Media Contact:
Dave Green, College of Veterinary Medicine, 919-513-6662
Keith Nichols, News Services, 919/515-3470

Sept. 9, 2005

NC State Offers Seminar on Caring for Older Pets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at North Carolina State University will offer a public seminar on Saturday, Sept. 17, on how to care for older dogs and cats to ensure their continued health and wellness.

The seminar, which includes six sessions presented by CVM faculty, begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. A $30 seminar fee includes a take-home proceedings manual covering the sessions, a continental breakfast, and a box lunch. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions of faculty experts.

Each seminar session concerns dogs and cats and will cover the physiology of aging/anesthesia risks, behaviors, eye disorders, neurological diseases, metabolic issues, and end-of-life decisions.

Dogs and cats are considered to be senior citizens at age 7 when they may begin to develop special health care needs. As pets age, they become less active, agile and alert. Their sight and hearing may diminish and they are at greater risk for kidney, heart and dental disease. Aging pets should see a veterinarian regularly, particularly if there is a noticeable change in diet, sleeping habits, elimination or activity level.

For additional information or to register for the seminar, contact Samantha Hartford at
919/513-6421. Information is also available on the Web.

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