Dental Health

Summertime may be a favorite time of year, but the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns that heat and pests can create hazards for pets and pet owners.

"Summertime can be deadly for pets," explains Dr. James Cook, president of the AVMA. "I advise pet owners to be attuned to their pet's response to hot weather. For example, some dogs will exercise with their owners in the summer heat until they literally drop from heat exhaustion. This is a serious situation that requires immediate attention from a veterinarian."

"The biggest problem in the summer is flea control," adds Cook. "Prevention is the best cure. Once fleas are on your pet, in your home, or in you carpet, you'll need the help of both a veterinarian and an exterminator. That's a situation more like a war than a treatment."

Here are more tips from the AVMA:

• Consider keeping dogs indoors, in air conditioning, on extremely hot days. If your dog overheats, lower his body temperature gradually by immersing him in cool water or moving into an air conditioned location and giving him small amounts of cold drinking water or ice cubes. Take your pet to your veterinarian immediately. Signs of heatstroke are panting hard, staggering gait, rapid heartbeat, listlessness, restlessness, dark red or purple gums and tongue, and vomiting.

• Never leave a dog inside a car in hot weather, even with the window cracked. A car's inside temperature can increase 40 degrees in an hour.

• A day at the beach can be fun, but make sure your dog can stay cool on the hot sand and remember salt water will dehydrate your pet. Bring drinking water and a portable bowl. Dogs love to swim, but inexperienced dogs can potentially drown - that's why supervision is important.

- from the AVMA

Plan in advance is the mantra. While there are more pet-friendly hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds than ever - there's no guarantee you'll find one by chance. Some places require a pet security deposit, which is returned if the chairs aren't chewed up or the carpet piddled on. And, some places charge an extra non-refundable fee for Fluffy to stay.

Be specific when you ask questions. For example, some places only allow one pet per room or at least one pet at no cost. Others only welcome small dogs. But how do you define a small dog? One hotel manager's definition was "knee high". But is that Michael Jordan's knee of Mickey Rooney's?

Pet-friendly accommodations are listed and comments are available on various websites including http://www.pettravel.com/, http://www.petswelcome.com/, http://www.doginmysuitcase.com/, http://www.1clickpethotels.com/ or http://www.travelpets.com/. But don't merely depend on websites, since policies are subject to change. Also, demand a confirmation with all details in writing. In fact, some hotels even offer pet perks - from dog walking to room service menus for pets.

When you arrive at your destination, plan some fun dog-friendly activities. If your dog is going to stay in the room all day, everyday, what's the point of bringing her along?

Dr. Gregg K. Takashima, vice president of the American Animal Hospital Association, adds that it's best to use your own food (or at least the same brand) from home when you travel. And it's important, for all dogs and cats to wear a rabies tag, ID tag and to have an implanted microchip. "If the worst happens, and the pet gets lost - you'll want to do everything you can to increase the odds of recovery," Takashima says.

- by Steve Dale

The good news is that modern veterinary flea products really do a job to zap fleas; so the days of using dips can be relics of a flea fighting history. "The bad news is that fleas and ticks are enjoying a perfect storm of concurrent events, so pet owners must be vigilant," says veterinary parasitologist, Dr. Michael Dryden, Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

He says the recent overall increase in temperatures has made it possible for fleas and ticks to survive months longer in places where they normally wouldn't. As sprawling suburbia increasingly intersects with wildlife, our backyards have become a drop-off place for fleas and ticks. Favorable conditions have made it possible for many animals, such as deer and raccoon, to increase in population which can lead to more fleas and ticks.

Dryden says it doesn't take long for fleas to settle into your home sweet home. A couple of fleas could hitch a ride on your shoes, or for sure, your unprotected pet. Laying 40 to 50 eggs daily, it doesn't take long before you can find your home overrun. Dryden adds if those fleas do take up residence, you may have to pay for an expensive exterminator - an expense which may have been avoided with the right protection.

Fleas are not fun house guests. Many pets are allergic to their bites; they do bite people if they're hungry and they spread disease. As nasty as fleas are, arguably, ticks are even more of a concern when it comes to disease transmission, often gifting dogs with a cocktail of infectious agents causing several diseases simultaneously, including any combination of Lyme, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. If ticks occur where you live, your veterinarian will likely recommend a product to help protect your pets against both fleas and ticks.

by Steve Dale

What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza appears to be related to an influenza strain that affects horses.  At some point, the virus mutated, and the new strain made the leap from horses to dogs.  Originally diagnosed in 2004, evidence of canine influenza in companion dogs was first documented in spring 2005.

What are the symptoms of canine influenza?

• persistent cough
• yellowish nasal discharge
• low-grade or high fever
• increased respiratory rates

How is canine influenza spread?
At present, canine influenza appears to be an airborne disease, much like “kennel cough” (Bordetella bronchiseptica).  Physical contact between dogs does not seem to be required.

What is the incubation period for canine influenza?
The incubation period is approximately two to five days.

Can I catch canine influenza from my dog?
To date, there are no documented cases of humans contracting canine influenza from dogs.

How do I protect my dog?
Until a vaccine is developed, there is no way to ensure your dog won’t contract canine influenza.  A good rule of thumb, however, is to assume that the greater the exposure your dog has to other dogs, the greater the chance of infection.  If your dog socializes frequently with other dogs or is boarded at a kennel, the odds of exposure are greater than if your dog remains home.

What should I do if I suspect my dog has canine influenza?
Contact your veterinarian immediately.  Be sure to tell your veterinarian if your dog has been boarded, sent to the groomer, or involved in any social activities (dog park, doggie day care, etc.) within the last month.  Remember, coughing may be an indication of any of a variety of diseases.  Your veterinarian is best qualified to make the diagnosis.

For the complete article and regular updates, visit AAHA’s website at www.Healthypet.com.

(excerpt from the American Animal Hospital Association)

If not handled properly, pet waste can be a source of illness for other animals or for humans.  Zoonotic illnesses are those that are transmitted from animals to humans and include the following:

• Campylobacteriosis, a bacterial infection carried by dogs and cats which frequently causes diarrhea in humans
• Salmonellosis, the most common zoonotic infection which may include symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Toxocariasis, roundworms capable of being transmitted from dogs to humans, often without noticeable symptoms, but which may include rash, fever, cough, or even loss of vision

Pets and children who play in areas where animals defecate are most at risk for infection from disease-causing bacteria and parasites found in pet waste.  To keep your family safe, remember these important tips:

• When walking with your pet, take along a plastic bag or cup and dispose of the waste properly.
• Be aware of the Animal Control Ordinance that governs pet waste clean-up.
• Keep your property waste free by clearing waste yourself or by contacting the professionals at Scooper Friends Pet Waste Removal Team:  410.721.8825 or www.scooperfriends.com.