INSIDE:

LYME DISEASERisk Factors & Prevention

pettalknews

May 2016

did you know?We have a FREE app for

your smartphone!

We are pleased to announce the new Wheaton Animal Hospital app, designed with your convenience in mind. Now you can submit

prescription refill and food requests; receive notifications about important pet health and hospital updates; and you can even schedule an

appointment. The app connects directly with our website for information on our services including grooming, boarding and training, along with other

resources available to you. Just for fun, you can upload selfies and connect with us on social media to show off your pets. In case of an emergency, our

phone number is only a click away. To get started, go to the app store and download the new Wheaton Animal Hospital phone app today!

It’s no coincidence that National Lyme Disease Prevention Month falls in May as Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks, and the nasty little parasites are at their height during the spring months. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by an organism that is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick.

While some infected animals may not develop any symptoms, others will develop fever, lameness, swollen joints, depression, and/or loss of appetite. If the infection persists, kidney failure and permanent lameness can ensue. If Lyme disease is suspected, your veterinarian may suggest running a blood test to confirm infection. Luckily most pets with Lyme disease respond well to antibiotic therapy.

In endemic areas (like ours), vaccination of dogs for Lyme disease is recommended. Disease can also be prevented by using tick preventative products recommended by your veterinarian, and by removing ticks promptly before disease transmission can occur. Avoiding tick infested areas and keeping shrubbery and grass closely trimmed can also lessen the likelihood of exposure.

There are several scary things about Lyme disease:• People and occasionally cats can also be infected by the same

ticks that infect dogs.• Ticks are not always easy to spot, and it is almost impossible

to identify a tick bite—especially if your dog has a thick coat. • Symptoms of Lyme disease vary and can be difficult to detect,

with warning signs that may not appear until several months after infection.

There are several steps you can take to prevent your dog from getting Lyme or other tick-borne diseases:

• Use a veterinarian-recommended tick preventive on your dog. • Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your dog against

Lyme disease. • Watch your dog closely for changes in behavior or appetite. • Check for ticks daily.

If you have any questions or concerns, visit or call your veterinarian—they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

COVER STORY

Lyme Disease: One of the most common tick-borne diseases in the world.

Watch your dog closely for changes in behavior or appetite and check

for ticks daily.

Dr. Mallorie Enk Growing up, Dr. Enk enjoyed helping her parents manage their two diabetic cats, rescuing the local strays, and being fascinated by the local wildlife. As a fourth grade student, she had to write a report on her dream for the future; and her poster was all about being a veterinarian.

Dr. Enk was born in Chicago and attended high school in Algonquin, IL. She earned a Bachelor of Animal Sciences at the University of Wisconsin—Madison, followed by her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Ross University, in St. Kitts, West Indies. Her clinical training was completed at the University of Illinois. Some of her favorite experiences include spending one month as an extern at Brookfield Zoo and assisting with anesthesia at the Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Indiana for tiger dentals.

Her free time is spent with family and friends, traveling, and catching the latest movie/show. A favorite vacation spot is anywhere with water, sand and sun.

Meet the Vet

We will be closed on Memorial Day—Monday May 30th and wish everyone a safe, happy holiday.

For an emergency on that day, please call (630) 337-3070.

SavetheDate

Summer adoption & family fun event Sunday, June 19, 11 am to 2 pm

Learning to relate to people, other dogs and other animals based on direct experience is important for a dog’s development. Socialization will expand their world introducing them to more people, pets and scenarios and in the end, make them more confident.

It’s never too late to socialize your dog in structured settings such as training classes. Structured settings offer benefits including:

• Dogs with friendly dispositions that are up to date on their vaccines.

This is very important since the puppy months are those in which his/her immunities have just begun. Classes assure that all dogs are up to date on their vaccines so as not to endanger your pup.

• Catching and redirecting bad behavior. Structured settings

allow you to catch any bad habits your dogs may have and turn them around in a positive manner with the help of a dog training guru.

In general, socialization begins early in a dog’s life but it is a process that should be ongoing. Some people visit public places with their pets like pet stores and walking paths to expand their dog’s world beyond the house and backyard they typically know. It’s a good idea to first participate in training classes so your dog will know how to handle new surroundings and distractions when they’re out in public.

The importance of Socializing Your DogJust like we socialize with friends, co-workers, family and new acquaintances, dogs should be doing the same.

Trainer Tip: Bring your dog to your local veterinary clinic on a day where you’re not going in for a check up or procedure. Hang out in the lobby, walk in an exam room and reward your dog with a treat for positive conditioning.

Agility Class with Ashley Knippenberg: Agility classes build confidence in dogs and stimulate the mind while exercising the body. All breeds are welcome but dog must be very friendly. Must be up to date on vaccines and age 4 months or older to participate.

This group class is offered once a month for 90 minutes and subject to change.

Date: Saturday June, 11th Time: 2:30 PM Location: Elmhurst Animal Care

Center Cost: $60

To register or with questions regarding the Agility Class, please call Ashley Knippenberg at (630) 559-6801

Planning an International Trip with Your Pet?In order to travel internationally with your pet, you must obtain a Health Certificate and comply with USDA guidelines.

Wheaton Animal Hospital wants to help make this process as painless as possible for you. We’ve teamed up with the USDA and will help you all along the way.

Here’s what you need to do: STEP 1: Contact the USDA Office at (847) 699-2450As soon as you know the details of your trip, let them know when and where you’ll be traveling and find out what they require as well as the timeframe for completion.

STEP 2: Call Wheaton Animal Hospital at (630) 665-1500Once we know what you need, we’ll prepare the proper paperwork and set up an appointment.

Grooming SpecialBreed of the Month:

Please note that prior to grooming, your pet must be up to date on all vaccines. Please call us if you have any questions at (630) 665-1500.

Labs and Lab mixes $5 off

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCAROL STREAM, IL

PERMIT NO. 475

This coupon entitles me to a $10 gift card for Panera Bread after my first new patient appointment.

Appointment must be paid in full to qualify. Offer Ends 6/15/16.

This coupon entitles me to a $10 gift card for Panera Bread after my first new patient appointment.

Appointment must be paid in full to qualify. Offer Ends 6/15/16.

This coupon entitles me to a $10 gift card for Panera Bread after my first new patient appointment.

Appointment must be paid in full to qualify. Offer Ends 6/15/16.

Refer a Friend! As a Friend of«First_name» «Last_name»

Refer a Friend! As a Friend of«First_name» «Last_name»

Refer a Friend! As a Friend of«First_name» «Last_name»

266 Roosevelt Road Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

(630) 665-1500 www.wheatonanimalhospital.com

Emergencies: (630) 337-3070

Hours:Monday-Friday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

Saturday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pmSunday: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Doctors’ Hours:Monday-Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Saturday: 8:00 am – 3:30 pmSunday: Closed

To enroll your pet or for more information, please speak with a Wheaton Animal Hospital associate or call (630) 665-1500.

We are a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business! Wheaton Animal Hospital is proud to have received an A+ rating from the BBB! As such, we are held to strict BBB standards and will continue to offer our clients and their pets the very best in veterinary care and every service we provide.

Bring in this ad to Wheaton Animal Hospital 266 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Coupon expires June 15, 2016 Establish an early habit of preventative care for your puppies or kittens less than six months of age. Remember, dogs and cats age 6–10 years for

each one of ours. Start them off on the right paw with the right plan.

As a Preventative Care Plan member, you’ll not only help your pet live a longer, healthier life, you’ll also save on the overall cost of veterinary

care. Plans are available for every age and stage of your pet’s life.

Start Your Puppy or Kitten

Off Right.