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 to keep our pets healthy all year long.  Our biggest concerns this time of year are Heartworms, Roundworms, Hookworms, Ear Mites, Fleas, and Ticks.

Heartworm is a disease transferred by mosquitoes.  Heartworms live 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/puppies and Revolution for cats/kittens.

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 more damaging 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 can cause itching and hair loss to the skin and can quickly infest an entire household. Pets can pick up fleas just from being outdoors (and especially from interacting with wildlife like the dog pictured!)  By using Frontline or Advantix on your dogs, and Revolution on your cats you can keep this pesky bug from irritating your pets.

Ticks are a big problem for dogs during the summer months in this area.  Certain ticks can carry diseases 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.

Spring 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 the parasites they protect against can be obtained at...

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

Dr. Grant Attends Dog Sled Race

The 11th annual Apostle Island Dog Sled Race was held February 3rd and 4th outside of Bayfield, Wisconsin.  Dr. Grant was one of two veterinarians in attendance to care for the dogs.

There were 4 categories of racers;  8 dog teams running 80 miles (40 miles each day), 6 dog teams running 60 miles (30 miles each day), a Sportsman's class which ran a 20 mile race, and a Family class which allowed young adult mushers to race a 10 mile course.

Dr. Grant's responsibilities included reviewing each dog's vaccination history, marking each dog with a grease pen that identified them as either a racer or non-racer, and examining any sick or lame dogs during and after the race. 

In addition, Dr. Grant was stationed at the only road crossing to help the teams safely cross the intersection.  It was challenging for the dogs to find the new trail, as well as navigate through the spectators, so Dr. Grant was there to assist any teams that became entangled.

The dogs ranged from purebred Malamutes and Samoyeds, to a variety of mixed breeds.  On shorter races, the dogs are only pulling a light load so a faster dog is needed.  Mushers may add German Shorthair or Greyhound bloodlines to increase the speed.  The most interesting sled was pulled by a team of 8 Irish Setters!

On Saturday evening there was a slide presentation by a musher who spend 40 days on Hudson Bay with a team of 8 dogs.  It was a great story of adventure!

What a wonderful weekend working with dogs full of energy! 

While we may not see hurricanes here in Minnesota, other disasters, both natural and man made, can affect our area.  Here are some tips to keep your pets safe:

1.  Keep an extra week's supply of food and bottled water on hand for each pet in your household.  Favorite treats can be used to comfort them during the stressful time following a disaster.  It is very important not to let pets drink floodwater or any other water that may be contaminated.

2.  If your pet takes medications, keep a backup supply on hand.  Veterinary offices and pharmacies may be closed for awhile following a disaster.  If medications need to be refrigerated, have an ice chest on hand to use in case of power outages.  Red Cross shelters may also have bags of ice on hand.

3.  Always make sure your pet has some form of identification.  Collars with tags are good, but a permanent form of identification such as a microchip is best.

4.  Set up a plan with someone in your neighborhood to check on each others' pets after a disaster.

5.  Make sure you have a way of containing your animals if you must be relocated.  Having a crate for each of your pets is ideal.  Have a leash or harness for your dogs.  In an emergency a pillowcase can be used to transport your cats.

6.  Keep a recent photo of your pets with you.  Should you become separated from them, these photos can help you reunite with your pets.  A good way to do this is to email a photo to yourself so you can retrieve it at anytime.

7.  Have a list of possible locations where you can take your pets, should you have to leave your home suddenly. They should include boarding kennels, veterinary clinics, grooming facilities, pet friendly motels and hotels, and the homes of family and friends.

8.  Know where your local shelter and animal rescue organizations are located in case you need to locate a missing pet after a disaster.

9.  In order to be fully prepared for any disaster, you should create an emergency kit with food, medicine, water, leashes, toys, and a recent copy of your pet's vaccination records.  Have an out of state friend or relative keep copies of important documents and photos in case yours get lost or destroyed.

10.  Try to keep your pets on a regular routine of exercise and feeding.  They will be very frightened during this time of chaos and will find comfort in a schedule they can rely on.  Remember they feed off of your emotions - stay calm and they will likely do the same.

Technician Jessica and Cat Mojo Win at Cat Show!

The Saintly City Cat Show is held annually during the St. Paul Winter Carnival.  It is sponsored by the Cat Fanciers Association (similar to what the AKC is for dogs). 

I've attended this show since 2004 and entered my cat in the Household Pet (HHP) competition this year.  Anyone can enter their cat in this competition, and they do not need to be purebred. 

There are only 3 rules pertaining to this class; cats must be altered (spayed or neutered), over 8 months of age, and cannot be declawed. Household pets are judged by personality, grooming, and appearance (body shape, coat condition, and markings). 

This year there were 32 HHP entries, a high number compared to years past.  A wide variety of cats entered including Manx, Persian, and many shorthaired varieties.  Local shelters and rescue groups entered cats that were available for adoption.  Every cat was earning ribbons in hopes to be crowned king or queen of the Winter Carnival!
 
Besides the HHP competition, there was the championship class for unaltered, pedigreed ( purebred cats recognized by the CFA) cats.  There was also the premiership class for altered pedigreed cats.  This class is unique to the "cat world." Most pet shows do not allow altered pets to be shown.  I was quite surprised to learn of this and am excited to spread the word.

Before the show, I  kept getting questions like " How do you get your cat to run on a leash?"  Luckily, that is not required, cats are put in cages around the judging table by their handlers.  Judges then take the cats out individually and place them on the table for judging.

My 6 year old Manx "Mojo", entered in the HHP competition, was picked 10th best! It was very exciting to receive a ribbon!  This show was so much fun and I would encourage anyone that is interested to attend this show next year.  There is also a show in September, 2006 in Inver Grove Heights.  I will post further info this summer.  If you would like more info about showing cats you can visit the Saintly City Cat Club or the Cat Fanciers Association's web sites.  CATS RULE!

Saintly City Cat Club:  www.saintlycitycatclub.org
Cat Fancier's Association:  www.cfainc.org