Spring has Sprung

Spring is finally here, soon to be followed by summer, bringing with it many concerns for our furry family members.

As the weather warms our pets will want to spend more time outside enjoying the beautiful sunshine, just as we do.  This will increase their exposure to other pets, people and wildlife which increases the importance of making sure they are protected from diseases, parasites, injury and getting lost.

To protect your beloved family member from disease make sure they are up to date on all their core vaccines.  For dogs this is DHLPP (aka distemper) which includes; Distemper - Adenovirus Type 2-Parainfluenza, Leptosporsis, and Parvovirus, Rabies (required by law), Bordetella (aka Kennel Cough) and Lyme Disease.  For cats this is FVRCP (aka distemper) which includes; Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus and Panleukopenia, Rabies and Feline Leukemia.

Biting parasites are another major concern since they become active as soon as the weather is above freezing.  There have even been documented cases of pets picking up fleas mid-winter from deceased animals on the side of the road!  Fleas & ticks often don't care if they are attacking you or your pet, therefore use a veterinary recommended flea & tick preventative such as Frontline, Canine Advantix plus or Revolution to protect you both.

Control of intestinal parasites by strategic deworming is also recommended by your veterinarian & the Center for Disease Control.  Our pets pickup intestinal parasites by hunting small mammals (mice, ground squirrels etc.), eating feces from other animals (rabbits, raccoons, cats, dogs, etc), contact with the soil (hookworms) and grazing on grass.  These culprits are harmful to our pets not only because they rob them of nutrition, but they also cause anemia and intestinal distress. Many of these parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can infect humans also.  The Center for Disease Control is concerned due to an increase in the number of human cases, involving primarily children and those with compromised immune systems.  Work with your veterinarian to develop a deworming program that fits your pet's lifestyle to keep both of you healthy.

Heartworms are another parasite we must guard against.  This parasite is carried by the mosquito.  Once released into your pet's bloodstream they travel to the heart were they grow to adulthood and reproduce, causing heart failure.  Treatment is expensive and the damage to your pet's heart can not be repaired.  Make sure you have your pets blood tested as recommended by your veterinarian and give a once a month preventative such as Heartgard, Iverhart, Interceptor or Revolution.

To prevent injury as you both spend more time outside, ensure that your pet is yard trained or on a leash to prevent getting hit by a car.  Each spring we see several cases which result in lengthy expensive recoveries at the very least, sometimes even tragic endings.

If you are hunting, hiking or camping to prevent dehydration or heat stroke make sure your pet has access to clean fresh water and shade to rest under.  Never leave your pet in your car unattended during the summer months. Since dogs and cats do not sweat to cool their bodies, they are much more susceptible to heat stroke.

Microchipping is a great way to prevent loss or theft of your furry family member.  Should your pet become lost or stolen all humane societies scan for a microchip as a first course of action.  Each microchip has a unique identification number that will lead them directly to you, preventing hours of worry, searching, and sleepless nights.  Microchipping provides a quick happy ending compared to what might have been.

To ensure the safety and health of your "other family member", work with Companion Animal Care, your "other family doctor", to develop a customized wellness plan and ensure many summers of happy memories.