Rock Knoll Animal Hospital

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.