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The snow will soon begin to fall and you haven't seen a mosquito in weeks. Finally, we have some peace from those pesky, heartworm spreading insects.
You're probably wondering why we recommend giving Heartgard Plus in the winter when the mosquitoes are not out? Heartgard Plus offers protection against not only Heartworm, but Hookworms and Roundworms as well. Your dog can contract these parasites when they come into contact with another animal's stool. If your dog isn't on Heartgard Plus year round 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 may put 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. |
Keeping Pets Safe in the Cold |
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Winter in the Midwest means family, Holidays and quickly falling temperatures. There are a number of things you can do to keep your pets safe and warm during this year's cold season.
Start by making sure your pets are well groomed for the season. A matted coat is not only uncomfortable for an animal, but it also loses its insulating ability.
 Keeping your pet's toe nails and feet trimmed between the pads and toes will help keep snow from collecting there.
Smaller dogs and those with light coats may benefit from coats or booties to help them keep the chill out. For dogs that won't tolerate booties, there is a product called Musher's Secret that can help their feet. It is a protective cream that can be spread on the pads of your pet's feet to create a protective barrier between their feet and the cold snow and ice. Carver Lake has a selection of all of these products.
Dogs and cats are not immune to hypothermia (low body temperature) or frostbite and should not be left outdoors for extended periods of time, especially when the temperature drops below freezing.
Signs of hypothermia include shivering, lethargy, and shallow breathing. Frostbite is more common on paws, ears, tails, and genitals. The affected area will appear pale and cool at first and then red, swollen, and painful as thawing begins.
Young animals and those with underlying diseases are most at risk. Hypothermia and frostbite require immediate attention by a veterinarian.
Just because the weather is cold doesn't mean all outdoor activity needs to end. Just keep in mind that if you are cold, so is your pet. By providing them with the appropriate grooming and clothing you can enjoy the outdoors with them all year long.
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Update 11/13/07: Nena has found a wonderful new home! Thank you so much to all who contacted us about Nena. We are so excited to see her off to her new home!
Thinking about getting a cat? Well, we might just have the newest addition to your family here at Carver Lake!
On September 27, 2007 one of our friends brought in a very cute little female cat that we instantly fell in love with.
Our Veterinary Intern, Dr. Angel Girona, named the kitty Nena Bonita. We treated Nena for fleas and intestinal parasites, gave her all the vaccines she needs for the year and spayed her. Nena was tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV and is negative for both. She is ready to go to her new family!
 The doctors believe Nena is about a year old. She is a brown/tan tortioseshell
long haired cat. She is amazingly friendly and loves to crawl up on your shoulders.
Nena enjoys playing and being around people. Snuggling up with us is one of her absolute favorite pastimes. She would make the perfect pet for someone who has no other cats at home. Nena does love dogs, especially Dr. Hunter's dog Ansel!
If you are thinking about getting a cat for your home, please consider Nena Bonita! She would be a wonderful addition to your family. We would love to see her go to a home where she will be adored for the loving cat she is! Call us for more information and details about Nena and adopting her!
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Giving Thanks For Our Pets! |
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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 holiday season 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 pets 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. Check with your veterinarian about any travel documents such as a rabies certificate or health certificate that you may need.
 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.
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2201 Ventura Drive