I know it's not something you like to dwell on, but have you thought about what would happen to your pet(s) in the event of your untimely death? Most pet owners haven't, and this often proves disastrous to the lives of their loyal four-legged companions. These pets often end up in the hands of relatives who don't like them or don't want to devote the time and money to properly care for them. As a result, many of these pets end up ignored, unmedicated, euthanized, or abandoned to a shelter or to the streets.

You can prevent such an awful scenario by taking the time to select your pet's caretaker ahead of time (obviously someone who loves pets and is willing to pass on that love to yours) and to arrange for the financial support of that care.

On that subject, here's some good information from Jonathan Rankin, Esq., an animal-law attorney from Massachusetts. In most states, animals are legally viewed as property and cannot inherit money or assets after an owner's death. However, according to Rankin, you can establish a pet trust that directs a portion of your assets to be used to care for your pet. You'll need to find an attorney to set-up the trust and act as trustee to monitor the caregiver you appointed and to make sure your assets are being used appropriately. Rankin also points out that the trust should designate a "remainder beneficiary". This is the person who will inherit the trust's remaining assets after the pet dies. As you might imagine, this person is often the caregiver himself/herself.

Be sure to do your research and talk to an attorney to find out more about these pet trusts. Rules will vary from state to state. Regardless of where you live, the pet trust offers a neat and effective way to help ensure that your pet is well-taken care of in the event you're no longer there. 

What do you do if your pet has a fever? By fever, I mean a body temperature in dogs and cats that exceeds 102.8 degrees Farhenheit AND is accompanied by lethargy and/or loss of appetite (keep in mind that excitement, exposure to high environmental temperatures, and increased activity can all cause a transient elevation in body temperature that is perfectly normal).To view a video on how to take your pet's temperature, visit http://www.veterinaryinsider.com/public/120.cfm?sd=2

Fevers are caused by either 1) inflammation and/or 2) infection. It's the body's attempt to boost immune response while at the same time lowering the rate of bacterial multiplication. As a result, a mild, short-term fever is beneficial. However, persistent fevers caused by viral infections or inflammation can make your pet feel real bad. For these individuals, here are a few things you can do to make them feel better:

1) Apply a cool water compress to your pet's belly or wrap a towel soaked in cool water completely around your pet.

2) Have your pet stand in a shallow tub of cool water for 10 minutes every three to four hours. Remember: One way dogs and cats dissipate body heat is through the pads of their feet. Another way is through their mouths and tongues. As a result...

3) Offer your dog ice chips to lick on or munch on in order to help cool down that mouth and tongue. 

Do not give aspirin to your dog (and NEVER give it to a cat) to help lower the fever without first consulting your veterinarian. In some instances, aspirin could make the underlying problem worse. Also, avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen in both dogs and cats.

A fever that reach 105 degrees F or above should be considered a medical emergency. Heat stroke, severe infections, and metabolic diseases can all cause fevers like this, so don't delay in seeking veterinary help.