America's Pet Health Experts Urge Pet Owners To Schedule Veterinary Checkups At Least Once Per Year To Fight Preventable Diseases

CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- America's veterinarians are taking aim at reducing the rate of preventable diseases among cats and dogs by urging pet owners to schedule veterinary checkups at least once per year. Many practicing veterinarians are seeing increases in pet obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis, and heart disease among America's pets – conditions that can shorten our pets' lives. That is why pet health experts have partnered in a comprehensive effort to convince pet owners that annual checkups can help ensure that their pets live happier, healthier lives. 

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"Annual veterinary checkups are as important as food and love to a pet's health and well-being," said Ron DeHaven, DVM and Chairman for Partners for Healthy Pets. "Many pet owners are either too busy or just skip annual checkups. That's why we are campaigning to urge pet owners to make annual checkups a habit and schedule at least one per year," said DeHaven.  He explained that only veterinarians have the training to identify and treat preventable diseases and conditions that can lead to better, less costly outcomes for pets.

According to DeHaven, Partners for Healthy Pets is a collaboration of industry leaders with a shared interest in the health of our nation's pets. Formed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association and more than 100 other pet health organizations; the purpose of the Partnership is to help pet owners understand the importance of preventive healthcare for their pets.

Call for Pet Owners to be Vigilant

"None of us want harm to come to our animals," said DeHaven. "That's why we're urging pet owners to take the simple step of scheduling regular veterinary checkups for each of their pets. A checkup at least once a year is as important as food and love for your pet.  Don't miss the opportunity to do one of the most important things you can do for them."

For more information on Partners for Healthy Pets or for help scheduling an annual checkup for your pet, visit HealthyPetCheckUp.org.

About Partners for Healthy Pets

Partners for Healthy Pets is a committee of the non-profit American Veterinary Medical Foundation created to ensure that pets receive the preventive healthcare they deserve through regular veterinary visits. The organization actively works to communicate the value and benefit of preventive pet healthcare and has launched an advertising campaign to promote the importance of annual veterinary checkups. For more information, visit www.partnersforhealthypets.org

About the AVMA

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 84,000 member veterinarians worldwide engaged in a wide variety of professional activities and dedicated to the art and science of veterinary medicine.

About AAHA

Founded by seven leaders in the veterinary industry, AAHA has been committed to excellence, promoting high-quality standards, improving pet care and supporting small animal practices since 1933.   AAHA serves approximately 5,500 practice teams in the U.S. and Canada, comprised of more than 50,000 veterinary care providers. AAHA is dedicated to professional development, hospital accreditation standards, and excellent education programs.

SOURCE Partners for Healthy Pets