OLD LYME, Conn., Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A new episode from the popular YouTube series "Veterinarians On Call" promises to make pet owners squirm as veterinarians find blood-feeding fleas and ticks on pet cats and dogs during actual appointments recorded for the series.  That episode, one of six new videos released this season, shows the importance of regular check-ups to keep pets healthy and prevent serious illnesses.

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Veterinarians On Call is one of YouTube's most popular animal video series, logging more than half a million views since its 2011 launch on channel www.YouTube.com/VetsOnCall or www.YouTube.com/VeterinariansOnCall. The series has posted 24 videos to date, with at least 16 more in production.

The video "Blood-feeding fleas and ticks a risk to pets and humans" features veterinarians from Countryside Vet Clinic in New York State examining pets suffering from flea and tick infestations. Fleas and ticks are more than "nuisance" insects that pets can bring into the home -- they can make pets ill with anemia, Lyme disease, and other illnesses. The video's key take-away is that pet owners should work with their veterinarian to prevent infestations before they happen.

In "How To at-home dog exam that even kids can do," veterinarian Dr. Deanna Fuller demonstrates how dog owners can check their pet once a month at home for small health issues before they grow into larger problems. She shows how to keep dogs at a healthy weight, brush their teeth, check for lumps or pain points, and comb them for fleas and ticks.  

In the video "Small-town pets line up for Dr. Leone's traveling animal hospital," Colorado veterinarian Dr. Rick Leone drives his mobile animal hospital to a rural town to offer important spay and neuter services and vaccines at discounted rates. One of his goals is to eliminate unwanted pregnancies and reduce the number of stray pets that end up in shelters, at risk of being euthanized.

Three other videos posted this season feature vets caring for horses. The Veterinarians On Call series, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, follows U.S. vets on the job caring for animals in clinics and hospitals, at animal shelters, house calls, and on farms and ranches.

Clint Lewis, president of U.S. Operations for Pfizer Animal Health, explained, "These videos help the public see the important role vets play in ensuring the optimal health and wellness of pets and farm animals."

Series producers are filming another eight veterinarians across the U.S. this fall for premiere in 2013. Producers are John Courtmanche and Dan Carey with Essex Television Group, the Connecticut company behind the popular Discovery Velocity network program Chasing Classic Cars.

Funding for this series is provided by Pfizer Animal Health as part of its Commitment to Veterinarians™ platform, which offers support to the veterinary industry through training and education, research and development, investing in the future of the profession and philanthropy. For more information, visit www.vets.pfizerah.com.

CONTACT:
John Courtmanche
860-778-4508
jcourtmanche@essextelevision.com

Dan Carey
860-434-7200
dcarey@essextelevision.com

SOURCE Essex Television