Published: October 04, 2008 01:01 am            

October is National Pet Wellness Month

PALESTINE — October is National Pet Wellness Month. Throughout the month of October, Morton Small Animal Clinic will provide you with helpful hints on how to maintain a healthy, happy pet.

Pets on average age up to seven times faster than humans. By age two, most pets have already reached adulthood. At age four, many are entering middle age, and by age seven, many dogs, particularly larger breeds, are entering their senior years.

Because pets age so rapidly, major health changes can occur in a short amount of time. The risk of cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart disease and other serious conditions all increase with age. And because today’s pets are living longer than ever, chances are many can experience a potentially serious illness during their lifetime.

The bottom line, taking your dog or cat to the veterinarian once a year is the same as seeing you own doctor just once every seven years! You wouldn’t wait seven years to see your doctor or dentist for a check-up. So why wait a whole year to bring your best friend to the veterinarian? Contact us to schedule your pet's six-month wellness visit today.

Information provided by Morton Small Animal Clinic, 1404 E. Tyler Hwy., Athens, 903-675-5708.

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Here is a list of this week’s featured pets at BARC, The Humane Society:

• Siamon — 4-month-old male terrier mix

• Snickers — 4-month-old male terrier mix

• Yeller — male lab mix

• Theria— 4-month-old female terrier mix

These and other animals are ready for adoption at BARC, The Humane Society, 335 Armory Rd., Palestine. You may visit them online at www.achs.petfinder.com and www.barctx.org. Telephone 903-729-8074 for information.

        

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