Animal Health Questions

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the strong link between animal health and human health. This link, according to WHO, covers the various interactions of humans to animals, whether it's for food, clothing transportation, recreation or companionship. Failure to ensure animal health, WHO asserts, may lead to public health and economic consequences among human societies.

  1. What should I ask the veterinarian about animal medications?

    • It's important to seek the help of a licensed veterinarian whenever your pet animal or livestock experience what may be a health-related problem, illness or disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides a checklist on what to ask the veterinarian about medicating your pet animal or livestock.

      Much like you would with humans, take precaution when dealing with animal prescriptions. Ask the veterinarian for the specific indications and dosages of the medication. Know if the drugs should be given by itself or if it has to be taken in by your pet or livestock with food. Know how often you should administer the medication and how long you should give it.

    How can I ensure my pet's oral health?

    • The American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) advocates the importance of oral care among animals. According to them, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats become prone to oral diseases at the age of 3. Gina Spadafori, author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies" and a pet columnist on the VeterinaryPartner.com, echoes AVDS in its advocacy for animal oral health.

      Spadafori states that for young pet animals, proper oral hygiene training and prevention is enough, but for the adults, seeking the help of a veterinarian for preventive care is highly recommended. The veterinarian should conduct an annual checkup of your pet's mouth, teeth and gums and make the necessary recommendation and prescription based on that.

      Dental checkups for animals often require health anesthesia and take up to an hour to finish. This usually involves prophylaxis; polishing; and evaluation and treatment of broken teeth, cavities, abscesses and periodontal diseases.

    Is there an alternative form of medication for animals?

    • Alternative forms of medication and preventive care that exist for animals include veterinary acupuncture and acutherapy. This type of acupuncture and acutherapy involves evaluation and stimulation of certain points of the animal's body using acupuncture needles, injections, magnets and other acupuncture techniques, most of which are also employed on humans. Veterinary acupuncture and acutherapy procedures are used for both diagnosis and treatment of various animal health conditions, depending on state laws on veterinary practices.

    Is veterinary physical therapy beneficial to animals?

    • According to VetInfo.com, veterinary physical therapy is a well-accepted therapeutic form in the field of veterinary medicine and is often administered as a postsurgical procedure.

      Animals who suffer from neurological or orthopedic health illnesses as well as soft tissue disorders are often prescribed with veterinary physical therapy as a form of rehabilitation. Animals that undergo veterinary physical therapy recover and heal faster, especially for those who are prone to complications caused by limb immobility.