Madison Magazine April-May 2020 | Page 25

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 No Animal Too Big or Too Small • Open 6 Days A Week that a number of airline companies friends: Many times pet owners turn to fam- 109 Hallie Irvine St., Richmond, KY • Small Animal Medicine and Surgery • Ultrasound ily members or friends to come provide care 859-623-6805 • Laser Surgery • Dentistry • Cat Boarding Judy Rhodus • Owner/Groomer for their pets while they’re out of town. This H ELP C ONTROL T HE P ET P OPULATION may require friends and relatives to re- [email protected] B Y S PAYING & N EUTERING arrange their schedules. Hiring a pet sitter 1401 Lexington Rd., Richmond 859-625-1144 means not having to feel bad about asking someone to fit pet care into his or her day. “Quality Pet CarH From People Who Care” Judy’s Pet Grooming • Training: Many pet sitters are profession- als with experience identifying animal be- haviors and tendencies. Such experience can be invaluable and help pets adjust quickly. 1017 Berea Road • Richmond, KY 859-623-8131 AdamsGMCTruck.com • Exercise opportunities: While pet board- ing facilities can provide quality care, a pet sitter can customize walks and exercise ses- sions according to what will most benefit the pet. If the animal is social and likes spend- ing time with other pets, that can be arranged. Or a solitary walk can fit the bill if the pet is less social. DAYCARE, BOARDING & GROOMING Where dogs have fun! Call Now for Appointment 624-0055 239 Cardinal Drive • Richmond, KY La-Donna Weitkamp Mon.-Fri. 6:00a-6:00p Sat. 8a-9a & 5-6p • Sun. 5p-6p only www.luxurypetsky.com A p r i l - M ay 2 02 0 Madison Magazine 25