March is Prevention Month for our Pets

Harmful Parasites Transmitted by Mosquitoes and Ticks

Ticks and mosquitoes are more than just annoying pests.  They can also transmit deadly parasites to your dog or cat.

Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes.  Although it is much more prevalent in the south, it is found in all 50 states.  Adult heartworms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries and can grow to be a foot long.  They can cause serious health problems and can lead to heart failure and death.  Treatment of heartworm disease is risky.  As the adult heartworms die they can dislodge and cause an embolism.  This is frequently fatal. 

The good news….heartworm disease is 100% preventable!    The American Heartworm Society recommends an annual blood test to ensure that your dog is not infected followed by a monthly preventative medication.  Most people chose to protect their dog by giving the preventative in the form of a flavored chew.  There is also a topical liquid available.  It is applied to the skin between the shoulder blades.  Conveniently, most of the preventatives kill intestinal parasites at the same time. 

Top 5 Feline Heartworm Disease Facts:

1.New research has found that feline infection can be as high as 15% of canine infection rates for the same geographic areas.

2. Of the total of infected cats, 27% are considered by their owners to be INDOOR-ONLY.

3.Unlike dogs, feline infection doesn't need to reach the mature stage to cause harm.

Even a single heartworm can be fatal to cats.

5.HEARTWORM DISEASE IS VIRTUALLY 100% PREVENTABLE!!!!!!!!!

For more information click on the following link:  The American Heartworm Society

                                       Our pets are considered part of our family, parasites can infect your pet on a daily basis. 

Their is an easy way to keep them protected, by a simple monthly chewable given year round.

Lyme disease 

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called Borellia burgdorferi and is transmitted by certain species of ticks.  Several life stages of the tick, some too small to be seen, can carry the bacteria.  Infected dogs may display no symptoms and others become seriously ill.  Many cases start with a mild limp, lymph node swelling, and fever.   Other signs may include loss of appetite, painful joints, lethargy and vomiting. 

A simple blood test, done in the veterinary clinic, can determine if your dog has been exposed to the bacteria causing Lyme disease.   If this test is positive, the blood sample is then sent to an outside laboratory to determine the level of exposure.  If diagnosed in time, treatment with antibiotics can stop the disease before permanent joint, kidney, or nerve damage occurs. 

There are several things you should do to protect your dog from Lyme disease. 

• Vaccinate annually against Lyme disease.  The first vaccine requires a booster in 3 weeks. 
• Apply a topical tick control product.  The best products are Frontline, Advantix, and Revolution.  The products obtained from veterinarians are far more effective than anything bought over the counter.
• Do frequent tick checks when you and your dog have been in the woods or tall grass.  Ticks need to be attached for 48 hours before they transmit Lyme bacteria. 
• Remove ticks promptly.  Use a tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin.  Do not crush or touch the tick and pull straight out.  Do not try to burn them out or apply any chemicals.  Contrary to popular belief, ticks do not embed their head into their host.  If there is a red swollen spot remaining after tick removal, it is probably a local reaction to the enzymes the tick excretes to keep it’s blood meal from clotting. 

Ehrlichiosis is the other group of tick borne diseases of concern. Ehrlichia organisms are intracellular parasites or bacteria.  This means they live and cause disease inside of the host’s blood cells.   They can invade red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.  The two diseases currently screened for are Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum.  Both can cause no disease, mild symptoms, or severe debilitating anemia, blood clotting disorders, arthritis, and liver and kidney problems.  Animals left untreated can become chronic carriers, meaning they can become ill at a later time and they can transmit disease to other animals and humans through the bite of a tick. 

Fortunately, if diagnosed and treated early with antibiotics, most animals can survive.  Again, prevention is of utmost importance.  Initial symptoms of these diseases may be mild and go unnoticed.  Therefore, do not hesitate to take your dog to the veterinarian for an exam if he just seems “off”.   Early recognition of symptoms, regular screening tests, and vigilant tick control may save your dog’s life.

Flea and Tick products are fast acting and long lasting.  Most are waterproof and just need to be applied monthly. 

Zoonotic Diseases:  How to protect your family and pets! 

What are Zoonotic Diseases?  There are 2 kinds of Zoonotic diseases that concern pet owner: The 1st are illness that can be transmitted from your pet to your family- like leptospirosis.  The 2nd is diseases that infect both human and pet like Lyme disease.

There are simple ways to PROTECT YOUR FAMILY: 

Wash your hands often after interact with your pet or gardening.

Never handle stool without wearing disposable gloves or using a pooper scooper

Avoid letting your pet lick your face.

Daily flea and tick checks.

If you are bitten or scratched wash the area with soap and water, contact your physician right away.

Make sure your pet is on it's monthly prevention provided to you by your veterinarian.