The snow is starting to fall and you haven't seen a mosquito in weeks.  Finally, we have some peace from those pesky, heartworm spreading insects.

Heartworm disease starts when a mosquito takes a blood meal from a dog that has been infected with heartworm.  This blood meal contains very small heartworm larvae, which make themselves at home within the mosquito.  During their stay these larvae  prepare to conquer the mosquito's next victim. 

When the mosquito needs to feed again it may find a healthy dog and transfer the juvenile heartworms into the dog's tissue.  The heartworms will migrate through the body and make their way into the dog's heart.

Adult heartworms can grow up to 12 inches in length and can cause serious health problems for your dog.  If not treated, the disease can eventually lead to death.  The good news is that Heartworm disease can be avoided by giving your dog a preventative medication such as Heartgard Plus once a month!

Why are you giving Heartgard Plus in the winter when the mosquitoes are not out?  Because Heartgard Plus offers protection against two intestinal parasites,  Roundworms and Hookworms.  Your dog can contract these parasite when they come into contact with another animal's stool.  If your dog isn't on Heartgard Plus year round, there is a good chance that Roundworms and Hookworms may infect your canine friend during those chilly winter months.

These parasites cause damage to the digestive tract and rob your pet of nutrients and blood.  Furthermore, Roundworms and Hookworms can infect your human family too!  People can get these parasites through contact with infected stool. 

Children are more at risk of these infections because they spend time outdoors playing on the ground and possibly putting contaminated things into their mouths.  Frequent hand washing can decrease their chances of infection.

When it comes down to it, Heartgard Plus is protecting your whole family!  If your dog is free of intestinal parasites, your family's risk of infection is much lower.  So, even though those mosquitoes aren't biting right now, give your dog a Heartgard Plus each month.

Professional Pet Photographer Coming to Carver Lake!

On November 19th and 20th Carver Lake Veterinary Center will be hosting Laurie Erickson, a professional pet photographer.  She will be here for the weekend taking photos of pets and their families.

This is a great opportunity to do a family portrait, or get great pictures for your Holiday cards.  Laurie has a selection of background and props for holiday and traditional portraits.  Please call the Carver Lake for more information or to reserve your time.

Laurie has loved photography since she was a teenager.  For the last 25 years she has done commercial photography of pets.  Many of her photos have run in magazines and newspaper advertisement, as well as in pet calendars.  

Laurie was drawn to the world of pet photography because she felt a connection to animals and believes that helps her capture their true expression.  She owns 2 whippets and a Basenji and spends much of her free time training and showing them.

To take advantage of this great opportunity please be sure to make a reservation!  We hope to see you there!
 

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the good things in our lives.  One of the best things in our lives is our pets. 

During the holidays it is important to spend plenty of time with your animal companions.  Our lives tend to get exceptionally busy during the upcoming months and our pets sense this. 

The weather gets colder and they may not enjoy as much time outdoors. Family functions are planned and the pets may endure large gatherings of people in their own home, or be put in the care of a pet sitter or kennel while the family travels.  Some even travel with their family.

Regardless of your plans for the holidays it can be stressful for your pets.  There are a number of things you can do to ease this stress.

1.  Maintain a consistent schedule.  Be sure that kennels and pet sitters do the same.

2.  Spend quality time with your pets.  If it is too cold outside, play some games or practice obedience in the house.  Make it fun!

3.  Do not substitute food for attention.  Feeding our pets too many treats or food outside of their normal diet will only make them sick and increase their stress.  Do NOT give animals leftovers or bones from meals! 

4.  Plan ahead!  If you are traveling make sure your pets have a place to go and will be properly cared for.  If they are joining you, be sure they will be welcome where you are going.  Bring their own food, kennel, and toys to make them more comfortable.

The holidays are a wonderful time to give thanks for the love we receive from our pets.  Show them your gratitude by keeping them safe and happy throughout the season.

Ansel Travels to Mackinac Island

Dr. Kate An Hunter recently attended a veterinary meeting on Mackinac Island in Michigan and lucky dog Ansel was able to go along.

Mackinac Island, in the straits between Lakes Michigan and Huron, is car free.  One must take a ferry boat to the island, where horses are the main form of transportation and dogs are welcome.

The drive across the southern shore of Lake Superior, through Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan was spectacular.  Along the way, Ansel played on the beaches of 3 great lakes: Superior, Michigan, and Huron.

Dr. Hunter and Ansel  hiked through the woods along beautiful waterfalls, and shared pasties (a regional specialty meat filled turnover) at a local restaurant. 

At another restaurant, Ansel sat with them at their outdoor table and chose a meal from a special menu for dogs.  He traveled through town on a horse drawn carriage.  

Mackinac Island is a great vacation spot for dog lovers and their canine companions.  Dr.Hunter and Ansel both enjoyed the sites of the Victorian town and the fun of playing in the lakes together.