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Fleas & TicksHow to protect your pets from these pesky parasites

pettalknews

March 2016

did you know?Your pet might be older than you think.Pets age faster than people. It varies, but cats and small dogs are generally considered geriatric at the age of 7. Larger breed dogs tend to have shorter life spans and are considered geriatric when they are approximately 6 years of age.

Owners tend to want to think of their pet’s age in human terms. While it is not as simple as “1 human year = X cat/dog years”, there are calculations that can help put a pet’s age in human terms (see chart inside). Talk to your veterinarian about how to care for your older pet and be prepared for possible age-related health issues.

They’re creepy, they’re crawly...and they can carry diseases. Fleas and ticks are not just a nuisance, but pose animal and human health risks. They suck your pet’s blood, they suck human blood, and can transmit diseases from animals to humans, including: plague, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, bartonellosis and others. That’s why it’s critical to protect your pets from these pesky parasites and keep the creepy crawlies out of your home.

Fortunately, there are many effective flea and tick preventives on the market to help control the pests and prevent the spread of diseases. There are spot-on (topical) products that are applied directly to your pet’s skin, and some that are given orally (by mouth).

Consult your veterinarian about your options and what’s best for your pet.

Some questions you can ask include:

• What parasites does this product protect against?

• How often should I use/apply the product?

• How long will it take for the product to work?

• If I see a flea or tick, does that mean it’s not working?

• What should I do if my pet has a reaction to the product?

Parasite protection is not “one-size-fits-all.” Certain factors affect the type and dose of the product that can be used, including the age, species, breed, life style and health status of your pet. It’s also important that your veterinarian is aware of all of your pet’s medications when considering the optimal flea and tick preventive for your pet.

When using these products, monitor your pet for any signs of an adverse reaction, including: excessive itching or scratching, skin redness or swelling, vomiting, or any abnormal behavior. If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.

How to protect your petsFor the month of March, we’re offering 10% off

Bravecto and Nexgard products. Stop in to determine the safest and most effective choice for your pet.

COVER STORY

Fleas & TicksHow to protect your pets from these pesky parasites!

Dr. Sarah Laabs received her veterinary degree from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to vet school she attended Michigan State University and studied Zoology. She’s been an integral part of the Pet Experts team for the last two years and her special interests are in oncology and surgery.

Dr. Laabs grew up in England (so that’s where she got that accent!) but now enjoys living in the Midwest. In her free time she loves spending time hiking with her husband and their Labrador, Breslin. She also likes kickboxing and enjoys traveling.

Meet the

Vet

Week One:• Sit• Watch Me• Leave It• Introduction to Loose

Leash Walking

Week Two:• Loose Leash Walking• Down • Leave It while Walking• Drop It

Pet Behavior Training withAshley Knippenberg

6 week sessions for $120.

Dogs must be age 12 weeks or older and be up to date on all vaccines.

Beginner Training Classes 6 week Session: 10 am Sunday April 3rd thru May 8th

Week Three:• Polite Greeting

(dog and person)• Place• Wait• Stand

Week Four:• Stay• Place & Stay• Fun Trick

Week Five:• Loose Leash Walk

through Distractions• Walk Two by Two • Come When Called

Week Six:• Review • Graduation Ceremony

Dogs and cats age faster than people. Depending on the species and breed, you can expect your pet to live about 12-18 years with a good quality of life. It is sometimes easier to understand your dog or cat’s medical recommendations when you see their age compared with a person’s relative age. Check out the chart below to see how “old” your pet is in human years!

Your pet might be older than you think.

Since last spring, thousands of dogs in the Chicagoland area have been exposed to a new strain of the Canine Influenza Virus from South Korea, called H3N2. Many dogs exhibited symptoms including a cough, runny nose, lethargy, depressed appetite and fever. Most ill pets required significant medical care for three to six weeks.

This highly contagious virus is spread from one dog to another via respiratory secretions. A single cough from an infected dog can spread the virus up to 20 feet onto clothing items, hands, and the environment. Canine Influenza is not contagious to humans, but can be spread by humans touching infected items.

Until recently there was not an effective vaccine for this new strain, however we’re pleased to announce that a new canine influenza vaccine is now available for the H3N2 strain.

In most cases, we recommend this new H3N2 vaccine to dogs who are over 6 weeks of age and are around other animals at dog parks, frequent grooming, daycare or boarding facilities or live in multiple pet households such as apartment building with shared spaces. Your pet may also be required to have the vaccine prior to grooming or boarding.

If your pet shows flu-like symptoms, like coughing and runny nose, please visit your veterinarian. Not all coughing dogs have canine influenza, but if your pet does have it, you want to address it as soon as possible to increase your dog’s chance of a successful outcome and minimize its discomfort. If your pet falls into the high-risk category for potentially acquiring canine influenza, contact your veterinarian and together decide if it’s appropriate to vaccinate your dog. Prevention is preferable, emotionally and financially, over treatment for this serious viral disease.

Transmission and prevention of canine influenza

Saturday, March 19 11 am to 2 pm Easter Open House/ Adoption Event with4PawsU4Ever, Wags2 Wishes and Naperville Humane Society

Upcoming Events

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCAROL STREAM, IL

PERMIT NO. 475

Bravecto & Nexgard products—

protect your pet from fleas and ticks!

10% off

2759 Forgue Drive Naperville, IL 60564

(630) 428-0500 www.springbrookanimalcarecenter.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

As a Friend of«First_name» «Last_name»

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 4/30/16.

As a Friend of«First_name» «Last_name»

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 4/30/16.

As a Friend of«First_name» «Last_name»

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 4/30/16.

Preventative Care Plans are NOT Insurance.

They’re better.

Preventative Care Plans promote disease prevention and early diagnosis, and are not intended to treat injury or illness. Think of them as discounted, bundled

membership plans. They include free office visits and discounts all year.

Unlike insurance, where you pay for coverage you may never use, Preventative Care Plans always provide the services you pay for. They are affordably priced healthcare plans that spread the cost

conveniently over twelve months.

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.

It really is a great deal! Stop in for more information.