2004 AAHA Pet Owner Survey - Pet Story Ideas

The topics listed below represent the variety of story and interview ideas that AAHA can help reporters develop. AAHA arranges interviews between reporters and veterinary experts on all pet-related subjects. Contact Jason Merrihew at 303/986-2800 for more information.

Senior pet care

Does old age affect pets the same way it affects us? It certainly does! As pets age, they go through changes that are remarkably similar to aging humans, such as graying hair, dimming senses and a general slowing down. Aging pets have very different needs than younger pets. Understanding these changes can help pet owners ensure their pets live longer, fuller lives.

Preventive health care for pets

Pets are living longer, healthier lives than ever before because they now receive a higher level of care than in the past. Just as in human medicine, there is a shift to wellness care in veterinary medicine that addresses all aspects of health—from proper nutrition and exercise to regular veterinary care and grooming.

Dealing with pet behavioral problems

Good intentions go hand-in-hand with adding a puppy or kitten to the family. Who doesn’t want a housebroken and obedient pet? Unwanted behavior, however, is the leading reason for euthanasia of dogs and cats in the U.S. Pet owner education is key to preventing common pet behavior problems.

How to choose the right pet

Pet ownership is a long-term commitment of 10 to 20 years, so choosing a pet that suits your lifestyle is key to the health and happiness of your pet and your satisfaction as an owner. Specifically, potential pet owners should consider why they want a pet—is it for companionship or protection? Also, are there other pets or children in the home? How much will it cost to care for a pet? Veterinarians can help you to choose the pet that best suits you and your lifestyle and, in many cases, can help you locate the perfect pet.

Overweight pets

As Americans' waistlines are expanding, so are those of their pets. In fact, recent studies have indicated that 30 to 40 percent of pets in the United States are overweight. Veterinarians can help pet owners design a diet and exercise plan to help keep their pet at a healthy weight, thereby reducing the risk of respiratory problems, diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.

Winter pet care

Cold weather can be just as hard on pets as it is on people. However, not all pet owners realize that their pets are not adapted to live outdoors during the harsh winter months. Leaving pets outdoors can put them in danger of serious illness. Pet owners should take several precautions to keep their companion animals warm and safe during the winter.

Veterinary specialists

The number of board-certified veterinary specialists has grown 76 percent over the past decade. As a result, many referral hospitals—practices that treat the more complicated medical cases—have emerged. Veterinary specialties include surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, neurology, feline practice, avian and exotic practice, dental practice, veterinary behavior, ophthalmology, dermatology and radiology.

How to choose the right veterinarian

On average, cat owners have been with their current veterinarian for an average of six and one-half years vs. eight years for dog owners. In choosing a veterinarian, nearly one-half of pet owners cite recommendation as the most important factor. AAHA can offer consumers tips on how to select the right veterinarian to meet their needs and refer pet owners to veterinary hospitals across North America.

Cancer in pets

Pets not only are becoming more susceptible to cancer because of increased age, they also share our environment and take in most of the same elements that contribute to cancer in humans. Faced with possible radiation or chemotherapy, many pet owners seek advice and guidance from veterinarians on the success of therapy and related side effects.

Veterinary dentistry

By age 10, most dogs and cats that have not received dental care will have lost some of their teeth to disease. As in humans, abscessed teeth or periodontal disease can affect other parts of the body. In dogs and cats, it can lead to heart and kidney disease. Veterinarians clean patients’ teeth, fill cavities, perform root canals, surgically remove mouth tumors, perform periodontal surgery and teach owners to regularly brush their pets’ teeth.

Traveling with pets

Two-thirds of pet owners travel with their pets. Pet-friendly hotels and airline policies have made traveling with a pet easier, however, traveling with a pet still requires forethought and planning. A pre-trip visit to the veterinarian can help pet owners decide whether their pet will be able to withstand the strain of a trip and what kinds of precautions and preparations need to be taken before leaving.

Pain management

Just a few years ago, the issue of pain management in companion animals was often overlooked. Veterinary students were commonly taught that pets don’t experience pain in the same manner as humans. Nowadays, veterinarians have a much better understanding of recognizing a patient’s pain, selecting an appropriate treatment and monitoring the treatment’s success. Drugs provide much more than peace-of-mind for clients—pain management can help speed recovery time for pets as well.

Complementary medicine

From acupuncture to chiropractic care to nutriceuticals, the popularity of complementary veterinary medicine is growing. Many veterinarians use complementary therapies as a supplement to Western medicine for several types of cases. For example, some cancer patients receive acupuncture treatments as a method for managing the pain associated with their cancer.