July 2009 News Letter


 
Have a safe and happy 4th of July.  Whew, the summer is upon us and the weather is hot and humid.  I put some tips in this month's issue about fireworks and summer activities.  I hope you are enjoying the summer and sun.  Also, be sure to check out the clinic tidbits for information on the new drawing for July, and the extension of a special by Bayer, the makers of Advantix, Advantage, and Advantage Multi.


Boating and the Beast.
 
Boating is a great family adventure and many times you want to bring the family pet along for the fun.  Here are some tips and advice you will want to read.  Remember, not all dogs like the water and not all breeds float.  Breeds that are low fat, like the greyhounds, don't float easily, short legged dogs can tire easily, and large breed dogs are harder to haul back into the boat or on the dock.  For your pet's protection it is best to get a life jacket.  There are foam filled vests for pets that are in and out of the water and there are vests that automatically inflate if the pet tumbles in the water.  Make sure that whichever vest you choose,the pet can move freely with the device on and snug enough that they won't fall out of it.  It is best to restrain your pets while they are on the boat.  You should not fasten him with a regular collar, but fasten him with the "D" ring on the life jacket.   For smaller dogs there is a life jacket with a handle on the back that makes it easy to retrieve him from the water or on to the dock.  It will also be easier on the pet if you install a ramp or steps at the back of the boat for exiting or entering the boat.  Enjoy your boating experience and know that your pet is secure and safe as well.

Enjoy your boating experience and know that your pet is secure and safe as well.

Hidden Dangers                     

What is hidden in the sand and ground?  Things that the naked eye can't see.  This is the time of year that people are digging in the soil, walking the sandy beaches, and children are playing in the sandboxes.  There are many parasites outside, but the hookworm is capable of penetrating the skin and can migrate into the body.  The canine and feline hookworm uses sandy soil, moist dirt and sandboxes to perpetuate their life cycles.  The larvae of this worm develops to the infective stage in moist sand or dirt, after they hatch from eggs that are passed in the feces of cats and dogs.  They gain access to the next host by penetrating the skin.  In dogs and cats, the larvae make their way through the blood stream to the lungs, then move up the trachea.  There they are swallowed and develop into adult stage in the small intestine, where they mate and lay eggs that are passed in the stool.  In hosts other than the dog or cat, know as intermed hosts, the worms migrate in the skin for extended periods of time before they move to deeper tissues where they await ingestion by a canine or feline final host.  Humans can find themselves acting as the intermediate host after the larvae penetrate their skin while they're on the beach or sandy soil.  This results in a condition called cutaneous larva migrans (CLM).  This can lead to tracks that develop in the skin as a reaction to the parasite crawling in the skin.  Without going into any further medical reactions, the main purpose of this information is to make you aware of the possibilities and urge you to take precautions.  When walking or sitting on the beach in the evening or late afternoon, wear shoes or sandals and sit on a towel.  It is usually too hot in the middle of the day for the larvae to live.  Cover all sandboxes with a secure tarp when not in use.  Make sure your pets are on heartworm prevention that includes medication to help prevent hookworms, such as Heartgard, Triheart, Advantage Multi.  Another precaution is to have a fecal test done every 6 months on your pets, to be sure they do not have any parasites.  Just remember that many stray cats and dogs, on the coasts, use the beaches as their own personal litter boxes.

Freaky Fireworks

Almost everyone likes fireworks, that is except some pets. Many pets hate the noise, and are scared by them.  Some pets, chew, defecate, and tremble, looking for a safe quiet place to hide.  If your pet is one of the noise sensitive ones, it is best to be prepared before the holiday begins. Here are a few tips on keeping your pet comfortable. Summer and spring storms are also problematic for some pets.  The same techniques above can be used to help the fearful pet relax.  Most pets know when a storm is coming before you do.  That gives you time to get them situated and relaxed before the thunder and lightning start.

Dangerous Cleaner    

You may have heard that a fabric softener sheet can be used to pick up pet hair from your bedspread and furniture.  University of Washington Engineering Professor, Anne C. Steineman advises that it is not a safe practice.  Her analysis found that the dryer sheets contain chemicals that are toxic to the environment and the human body.  Some of the chemicals in the sheets are or can be hazardous to your skin.  The most effective and safest way to remove pet hair is to use wide tape, wrapped around the hand, or a lint brush.  If you have any doubts as to the safety of a cleaner, read the labels or call the toll-free numbers on the product bottle, box or bag.  If your pet gets into a chemical or has an adverse reaction to a cleaner that you have used, be sure to call your veterinarian and the poison control center.


Non-traditional pets:          

It has come to our attention lately that many people buy non-traditional pets such as lizard, snakes, sugar gliders, hedge hogs, etc. without being aware of proper care for that species.  It is very important to know the nutritional and habitat information of that species.  Many need certain foods, vitamins, and cage temperatures.  If you are unsure what your pet needs, it is important to ask your veterinarian.  Although most of you have cats, dogs, and birds as pets you may know someone that has a non-traditional pet.  Often a pet doesn't exhibit signs of illness until they are very sick and it may be too late to save it.  When you get an exotic pet, make an appointment to visit your veterinarian.  Even if the pet is healthy, they can advise you on nutrition, temperature, etc.   At Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital, we treat many species of pets, big and small.  If you or someone you know has any questions about exotic pets please be advised that a veterinary visit may save the pet in the future.  Our phone number is 615-361-4646.  Please call us or give our number to your friend that has an exotic pet.


Clinic Tidbits                 

The Bayer Company is sponsoring another drawing for their products.  Anyone that purchases a whole box of a Bayer product in the month of July will be entered in the contest. We will draw the name on the first of August.  The products are:  Advantage, Advantix and Advantage Multi.
If your name is drawn, you will receive the same product free from Bayer.  In May when we had the drawing, we had a large participation.  We also want to let you know that Bayer has extended their special on their products.  When you buy a box of Advantage Multi, you will receive 2 free doses and when you purchase a box of Advantix or Advantage, you will receive 1 free dose.  This promotion will be extended until September 30th.  We are pleased to inform all our clients about this promotion.  Take advantage of the promotion and the drawing and we will announce the winner of the free product in the August News Letter.  Protect your pet and enjoy the savings,  it will be a win win proposition.

If you are flying with your pet be sure to contact the airlines and know what they require as far as vaccines and health certificates.  It is always a good idea to know weeks in advance rather than wait till the last minute.
If you do need a health certificate or vaccinations, call us 615-361-4646.