Everyone is facing the brutal heat of summer in Columbia, and our pets are no exception. Extra precautions are necessary if we are to avoid heat stress, exhaustion, or heat stroke. There are several factors to consider when evaluating protective measures for heat in our pets. The first is the breed of pet. Brachycephalic (short nosed, like english bulldogs and pugs) breeds need to be monitored more closely due to their preexisting difficulties associated with breathing. The age and body composition of the pet also have a profound influence. Pediatric and geriatric pets should be monitored much more closely, and obesity has a profound impact upon heat tolerance in our pets. Additionally, pets with long hair coats (shepherds and chows, for example), have a more difficult time and may require shaving of their hair coat to minimize heat stress. Owners should ensure that the yard/exercise area is as well shaded as possible, and that there is plentiful access to fresh clean water. Any exercise or outdoor activity should be performed in the early mornings or late evenings when the heat is lessened. Care should be taken in the length of time allowed for any activity.
Pets do not sweat, as humans do, so they have to cool themselves off in different fashion. Panting is a main method of cooling. Heat can also be lost through the ears and paw pads. Pets who are suffering from heat stress may show excessive panting, lethargy, a diminished response to commands or decreased awareness to the surroundings. More severe cases can show more severe neurologic signs, and may develop severe gastrointestinal signs as well, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If owners have any concern that their pet may be suffering from signs of excessive heat exposure, it is highly recommended to seek veterinary help as soon as possible. Immediate cooling measures can be instituted at home until the pet can be admitted for veterinary evaluation. Do not place the pet in any sort of ice bath. The best method of water cooling a pet is to use lukewarm water. Rubbing alcohol can be frequently applied to the foot pads in order to speed cooling. Rapid presentation to a veterinary facility, however, is the best option for pets suffering from any sort of heat stress. With a few modifications to our daily routine, we can ensure our pets continue to enjoy the summer safely.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
So you wanna be (flea) free?
It's the middle of the summer, which means Columbia's flea season is in full effect. Keeping your pets and your environment flea free is a constant battle, but we are here to help you sort things out! First, we recommend that all households maintain a consistent flea control program in both the external and internal environments as well as on the pet year round. Our local climate doesn't offer much of a reduction in the flea population during the cooler months.
In the external environment there are several options available. If you have the time and inclination, local external environmental control can be accomplished through the use of a product such as Bayer Advanced Lawn and Garden care (active ingredient cyfluthrin). Older products such as Diazinon and Sevin are not as effective as they once were. Initial application with the liquid formulation will result in a quick knockdown of adult fleas, but this does not provide much long term control. This is why subsequent follow up applications of the granular product should be applied every 2 weeks for 3 applications, and then repeated monthly thereafter. Within the home itself, it is recommended that you consult a professional pest control company. The bombs and foggers that are available over the counter are minimally effective.
Primary flea control, of course, hinges upon control on the pet itself. The advent of topical, spot-on formulations of flea control (such as Frontline and Advantage) revolutionized flea control, but our practice noted a distinct decline in their efficacy and have since changed our recommendations for flea control. For owners wishing to provide for both flea and tick control, we carry an excellent topical product, Vectra 3 D, which is applied monthly. For clients that only have to focus on flea control, we carry an oral flea pill, Comfortis, which once again is administered monthly. The newest product available (and the one many of our clients are transitioning to) is Trifexis, provides complete heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm protection combined with the adulticide flea activity of Comfortis in a single monthly pill. Dogs must have a current negative heartworm test prior to starting Trifexis. For our cat population we carry two excellent topical formulations. Vectra for cats is strictly for flea control, and is applied once monthly. For clients looking for a more inclusive product, we carry Revolution, which provides protection against heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, fleas, and ear mites. It is applied monthly.
We strongly recommend our clients purchase clinically proven flea control products through our veterinary facility as they have a proven record of safety and efficacy.
In the external environment there are several options available. If you have the time and inclination, local external environmental control can be accomplished through the use of a product such as Bayer Advanced Lawn and Garden care (active ingredient cyfluthrin). Older products such as Diazinon and Sevin are not as effective as they once were. Initial application with the liquid formulation will result in a quick knockdown of adult fleas, but this does not provide much long term control. This is why subsequent follow up applications of the granular product should be applied every 2 weeks for 3 applications, and then repeated monthly thereafter. Within the home itself, it is recommended that you consult a professional pest control company. The bombs and foggers that are available over the counter are minimally effective.
Primary flea control, of course, hinges upon control on the pet itself. The advent of topical, spot-on formulations of flea control (such as Frontline and Advantage) revolutionized flea control, but our practice noted a distinct decline in their efficacy and have since changed our recommendations for flea control. For owners wishing to provide for both flea and tick control, we carry an excellent topical product, Vectra 3 D, which is applied monthly. For clients that only have to focus on flea control, we carry an oral flea pill, Comfortis, which once again is administered monthly. The newest product available (and the one many of our clients are transitioning to) is Trifexis, provides complete heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm protection combined with the adulticide flea activity of Comfortis in a single monthly pill. Dogs must have a current negative heartworm test prior to starting Trifexis. For our cat population we carry two excellent topical formulations. Vectra for cats is strictly for flea control, and is applied once monthly. For clients looking for a more inclusive product, we carry Revolution, which provides protection against heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, fleas, and ear mites. It is applied monthly.
We strongly recommend our clients purchase clinically proven flea control products through our veterinary facility as they have a proven record of safety and efficacy.
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