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Although there are other ways to get veterinary care for your pet, there are definite advantages to having a regular veterinarian and a regular veterinary hospital.

Your pet has a unique personality and place in your family. Like you, he or she also has a unique medical history. Imagine if you had to give your complete medical history every time you went to the doctor! An up-to-date medical record helps keep your pet's vaccinations up to date, helps with diagnoses and can save valuable time in case of an emergency. Having a regular veterinary hospital is more cost efficient, as tests do not need to be re-run and all previous medical information is noted on his or her record.

By visiting the same veterinary hospital on a regular basis, the veterinarians and staff get to know your pet as an individual and provide continuity of care. If you don't have a regular veterinary hospital, it's best to get one before an emergency arises.

Quitting smoking can be difficult, but according to the results of a new study, pets may be the incentive some smokers need to kick the habit. A study conducted by the Henry Ford Health System's Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention found that smokers who own pets reported they would be more likely to quit if provided with information about the dangers of secondhand smoke for pets.

The study was based on a web-based survey of 3,293 pet owners. Among the survey respondents, 50% were either current smokers or lived with at least one smoker. While taking the survey, many of the smokers and non-smokers indicated they would be interested in receiving information about quitting smoking.

The results are good news, both for pets and pet owners trying to quit smoking. While the effects of secondhand smoke on humans are well known, studies have also found that secondhand smoke can cause health problems in pets. Lymphoma in cats and nasal and lung cancer in dogs have been linked to secondhand smoke. Additionally, secondhand smoke has been identified as a possible cause of allergic reactions in dogs, eye disease and respiratory problems in birds and oral carcinoma in cats, according to the Henry Ford Health System.

Most of all, the study provides further proof of how devoted pet owners are to their best friends. While pet owners who smoke may not think twice about their own health when lighting up, it's clear that many are thinking about their pet's health and taking that into consideration when they smoke.

Currently, about 63 percent of U.S. households (about 71.1 million homes) include a pet as a member of the family. About a fifth of all pet owners are current cigarette smokers.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis have long been used as herding and companion dogs. Their origins have been traced back to the 10th century, and may be descended either from the Vallhunds (a Swedish cattle dog brought to Wales by the Vikings) or from ancestors of the Schipperke and Pomeranian. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi derives its name from the Welsh "cor gi," meaning "dwarf dog."

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are small, between 10 and 12 inches tall, and usually weigh about 27 pounds. The Pembroke is one of two separate breeds of Welsh Corgi. The Pembroke is smaller and possesses sharper, more fox-like features than its cousin, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a short undercoat and a long, thick overcoat.

Both are adept herding dogs—energetic, smart and nimble, despite their tiny legs and stout body. Though small, Corgi’s are capable of running quickly and jumping to great heights. The Corgi’s small stature comes in handy when herding sheep and cattle, as it allows the dog to escape the flailing hooves of the livestock.

It wasn’t until the 1920s that Corgis were recognized as pure-bred dogs. In 1934, both the English Kennel Club and American Kennel Club recognized both the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis. The popularity of Corgis exploded in the mid-20th century, when the breed became the favorite of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II of England.

Pembrokes today are more often companion dogs than herders, but those instincts remain. Pembroke Welsh Corgis like to command their surroundings, and while their intelligence makes them easy to train, they’re also known to selectively listen to commands they don’t like. Pembroke Corgis respond well to treat-rewards used in training, but have a tendency toward obesity. Pembroke Welsh Corgis need ample exercise and mental stimulation each day, or else they will grow bored and engage in destructive behavior.

Corgis are prone to arthritis and spinal problems because of the long spine found in the breed. Obesity is also dangerous—an overweight Corgi will face difficulties including stress on the spine and osteoarthritis.

How to give your cat a pill:

So, the veterinarian has sent you and your cat home with a bottle of pills and some instructions. Don't worry - giving pills to your cat is not as difficult as it may appear. It's just a matter of know-how and plenty of praise.

One thing to remember though, giving a pill to a cat is not quite the same as giving a pill to a dog.

1. Have someone hold your cat's front legs and chest from behind so you're free to do the rest, or vice versa. If you have trouble, wrap a blanket or towel around your cat.



2. Put your hand on top of the cat's head, avoiding the lower jaw. Raise the head until your cat's nose points to the ceiling. As the mouth opens, use your other hand to hold the pill and press down on the lower jaw, pushing the pill as far back on the tongue as possible.

1. You catch your dog doing something you don't want him to do and you yell at him. Your dog is not making eye contact with you. His lips are pulled back and his ears are flat against his head. He turns his head away from you and licks his lips when you approach. What is your dog expressing?

1. Submission
2. Guilt
3. Stubbornness
4. Fear

2. You meet a strange dog. He snarls at you with his hackles (the hair on his back) raised. His tail is held low and stiff and his ears are laid back. What is this dog saying?

1. I am afraid and may bite or run.
2. I am the boss and I am going to bite you.
3. I am afraid and will run away.
4. I am angry.

3. Your dog is chattering his teeth. What is he saying?

1. I smell a female dog in heat.
2. I am hungry.
3. I am cold.
4. I am feeling car sick.

4. Your male dog mounts another male. Why?

1. Because he likes other male dogs.
2. Because he wants to mate and is frustrated.
3. Because he likes the other dog.
4. To show that he is the boss.

5. A dog is approaching you slowly. He is looking directly into your eyes and seems to be walking on his tiptoes. His ears are up and his tail is also up and wagging slowly. What is he saying?

1. I am curious.
2. I am friendly.
3. I may bite you.
4. I am scared.

6. Your dog faces you and is panting. He bows down on his front legs with his tail wagging quickly. He barks in a high-pitched voice. What is he saying?

1. I am frustrated.
2. I need to go outside!
3. I want some food.
4. Play with me!

7. Your dog yawns. What is he saying?

1. I am bored.
2. I need a walk.
3. I am tired.
4. I am nervous.

8. A dog you don't know comes up to you and takes your hand in his mouth without biting it. What is he saying?

1. I want some food.
2. Hello!
3. If you move, I'll bite you.
4. I am worried.

9. You approach a puppy whom you just caught urinating on the floor. He rolls over on his back and urinates again. What is he saying?

1. I am submissive.
2. I am spiteful. I urinate on the floor on purpose.
3. I am not housebroken.
4. I will urinate where I please.

10. You are teaching your dog something new. After a bit of work, he scratches at his neck. You are sure he doesn't have any fleas. Why is he scratching?

1. He needs a break.
2. He is being stubborn.
3. He is itchy.
4. He wants to pull his collar off.

Answer Key

1. A
2. A
3. A
4. D
5. C
6. D
7. D
8. A
9. A
10. A

In general, cats live longer than dogs. The average life span of a housecat is about 12-15 years. Some cats are extremely healthy, living well into their 20s.

Cats grow old gracefully. As they grow older, they have a tendency to sleep more. An elderly cat generally spends most of his or her time sleeping on a couch, a comfortable chair, or on a blanket close to a heat source.

Older cats are less active and less playful than kittens and young cats. They are also more irritable. As cats get older, their organs function less efficiently. Degeneration of the kidneys, thyroid glands, pancreas and adrenal glands occurs, resulting in kidney failure, hyperthyroidism and diabetes. Their senses (sight, smell, and hearing) have a tendency to deteriorate as well.

Older cats need help with grooming. As cats get older, they groom themselves less, as well as less effectively. Long-haired cats are particularly bothered by coat problems. Their coats are often matted, causing severe skin irritations. If an elderly cat is unable to keep up with his or her grooming, human intervention may be necessary. Long-haired cats and short-haired cats that do not groom themselves effectively should be brushed or combed twice a week.

Constipation is a common problem of older cats. It is often the result of a decrease in gastrointestinal tract motility. Hairballs can also cause constipation and very often they lead to intestinal impaction. Surgery is occasionally necessary in order to remove obstructive hairballs. Since hairballs are not easily regurgitated, preventative medication such as laxatives should be administered once a week. The use of a laxative is recommended for the prevention of intestinal obstruction, however if the laxative is given too frequently, it can interfere with intestinal absorption of vitamins and minerals.

The skin and nails of an older cat should be checked regularly. The skin should be checked for lumps and bumps. If lumps are found, the cat should be examined by a veterinarian. Nails should be checked and trimmed on a weekly basis. Untrimmed nails have a tendency to curl around, causing self-inflicted injury.

Many elderly cats are prone to dental tartar build-up. Tartar causes bad breath and can lead to dental problems — gum disease and tooth loss. Cats may tolerate a bit of home dentistry like brushing; however, they must be taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. Treatment generally consists of cleaning and polishing the teeth.

Kidney failure is a very common disease of older cats. This occurs when 70 percent of the kidney's functions are lost. Early symptoms of kidney failure include weight loss, increased thirst, increased urination (frequency and amount), decreased appetite, and occasional vomiting. Symptoms of kidney failure result from the buildup of toxins in the body, which are normally removed by healthy kidneys.

Specially formulated foods are available for cats that are diagnosed with kidney failure. These foods may be purchased through your veterinarian.

Cancer, usually resulting from feline leukemia virus infection, is commonly diagnosed in elderly cats. The virus is transmitted from an infected cat to a healthy cat through intimate "nose-to-nose" contact with infected saliva. There are no specific symptoms for feline leukemia virus infection; however, tumors of the lymph nodes, kidneys and intestines are quite common. Other symptoms include weight loss, anemia (decrease in red blood cells), poor appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.

Hyperthyroidism is a very common endocrine problem in older cats. Hyperthyroidism is due to an overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid glands (two glands, one gland on each side of the throat). Symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism include drastic weight loss, hyperactivity, and increased appetite. This disease can be treated medically, surgically, or with radiation therapy.

Heart problems are often diagnosed in elderly cats. The most common heart disease is cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is a primary heart disease, though it can develop secondary to kidney disease and hyperthyroidism.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that commonly affects older animals. Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and increased urination. Animals with diabetes mellitus often have ravenous appetites. Insulin is usually necessary for controlling diabetes mellitus in older cats.

Older cats do not appreciate change. They feel comfortable with the status quo. Environmental changes are not well tolerated. If a vacation or a trip is planned, have someone come to your home to feed your cat. An elderly cat does not do well in a kennel situation.

Since older cats spend most of the day resting, the location of their bed is important. This area should be draft-free, warm, and not damp.

Elderly cats loose some of their ability to digest specific foods. The ability to digest and assimilate fat declines with age. Olfactory (smell) and gustatory (taste) senses are diminished. Food may need to be warmed (not hot) in order to entice an older cat to eat. It is not recommended to give food directly from the refrigerator.

Fresh clean water should be available at all times. The water bowl should be checked and filled at least once a day.

Routine veterinary check-ups, along with blood and urine tests, are important for detecting medical problems before they become emergency situations. Discuss an examination schedule specific to your cat with your veterinarian.