Pets, Pets,Pets
How How
to protect
from Lyme
to dogs
protect
your disease
dog from
Lyme disease is a potentially dangerous condition
transmitted by the passing of bacteria from deer ticks
During
winter, extra
to be
to their
unsuspecting
hosts. precautions
The Centers need
for Disease
taken
to and
ensure
your dog’s
Here’s
how
to
Control
Prevention
says wellbeing.
Lyme disease
is the
most
common
vector-borne
disease
the United States.
protect
your
pooch from
winter in hazards.
Lyme disease also is a cause for concern in Canada,
parts of Europe and Asia.
THE
Tens COLD
of thousands of people are diagnosed with Lyme
During
especially
short-haired
disease
each winter,
year. But dogs
Lyme —
disease
also affects
animals,
varieties
— popular
are at risk
of frostbite
and hypothermia.
including
house
pets like dogs.
Tufts Univer-
sity a says
that idea
the Lyme
bacterium
cause
It’s
good
to bundle
your can pet
in serious
a coat ill-
or
ness in and
some limit
dogs.
Lyme
disease
can be difficult to
sweater
their
time
outdoors.
detect and cause serious and recurring health problems.
make sure
pup has
a warm
That Additionally,
is why it is essential
for your
pet parents
make
con-
place
to
sleep.
A
thick
and
comfy
bed
or
blanket
certed efforts to reduce the risk that their dogs become
works;
infected. just make sure it’s placed away from any
The American
Veterinary
Medical Association says the
drafts
and off the
cold floor.
best way to protect pets against Lyme disease is to em-
phasize prevention.
POISONS
• Speak with your veterinarian about a tick preventive
Keep your pooch away from antifreeze. This is a
deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that can
attract animals and children. Wipe up antifreeze
product that is right for your dog. These can include re-
pellant collars, topical treatments and ingestible med-
spills
right away and keep it,
ications.
and
other
household
chemicals,
well
out dis-
of
• Vets all may
recommend
vaccination
against
Lyme
ease if you live in an area that is home to high tick pop-
reach.
ulations.
also may be substance
based on your
Road Recommendations
salt is another poisonous
and
pet’s lifestyle and overall health, among other factors.
dogs
are
at
risk
of
ingesting
it
when
licking
their
• Address conditions in the yard that are conducive to
paws
after a walk.
Furthermore,
used
to
ticks. Mowing
the lawn
regularly is chemicals
one way to
make
melt
snow and
also tend
to irritate
the pads leaf
on
the backyard
less ice
attractive
to ticks,
as is removing
litter. dog’s feet Always wipe your dog’s paws
your
• Keep a clean
home stroll.
and landscape. Rodents and other
following
a winter
wildlife can carry deer ticks. Securing trash cans, pick-
ing up food scraps, removing hiding spots and potential
THE
HAPPENS
IF
dens,
and WORST
other strategies
can keep these carriers away.
If your a pooch
shows
signs
of hypothermia
or
• Conduct
daily tick
check
if your
dog spends time
outside. Pay
attention
bumps
on call
the skin
and part the
ingests
antifreeze
or to road
salt,
a veterinarian
fur so you
can Some
see where
the coat of
meets
the skin. Don’t
right
away.
symptoms
hypothermia
in
forget to look in the ears.
dogs
include
and be
lack
of
• When
possible, weakness,
avoid areas shivering
where ticks may
found,
mental alertness. For additional symptoms and for
immediate care procedures, consult a reliable
medical website such as www.petmd.com
winter
such as tall grasses, wooded areas and marshes. Stick
to trails when spending time in wooded areas.
Dogs with Lyme disease may exhibit various symp-
toms. These include loss of appetite, fever, joint
swelling, decreased activity, and lameness. Visit the vet
promptly if symptoms occur and do not abate, or are
causing considerable distress for your pet.
Lyme disease is a concern for pets. Avoidance, preven-
tive measures and outdoor maintenance can help re-
duce the liklihood that pets will contract Lyme disease.
How pet sitters can benefit companion animals
Three things to do if you’re flying with your cat or dog
Pets are special members of many households. Compan-
• Additional services: Pet sitters may perform a variety
Though the bulk of pet spending involves
ion animals serve important functions, such as watching food and veterinary care, pet owners also of tasks that go above or beyond simply sitting with the
homes or acting as service animals to individuals who spend significant amounts of money to animal. These can include administering medicines, clean-
Are need
you taking
a trip hand,
with and
your the
four-legged
to comply
with.
you’re
heading
to an European
allow boxes
small and
dogs
cats making
to travel
cabin,
may
a helping
love pets friend?
offer is un-
pet and
messes,
trips in to the
the vet,
or
pamper
their If pets.
One
such investment
in ing litter
Here
are three things you’ll need to do at least several Union
country
to Mexico,
for care
example,
provided
they
stay with
in their
kennel
and Pet
the sitters
kennel also
fits
conditional.
arranging
play
dates
other
animals.
quality
of life or includes
providing
using the
Many in
pet
owners to will
go to that
great
to ensure their
may under
stay in
home
and pets
provide
care
pet sitters
for animals
when others)
owners will
are need
months
advance
ensure
all lengths
goes smoothly.
following
requirements
(and possibly
the a seat.
Larger
must round-the-clock
travel in the baggage
pets’
comfort
well-being.
According
a survey
while
owners
are they’re
away. placed
Other in
tasks
requested
by the pet
1. Book
your and
flight:
the spots on
planes for to pets
are by
to be away
met: from home.
hold,
where
a heated
and pressurized
the American Pet Products Association, pet owners in the
also can be discussed.
Pet must
sitters be are
valuable for many reasons. owner
limited.
• Your pet
microchipped
area.
United
around
billion on of their
Pet owners
looking made
to provide
quality care for
an-
these benefits
for be both
the date
pet and
2. States
Get in spent
touch
with $69.51
the consulate
your pets • in Your Explore
pet’s vaccinations
must
up to
Once you’ve
these preparations,
it’s their
smooth
2017, while estimates suggest that pet owners spent close the family.
imals
often
seek
out
the
assistance
of
pet
sitters
who
can
destination
country to find out what rules you’ll need • You must obtain an International Health Certificate sailing — or rather, smooth flying. Bon voyage!
to $75 billion in 2019.
accommodate all involved
for • your
pet within the 10 days preceding your
Less strain and stress on the pet: Pet sit-
departure
veterinarian
provide
ters come (only
to the a home
and care can
for the
pet
this)
in surroundings the animal is familiar with
If you don’t in. already
have sounds
one, get and
an
and 3. comfortable
The smells,
appropriate
kennel the for pet your
pet. and
The the
kennel
routine are what
knows,
an-
imal won’t
have enough
to acclimated
itself
to a pet
new
should
be large
to permit
your
to
MARK WALLS D.V.M.
place,
which
anxiety. turn around
both
stand
up can
and induce
comfortably
• Flea Dipping Available •
LORI EIDSON D.V.M.
in. It should also be well ventilated.
• Note
No imposition
on family
members
or
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A p r i l - M ay 2 02 0
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