Pets and The Military
Spring Is In The AirWarm weather approaches!!! Time for nice long walks for many of our pets and owners, time to play outdoors and work in your yards. Why do I mention this? Because warmer weather, for much of the country, brings special considerations and concerns for pet owners. Like mosquitoes!!!! I actually found the first mosquito of the season today (drowned in my dog’s water dish – ew!). Soon the fleas and ticks shall be in bloom along side the crocuses and tulips! Please review your pet’s flea, tick, and parasite prevention status. Heartworm, spread by infected mosquitoes, can be a deadly disease for pets. Fleas can spread tapeworm and cause anemia, and ticks can carry Lyme and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Fortunately, there are ways we can protect our furry friends from the threats around them. Parasite prevention and flea and tick control are widely available these days. The best resources to combat these s little “buggers” is your vet. There are numerous options – some oral, some apply to the skin – for dogs and cats. Cat owners must be especially vigilant when choosing flea and tick protection, as some of the chemicals safe to use in dogs for this purpose can be extremely harmful to cats. Check with your vet to be sure your pets’ vaccinations are up to date. As the spring rains move in, standing water may be a problem in some areas – stagnant water can be a very effective breeding ground for all kids of bacteria, including Leptospirosis. Allowing pets to drink from just any available water sources carries inherent risks; this could include some lakes and ponds as well. Remember to carry your own water with you on those nice long walks and picnics! If your pet does take a dip in outdoor water sources, you may want to consider bathing them. My German Shorthaired Pointer loves to go splashing into the nearby ocean – but I always wash her right after – even before we get home the salt is making her itch!!! Be aware of any warnings posted regarding water sources – if the area authorities have restricted access due to bacteria counts, don’t let your pets go swimming – they may still want to but it is up to you to protect your pet! Lawn care and gardening are other activities that have us considering our pets. Many lawn products contain chemicals that have the potential to harm pets, and wildlife. Some companies, such as Greener Pastures, have formulated organic lawn products that use no chemicals - they use soy, corn and wheat, etc. Earth's Balance is another sources for environmentally friendly lawn care. Also Safe Lawn. They all have web sites, so do the research to choose the best product for your family. Numerous garden plants are poisonous to animals – lilies, tulip bulbs, azaleas, rhododendrons and many more. The best way to care for your lawn and your pet is to research the products and plants you have chosen to use, and use common sense. The ASPCA website is a great resources for information on toxic plants and chemicals. My pets and I love spring. Nothing is more fun than walking by the coast during a windy spring rainstorm! Ok, we love the sun and warmth too (especially my Whippet)! By being ready for the everyday threats that can harm our beloved pets, we can be free to enjoy the warm weather and the beauty of spring. Enjoy this beautiful season with your animal friends – make it a safe and happy one for you all! Here are a few links and resources if you would like to read more on insects that spread canine disease or pet friendly lawn care… http://www.aspca.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=20269 http://www.doctordog.com/DrdogNewsletter/insectdisease.html http://www.gigglemoose.com/artcl-lawn_care_safe.htm http://lancaster.unl.edu/enviro/pest/factsheets/001-95.htm http://www.health.ri.gov/disease/communicable/lyme/identifying.php | 
