Summer Newsletter

Hope the summer is enjoyable!  It is definitely in full swing with some of the beautiful blue sky days we have had.  I do hope that all are taking some time to enjoy the season.

Things are well at the clinic and I am happy to note that many pets and owners are getting in shape over the summer with a little time, effort and energy!

I have been talking to many owners about good eating habits for their pets.  Just like in human nutrition, there is a lot to be said for timing as well as substance for our pets.  I recommend twice daily feedings for all our pets.  This helps keep their metabolism working rather than just being active once daily.  I know I sure wouldn’t be happy with one meal a day. 

We also need to make sure that snacks are healthy snacks and well-timed.  There are so many pets that have trained their owners to give them a food reward after things like outside trips.  I think some of the pets have even gotten to the point that they can trick their owners.  They go outside as if they have to do something then just turn around to get a treat.  Selection is important as well.  Just like the vast array of snack foods available for us, same holds true for our pets. We all need rewards ever now and then but having a fatty, high calorie snack can take it's toll.

As with their primary food, it is always best to read the label.  Try to minimize sugars, dyes and big long names that are hard to pronounce!

Due to potential toxicities, avoid grapes, raisins and chocolate.

Tick Borne Diseases

Thank you to many of the dog owners that participated in our tick prevalence study that myself and technician extern Hanna have been working on this summer.  With the North Shore being a “tick endemic” area, we have been testing canine patients for exposure to tick borne diseases.  They are screened for Lyme, Ehrlichia and Anaplasmosis.  We have studied approximately 85 dogs that came to the clinic for routine as well as sick visits.  Fortunately, only a small percentage tested positive and better yet, only 2 were affected by tick borne diseases and recovered with treatment. 

We do not advocate routine screening for tick borne disease at this time.  If you have a dog that is lame, there is a chance that it could be one of these tick borne diseases but  there are several other possibilities as well.  Tick prevention with K9Advantix as well as frequent tick checks by you are best!