Yes, it is that time of year again.  When the weather starts warming up so do our favorite little bugs and parasites.  Now is the time to get your pet started on their preventative care that will keep them healthy all year long.  Some of our biggest concerns this time of year are Heartworms, Roundworms, Hookworms, Ear Mites, Fleas, and Ticks.

Heartworm is a disease transfered by mosquitoes.  Heartworm lives in the hearts and lungs of dogs and cats.  If left untreated it can be fatal.  Treatment for Heartworm is expensive and difficult.  It is much easier to prevent Heartworm by using a monthly preventative.  We recommend Heartgard Plus for dogs and Revolution for cats.

Roundworms are year round parasites that spread to dogs and cats through an environment contaminated with feces of infected animals.  Roundworms live in your pet's intestine and cause diarrhea and other problems.  It is possible for Roundworm to spread to people, and especially children,  in the same manner.  You can protect your pets and your family all year with Heartgard Plus for dogs, and Revolution for cats.

Hookworms are also a year round problem in this area.  Both dogs and cats can be infected if they ingest eggs or larvae in contaminated feces or soil.  Hookworms cause many similar problems as Roundworms and are prevented in the same way. Like Roundworm, Hookworms can also cause problems in people.  Using monthly Heartgard Plus for your dogs and monthly Revolution for your cats will help to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Ear Mites can affect both dogs and cats, but are seen more commonly in cats.  Ear Mites feed on the ear lining and cause irritation and brown crusty debris.  Revolution will help keep this nasty parasite off your cats.

Fleas are a nuisance for pet owners and a horrible discomfort to pets.  They cause itching and hair loss to the skin and can quickly infest an entire household.  By using Frontline or Advantix on your dogs, and Revolution on your cats you can keep this pesky bug from irritating your pets.

Ticks, although they can affect cats, are a much bigger problem for dogs during the summer months in this area.  Certain ticks can carry disease like Lyme and Ehrlichia.  Advantix and Frontline are two products that will kill ticks within 24-48 hours and thus help prevent them from spreading any diseases.

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your pets.  With the right preventative care you can feel comfortable knowing that your pets and family are protected.  If you have questions or need to purchase any of these products please call our clinic.  More information on these products and diseases can be obtained at...

Heartgard: www.heartgard.com
Revolution:  www.revolutionpet.com
Frontline:  www.frontline.com
Advantix:  www.k9advantix.com

Join Us At The Humane Society's Bark in the Park!

On Sunday, April 30th, Carver Lake Veterinary Center and friends will be taking part in the Humane Society's Bark in the Park.  This annual fundraiser takes place at Colby Lake Park and raises money for the local animal shelters.  It is a great place to meet other dog lovers and enjoy food, games, and pet related vendors.

Last year was the first year that Carver Lake entered a team.  It consisted of 20-30 employees, friends, and clients and about a dozen dogs.  We raised over $1500 dollars and had a great time.  We hope that this year we can have a bigger turnout and raise even more.

If you would like to join or pledge money towards Carver Lake's team you can call Julie at 651-578-3290, stop by the clinic, or download a pledge sheet from www.hsca.com.  On the pledge sheet be sure to fill out the vet team challenge line so they know you are part of Carver Lake Veterinary Center's team. 

This is Bowser.  Bowser is a happy Chocolate Lab who lives a relaxing life with his owners David and Martha and their cats.  Bowser has always been a curious dog, but recently his curiosity got him into some serious trouble. 

The story starts with one of his feline friends causing some chaos.  She was playing with something on a counter and having a great time.  David and Martha didn't think anything of it until the item fell to the floor. 

Bowser jumped at the item and David and Martha barely had enough time to identify the item before it was gone.  Bowser had successfully swallowed a human nail clipper in 2.2 seconds!

X-rays were taken and it was located in Bowser's stomach.  At the advice of the veterinarians Bowser waited a few days hoping it would pass.  When it didn't it was time for surgery.

Bowser fortunately didn't have any problems before or after the surgery and the nail clipper was extracted intact without causing any damage. 

Bowser's family asked us to tell their story here in hopes of warning other dog owners of the dangers of household items to pets.  Bowser was lucky, many pets eat things without their owners realizing it.  By the time your pet starts to show signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite some damage may already be done.

David, Martha, and your veterinarians recommend "Pet Proofing" your house on a regular basis.  Check for things such as toys, cords, string, and anything that can be chewed up or swallowed.  If you know your pet has eaten something or if they show any of the above symptoms contact your veterinarian immediately. 

Bowser and his family were very lucky and they hope that their story will help protect other pets from the same problem in the future.

Girl Scout Troop Learns About Pet Care

On Thursday, February 24th Carver Lake was buzzing with activity as 17 young girl scouts crowded our receptionist area as they awaited the start of their tour.  The girls were all working towards their "pet care" badge. 

As part of their badge they needed to investigate the world of veterinary medicine. 

Practice Manager Julie, Technician Kelly, and Kelly's dog Lenny, led the girls on a fun and educational tour of the clinic.  The girls looked at Heartworm under a microscope, identified problems on x-rays, gave Lenny an exam, and learned the importance of good nutrition and training in a healthy pet. 

Throughout the tour the girls asked very inquisitive questions and learned a lot about proper pet care.  We have no doubt that these girls will have a positive impact on the lives of many pets in their future!