March 2008 News Letter
Roundworm on the rise.
Despite educational and preventative measures, almost 14 percent of
the U.S. population has toxocariasis, the zoonotic infection caused by parasitic
roundworms, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (Atlanta). In fact, the disease is more common than once believed.
Roundworm infection occurs when people come in direct contact with the
contaminated feces of animals, including puppies, kittens and senior pets -
usually through chance ingestion of contaminated soil, sand or plant life.
Children are at a higher risk because they tend to play on the ground and put
foreign objects and soil into their mouths.
Here are a few simple measures that can help prevent the disease:
- Take dogs and cats for regular veterinary checkups and worm tests.. This
is especially important for young animals
- Look for signs of roundworm infection in pets, including vomiting, loss
of appetite and severe weight loss.
- Wash your hands well with soap and water after playing with pets and
after outdoor activities, especially before eating. Teach children to
always wash their hands after playing with pets and after playing outdoors.
- Keep children from playing in areas where animals eliminate waste and
cover sandboxes to keep animals out.
- Prevent children from eating dirt.
Pet Census
We have 10 million more cats
than dogs according to the first counting since 2001. Nearly 60% of all homes
in the United States have one pet, and 21% of homes have five or more. Here are
the list of America's favorite pets.
#1 Cats 82
million
#2 Dogs 72 million
#3 Birds 11 million
#4 Rabbits 6 million
Since 2001, turtles have
replaced hamsters in the No. 5 spot.
Second Hand Cigarette Smoke
Love your dog? Then butt out. Cigarette smoke can make your pet sick.
"Both cancer and chronic bronchitis are serious diseases that can affect the
longevity and comfort of your pet......it is best to eliminate exposure to
second hand smoke." says Thomas Carpenter, DVM, president of the American Animal
Hospital Association. Colorado State University of College of Veterinary
Medicine tested dogs who lived with smokers and found carcinogens in the dog's
hair and urine. Toxins from cigarette smoke settle on your pet's hair and
become consumed when it self-grooms. What's more, researchers found long-nosed
breeds had more nasal tissue exposed to carcinogens, resulting in higher rates
of sinus cancers than their short-nosed friends.
Experts all agree there is only one sure way to diminish risk to your pets:
"Simple: Don't smoke inside your house, any building with pets, or in your
vehicle." advises Lynn Weber, DVM, and researcher, from the University of
Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine.
Spic and Span
Spring cleaning time is
just around the corner. Everyone is ready for dusting, scrubbing floors,
shampooing carpets and getting into all those corners we've been overlooking or
avoiding all winter long. Remember that some of the chemicals that make your
house sparkling clean can be toxic to you and your pets.
You mop the kitchen floor, your cat or dog walks across the damp floor,
then sits down and cleans it's face and licks it's paws. The chemical you put
on your floor was just ingested by your cat or dog. It is the same with any
chemical or cleaner you use for the pet's bedding, your floors, your carpets and
even room fresheners.
- It is best to make sure surfaces are dry before allowing pets into the
area.
- Make sure the area is well ventilated.
- Put all cleaning products where pets can't get to them.
- This also pertains to bath tubs, sinks and toilets. Pets often want
access to these areas as well.
- Read labels as you shop for cleaning products.
- If you or your pet has a reaction to any chemical, call the poison
control center and have the label listing the ingredients in hand. Always
keep the Poison control number handy
- Don't transfer your cleaning supplies to unmarked containers.
Poison Control (Vanderbilt Human)------615-322-6435
Pet Poison Hot-line 1-800-213-6680
A Word to the Wise
The inter-net has changed the way we
shop. Now you can even purchase a pet through the computer. Be very careful,
however, as there are puppy millers and unethical breeders that also use the
airwaves to generate sales.
Complaints have ranged from puppies being sick when
they arrived, receiving a different puppy from the one in the advertisements,
and puppies dying days after they arrive. The best ways to avoid these mistakes
and tragedies are to start your search in the AKC (www.akc.org)
or UKC (www.ukcdogs.com)
web sites. Good breeders usually limit their breeds to one or two. Talk to the
breeder on the phone, and ask questions. Watch for red flags while you're
talking to the breeder. Meet the breeder and view the parents, if at all
possible. Google, or use another search engine, the breeders name and check to
see if there are any complaints listed. Do your homework and don't make a snap
decision.
It's a Boy
Dr. Pennington and
his wife Kathleen had a baby boy, Bryce Alan Pennington, on February 9th. , with
a full head of dark brown hair. Kathleen and Bryce are at home and doing fine.
Royce, Dr. Pennington's other son, who will be 5 in May, is very excited about
the baby.
Happy St. Patricks
Day
Enjoy the first day
of Spring on March 20th