Vaccinations
Vaccines help teach your pet’s immune system how to recognize and fight off disease-causing agents. They protect your pet against diseases and improve…
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Vaccination principles
Vaccines have been proven highly efficacious and beneficial to the health of veterinary patients, as well as the general public. Decisions about…
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Annual rabies vaccination waiver
Waivers of rabies vaccination should only be issued with approval from the appropriate public health authorities upon recommendation from a licensed…
JAVMA news
Vaccine developed to prevent Hendra virus infection
A long-awaited vaccine against a deadly zoonotic infectious disease in Australia became available Nov. 1.
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Rabies
Rabies is almost invariably fatal for animals and humans. Vaccination of animals is a critical step in preventing infection and protecting public…
7 Things you can do to keep your pet healthy
Weight management, exercise, regular veterinary exams, vaccination, and parasite prevention are among the most important ways to keep a pet healthy
Reporting adverse events
Adverse events that occur after use of a medication, medical device, pesticide, vaccine or other biological product are rare but can be…
JAVMA news
Raw food policy draws debate
A new AVMA policy discourages people from feeding raw or unprocessed meats and other animal products to cats and dogs.
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Canine hybrids
The AVMA strongly opposes keeping as pets any hybrids of wild canines crossbred with domestic animals. The AVMA believes that commercial traffic in…
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AAHA-AVMA feline preventive healthcare guidelines
All cats should have a veterinary examination at least annually. For many cats, more frequent visits may be appropriate. The AVMA and the American…
Importance of wellness exams
Veterinarians recommend regular wellness exams for the same reason your physician and dentist do: if you can detect a problem in its early stages...
Veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) FAQ
What is a veterinarian-client-patient relationship? Why does it matter? What does my veterinarian offer that an online source can't match?
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AAHA-AVMA canine preventive healthcare guidelines
All dogs should have a veterinary examination at least annually. For many dogs, more frequent visits may be appropriate.
Pet care
Responsible pet ownership and pet health care. Topics include preventive care, keeping pets healthy and safe, pet medications and prescriptions...
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Dog and cat population management
Dog and cat population management is a complex animal welfare problem, with many contributing factors.
Pet ownership
Our pets can’t speak for themselves. As owners, we take on a responsibility to advocate for them and provide the support they need to live healthy,…
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UNDER REVIEWGuidelines for responsible pet ownership
Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. The benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities.
11 things you can do to make road trips safer for you and your pet
Ask yourself if taking your pet with you is the right thing to do (for your pet and your family). If you must, then follow these safety rules.
JAVMA news
Banfield report reveals increase in overweight pets, arthritis
The prevalence of overweight dogs and cats increased between 2007 and 2011, as did the prevalence of arthritic dogs and cats, according to the State…
Traveling with your pet FAQ
What to think about when deciding to travel with a pet? Can you take your pet out of the country? Specific needs for travel by plane, boat, car, train…
How to be a leader in your community
Serving the public in some way can be a great way to give back to your community. Not only is this an honorable thing to do for your community, it's a…
Santa's veterinarian answers kids' questions about Santa's reindeer
Most reindeer can't fly, but Santa's reindeer are special. How does Santa find his reindeer? What do they eat? How much do they weigh? And more...
Finding a veterinarian
Finding a veterinarian is relatively easy, especially if you're able to get recommendations from friends and relatives.
Zoonotic Diseases and Pets FAQ
Animals can carry diseases that people can catch. Get answers to commonly asked questions about disease risks related to pets.