We are doing a monthly draw to show our appreciation for our clients. Each month, all you have to do is bring your pet in for an appointment and you will be automatically entered to win!! Draws will be made the first week of the month and we will contact the winner. March winner was Troy and Jody Macaulay (Willow Creek Boston Terriers)
Flea and Tick Season is Here
We are all excited that spring is finally here (we hope!), but that means the fleas and ticks are also here. Did you know that there are many ways to prevent your pets from getting fleas and ticks? Stop in at the clinic today to talk to us about the best product for your pet! Can my cat and dog get ticks? Yes, both dogs and cats can be harmed by ticks. Ticks spread numerous diseases including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and others. Additionally, in more severe infestations, ticks can also lead to anemia due to blood loss. Where do ticks live? Fleas like dark, moist places like wood piles, grass clippings, pet bedding, carpet, etc. How do Pets get ticks? Ticks start out the size of a poppy seed and then grow as they engorge with blood. Often, ticks can be very easy to miss so most people either happen to find one after it has been feeding for several days and is engorged or they find a sore left on the pet where the tick detached itself after it was done feeding. Why are ticks bad? A tick on your pet may create a small area of hair loss right around the tick while it is feeding, but most pet owners will report small, perfectly and circular scabs with swelling underneath; these wounds are from where ticks used to be attached to your pet. What to do? The best treatment is prevention, we recommend treating your pet from spring to fall. If you do find a tick on your pet, we recommend bringing it into the clinic to have the tick removed so we can ensure the entire tick is removed (it is common for a ticks head to detach if removed incorrectly which can cause further problems). Can I be affected if my pet has a tick? Ticks enjoy feeding on humans as much as other animal species and do not have a preference that we are aware of. Ticks spread numerous blood-borne infections across species including, but not limited to, the most commonly known Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases can cause life-long harm and permanent damage to many individuals infected with them. Additionally, ticks will cause local swelling and irritation.
Can my cat and dog get fleas? Yes, both dogs and cats can be affected by flea infestations. Flea infestations can cause inflammation, skin infections, blood loss and tapeworms. Where do fleas Live? Fleas like dark, moist places like wood piles, grass clippings, pet bedding, carpet, etc. How do Pets get fleas? The most common way for your pets to get fleas is from contact with a flea-infested area or animal. Why are fleas bad? Fleas actually spend very little time on your pets, they tend to jump on to bite a few times, then jump off to lay eggs in the environment -- your bed, couch, floors -- where they hatch, they will multiply rapidly. How do I know if my pet has fleas? The most common symptoms of fleas are hair loss and itching. You may also see red skin, scabs and flea dirt. The best way to determine if your pet has fleas is to look for "Flea Dirt" by combing your pets hair with a flea comb. Flea dirt will look like dirt, but if you spray it with hydrogen peroxide it will bubble and turn red because it is actually dried blood or flea poop. What to do? The best treatment is prevention, we recommend treating your pet from spring to fall (though in our area we do see fleas all through the winter as well- so you should definitely consider treating your pet year round). If your pet is infested with fleas, you need to treat them continually for at least 3 months to break the flea life cycle.