Is the News Friend or Foe

Turn on the news these days and Spinach will kill you, if the handshakes don't get ya first, or sprouts...sprouts are the enemy, no wait peanut butter- don't forget the peanut butter, unless you had piece of Chinese candy, or you where sharing kibble with Fido and ate Melamine.  Whew!

Still with me?  Must be a non-eater.  Okay, so you made it past the land mines of the grocery aisles.  Now you only have lead paint, those pesky handshakes again, the air you breath, the pigs you kiss, etc trying to finish the job.

Listen to the media or read the papers and the world is a terrible place.  The newest thing is the massive parvo "outbreak".  Are there diseases out there?  Yes.  Should you be terrified-no.  Germs are a double edged sword-they cause disease, but they also build immunity.  What can you do to stay safe?  Do your best and leave the rest to karma.

Keeping pets healthy is much like keeping yourself healthy.  It starts with great veterinary care.  A pet that is properly vaccinated, parasite free, and in good overall health can fight off or recover from disease and environmental toxins more efficiently.  Secondly, good food and clean water help build a strong immune system.  Only you can define what "good food and clean water" means.  Third is a happy, loved pet.  A pet that has mental challenges, lots of physical exercise, and plenty of love and attention will be healthier than one that is neglected and ignored.  Fourth comes down to common sense.  Be careful of the areas you take you dog walking.  If your neighbors don't care for their pets or vaccinate, take your dog to another neighborhood for walks.  Be mindful of lose stool or vomit puddles on walks.  If you pet shows signs of illness keep them home.  These strategies are very similar to keeping a child healthy.

No matter how vigilant you are illness and man made disasters will still happen.  However, there are precautions that can be taken to keep Fluffy and Fido as safe as possible.  Listen for food recalls, disease outbreaks, and illness warnings.  However, take everything with a grain of salt, and try to decipher fact from sensationalism.  This just in:  Chicken little called; the sky is not falling.



chris