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After
last summer’s record-setting rainfall, and resultant massive increase in the
mosquito population, we expect a dramatic increase in the number of cases of
heartworm disease this year. It takes 6 months after the bite of an infected
mosquito for our tests to detect heartworms in your dog. So if your dog was
not on heartworm preventive last summer, be sure to get him tested this
spring and protected for the upcoming season. The earlier we detect existing
cases of heartworms, the better chance your dog will have of surviving
treatment and returning to normal. There is new evidence that dogs can be
poisoned by eating grapes or raisins! In some dogs, eating even small
quantities of these foods can lead to kidney failure, and some affected
animals die. So please don’t feed these to your dog, and don’t leave bunches
or packages where they can reach them. If you grow grapes in your yard, make
sure your dogs do not have access to the plants. For more information see the
article (Adobe Acrobat ® Reader needed) at: http://www.aspca.org/site/DocServer/grapes.pdf?docID=189
. Also,
if you use gum or candy containing the new sweetener, xylitol, please read
this warning:
http://www.aspca.org/site/DocServer/vetm0207f_095-100_.pdf?docID=10462 As of January 2004, the City of
Oklahoma City changed its ordinance regarding rabies vaccine to allow animals
to use 3-year vaccine. They have
required yearly vaccinations in the past. We have therefore
changed our protocol as follows, which is the approved usage of 3 year
vaccine. Kittens and puppies get their first rabies shot between 3 and 4
months of age. One year later they get another rabies vaccine, and thereafter
they are only required every three years. At the present, there is also a
growing movement to vaccinate for other diseases such as distemper and parvo
less frequently than the current yearly standard. We will consider the use of the new
vaccines for this as more data comes in. We will
evaluate the vaccination status of every pet on an individual basis in
determining what schedule is appropriate for these vaccines. It will still be
important to bring in your pet for yearly physical exams, as three years
without seeing the vet is like 21 years without seeing a doctor! We must
continue to try to catch illnesses early in our pets to give them the best
chance of recovery. Remember that during these cold months
of the year, your outdoor pet needs extra protection from the cold. Be sure
his dog house is well insulated and has lots of bedding material. Protect the
door in some way so the cold wind cannot blow in. He may need a little extra
food since he burns calories to produce body heat. Be sure his water isn’t
frozen, which may require breaking the ice multiple times in one day. If you
install electric heaters, lights, or water heating coils, be sure to use
products that are safe outdoors, and protect the wires from chewing. Do not
allow heat lamps close to combustible materials. If the outside temperature
is expected to drop below 15 F, dogs should be brought in to a more protected
area such as a porch or garage. Be sure to clear such an area of any
materials hazardous to your dog beforehand, and check for antifreeze spills
under your vehicles. |
|
Thinking of donating to a humane
society or organization? Please read
this first. |
