May 2009 News Letter

 
 It's summer time and the brilliant colors are out in full.  Yards are being mowed and the smell of new mown grass is the best aroma ever.  Bushes are blooming and the birds are chirping and singing.  What a great time of the season.  Open the windows and enjoy the fresh smell of early summer, late spring.  Beware, allergies are at their high this time of year as well, so if you have allergies the open door and windows may not be an option.  It is also the same for your pets, many have allergies too.  If you suspect your pet has an allergy, see your veterinarian for treatment options.

Smoking  and Pets

A study found that, if smokers knew that second hand smoke was harmful to their pets, 1/3 would consider quitting.  The study showed 11.3% would think about quitting, 28.4% would try to quit, and 40% would be interested in obtaining health information about smoking and ways of quitting.  This study is helpful to you as well as to your pets.  Most pet owners want to do what is best for their pets.  If stopping smoking or at least stopping smoking around the pets is the best way, than many pet owners will try to comply to this.  Smoking is harmful to you and anyone or anything that is exposed to it.

Top Dog List (most registrations)

1.  Labrador Retriever                            
2.  Yorkshire Terrier                               
3.  German Shepherd                             
4.  Golden Retriever                               
5.  Beagle                                             
6.  Boxer
7.  Dachshund
8.  Bulldog
9.  Poodle
10.  Shih Tzu

Pesky Pest Facts

The Tick The Flea The Mosquito Hot spots where fleas and ticks hide

1.  The backyard:
      A neighbor's cat or dog can cross into your yard and drop a parasite package (eggs) which when hatched and grown, hitch a ride on a warm host, you or your pet, into your home.
     Solution : Regularly cut your grass, trim bushes and promptly remove lawn clippings, mulch and leaves.  You can purchase yard insecticide at your lawn and hardware store to spray or spread on the lawn to help against lawn pests.

2.  Indoor Bedding and Carpeting:
      Pet's bedding is a great place for immature stages of fleas and ticks to hide in.  They lay low for months before attacking your pets
       solution:  If dealing with an infestation, vacuum often, throw vacuum bags away outside.  Regularly wash bedding, rugs, and cushions, and mop floors

3.  Next Door:
      Your neighbors may treat their pets, but their neighbors may not.  So if they meet at the fence or have a play date, then the eggs will be dropped off or the fleas can cross over.
       solution:   ask what flea and tick prevention your neighbors use.  Remind them that the best preventatives for fleas and ticks are "Advantix" and "Frontline".  Both of those medications work on fleas and ticks.  There are many others that work just on fleas, and there are tick collars that are good against ticks only.  Ask your veterinarians which one they would suggest.
 
4.  Porches and under buildings:
      Outside rugs and patio cushions and shady areas beneath the house are great places for fleas to thrive and also attract their carriers- squirrels, raccoons, and even pets.  One cat nap outside is all it takes for a pet to pick up fleas from outside, then deposit them on the outside furniture or inside the home.
       solution:  Block off access to under the house or deck.  Wash outside rugs and cushions frequently.

5.  The Park:
      If you take your pet on walks or to the park, then the possibility of them contracting fleas and ticks is greater.  Especially when other owners don't use flea or tick prevention.
       solution:  Use flea and tick prevention on your pets and suggest other do the same.  That is the best and most effective way to keep unwanted pests off you pets and out of your home.   


The Buzz on Mosquitos 

Mosquitos bite us more often then our pets, perhaps because of perfumes we wear or because we have a lack of fur.  Mosquitos do prey on our canine companions.  Their bite has the potential to transmit the dreaded West Nile Virus to your dog, but the greatest risk is the exposure to heartworm disease.
The American Heartworm Society documents that heartworms have been found in dogs in all 50 states.  The highest infection rates are within 150 miles of the Gulf, Atlantic Coast, and along the Mississippi River. Mosquitos thrive in a moist and warm environment.  In the drier sections of the country, mosquitos can still thrive in the areas where there is standing water or where water is present.  Veterinarians in most areas of the country now suggest that heartworm prevention be given year round.  The American Heartworm Society now recommends year round prevention for all dogs in all regions.

Flea Facts and Information        
A round table discussion sponsored by Merial:
Key facts: 10 reasons for flea control failure: What many people don't know about pets:
Clinic Tidbits:       

This month we will be holding a drawing.  *Clients, that purchase a flea or tick product, will be entered in a drawing that will be held at the end of the month.  One name will be drawn and that person will receive free product (equivalent to their purchase at the time their name was entered).  For example:
if you purchased 6 doses of advantage multi, you would receive 6 months of advantage multi free.  The two free doses of Advantage Multi would not be included in this prize, neither would the one free dose of Advantix with the purchase of 4.

The drawing will be held on Monday, June 1, 2009, by Dr. Pennington's son, Royce.  The client numbers will be put in a bowl for the drawing.  So, get your flea and tick medication this month to get your name in the drawing.......Good Luck

*This drawing is for our clients only.  You must have an established client number to be considered for this drawing.