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Wintertime brings a whole new set of common dangers for pets. Mouse and rat bait ingestion is perhaps the most frequent cold season preventable problem. If you use these products, make sure that they are placed inside locked cabinets or at least high up, where rodents can find them but your pets cannot. Better yet: use the traps that will only catch rodents and not poison your pet. Antifreeze toxicity is another preventable condition that, unfortunately, has a very small treatment window but devastating consequences. If you pet ingests antifreeze, treatment must start within 6 hours in order to have a chance at success. A pet-friendly antifreeze is available at the local auto-parts store. It is my with propylene glycol so it is not toxic to pets. Ingestion of foods not intended for pets is also a common problem during the holiday season. Chocolate, grapes, red meat, and bones all present treatment challenges should your pet consume any of these. Finally, make sure that your pet has a warm place to go and has fresh water access during the winter. Following these common sense recommendations will help you and your pet survive the winter without exposing them to potentially tragic results of preventable scenarios.
Written by Dr. John Calhoun
Last Updated ( 01.16.12 )
12.19.11
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It will soon be summertime again in Oklahoma. Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are common vectors of disease for our pets, so you need to take steps to protect them now. Heartworm preventive and flea protection is now available in one convenient monthly pill. Trifexis is this new drug and it also protects against three types of intestinal parasites. If ticks are a problem, you will need some type of topical tick control or a Preventic collar as well as environmental control. Overheating and heat stroke are another summertime problem that occurs in short-nosed breeds like Pugs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers and similar types. These breeds should never be left outside during hot summer days as that may prove fatal. We also see an increase in “hit by car cases” and dog bite cases in the summer so make sure your fence is in good repair and you have locks on your gates. Have a great summer. Dr. C
We commonly see cases of parvovirus during the spring and early summer, especially after a rain. Parvovirus can survive in the soil for extended periods of time, years after a dog has shed the virus. When it rains, the virus is washed around as the soil drains and may come into your yard even if you’ve never had a dog with parvo before. If you have a puppy or obtain a puppy, it is imperative that it be vaccinated against parvo! We generally vaccinate puppies at 7/8weeks of age, again at 10/11 weeks, again at 13/14 weeks and their last 16/17 weeks. One vaccination at eight weeks of age is not fully protective. Parvoviral infection in your puppy is costly and potentially fatal; don’t let them suffer when a proper vaccination protocol can protect them. Dr. S.
Written by Dr. Kim Snyder
Last Updated ( 08.08.11 )
04.11.11
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