How your pet can get infected by heartworm

Does my dog really need to be on heartworm prevention if he doesn’t even go outside? The answer to that question is yes! Heartworm disease is a very serious and potentially fatal disease.  It is caused by worms that live in the heart, lungs, and surrounding vessels.  It occurs in both dogs and cats.  Heartworm disease is transmitted by an infected mosquito.  All it takes is one mosquito bite to become infected.  Even if your dog or cat doesn’t go outside, mosquitoes can come in to the house.

Some common symptoms of heartworm disease in dogs are coughing, fatigue, anorexia, sudden collapse, and labored breathing.  While cats may show coughing, occasional vomiting, and anorexia.  Once the infected mosquito bites a dog or cat, tiny worms are released into the bloodstream where they mature and become adult worms within 5-6 months.  Dogs can have many worms at one time, while cats usually only have 2-6 worm at once.   Heartworms in dogs can live between 5-6 years and only 2-3 years in cats.

According to the American Heartworm Society, heartworm disease is currently in all 50 states.  So again, why do I need to buy prevention?  Because heartworm treatment is very expensive in dogs and because there isn’t a treatment option for cats.  To treat heartworms in dogs it costs around $1,000 and your dog may have to live with lifelong consequences due to damage of the heart from the worms, even after the treatment is complete.  Most heartworm preventions also treat common intestinal parasites and some also treat fleas.

Another question you may ask is whether it’s recommended to stop prevention during the winter time.  The answer to that is no! Mosquitoes can be found all year round in a lot of locations.  It’s also difficult to get the timing right of when it’s okay to stop and when you should re-start.  Preventing heartworms all year round is recommended by the American Heartworm Society, no matter what region you live in.

Your dog should be tested at 6 months old and 6 months later.  Heartworms aren’t detectable until 5-6 months after the mosquito bite.  After the 1 year heartworm test, it’s only annually, unless you switch to a different heartworm medication or you forget or stop giving it.  Cats should be tested before they are put on medication and as often as the veterinarian decides is appropriate. Heartworm prevention isn’t 100% effective and you may forget to give it, which is why annual heartworm tests are important even if you are faithfully giving it.  Giving certain heartworm preventions in a dog or cat with heartworm disease can cause serious problems.

Get your animal tested today and started on heartworm prevention!  At Ez vet, we can do the heartworm test right in the station, with results before you leave.  We also carry several different heartworm prevention options to purchase.  For more information on heartworm disease, please visit the American Heartworm Society website at htt://www.heartwormsociety.org.

The holidays are here, its time for beautiful lights, holiday decorations and plants. We want you to have a happy and safe holiday season with your family, friends, and pets.  We want you to help avoid some of the top holiday hazards to pets during the holidays which can help save your pet’s life.

Holiday Tinsel and Ornaments

Tinsel is not toxic but it is very attractive to cats especially who can attempt to eat it while playing with it and end up with a life threatening linear foreign body that requires emergency surgery. In addition, the bright and colorful ornaments are very attractive to both cats and dogs. These ornaments could become foreign objects if ingested or they could break and lacerate your pet’s mouth, throat, intestines and could also be a choking hazard.

Holiday Candles and Lighting

Holiday candles are very common to get everyone in a festive mood but the twinkling flame can be very attractive to pets, especially cats, who are easily able to reach such objects off the floor. These could obviously cause direct burns to your pet but like any candle could also cause a fire hazard just by a curious kitty knocking it off its shelf causing a house fire and possible human and pet death.

Also, does your pet like to chew? Electrical shock is a common emergency during the holidays unfortunately due to the increased number of electrical cords in the household and pets chewing on them. Always check your electrical cords for signs of fraying or chewing and using a 3 prong grounded extension cord can be used as a safety precaution.

Delicious Holiday Meals

These delicious holiday meals can be full of fat and other seasonings which can be harmful to your pet.  Avoid giving your pet table scraps as the high fat content of certain foods can cause serious conditions such as pancreatitis which require hospitalization.  Also be careful when throwing away your fat trimmings as even the best behaved dog can knock over a trash bin and get into the trash.  And you should never give your dog leftover bones as they can splinter and cause obstruction and/or lacerations of your dog’s digestive system which often requires emergency surgery.

Toxic Holiday Plants

There are certain common holiday plants that you should avoid including

Christmas tree needles can cause oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and lacerations amongst other symptoms.

Mistletoe can cause significant vomiting and diarrhea and even collapse, erratic behavior and death when ingested

Poinsettias can cause irritation to the mouth and cause vomiting and diarrhea and other GI disturbances.

Lilies are extremely toxic to cats and will cause renal failure and death in a very short amount of time. If you receive a bouquet of flowers ensure that they do not contain Lilies.

Are you considering giving a pet to your child for Christmas this year?  Here are some tips that you should consider before you commit to the responsibility of a pet and giving a pet to your child for their Christmas gift.

First of all, consider if your child is old enough to take on the responsibility of caring for a pet.  Younger children would do well with a low maintenance pet such as a guinea pig, hamster, or fish rather than a puppy or kitten.  He or she might have their heart set on the trendy dog breed from a movie or kids show but resist that temptation.  Take the time to research a breed that has a personality better suited to your family situation.  Some breeds are active and make great dogs for busy pre-teens or teenagers who want a pal to play with.  Other breeds are temperamental and not tolerant of younger children pulling on their tails or hugging them.  Do you live on a farm or a small apartment?  You wouldn’t want a Great Dane to share your 800 square foot condo.  Wishbone the Jack Russell terrier is adorable but this breed needs room to run out that extra energy.  A working or herding breed dog that needs a job to be happy works well for a farm.  Many websites are available to help you find the breed that fits your family situation.  Type in Choose a Dog Breed and take any of the quizzes that come up from Animal Planet, the Humane Society, and other web sites.

Another amazing option is to consider adopting a homeless pet from your local animal shelter or rescue group.  There are too many homeless animals that would make great loving pets if someone could provide them a wonderful home.  A great option is to place a stuffed dog or cat under the tree on Christmas morning with the promise of going to the shelter or rescue group to pick out your new family member.  Always consider the cost commitment when you take on the new pet.  Shelters and rescue groups can guide you with discount deals on first vaccines or spaying/neutering with local veterinarians but afterwards, do realize that yearly pet costs can start at $500 per year for a dog, $350 for a cat.  Additional medical expenses, obedience training, or simply buying high quality pet food can add up.

Gifting a furry family member is an awesome experience for a child.  Just be sure you have done a little research before you make the commitment.  It is our responsibility to be the guardians of our beloved pets as well as our children.  Picking the right pet will be an amazingly rewarding experience for the whole family.

Warm days & cool nights announce fall is here and winter’s chill is just around the corner.  Pet owners may not be aware of seasonal fall threats for their beloved furry family members. Here’s some fall  & winter pet care tips for you to have a great holiday season.

Did you know that walking in the woods with your dog to admire fall leaves has lurking toxins?  Yes, those wild mushrooms are not to be eaten. Seasonal feeding frenzies of ticks can make your dog a walking buffet meal as well.  Outdoor allergies may bother both you & your pet.  More time indoors with the dry heat in the house can also exacerbate indoor allergy problems just like us.  Colder weather can also make arthritis start flaring up in your mature or senior pet.  If you are moving plants inside for winter, make sure your pet doesn’t have access to any potentially poisonous plant nibbling.  Other poisons are also available in cooler weather.  Are you checking your car’s antifreeze?  It is highly toxic to pets but very sweet & tempting.  Be sure no antifreeze has leaked out to sicken any animals.  Rodents are also on the move to warmer quarters so be aware that most rodenticides are deadly to your pets as well.  Fall is a beautiful time of year.  Enjoy and as always, be aware for the sake of your favorite furry friends.  If you have questions, EZ Vet is always happy to answer any questions you may have.  We want to team with you to keep your pets part of your family for many, many years.

Canine and feline obesity, just like in humans, increases the risk for serious diseases leading to a shorter life. Unlike humans, most animals eat all the food that is given to them and don’t know when to stop, which is why it’s very important for the owners to be aware of the possible complications of obesity.  Pudgy pets are cute to look at and cuddly but, it might be detrimental to your pets.  Feeding your pets human food can also lead to obesity as  your pet’s nutritional needs are different from you. Pets who eat treats  with high level of carbs and sugar have a serious risk of gaining weight and  diabetes.

One of the most common diseases seen with obesity in pets is diabetes mellitus. This occurs because the body is requiring more insulin than it can make. The cells in the pancreas that make insulin can actually “wear out” if the body is having to produce a lot of insulin over a long period of time. Obese animals have an excess of tissue that the blood needs to supply, causing high blood pressure and the heart to work overtime which can lead to congestive heart failure. Obesity also causes damage to joints, leading to arthritis and can make hip dysplasia worse.

Just like in humans, dogs can tear the “ACL” (ligament) in the knee, which requires surgery to repair, otherwise the dog won’t be able to use the leg. It also can cause back problems, seen most often in dachshunds where they get a “slipped disc” which is very painful and can cause the back end to become paralyzed.

These are just a few consequences of obesity, there are many many more reasons why dogs and cats should be at a healthy weight. Come see us at EZ Vet Veterinary Clinic to discuss further, and design a weight loss plan for your dog or cat today!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, its time for reflection, expressing gratitude and gatherings of friends and family and of course food.  The temptation for sharing  your holiday food is hard to resist, as most of us  relate  sharing food with expressing love . As a result, thanksgiving is also a time for visiting the veterinarian  or emergency , where dogs end up when they over indulged.  We have prepared  a list of Thanksgiving meal do’s and don’ts for pets to  help your keep your pets healthy this holiday season and  prevent unexpected holiday emergency and diversion.

Don’t offer any high fat treats such as turkey skin, gravy, ham, etc and do not allow your dog to eat any poultry bones which can splinter inside your pet causing emergency visits to the vet.

Do offer cooked turkey breast or raw unseasoned vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, or rice.

Don’t offer any dishes seasoned with onions, garlic, mushrooms, leeks, shallots, grapes, raisins, nutmeg, cinnamon, or sage which can cause gastrointestinal upset, anemia, or worse.

Don’t offer any raw meat or uncooked batter with raw eggs due to the Salmonella risk.

Do offer lots of exercise and fresh air to help calm your dog stressed by the visiting relatives (as well as decrease your stress too perhaps!).

Don’t offer your pet any food with walnuts or macadamia nuts which are potentially toxic.

Do include your pet at the meal with a high quality pet treat instead of sharing your dessert.

Don’t allow your pet to help themselves to any alcoholic beverages or sweet treats containing xylitol.

Do share the joy of giving by donating to your local animal shelter or rescue group.  They need your support year round.

EZ Vet gives thanks to all of our clients, patients, and everyone else who has supported us this year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Its the holiday season and many of us go home to spend time with family. Unfortunately sometimes, we have to leave our pets behind. Some pets get separation anxiety when they are apart from their owners. Some symptoms of separation anxiety includes excessive salivation, barking, whining, destroying items in the home, scratching at walls, doors and floors, and attempting to escape from the crate, or room. You pet may also demonstrate excessive clinginess or hyperactivity  when you are about to leave. They might also start over-grooming , over eat or under eat.

Start a program for desensitization or “flooding.” Flooding for separation anxiety would involved setting aside several hours on a weekend during which you enter and leave the home so often that you essentially wear the dog out. Leave home every few minutes, on a varying schedule, for a minute or two at a time then come back.  Be sure not to return while your dog is barking or howling, or else you will be rewarding her for that behavior.  If it’s impossible to walk out the door without your dog barking, you might have a friend remain in the home while you go in and out.  Desensitization for a dog with separation anxiety involves giving him/her your customary cues that you’re leaving – such as picking up your car keys, purse, or brief case, opening the coat closet, putting on your “work shoes/clothes” and so on – without actually leaving.

Other strategies that might help is  not to make a big production by hugging and cooing over  your pet before leaving. you can also walk or jog your dog an hour or so before you leave  and give them 20 minutes to calm down before you leave. you can also try leaving through a back  or side door. departures needs to be quiet and quick. Ask your veterinarian if  their symptoms persist.

When you are faced suddenly with a sick pet, your first thought is getting them to the vet. But with restricted hours and limited facilities, it can be difficult to find pet urgent care when you need it. The push for urgent care for pets is growing stronger by the day for numerous reasons. Pets are most often seen as a part of the family, so you want what is best for them! Here are three ways it can help you and your pets.

Early Detection
Spaying alone helps in preventing uterine infections and breast cancer, which can be fatal in 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. By going to the vet regularly, any health risks can be determined early on. Whether this helps your pet or not, you will be able to be aware of the issue and cherish the days with your pet if nothing else. Most often though, early detection can prevent further issues for your pet.

Better Overall Health
Though 66% of survey respondents say their pet is their best friend, 18.7% of dog owners say they did not take their dog for their annual checkup. Without those checkups, you are unable to check on your pet’s overall health. Good pet care means taking your pet in for at least their annual checkup, if nothing else! Skipping it could mean missing out on something important that you need to know.

Longer Life
Everyone wants a little bit more time with their favorite pet once they’ve passed away. By keeping up on their health and care, you can lengthen their life. It is completely up to you, as it is your responsibility to obtain care for them. By doing this, you can spend more time with your pet, and they get to enjoy your presence longer as well.

Do you agree that urgent care for pets needs to be more available for owners? How much do you think it would help?

How does leptospirosis spread

Many clients will ask if their pet really needs the “Lepto” vaccine as part of their core vaccination series. It really depends on your pet’s lifestyle but clients should be aware that this is a deadly disease that can affect both dogs and humans. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease found throughout the United States but it is more prevalent in regions with high annual rainfall and warm climates. Pets may show very non-specific symptoms such as lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, changes in urination frequency amongst many other symptoms and can develop liver or kidney failure.

According to Carsten Bandt, DVM, Dipl. ACVECC, assistant professor of Emergency and Critical care medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine “Since 2013 in Florida, we have seen a 10-fold increase in leptospirosis cases.” Pets that are outside, even in urban areas, are at risk for contracting the disease. A pet can contract it from drinking from a puddle on a sidewalk, wet grass, parks, or a pond where wildlife would urinate.

And it comes from mammalian urine so it does not have to be true wildlife to contaminate the water, it can be your regular everyday backyard visitors. Many people do not consider Leptospirosis as part of the core vaccination series but it should be considered carefully as it is deadly to pets and their owners. Lepto vaccines for dogs  offer about 6 to 8 months of protection. many veterinarian will recommend vaccinating  puppies at age 12 to 16 weeks . boosters are required.Ask your Veterinarian if your pet is at risk and should be vaccinated against this disease.

Information quoted from Veterinary Practice News August 2015 issue.

Article by Caterine Wendt, DVM

When you have made the decision to adopt a pet, you take on the responsibility of a life. It is up to you to ensure that your pet stays happy and healthy. With 47% of American households owning a dog and 37% owning a cat, pet care is a popular topic that more people need to be knowledgeable on. About 66% of pet owners say their pet is their best friend so it is essential to keep them happy and to get them any urgent pet care they may need. Read on for our three tips to help out your pets!

Regular Checkups
Vets recommend at least one checkup per year for any adult dogs between the ages of seven and 10. But this is a good rule of thumb for any pet. This ensures early detection of any issues, and will allow you to hear recommendations for your pet from an expert.

Recommendations
Vet services serve a purpose, and that is to serve your pet’s best interest. So if a vet recommends something, whether it is a shot or a procedure, they are keeping what is best for the animal in mind. Heeding those recommendations will prevent the need for urgent pet care for more serious and fatal issues later on in your pet’s life.

Exercise and Diet
Exercise and diet are essential for cats and dogs, just like they are for humans. Taking your dog for a walk, playing with your cat, and feeding them good, healthy food is necessary. Just like you need to exercise and stay away from consistently eating fast food, your pets need the same.

Will you be following any of this advice? What do you prioritize for your pet’s happiness and health? We would love to hear your stories!