TICKS 101

Don't be left in the dark about vector borne disease.

While Lyme disease is well known, it certainly isn't the only disease that dogs or people can contract from ticks.

In addition to Lyme disease, ticks also carry ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and others.  There's simply no way for pet owners to tell if a tick is carrying disease or not and it only takes one tick bite to infect your dog.  Also, some ticks are known to carry more than one of these diseases, which can lead to multiple infections, or co infection.  What's common among all vector borne disease, however, is that symptoms can be vague and difficult to recognize.  Often many pet owners don't know their dog is suffering from a debilitating tick disease until it's too late.
Humans and other non canine family members can also become infected with the same tick borne diseases as dogs.  These cross species diseases are known as zoonotic.  So, if you live in an area with tics or if you've ever found a tick on your dog, you should also be sure to check yourself and your family.



Picnic Safety

Nothing says summer like an old fashioned barbecue.  BUT with them comes a chance of illness or injury  for your pet.

FOOD - barbecue chicken, ribs, and steaks contain bones which can splinter and lodge somewhere in the esophagus or intestines.  Corncobs and peach pits can cause problems as well.

BEES or WASPS - Their sting can be minor or send your dog or cat into shock.

CHILDREN - more children are bitten by dogs, (usually a family or known dog) during the summer months.  This is due to more activity so keep an eye out for aggressive triggers.

BARBECUES - some dogs will try to steal food from the barbecue and can suffer burns on their paws from the hot surface, or swallowing very hot food.

HEATSTROKE - the signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, dark or brights red tongue and gums, staggering, stupor, seizure, or vomiting.  If you suspect heat stroke get your dog to your veterinary hospital or an emergency hospital right away.  Dots with short noeses such as bulldogs or pugs, and heavy coated dogs are more subject to heatstroke.



Dangers of Rat Poison

When purging your home of pests, keep your pets in mind.

Most of us will agree, rats are the most repugnant of pests, expecially when they rival the size of our cats.  However, if you find yourself scrambling to stifle a rat infestation by using poison, you'll need to be extra careful with your pets.

There are a number of chemicals commonly found in rat and mouse poisons that are very toxic to dogs and cats.  One of those chemicals is bromethalin, which kills animals by poisoning the central nervous system.  Brodifacoum is another and is an anti-coagulant.  It falls in with a group of chemicals that  keep blood from clotting, leading to spontaneous and uncontrollable bleeding. 

These chemicals can be deadly for dogs and cats.  Poisoning can take place directly or indirectly, such as when your pet nibbles on a rodent killed by the poison.

If your pet is unlucky enough to ingest rat poison containing either of these chemicals, the consequences can be dire, especially if not diagnosed in time.  If you think your pet may have ingested any type of poison call your veterinary clinic at once.  If after hours, call an emergency clinic.

Prevention is simple.  While it's understandable to want to rid your home of rats and mice it's important to make sure your pet does not have access to rat poison.   If you choose to use products containing dangerous chemicals like bromethalin or brodifacoum, you will want to be diligent about discarding dead rodents and keeping your pets away from the poison.



Heartworms

Only one bite from an infected mosquito can infect your pet with heartworms.
The American Heartworm Society advises to use heartworm prevention year
round no matter where you live.

April Special

Heartworm Test     15% off
Heartworm  Prevention   10% off



Microchip

1 in 3 pets will become lost during their lifetime.

According to the American Humane association, only about 15% of lost dogs
and 2% of lost cats ever find their way back home!
Having a simple microchip implanted under your pet's skin can mean the difference between being reunited with your lost or stolen pet, or never seeing them again.
We highly recommend all pets be microchipped.



Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases are contagious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.  These diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.  Examples include rabies, intestinal parasites, (roundworm, hookworm) leptospirosis, cat scratch disease, ringworm, mange, and salmonella.
Keeping your pets on preventive medication year round is not only the best way to protect them from parasite infections, it also is the best way to protect people.  Keep all vaccinations current, and clean up pet feces immediately and practice good personal hygiene.



Spring time is allergy time.....YUCK

Canine Atopic Dermatitis also known as "atopy" is a common itchy skin allergy in dogs caused by a disorder of the dog's immune system..  It is an allergy to substances in the environment that are inhaled by the dog.  These substances are called allergens and cause the immune system to over re-act and release histamines.

Some of the more common allergens are:
    House dust mite
    Tree pollen
    Flowers
    Grass
    Mold Spores
    Fleas

The main symptom is excessive itching of the paws, face, groin, armpits and ears.  Dogs will often chew their feet or rub their faces on the carpet or furniture.  Owners may notice their dog licking, chewing and grooming for long periods of time.
The symptoms may be seasonal at first, for example the dog may be allergic to a pollen from a tree that only flowers for three weeks of the year, however as the atopic dog gets older the itchiness may occur year round. 
What is the treatment for Atopy?  Is there a cure for Atopy?
At present there is no cure for atopy in dogs but a degree of control can be achieved in some cases.  Often it is not one single treatment that is effective but a combination of two, three or more different treatments.