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By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM, About.com

The opinions, comments and tips from viewers greatly enrich this site. See what viewers have to say on a variety of veterinary and pet health topics, and add in your comments as well. Do you have tips on how you saved money with pets? Has your pet eaten anything particularly icky lately? Are you considering a career as a veterinary technician and wonder what the salary is like? Learn and contribute your knowledge to these subjects and more.

1. Pet Food Recalls - What Changed At Your House?

Oliver Eating © Bonnie Vengrow© Bonnie Vengrow

The massive pet food recalls in 2007 shook consumer confidence. Now, despite what we have learned from that horrible episode, the pet food recalls continue.

How did the pet food recalls affect your household? What are you feeding your pet(s) now? Do you trust pet food manufacturers?

Share your thoughts and experiences with pet food recalls here.

2. Tips For Making Your Own Pet First Aid Kits

First Aid Kit - Getty Images / StockbytesGetty Images / Stockbytes

Building your own pet first aid kit can be a daunting task. Here are some kit-building tips for those who want to make their own. There are also many pet first aid kits available for purchase (view/compare prices).

Have you built or used a pet first aid kit? What items did you find most useful? What items could you save money by omitting? Have you taken a pet first aid class? Please share your kit-building and pet first aid tips here.

3. What worked to clear up your cat's case of chin acne?

Pustular feline chin acne © Wikimedia Commons© Wikimedia Commons
Feline chin acne cases are varied in appearance and severity. Sometimes changing food and water dishes and washing the dishes daily is all that is needed. Other times, cleansing the chin in conjunction with veterinarian-prescribed medications are essential to clear up the condition. What worked to clear up your cat's chin acne?

4. What Does "Pet Hospice Care" Mean To You?

Old Dog © BobMacInnes on Flickr© BobMacInnes on Flickr
In the past, most end-of-life choices for pets were limited to euthanasia and pet owners were left to their own devices to "get over it." Pet loss grief is a common theme in the VetMed forum. Many people struggle with end-of-life issues for their pets. What does the more encompassing concept of "pet hospice" mean to you?

5. Tell us your curious-pet-meets-skunk story

Tomato Juice Bath for Skunked Dog by Oakley Originals on Flickrby Oakley Originals on Flickr

Many of us have had the unpleasant realization, usually at night, of "uh oh, my dog has been skunked!" With a direct attack, the odor is often so strong that the amount of skunk oil on the pet may be underestimated. This can lead to bringing the dog (or articles of clothing) in the house a bit too soon.

Annoying, frustrating...what's your skunk story?

6. Knowing when it is "time"

Herman Quinn - October 2007Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM
There's always that "what if" chance that tomorrow will be a better day, our pet really isn't that sick, or the appetite will come back. But usually, deep down, we do know when it is time, whether we can admit it or not. How did you "know" it was time? Can you offer advice for coping with guilt or grief? Please share your tips.

7. Tell Us What You Think About Declawing Cats

Paula's Toes (not declawed) by GengGlo on Flickrby GengGlo on Flickr
I am always a little surprised that many people have no idea what is involved with a declawing surgery. Have you had a cat that destructively clawed furniture? How did you deal with the situation? Are there cases where declawing should be allowed, or never as an elective procedure? Tell us what you think.

8. Scorpions Snakes and Insects - has your pet been stung or bitten?

Arizona bark scorpion - credit: Brian Basgen/WikipediaCredit: Brian Basgen/Wikipedia
Dogs and cats are naturally curious and sometimes they are hunters. This combination can lead to bites and stings from insects, spiders, scorpions and snakes. If you suspect your pet has been bitten or stung, call your veterinarian immediately for specific advice. A photo or specimen of the pest is helpful. Please share your pet's story and outcome here to increase awareness for other pet lovers.

9. Behavior training tips that really work

Daisy © Jay McDaniel on FlickrPhoto © Jay McDaniel on Flickr
The post about veterinary behaviorists and Cesar Millan (the Dog Whisperer) got viewers talking about dog training methods.

Have you dealt with aggression, separation anxiety, fearfulness or other behavior problems with your dog?

I hope that the debate has created awareness and will ultimately evolve into something positive for animals everywhere. Please share what behavior problems you have faced, and worked for your dog.

10. Fireworks and Thunder - Share What Works for Your Pet

4th of July Fireworks - Credit: HAM guy on FlickrCredit: HAM guy on Flickr
In the Pets and Fireworks article, common noise phobia signs and behavior modification tips were offered. What worked with your pet for making it through fireworks and thunderstorms? Please share your tips and firework/thunderstorm stories here.
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