What do I need to do to get my dog and cat ready for spring?

Soon the insects will be out, which means we need to protect our dogs and cats from mosquitoes, fleas and ticks. Mosquitoes carry a deadly disease for dogs and cats called heartworm. This disease may go undetected for a couple of years if not tested for. Coughing and exercise intolerance are signs of advanced heartworm disease.

A blood test needs to be done before starting the pills. Preventative pills need to be given from May to December. Another option is to keep your pet on preventative pills year round. There are several advantages to doing this. If your dog is on year round heartworm medication they can be tested every other year and can be tested at any time of the year i.e. with your annual vaccinations. Plus using heartworm medication protects against some gastrointestinal parasites that can be infectious to humans.

There are several different products on the market for flea and tick control. Fleas can carry diseases and other parasites such as tapeworms, ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme and Ehrlichia. BEWARE: Some products may be harmful, potentially lethal, to cats. Products containing Permethrin are very dangerous to the cats in your household, even if applied to the your dog, since cats and dogs frequently share the same sleeping areas.

Please visit our website at www.countryviewvets.com or call for more information.