Over the last few years, ticks have migrated across the country and their numbers are increasing. Ticks pose a true health threat to people and pets across the country at this point. Ticks are not only lurking during the warm summertime months but are also being found as the temperatures become colder.
The Plague previously referred to as the Bubonic Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. This bacterium is transmitted through a flea bite. Both people and pets, especially cats are susceptible. The death rate risk in humans is quite high at 8-10%. Pet owners at increased risk are those living near wildlife.
The best way to deal with these pests: Head them off before they set up camp. Ugh, fleas. We hate them, our pets hate them—and the best way to avoid them is through prevention.
Poor kitty— those nasty fleas are making him miserable, and he’s itching and scratching like crazy. Here’s how to help your feline start purring again. We’re not trying to say, “I told you so,” but Brendan Russi, DVM, of Banfield Pet Hospital in Vancouver, Washington, can’t stress enough how year-round flea prevention is far more preferable to flea treatment for cats.
Bid Farewell to Fleas, Naturally. Fleas love dogs and cats because they are simply easy targets,” said integrative veterinarian Carol Osborne, D.VM
For those lucky enough to start out with a new puppy on day 1, taking a few steps today helps to ensure that the next 15-20 years will be a success for both of you. Avoid impulses, do your homework and plan to spend plenty of time getting your little bundle of joy prepared for…
Combating pet fleas can be a nightmare for dog owners. Here are a few of Dr. Carol’s tried and true home remedies for dog fleas. Dogs & Fleas. Pet owners might start by buying a flea comb then use it daily to help remove fleas from their dog’s coat.
Fleas are common during the spring and summer months, and they can make life miserable for pets and humans alike. For every one flea you do see on your pet
Pet Flea & Tick. In our on-going war against parasites, “spot-on” medications have vanquished billions of blood thirsty fleas. But, along the way thousands of pets have suffered significant, even deadly, adverse reactions.
I wanted to share this note I received from a pleased pet patient: Dr. Carol,
You are the best, and I still wish you were located here in GA., so you could be our in state D.V.M.!
I really just trust your advice, Dr. Carol, as I have had so many bad experiences with other pet doctors, and you are the best in the biz!!Warm Regards, DeLise C., Georgia
About 14 percent of the U.S. population is infected with Toxocara, or internal roundworms, contracted from dogs and cats. That’s according to the results of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Allergies. Is your dog endlessly scratching? Is your dog chewing on his paws? Does your dog’s scratching and itching keep you up at night? Thinking it is just fleas?
Veterinarians are reporting record numbers of flea problems. What can be done to protect your pets and you’re your family?
Dog Grooming
Regular grooming helps keep your dog’s skin and haircoat healthy. It helps eliminate mats and tangles and gives you a chance to check for ticks and fleas as well as lumps and bumps.
Lice are tiny, six-legged parasites that feed on blood and can cause anemia. Weak, run-down kittens are most susceptible. Tiny white spots, called nits are visible. These are the egg casings. Lice spend their entire life on the animal and are not transferable to other pets or people. They do not infest your home and…
Dry skin is common, especially when the weather gets cold and we have to turn the heat up indoors. Dry skin is flaky and often has white scales that resemble dandruff. Diets deficient in essential omega-3 fatty acids and zinc can lead to dry skin, as can bathing your cat with the wrong shampoo or…
External parasites bothersome to cats include fleas, ear mites, mange mites and walking dandruff mites. Notoedric mange is also called Feline Scabies and is caused by a microscopic mange mite called Notoedres cati. Notoedres mites in cats are similar to Sarcoptic mange mites in dogs. Notoedric mange causes intense itching. Lesions begin on the ear…
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by worms called Dirofilaria immitus. These worms are “spaghetti-like”, grow up to 12″ long, and reside in the heart. The Larval Form of this worm is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito. Cats of all ages and breeds are susceptible but three to six…
Itching is the most common sign of allergies in cats and dogs. Allergic dermatitis is inflammation of the skin that occurs after it has been exposed to something to which it is allergic, known as an allergen. The number-one sign of allergies in pets is itching. Cats lick, bite, chew and scratch themselves to the…
Regular grooming helps keep your cat’s skin and haircoat in good health. It decreases hairballs and mats, removes dead skin and hair, and degreases the coat. Grooming also gives you a chance to check for fleas and ticks, as well as lumps and bumps. A quality diet that supplies the essential vitamins and minerals helps…
The inside lining of the ear is normally smooth with a small amount of wax buildup. Many problems can cause the ears to be irritated, inflamed and/or infected. Any of these causes left untreated can lead to more complicated problems, including middle and inner ear damage and hearing loss. Most cats let you know that…
Fleas are the most common cause of itching and skin irritation in dogs. Over 50 percent of all skin allergies in dogs are due to fleas. The allergy is actually a reaction to a protein component of the fleas’ saliva. When these “allergic dogs” are bitten by a flea, they itch themselves until their skin…
Cat scratch disease is caused by an organism called Rochalimaea henselae. This is a gram-negative bacteria and a member of the Rickettsia family.
Zoonotic diseases can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The best way to avoid Zoonoses is to make sure your pet is healthy: