Wellness Care

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The saying is true. Many problems are avoidable when pets are properly cared for.

VACCINATIONS – There are many diseases which can affect dogs and cats, and in this day and age, we do not see our pets suffering from these ailments, thanks to vaccination. The most important diseases we must protect our canine companions from are:

Distemper virus, Adenovirus 2, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Rabies. The one vaccine that is required by law is Rabies. Other vaccinations are not considered mandatory, but may be recommended (see Vaccines under Services).

For our feline companions, vaccination for Feline distemper (viral rhinotracheitis), Calicivirus, Panleukopenia and Rabies is important. For those cats that venture outdoors, Feline Leukemia vaccination is important (see Vaccines under Services)

HEARTWORM PREVENTION – Both dogs and cats can suffer from a parasite which is transmitted by mosquitoes. Even indoor only/mostly pets can be infected with deadly heartworms. Signs of Heartworm infection in dogs include coughing, difficulty breathing, sluggishness, reduced ability to exercise, loss of consciousness, and sudden death. Clinical signs of heartworm in cats may include cough, difficulty breathing (open-mouth breathing), weakness, vomiting, weight loss, and loss of appetite. (See www.knowheartworms.org for more information).

Prevention of heartworm disease is simple. Giving your dog or cat a tasty chew once a month called Heartgard is all it takes to prevent not only heartworm disease, but also intestinal roundworms and hookworms. Revolution is a heartworm preventative for both dogs and cats. It is a small amount of liquid applied to the skin once a month.

INTESTINAL PARASITES – Intestinal roundworms and hookworms often infect puppies and kittens as well as older pets. The eggs of these worms develop into larvae (immature worms). Dogs and cats infected with these worms contaminate their surroundings, and the eggs and larvae are resilient and can survive in areas such as parks, playgrounds, yards, and even inside homes. People get roundworm and hookworm infections through direct contact with infected feces. This usually happens by chance ingestion of contaminated soil, sand or plant life. Hookworm larvae penetrate the skin. Children are more vulnerable to infection than adults, perhaps because they play on the ground with dirt that may be contaminated. Roundworms can cause a disease in humans called visceral larva migrans and hookworm can cause cutaneous (skin) larva migrans.

For more information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), visit http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets.

Administering Heartgard once a month will deworm your pet for roundworms and hookworms every time it is given.

FLEA AND TICK PREVENTION – No one likes to see bugs on their pet’s skin. Fleas are not only the number one cause of scratching and skin infections in dogs and cats

(see Pet Tips), but they are also the intermediate host for intestinal tapeworms.

Ticks can transmit certain types of infectious diseases such as Lyme, Erlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, to name a few.

Flea and tick prevention products are recommended to be used monthly, not after the parasites are seen!

Products for flea and tick control sold at All Paws include Frontline and Revolution.

For tick control, Preventic collars can be worn (dogs only) which will prevent the ticks from attaching.

Capstar is a very effective and safe product to kills fleas. Within one hour after administration of the pill, all fleas on the cat or dog are killed.

Comfortis is similar to Capstar in that the pill will cause fleas to die for one month.

WHEN YOU HAVE A FLEA OR TICK PROBLEM, PREMISE TREATMENT
(house and yard) IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!

YEARLY PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS - On the average, our pets age seven years for every one year that we age. It is important to have a thorough physical examination by a veterinarian once a year. Gradual onset of disease in seemingly healthy pets can often go unnoticed. By the time symptoms do appear, it may be difficult and costly to diagnose and treat the ailment.

WELLNESS TESTING – Diagnostic testing is the most sensitive and accurate method of early detection of underlying health problems. Laboratory tests can be done to detect blood disorders, kidney and liver disease, diabetes, infection, thyroid disorders, and other hormonal problems. Many of these conditions can be prevented, controlled, or completely reversed if diagnosed early.