The economy and pets' health

Everyone I know is looking for ways to cut back during these financially and emotionally trying times. But skimping on your companion animal's health doesn't have to be one of them.

Taking care of your pet now can prevent costlier problems in the future.

That is what Dr. Sheldon Rubin, president of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, said today on CBS's The Early Show Saturday Edition.

Rubin stressed that preventive care helps prevent illness, which in turn helps owners avoid much bigger veterinarian bills down the road if pets get sick.

He said:

Nationwide, we're definitely seeing the number of visits to vets down, but the emergency clinics are doing a lot better. People are putting off preventive care, and when the animal does have an issue, they put it off, hoping it will go away. Then, at one or two in the morning, it hasn't gone away, and suddenly it's an emergency.

See the full transcript of the interview here.

Rubin also suggested some things people can do to make sure their pets stay healthy longer. They included:

• Keep vaccinations current.

• Do routine checks on your pets at home, such as looking for lumps and bumps, dry skin, smelly ears.

• Flea, tick and heartworm prevention.

• Don't let your pet get too fat.