As a token of appreciation, pet owners celebrate National Pet Week, which falls on the first full week of May. These seven days, spanning May 7-May 13 in 2017, remind pet owners to cherish the human-animal bond and to recognize responsible pet ownership.
Austin, Texas (PRWEB) May 05, 2017
Pets bring laughter, joy and love into people’s homes without asking for much in return. As a token of appreciation, pet owners celebrate National Pet Week, which falls on the first full week of May. These seven days, spanning May 7-May 13 in 2017, remind pet owners to cherish the human-animal bond and to recognize responsible pet ownership. Pet owners can live out these values by following action items outlined by National Pet Week’s theme this year, “Lifetime of Love—The Basics: Seven Days to a Happier, Healthier Pet.” Adhering to this advice fosters a lifetime of health, happiness and love for pets.
The first day, May 7, highlights the importance of individuals selecting pets that mesh well with their lifestyles and making a firm commitment to caring for pets. Monday, May 8, encourages pet owners to socialize pets early and prep them for an array of interactions with places, activities, animals and people. This will make for positive experiences in any situation. Day three urges pet owners and their pets to engage in regular exercise, which will curb the obesity rate among dogs and cats in the U.S.
“An overweight or obese animal has a higher risk for arthritis, respiratory compromise, diabetes, skin problems, increased surgical risks, heart disease and a reduced lifespan,” said Carol Hillhouse, DVM, DABVP, of Carson Veterinary Clinic and High Plains Animal Hospital in the Texas Panhandle. “Your veterinarian is your best resource for determining whether your pet is in an unhealthy weight range and developing a plan to fight obesity.”
Dr. Hillhouse’s recommendation to visit the veterinarian encompasses the advice of day four, and Thursday, May 11, raises awareness of the pet overpopulation problem, which can be prevented by spays/neuters. Friday brings the suggestion of developing emergency kits for the unexpected incidents of life, such as natural disasters. The last day, Saturday, summarizes the week’s advice, which is giving pets a lifetime of love and improving their quality and length of life by taking them in for regular veterinary exams and providing care.
National Pet Week was created by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in 1981. Observed each year during the first full week of May, National Pet Week recognizes the human-animal bond and responsible pet ownership by encouraging pet owners to celebrate pet companionship, a mission also upheld by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA). For more information on National Pet Week, visit http://www.petweek.org.
About the Texas Veterinary Medical Association
Founded in 1903, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association is a professional association composed of more than 3,700 veterinarians committed to protecting public health, promoting high educational, ethical and moral standards within the veterinary profession and educating the public about animal health and its relationship to human health. For more information, call 512/452-4224 or visit http://www.tvma.org.