The warmer weather is finally here! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and I’m sure everyone’s pets are enjoying the spring weather. Don’t forget that this is also the type of weather that those nasty parasites come out to enjoy as well. Parasite prevention season starts from June 1st, so please remember to bring your dogs in for parasite testing. Don’t forget about our kitty friends. They are also at risk of picking up worms and fleas this season and need to be on prevention to protect them as well even indoor cats are at risk!
Indoor cats can become infested with fleas quite easily. Once fleas get in your house, they can live there quite comfortably and multiply frequently. You can bring fleas into your home if you were in close contact with a pet that has fleas. Tape worms are also a problem for indoor cats. Since tapeworms are carried by fleas, your cat may swallow a flea while grooming and infect itself with tapeworm. Round worms may also be a threat to indoor cats, particularly if there is a rodent problem in your home. Living indoors is the safest lifestyle for your cat. However, your cat is not safe from parasites even if living indoors. It is important to take the proper precautions to protect yourself and your cat. Talk to your vet about parasite protection for your cat this year . For information on parasite testing and prevention, please contact us at Dufferin-Steeles Animal Hospital. 905-532-0043
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Spring has arrived, although some days it does not seem like it! As spring arrives it brings with it all the annoying parasites which cause all kinds of problems for people and animals alike. Since pet infestations can be passed on to humans, prevention is important for the whole family.
With the amount of climate change over the last few years, we are experiencing an increase in heartworm positive and Lyme disease in dogs in Ontario. Between 2002 and 2014 there was an 80% increase in reported heartworm positive dogs in this province alone. Heartworm is transmitted through a bite of an infected mosquito. There’s no way to tell if a mosquito is infected, that’s why prevention is so important. Ticks wait for host animals on the tips of grasses and shrubs. When brushed by a moving animal or person, they quickly let go of the vegetation and climb onto the host. Ticks can be active on winter days with temperatures of only 4 degrees Celsius! We recommend that dogs are tested for heartworm and tick-borne diseases every April and be put on a parasite prevention from June to November. It’s important to note that even indoor cats need parasite prevention since there are many ways parasites can enter your home, such as via insects and other animals. As our pets are unable to talk like you and I, it’s important to know what’s going on inside before it becomes a serious health concern. Pets age more rapidly than humans, meaning disease can occur rapidly. In fact 10% of pets that appear healthy to owners have been found to have an underlying condition. Since the parasite test requires a blood sample, we can use the same blood sample to test for common conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney failure. Testing this way is cheaper and less stressful for our pets. For information on parasites, and discounted wellness blood work, please contact us at Dufferin-Steeles Animal Hospital. 905-532-0043 |
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DUFFERIN-STEELES ANIMAL HOSPITAL
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Emergency Care
If this is an urgent issue and it is outside our normal business hours, please contact: Vaughan-Richmond Hill Emergency Clinic 10303 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON, L4C3B9 (905)884-1832 or Central Toronto Veterinary Referral and Emergency Clinic 1051 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON, M6C2C9 (416)784-4444 Our Partners in care |
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