By Melissa McClelland
Mosquito-borne diseases are a growing concern for pet owners. Mosquito’s carry some of the deadliest diseases. Dogs and horses are susceptible to heartworms, West Nile Virus, and more. According to the American Mosquito Control Association, there are 150 species of mosquito living in the United States.
Heartworms are a deadly parasite that are carried by the mosquito and transmitted to the host. Heartworms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected dogs. If left untreated, the heartworms will continue to grow and expand in the dog’s heart, clogging the heart. Dogs infected with heartworms must be treated immediately; while exercise and excitement must be limited. Severely infected dogs can suddenly die during exercise or excitement. Luckily, your veterinarian can recommend a monthly heartworm preventative; which are affective as long as you follow the instructions and administer the tablet on a monthly basis.
Tips for preventing mosquito bites:
Keep pets indoors during early morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are prevalent.
Use mosquito repellents approved for pets; ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
Remove/empty all “still water” sources that could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes during the spring and summer. (i.e. bird baths, water buckets, kid pools).
Install Bat Houses around your house/yard. Bats eat 500-1000 mosquito’s per night!
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/FDAVeterinarianNewsletter/ucm110414.htm
By Melissa McClelland
It’s that time of year! Everyone is motivated to exercise again! Here are a few tips to keep you and your dog safe while starting up your running routine.
1. Take your dog to the vet. Tell the vet your plans to start running so they can check your dogs joints for any signs of issues. They may suggest you start giving your dog Glucosamine tablets to help support the joints.
2. Don’t run with a puppy or elderly dog. Wait until your pup is at least a year old and consult your veterinarian before starting or stopping a running plan. Larger breed dogs do not finish growing until they are a year and a half old. Running a dog that is too young or too old may result in joint damage.
3. Take it slow! Start out with a 5 minute walk, 5 minute run, 5 minute walk. Then slowly increase your running time.
4. Always carry poop bags and dog water. Your dog gets thirsty too!
5. Watch your dogs weight. Your dog will be burning more calories on a run; you may have to increase their food to keep them at a healthy weight.
6. Watch the weather. Try to take your dog for a run early in the morning or late in the evening when the pavement isn’t as hot and the air isn’t as humid. May through September can have some brutal, hot, muggy days; take a walk on those days and run on the cooler, breezy days.
7. Check out these running links: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-527–13602-0,00.html
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-527–13611-0,00.html
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-527–13603-0,00.html
All pets with an “O” in their name has a waived adoption fee in May!
