Fall River Animal Hospital

This week’s topic concerns endoparasites.  A large number of pets carry parasites picked up either from the environment or transmitted directly inutero from the dam.  A few of these parasites can affect human caregivers, in particularly children. If not addressed they can cause serious illness in pets and us. Most of these parasites are easily treated so please have your pets examined, in particular puppies and kittens.  

This week’s tip concerns routine physical examinations. We all have busy schedules to keep.  Often it is easy to forget that just like ourselves out pets require annual physical exams.  This gives veterinarians and doctors a chance to pick up ailments and diseases early on.  Picking up on diseases early in their course, often gives us a better chance at treatment or cure. Also, routine exams will give the opportunity to update vaccines, like rabies, which are mandated by law; even if the pets are strictly indoors.  

This week’s tip concerns feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. Both of these diseases commonly affect cats, in particular their immune system. Unfortunately, there is no cure for either at this time. Both are transmitted by close contact via saliva, aerosol and blood. Both can easily be tested for. So, prior to bringing home a new kitten or cat have them tested, especially if there are other cats in the household.  

This week’s tip concerns obesity.  This is a common problem affecting both our pets and ourselves.  Obesity itself is not a disease, but it can predispose to a myriad of other ailments such as diabetes, and cardiac conditions. What can be done to prevent obesity?  Diet and exercise are the key.  Pets will not regulate their food intake.  As a general rule once a dog or cat has reached 1 year of age, they should only be fed once daily.  Do not leave food out all the times for them.  If you are still having difficulty with your pet's weight there are a number of diets available which may help.  

This week’s tip concerns flea control.  Flea infestation is a common problem with our pets.  Usually it is just an annoyance, but if severely infested can be lethal. There are a number of products available which can control or treat infestation.  Read instructions carefully for recommended ages and species.  Some of these products can be very toxic especially to cats.  Often times pets living quarters will have to be fumigated concurrently in order to curb reinfestation.

Good dentistry is very important in maintaining the health of your pet. Proper dental care begins when you take your pet home. Starting a dental regime early on can aid in preventing future problems. Occasionally your pet will require professional treatment. Professional treatment will help to eliminate tartar and plaque that brushing or chew toys simply cannot dislodge. It will also enable your veterinarian to monitor and detect abnormalities before they can become a problem.

This week’s topic concern Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by bacterial spirochete transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. It can affect both dogs and humans especially in endemic areas such as our own. Lyme disease can easily be tested for at your vet’s office.  Preventative measures can also be taken such as having your pet vaccinated and using a tick preventative such as Front Line or Advantage.

This week’s tip concerns spaying and neutering of pets. In addition to population control there are a number of reasons why veterinarians advocate performing these procedures. First and foremost are health benefits for your pets. A number of ailments can be prevented or significantly reduced by performing these procedures such as mammary tumors, testicular cancer, and pyametra. If you’re not planning on breeding your pet, please have them spayed or neutered.

Summer’s in full swing, and unfortunately so is mosquito season. Mosquitoes can transmit a myriad of diseases like West Nile and Heartworm. Heartworm is a potentially lethal disease which affects both cats and dogs. Are you doing all you can to protect your pets? Heartworm is preventable with a once-monthly tablet given as a treat. If your pets have not been in a Heartworm preventative, please have them tested and start.

This week’s tip is about heat stroke. While we’re thinking about fun in the sun we also need to remember our furry friends. If you’re running errands which might take awhile please just leave your pets at home. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water and shade. Remember 15-20 minutes is all it takes for some animals to suffer the effects of heat stroke. Older animals and some breeds can suffer heat stroke even more quickly. If you’re not sure, just remember don’t leave your animals anywhere you wouldn’t feel comfortable yourself.

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