared: make a plan and prepare a disaster kit for your pet.

Leaving pets out of evacuation plans can put pets, pet owners, and first responders in danger. Even if you try to create a safe place for them, pets left behind during a disaster are likely to be injured, lost, or worse. Before a disaster strikes, find out what type of shelters and assistance are available in your area to accommodate pets and include pets in your family disaster plan to keep them safe during an emergency.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start today by including your pet in your family’s preparedness plans to protect the health of yourself, your family, and your pet.

Make a Plan

To get started, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that could affect your area and consider your options for providing care for your pet(s).

Disasters can happen without warning, so be prepared:

• Make sure your pet(s) wear collars and tags with up-to-date contact information and other identification.
• Microchip your pet(s) – this is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your pet are reunited if you are separated. Always be sure to register the microchip with the manufacturer and keep your contact information up to date with the microchip company.
• Purchase a pet carrier for each of your pets (write your pet’s name, your name, and contact information on each carrier).
  • Familiarize your pet with its carrier before a crisis.
  • Practice transporting your pet by taking them for rides in a vehicle similar to one you would be evacuating in.
  • Practice catching your pet, if needed.
• Keep a leash and/or carrier near the exit.
• Make sure you have proper equipment for pets to ride in the car (carriers, harnesses, pet seatbelts).
• If you do not have a car, make arrangements with neighbors, family, and friends. You can also contact your local government to learn about transportation options during a disaster.."
  Pets and disasters

International Travel with Your Pet

"Taking your dog or cat on a flight abroad? Make sure you have your pet’s documents when traveling internationally and returning home to the United States. Leave yourself plenty of time before the trip to take care of your pet’s required medical care and paperwork. Remember to start the process early.

First Stop—Your Vet’s Office

If you are traveling internationally, tell your veterinarian about your plans as soon as possible. Together, you can make sure your pet meets the requirements for your destination country and is healthy enough to travel. Requirements may include:

• Blood tests
• Vaccinations
• Microchips for identification

Airlines and countries often have different requirements, so make sure you know what the specific ones are.."
Pets and travel

Managing Obesity, One Paw at a Time

"In the United States, 71% of adults are overweight or have obesity. Heavier adults are at risk for serious chronic diseases and health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates approximately 53% of dogs and 58% of cats are overweight or obese. These pets face many of the same weight-related health problems as humans, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, urinary disease, skin problems, and breathing problems. Also, overweight pets often have shorter lives than fitter pets.

Research shows overweight pets tend to have overweight owners—who may feed their furry friends table scraps and frequent snacks, use food as a behavior or training reward, and not exercise or play much with their dogs and cats..."
Pets and exercise

Walking and Pets

"Walking keeps people and pets healthy.

Photo courtesy of Rescue 2 Restore

Brad's Story

Brad, a 6-foot-6-inch former athlete, had a wake-up call in his mid-30s. His doctor said he was at risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke, because of his weight and lack of exercise.

Brad's grandfather died of a heart attack. His father had quadruple bypass heart surgery at age 50. And now Brad was showing signs of going down the same road—for example, his doctor had told him he had a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. You want to have high levels of HDL, which is known as the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from your arteries. The fast food, beer, and stress from work and family duties were catching up with him..."
Pets

Healthy Pets Healthy People

"Keeping Pets Healthy Keeps People Healthy Too!

Studies have shown that the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners. But there's something else you should know.

Pets sometimes carry germs that can make people sick. The diseases people get from animals are known as zoonotic (zoe-oh-NOT-ic) diseases.

It is hard to know which animals could be carrying zoonotic diseases, especially since pets carrying these germs often look healthy and normal. Here are some tips that can help you and your pets stay healthy:

• Take your pet to its veterinarian regularly so it stays in good health.
• Practice good hygiene around your pets so they don't unintentionally pass germs to you.
• Learn about diseases different types of pets can spread - just in case..."

Pets

Raw Pet Food

"Pet owners have a variety of food choices to give their pets, even raw food. But some germs have been found in raw pet foods that can make pets and people sick, including Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Learn how to protect your pets and yourself from disease.

What is raw pet food?

Raw pet food consists primarily of meat, bones, organs, and eggs that have not been cooked or treated to remove harmful germs, like Salmonella andListeria monocytogenes. Raw pet food products are generally sold as frozen packages and ask the owner to thaw before serving.
According to a recent study done by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, raw pet food is more likely than other types of pet food to have these harmful germs. These germs can cause serious illness in both pets and people..."
Pet food

Disaster Preparedness for Your Pet

"Leaving pets out of evacuation plans can put pets, pet owners, and first responders in danger. Even if you try to create a safe place for them, pets left behind during a disaster are likely to be injured, lost, or worse.  It is your responsibility as a pet owner to find out what type of shelters and assistance are available in your area to accommodate pets and to include pets in your disaster plan to keep them safe during an emergency.

Have you included pets in your disaster plan? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start today by:

• Making a plan and
• Preparing a disaster kit..."
  Pets and disasters

Competition in the Pet Medications Industry Prescription Portability and Distribution Practices

"The U.S. market for companion animal medications (“pet medications”) has grown significantly in the last decade. This growth is reflected in increased sales of both prescription and nonprescription (also referred to as “over-the-counter” or “OTC”) medications.  Recognizing the economic importance of the pet medications industry for American consumers,  and in response to legislative proposals regarding prescriptions for pet medications,  the Federal Trade Commission’s (“FTC” or “Commission”) staff compiled information concerning historic and current business practices in the sale of pet medications.  Staff primarily focused on two related issues that directly affect consumers’ access to competitively priced pet medications:

• the availability of “portable” pet medication prescriptions, obtained from veterinarians and used to purchase prescription pet medications somewhere other than the prescribing veterinarian’s office; and
• manufacturer distribution policies and practices for both prescription and OTC pet medications..."
Pet Medication

Pets and Disaster

"If a natural disaster strikes, what will happen to your pet? Be prepared: make a plan and prepare a disaster kit for your pet..."
Pets and disasters

Healhty Pets Helathy People

"Pets can appear to be healthy even when they have germs. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family healthy..."
Healthy Pets Healthy People

Pet Medications Workshop

"The Federal Trade Commission will host a one-day public workshop on October 2, 2012, to examine competition and consumer protection issues in the pet medications industry.  The quality and cost of pet medications is an important pocketbook issue for many consumers.  In 2011, 62 percent of U.S. households owned a pet, and Americans spent an estimated $50 billion on their pets, including nearly $7 billion for prescription and over-the-counter pet medications..." 

FDA is Warning Pet Owners on the Dangers of Xylitol Ingestion in Dogs and Ferrets
"The Food and Drug Administration is cautioning consumers about the risks associated with the accidental consumption of xylitol by dogs and ferrets. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol approved for use in many common products, including sugar-free baked goods, candy, oral hygiene products, and chewing gum.

Xylitol can be found in many over-the-counter drugs such as chewable vitamins and throat lozenges and sprays. It can also be purchased in bulk bags for use in home baking. These products are intended only for human use.

FDA is aware of complaints involving dogs that experienced illness associated with the accidental consumption of xylitol. Xylitol is safe for humans but it can be harmful to dogs and ferrets.

FDA is advising consumers to always read the label on products and to not presume that a product that is safe for humans is safe for your pet..."

Purchasing Pet Drugs Online: Buyer Beware
"Discount pet drugs—no prescription required" may appeal to pet owners surfing the Web, but FDA experts say it can be risky to buy drugs online from sites that tout this message and others like it.

Some of the Internet sites that sell pet drugs represent legitimate, reputable pharmacies, says Martine Hartogensis, D.V.M., deputy director of the Office of Surveillance and Compliance in FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). But others are fronts for unscrupulous businesses operating against the law.

FDA has found companies that sell unapproved pet drugs and counterfeit pet products, make fraudulent claims, dispense prescription drugs without requiring a prescription, and sell expired drugs.

Pet owners who purchase drugs from these companies may think they are saving money, says Hartogensis, but in reality, they may be short-changing their pet's health and putting its life at risk..."

CVM Announces Availability of Online Pet Pharmacy Brochure through Pueblo, Colorado
"CVM’s brochure entitled Online Pet Pharmacies. Protect Yourself and Your Pets: Be A.W.A.R.E. is available from the Federal Citizen’s Information Center (FCIC) in Pueblo, Colorado.
Although online pet pharmacies may save pet owners money when buying animal medications, not all online pharmacies are reputable. CVM created the brochure to provide pet owners with safety tips to help protect themselves and their pets when purchasing animal medications online.

For ordering information, please visit: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/rc/petpharm.htm. The brochures are free and are available as single copies or in bulk quantities of 100.

To access the online version of the A.W.A.R.E. brochure, please visit: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/AnimalHealthLiteracy/ucm203000.htm."

FDA Launches New Pet Health and Safety Widget
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today launched its pet health and safety widget for consumers as part of an ongoing effort to provide timely, user-friendly, public health information.

“Our new pet health and safety widget provides users with information to help them in managing their pet’s health,” said Joshua Sharfstein, M.D., FDA’s principal deputy commissioner.

The widget, a portable application embedded in a Web page that can be copied onto any other Web site or blog, will include topics such as how to report a problem with your pet food, purchasing pet drugs online, and caring for your pet in a disaster. The widget allows users to access content on the FDA’s Web site without having to leave another site or Web page.

“The pet health and safety widget allows users to add a new dimension to their Web site by providing consumers with the latest news and information from the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine,” said Bernadette Dunham, D.V.M., Ph.D., director of FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.

The widget has two tabs, one titled “tips” and, the other, “updates. The Tips tab highlights pet health and safety articles. The Updates tab will provide up-to-the-minute recall notices and veterinary drug news for consumers.

The pet health and safety widget is available at www.fda.gov/PetHealthWidget requires no technical maintenance on the part of the user. The FDA will provide updates to content displayed on the widget."