Pets, just like people, are frequently exposed to a lot of different organisms–especially ones that can cause diseases or illnesses. A new campaign is helping pet owners like you and me understand out pet’s disease risks and what to do to protect our pets and puppies.

The National Pet Wellness “Being a Pet is Risky Business” campaign is sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Fort Dodge Animal Health. It’s now well under way at thousands of veterinary clinics nationwide.

Pets can be exposed to disease-causing organisms in many common areas such as parks, backyards and even inside the home. These organisms can be spread by:

— Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes
— Wildlife
— Other pets, even if they appear healthy
— Drinking from puddles or standing water
— Contact with another animal’s urine or stools
— People — on hands, clothing or shoes

Risk assessment helps veterinarians determine the diseases each pet may be exposed to and the best ways to prevent them. Risk assessment begins with a veterinarian or veterinary technician asking a variety of questions about the pet’s behavior, lifestyle, travel history and other factors. Questions include:

— Does your pet go outdoors unsupervised?
— Is there wildlife in your area?
— Does your pet have the opportunity to drink from puddles or ponds?
— Do you own more than one pet?

Based on the answers, the veterinarian develops an individualized disease prevention program, including vaccinations, that are right for the pet.

National Pet Wellness is a clinic-centered educational campaign sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association and Fort Dodge Animal Health. Nearly 15,000 veterinary clinics nationwide currently participate. Additional information about pet wellness, disease-risk assessment and prevention is available at http://www.npwm.com/.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 75,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at http://www.avma.org/ to learn more about veterinary medicine, animal care and access up-to-date information on the association’s issues, policies and activities.

Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth (NYSE:WYE) , is a leading manufacturer and distributor of animal health care products for the companion animal, equine, livestock, swine and poultry industries in North America and international markets. As a committed partner to veterinary practitioners, pet owners and producers worldwide, Fort Dodge Animal Health is making a difference in the future of animal health through innovative research and product development that address current and emerging animal health needs. Key companion animal products include LymeVax(R), LeptoVax(TM), Duramune(R), CaliciVax(TM) and the Fel-O-Vax(R) vaccine lines.