Spring 2014

Finally, after what seems to be an endless winter, we will soon be enjoying the warmer weather. We are happy that we do not have to shovel any longer.

The spring and fall of 2013 saw an increase in ticks found on dogs, especially late in the fall. Ticks are usually a concern in the spring and fall and can be found all through the summer as well. There is a greater chance of tick contact in wooded areas and ravines. Deer ticks can potentially carry Lyme disease, anaplasmosis or ehrlichiosis. All of these are bacteria that can cause fever, swollen joints, poor appetite and other symptoms. The nymph stage in a tick is very tiny and can often go unnoticed on a pet. This year we are recommending a screening blood test (called a 4Dx test) that detects heartworm, lyme disease,  anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. Prevention of heartworm with medication given once a month can be combined with products to help prevent tick attachment. Lyme vaccination is strongly recommended for dogs visiting areas where Lyme-infected ticks are often found, such as Kingston or Lake Erie, or dogs that are walked in wooded areas.

With our increasing residential area, wildlife such as raccoons and skunks have become "urban" wildlife, increasing the chance of your dog coming into contact with leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that is transmitted through direct and indirect contact with an infected animal. It is a potentially fatal disease that can be passed to humans. Puddles, ditches, streams and grass can contain urine that may be infected with the leptospirosis bacteria. With wildlife as small as a mouse being a possible carrier, this disease makes our "only in the backyard" pet a possible target for disease. Vaccination for leptospirosis is strongly recommended.

Our busy lifestyle may mean our dogs are socializing with other dogs more - such as at daycare, spas, boarding or leash-free parks. This dog to dog contact may put your pet at risk for kennel cough. Bordetella or "kennel cough" vaccination will help prevent this.

As always, your pet's total wellness is our concern and preventive medicine is part of that wellness. We will discuss your pet's vaccination recommendations during your visit. See you soon!

Dr B.