Spring is here!
As we emerge from our mild winter and enjoy an unseasonably warm spring thus far, this year is going to require more vigilance in protecting our pets; not only from parasites but other environmental dangers as well.
Heartworms are a parasite spread by mosquitoes from previously infected pets or wildlife (foxes, coyotes, ferrets, etc). They are exactly what they sound like. Spaghetti-like worms that live in the heart and lungs of your pet, causing respiratory problems and eventually death. Many times pets are symptom free until the very late stages, which is why death is unfortuately a common result of Heartworm Disease. An even sadder fact is that the medicine that we use to treat heartworms is no longer available. So though we've all heard it before, it has never rang more true:
Prevention is key!
Fleas are an external parasite that many of us are all too familiar with. Your pet can pick up fleas just by going outside, to the groomers, the dog park, anywhere. YOU can even bring them into the house from outside. So even completely indoor animals are not safe from FLEAS. One female flea can lay 50 eggs per day, which means if you see one flea, there are actually many more than that on your pet and in your home, and getting ready to hatch.
Ticks are an external parasite that are related to spiders. They tend to be more prevalent in areas with tall grass, woods, and dense foliage. Though they can be spread by wildlife such as deer, they can really be found most anywhere. Ticks also carry disease that can be harmful to not only your pet but you as well. Lyme disease, Erlichia, and Anaplasmosis are just a couple.
Luckily we have rebates and promotions with almost all of our preventatives, making protecting your pet more cost effective than ever! We have the perfect prevention for your pets lifestyle; from pills to topicals and injections, we will help you find the right one for you and your pet.
With even warmer weather approaching, keeping our pets safe from other environmental factors will make this spring and summer enjoyable for everyone!
Lawn Care Make sure pets do not go on lawns treated with fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides until they have dried completely. Also be sure to keep fertilizer containers out of the reach of all pets.
Seasonal Allergies that affect you are can also affect your pet. Look out for signs of seasonal allergies such as excessive licking of paws and stomach, as well as sores on the skin and in between the paws. if you notice any of these symptoms, bringing them to our attention early can make treating them easier.
Driving Dangers- as much as your dog may love the feel of wind on his face, it is not a good idea to allow him to stick his head out of the window of your moving car. Dust and other debris can cause eye and ear damage, as well as passerbys and other distractions may encourage your pet to try to exit the vehicle with little or no warning to you.
Anti-freeze toxicity Be alert for engine coolant leaking from your vehicles radiator. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and injesting even a small amount can be deadly. If your pet is exposed time is of the essence. Bring them to a veterinarian immediately.