pet care

from Area Woman Magazine Jun/Jul '17

by Lake & Home Magazine | Area Woman Magazine

FirstLink 9th ANNUAL BREAKFAST CALL 2-1-1 for HELP

TICKS, FLEAS AND HEARTWORM PREVENTION:

Our pets loves outdoors, we know that. But be aware that ticks, fleas and mosquitoes are waiting for them when they venture outdoors. Ticks transmit dangerous diseases like Lyme, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis, just to mention a few.

I’ve highlighted some information to make this season easier for you, and your pet:

HEAT EXHAUSTION:

We know that temperatures in this area can be extreme. Pets love to be outdoors and sometimes puppies in particular can’t stop playing. Keep them hydrated and never leave them in an overheated place like a car. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, hundreds of pets die every year because they are left in parked vehicles. The temperature inside your vehicle can rise 20 degrees in just ten minutes, leading to deadly temperatures. It doesn’t have to be a warm day, and cracking the windows doesn’t completely help. Think about different alternatives. For example, you can take advantage of numerous dog daycares in the area. They offer shady indoor areas and temperature-controlled indoor areas. Plus, they offer supervision. You can leave your pet for a few hours to run errands or participate in activities where your dog is not allowed. It’s also a great opportunity for your dog to socialize. Make sure that your pet is current on all vaccinations and that the daycare facility is strict about their vaccination policy.

Fleas are very uncomfortable for pets and if they are not controlled soon enough can lead to severe dermatitis and in the worst case scenario, where the infestation is uncontrolled: anemia. Pets can also become infected with certain types of tapeworms if they eat fleas that carry tapeworm eggs. Heartworms, according to the American Veterinary Association and the American Heartworm Association are a geographically a potential threat in every state. Once your pet gets heartworm disease, it is a serious condition. The best you can do for your pet it is prevention with a monthly dose of adulticide.

Replenish your supply of monthly preventive medication, and keep a current prescription from your veterinarian.

INTOXICATION WITH RODENTICIDES:

As mice populations increase worldwide, so do sales of rodenticides. These products are highly poisonous to any animal that ingests it. Unfortunately, they can also be used to intentionally poison domestic animals. If you don’t trust the area where you and your pet enjoy the outdoors, take walks with a short leash, and get to know neighbors to find out if rodenticides are used in your area. Ingesting rodenticides is potentially life-threatening to pets.

TRAINING:

Because you will be enjoying the outdoors more with your dog, make sure your dog is trained to obey basic commands like “sit,”“stay,” “no” and “come.” If your dog learns them properly, you can avoid inconvenient situations like dog bites or fighting between dogs. Teach them in a fun way. Along with learning discipline, it’ll create a greater bond between you and your pet. If you have limitations, like time or inexperience, there are several obedience school for dogs in the area that offer great training. Keep in mind that you will need to be present at the classes, or, if you have kids, you can designate one of them to be part of the training.

Enjoy this beautiful time of the year with your family and pets. And, as always, be a responsible pet owner.

Patricia Diaz Baasch

Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, Diaz Baasch obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the National University of Colombia. She came to Minnesota nine years ago, and at that time worked mainly with dairy cows. She now works with small animals as an assistant at the Detroit Lakes Animal Hospital. She is working to fulfill her dream of becoming certified in the U.S., and loves to spend time with her beloved husband, also pet lover. They have four crazy cats.

Sometimes Angels

homewardonline.org facebook.com/HomewardAnimalShelter 1201 28th Ave N | Fargo 701-239-0077

Homeward Animal Shelter is a local and community-funded, nonprofit animal shelter. Its mission is: “Rescue. Shelter. Protect. Rehome.” It provides a second chance at happiness to lost, abandoned and owner-surrendered animals and educates the community in the proper, loving and kind treatment of animals.