Spring Pet Health Alerts April 2010

Spring Pet Health Alerts!

1) TICKS & FLEAS – All dogs need prevention for tick-transmitted disease and fleas NOW!  We have already seen 3 patients with attached engorged deer ticks (the carriers of Lyme, Anaplasmosis & Ehrlichia) in the past 2 weeks.  The correct dose of Frontline Plus® used monthly is our recommended first line of protection. read more

2) MOSQUITOES – All dogs & cats need protection from heartworm disease NOW! Early warm weather has already produced mosquitoes and the rains that are predicted will surely increase their numbers.  Year-round Heartgard® is best for dogs & Revolution® is our preferred product for cats.  read more

3) ROUNDWORMS are a threat to your dogs, cats and to children. Roundworms are the leading cause of blindness in young children. The  year-round heartworm prevention products mentioned above (Heartgard® & Revolution®) are also effective against roundworms and are the easiest and most effective ways to be sure your pet and children are protected at all times. read more

4) LEPTOSPIROSIS is a bacterial disease that affects all dogs and is much more commonly transmitted during warm wet weather.  It can cause very serious liver & kidney disease in dogs and can be contagious to people too. Vaccinations need to be kept up-to-date for this deadly disease.  read more

5) LILIES (including EASTER LILIES) are the most toxic plants known to cats and are one of the leading causes of acute kidney disease after cats chew or consume just a few leaves.  It is best NEVER to have Lily varieties that are poisonous in a house with cats. read more

6) CHOCOLATE is highly toxic to cats & dogs (especially smaller breeds) and the darker & richer the chocolate, the higher the risk.  Be careful with Easter chocolate! read more

Please call us at 608-271-5277 with any concerns related to the prevention of these health problems which affect pets.