Local pet health care workshop

Thursday, April 6, 2006

The Vernon County fairgrounds in Nevada, will be the site where the University of Missouri Extension, in cooperation with Vernon County 4-H and Wonderful Animals Giving Support are hosting a pet Healthcare Workshop.

The workshop is open to the public and will be held on Saturday, April 8, 9 a.m. to noon. There will be three presenters at the event. Area experts will be present in order to inform the attendants on the general health care issues relating to pets.

Dr. Brad Copeland of Nevada Veterinary Clinic will be present to give a talk on general animal Healthcare and options for new pet owners, those thinking of getting a pet and for anyone who is just interested in general pet care.

Preventive care is key to keeping a pet healthy. Some factors to keep in mind include nutrition, vaccinations, parasite control, surgery, and routine check ups. When considering a pets nutrition it is important to consider that a healthy diet builds a foundation for the well being and disease prevention throughout a pet's life. As a pet ages their nutritional needs change. For instance, a puppy needs a diet high in calories and protein to maintain its active lifestyle and to grow healthy bones and muscles.

An older dog needs a calorie-restricted diet that includes fiber supplements, which is imperative for gastrointestinal health and optimal weight. Vaccinations protect dogs from many viral predators, including parvovirus, coronovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, giardia and distemper. These organisms can cause a wide range of symptoms from sneezing to bloody diarrhea and death.

Parasite control is another important aspect of health care, worms can affect a pet, veterinarians said.

Giardia is one of these microscopic organisms that can affect your pets health.

Surgery and routine check ups could also be part of a health care regime.

Lorraine Achey of Pittsburg, Kan., and an active WAGS member, will also be present to talk about pet massage therapy.

Massage therapy is currently being applied to animals and has extensive therapeutic benefits. Pet massage therapy increases blood circulation, improves flexibility and concentration as well as eliminating and/or reducing pet aggression, pain and anxiety.

Carol Parmenter of the University of Missouri Extension Office said, "It can do a lot with animals -- dogs, horses and cats."

Dr. Gary Kurtz, of Kurtz Chiropractic Clinic will also be presenting at the pet health care workshop.

Kurtz is certified by the American Veterinary Association to preform chiropractic care. He has utilized this on horses, dogs and some cats.

Gwen Snead has a lot to do with the upcoming workshop due to her participation and leadership of WAGS. WAGS began as an idea from University of Missouri Extension employee Carol Parmenter in 2002.

Their mission statement is as follows "To educate, promote growth and enhance healing to the spirit and body through the use of animal assisted activities and therapy." WAGS will also be present at the workshop.

For more information or to register, call (417) 448-2560.

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