When Your Pet Gets Sick

        Pet are part of the family!

        If you have a pet - or six - then this fact won't surprise you: A recent poll by AP - Petside uncovered that most Americans consider pet to be family. In fact, at least half of us think of our companion animal as equally important to our clan's human counterparts. And when a family member gets sick, we want what's best for them.

        But how do you know when an animal is sick? No matter how much you talk to your pet, he or she can't talk back or point to where it hurts. To complicate matters further, many animals - especially cats - will hide from their humans when they're injured or unwell. So keeping close tabs on Mitzi's behavior is critical, as is that annual trek to the vet.

        Signs your pet needs health care

        According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, these clues top the list of indicators that all may not be well with your pet:

        * Behavioral changes (a Formerly housebroken pet having accidents, for example)

        * A decrease in activity levels or appetite

        * Urinating more or less frequently

        * Diarrhea or vomiting

        * Hair loss/itching

        * Stiffness, lameness, or difficulty rising

           However, veterinary experts go on to say that by the time an illness results in behavioral changes, it has probably progressed. That's why all your pets should see their doctor at least once a year, just like any other family member - even if you have to chase Mitzi before she submits to her carrier (and you wear the scars to prove it!).

           Lowering Pet Care's Unexpected costs

           Though necessary, vet visits can mean a hefty hit to your wallet. One 2011 study indicated that pet owners spend an average of $500 a year on vet care. That number jumped to $1000 or more for serious illness. Also, similar to human health care, the financial burden of pet health care tends to increase with age, especially with ongoing medication - and without pet insurance.

           But let's face it. Who thinks about future cost when they're staring into a rescued pup's big brown eyes through the wires of a cage at the animal shelter? Once you're in love, skipping the veterinary care or medication your pet needs is unfathomable. That's why Costco is working to make sure you don't have to.

          Save On Medication for Cats and Dogs

          It used to be that picking up medications formulated for companion animals required a stop at your vet's office. Today, however, you can get the medication your dog or cat needs from Costco - even if it's a drug "for pet only" - because: we're now offering our members brand-name prescription pet medications at significantly lower prices than can be found at most veterinary clinics.

           Prescription medications offered at the same deep discounts you enjoy on other Costco products include Revolution, Baytril, Heartgard, Interceptor, Clavanox, Rimadyl, Iverhart, Novox, and Deramaxx. The program also encompasses over-the-counter products such as shampoo, eye/ear cleaner, and popular remedies for anxiety and joint problems. These products are available behind the counter at most pharmacy locations.

           Using Costco's new pet prescription program is easy. Our pharmacists partner with veterinarians in exactly the same way they partner with doctors. Because Costco is one of the first retail pharmacies to offer drugs that were once exclusive to veterinary clinics, members may have to request a written prescription from their vet. Vets can fax or call in prescriptions and refills to Costco, or you can bring your veterinarian's written prescription and have it filled while you shop.

                                                             Living Health Magazine