ASPCA poison control has compiled a list which contains plants that have been reported as having systemic effects on animals and / or intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Please note that the information contained in this plant list is not meant to be all-inclusive, but rather a compilation of the most frequently encountered plants.

Be advised that the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats. Plants listed as either non-toxic, or potentially toxic with mild GI upset as their symptoms are not expected to be life-threatening to your pets.
​
If you believe that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, or if you have any further questions regarding the information contained in this database, contact either us at Hope Animal Medical Center or the APCC 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

​New Year's Eve Safety Tips for Pets

1. Be observant of your pet's response to loud noises. Thunderstorms and fireworks are a known causes for pet anxiety, but celebration party favors and popping champagne corks can be just as traumatizing. If you are hosting a party, make sure your pets are placed in a comfortable area that is separate from the activities. Make sure they have plenty of water and are secure. When possible, refrain from keeping them outside, as fireworks and other neighbors celebrating can lead to the same ruckus and worry.
   
   
2. Always keep your pet's tags on his collar. In the case he does get spooked and bolt for an open door or gate, an ID tag will be imperative to getting him home safely.
   
   
3. Beware of alcohol! Many pets can be drawn to glasses of beer or liquor that have been left behind after the celebration is over. Consumption of alcohol can be highly dangerous for animals, and even deadly. Make sure to thoroughly clean up the area before you allow your pets to enter. Always keep a close eye on them, and never give them any alcohol as a treat or joke.
   
   
4. Be aware of party decorations. Balloons, streamers, party hats or confetti can be unhealthy for an animal if ingested. While decorating for your party, keep the animals in a separate area where they do not have access to the decorations. If they do get into them, consult a veterinarian immediately. 

We will be offering discounted boarding for any Hurricane Florence evacuees. Please call us at 706-546-7879 for availability. 

This is a great article about the top 5 vaccine myths:

The veterinary healthcare team often encounters clients who bring their pets for a wellness visit but are unwilling to vaccinate because they do not believe in vaccines. Team members must be able to dispel myths and educate clients about the need for preventive healthcare.
The following can help dispel these common vaccine myths.

1 “My pet does not spend time outside. Vaccines are not necessary.”
Vaccine administration should be considered for each individual patient based on exposure risk, geographic location, and pet lifestyle. Vaccines have been divided into core and noncore groups. A one-size-fits-all vaccine protocol does not exist.

• Core vaccines, some of which are required by law, protect pets against diseases that have public health significance, are highly infectious, and pose risk for severe disease. Core vaccines are considered high-benefit and low-risk to the general patient population. 
• Noncore vaccines, which are typically recommended for patients only at risk because of their specific location or population, should be administered based on the risk associated with vaccine administration versus the pet’s risk for contracting the disease. 

An in-depth conversation with a client about his or her pet’s environment is an absolute necessity and can help make the client feel part of the decision-making team. That the pet does not often leave the home may be true, but during the discussion, the veterinary team may learn the pet goes to a groomer or visits a local pet store. Such small facts change a patient’s risk factors. Additionally, the vaccination status of other animals the pet encounters outside the home cannot be known.


2 “Veterinarians just want to make money from vaccines.” 
When developing vaccination protocols for the veterinary practice, current evidence-based guidelines (see Vaccine Guidelines) should be reviewed. Multiple core vaccinations for dogs and cats have a proven duration of immunity (DOI) of more than one year, and administration is recommended every 3 years after the initial series. However, noncore vaccines have a shorter DOI and will need to be administered at more frequent intervals. Vaccine administration is based on the individual risk factors for that patient, not financial gain. Therefore, vaccination recommendations may vary between patients based on each patient’s risk factors. 
3 “My puppy was vaccinated and then got parvovirus. The vaccine made my pet sick.”
Vaccination is particularly important in young animals because they are generally more susceptible to infection and tend to develop more significant disease. Although modified live vaccines can rarely revert to their pathogenic form and cause disease in the patient, maternal antibody interference is more likely to be the culprit in this situation and is the reason pediatric patients require a series of vaccinations. The maternal antibodies need to fall below a certain level before vaccination is effective. The level, which is variable, can occur between 8 and 16 weeks, depending on the mother’s vaccination history and the successful transfer of maternal antibodies via colostrum.

Unfortunately, the maternal antibodies can be high enough to block the immune response to the vaccine but not to protect the pet from an active infection. This window of susceptibility is a significant reason why an appropriately vaccinated pediatric patient can contract a disease despite being vaccinated. 

4 “My dog was vaccinated last year and got sick anyway. Vaccines do not work.”
Vaccination has been widely used in humans for more than 200 years and in companion animals for more than 50 years and has proven effective in controlling a range of major infectious diseases. The goal of vaccination is to create an adequate level of protective immunity to infectious disease.
An effective vaccine mimics the immune system’s natural response. A vaccine’s failure to produce the anticipated results is considered a rare adverse event and should be reported to the vaccine manufacturer.

A more common scenario is a lack of client education regarding vaccination goals. A good example is canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), which encompasses a wide variety of pathogens. Vaccination may completely prevent some pathogens (eg, canine distemper) but only lessen the disease frequency and severity in others (eg, Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza). Many other CIRDC pathogens do not have vaccines available, which can confuse clients because the term “kennel cough” is commonly used to describe their pet’s illness. Many clients equate kennel cough with Bordetella bronchiseptica and believe the vaccine given to their pet was not effective.

5 “My cousin’s cat had to have his leg amputated. Vaccines often cause cancer.”
Feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS) is a rare but serious adverse event in cats. Reported rates are variable and current estimates are likely below 1 in every 10 000 vaccinations.4 Adjuvanted vaccines have been implicated in FISS formation because they may trigger a more significant inflammatory response, but this is controversial because many injectable products likely produce an inflammatory reaction. The AAFP recommends administering subcutaneous vaccinations in cats’ distal limbs to assist in identifying the likely causative agent for local reactions and neoplasia and to aid in management after a sarcoma has formed.

Conclusion
Rumors travel quickly when something like a vaccine is perceived as a danger rather than an aid to disease prevention. The veterinary team must be prepared to educate clients about the goals of vaccinations for their pets and explain why vaccinations are an important part of any wellness program.
REFERENCES

1. Day MJ, Schultz RD. Vaccination. In: Day MJ, Schultz RD, eds. Veterinary Immunology: Principles and Practice. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2014:233-247.
2. Welborn LV, DeVries JG, Ford R, et al. 2011 AAHA canine vaccination guidelines. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2011;47(5):1-42.
3. Day MJ, Horzinek MC, Schultz RD, Vaccination Guidelines Group. WSAVA guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats. J Small Anim Pract. 2010;51(6):1-32.
4. Scherk MA, Ford RB, Gaskell RM, et al. 2013 AAFP feline vaccination advisory panel report. J Feline Med Surg. 2013;15(9):785-808. 
5. Blois S. Vaccination strategies. In: Merrill L, ed. Small Animal Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses. Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell; 2012:413-416.
6. Day MJ, Schultz RD. Immune system ontogeny and neonatal immunology. In: Day MJ, Schultz RD, eds. Veterinary Immunology: Principles and Practice. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2014:213-220.
7. Blois S. Canine vaccines. In: Merrill L, ed. Small Animal Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses. Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell; 2012:416-421.
8. Adverse event reporting. United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/veterinary-biologics/adverse-event-reporting/ct_vb_adverse_event. Updated June 14, 2016. Accessed July 5, 2017.

AUTHOR
Liza Wysong Rudolph BAS, CVT, VTS (CP-CF, SAIM)East Coast Veterinary Education, Aberdeen, Maryland

Liza Wysong Rudolph, BAS, CVT, VTS (CP-CF, SAIM), has been working as a veterinary nurse since 2000 and began practicing in internal medicine in 2006. She earned her bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology from St. Petersburg College, Florida, and most of her clinical experience has been related to internal medicine and emergency and critical care. She enjoys educating and training veterinary nurses through consulting, lecturing, online continuing education, and publishing.

Please see the complete article HERE

Happy 4th of July!!!

​As the holiday approaches take some time out to consider the safety and comfort of your pet(s). While the Fourth of July is a time for fireworks and celebration, for many pets and their owners it can be a nightmare. The loud noises, flashing lights, and smell of sulfur can cause excessive fear in pets. Nervous behaviors such as trembling, whimpering, and panting may be distressful to the pet, but the animal’s natural response to flee from what he interprets as a threatening situation may result in serious injury. Some dogs are so frightened by fireworks that they may run through glass windows, or escape from the yard and run the risk of being hit by a car.
Here are a few tips to keep your pet calm and safe this Fourth of July:

1. Leave your pets at home and indoors. Most pets are afraid of fireworks and may try to run away.
2. Close all doors and windows and put on background music to muffle the sound.
3. Close curtains and blinds to block the flashing lights.
4. Be sure that your pets are wearing identification tags or have microchips in case they do run away or get lost.
5. Try to distract your pet with chew toys and games, or play with another pet that does not share his fear.
6. If you have time, desensitization techniques with appropriate sound CDs, such as thunder, fireworks, trains, sirens, etc. may help pets get used to the sounds at a lower volume, then as they become more comfortable, gradually increase the volume.
7. If your pet has noise phobias, call us to discuss natural homeopathic, non-sedating remedy to keep your pet calm during storm and fireworks seasons. Sileo is a new product that helps with noise adversion, contact us for more information. 

To read more about firework fear and behavior, go to http://www.wral.com/lifestyles/pets/story/3090123/.

While each cat has its own individual disposition and temperament, when it comes to body language, all cats communicate in essentially the same way! When you know what to look for, learning to interpret their message is not that difficult!
LEARNING THE BODY LANGUAGE OF CATS
Tail
Cat’s tails can be very expressive and are good indicators of the way they are feeling. For instance, the tail of a cat feeling:

• Friendly, safe, confident, comfortable, and affectionate will be held:
  • Loose or straight up, but not stiff
  • Quivering
  • Straight out as if continuing from its body, but not stiff
• Friendly, but animal is not comfortable will hold its tail:
  • Up, but hooked
• Scared, unhappy or feeling threatened will have its tail:
  • Half tucked between its hind legs
• Alert, curious, interested will move its tail:
  • Swishing slowly and gently from side to side
• Interested in something they see or is starting to feel some aggression will have a tail that is:
  • Twitching at the tip
• Excited, but could also be angry, agitated or annoyed will have a tail that is:
  • Lashing side to side in a fast, aggressive way
• Becoming aggressive will hold its tail:
  • Stiff and held down and out from its body
• Angry or scared will have its tail:
  • Bristled and held straight up

Ears
A cat’s ears can provide a good visual indicator of their mood.

• Relaxed
  • Ears forward and up
• Interested, animal is listening
  • Ears swiveling back and forth
• Becoming agitated
  • Ears are turned back a bit or have turned sideways
• Frightened, defensive, angry, aggressive
  • Ears pinned flat back against the head

Head
The meaning of the way a cat holds its head depends upon the cat’s circumstances of the moment, for example:

• A raised head means either:
  • The cat is happy, confident, or feeling curious
    • The ears will usually be pricked up
  • The cat is in an aggressive situation where it feels it has to show dominance
    • The ears will be turned back in order to protect them
• A lowered head could mean either:
  • The cat is sleepy, content or bored
  • The cat is in a situation where it now needs to show submission

Whiskers
Whiskers can be used to measure their mood, for instance, whiskers that are:

• Held forward on its face are a sign the animal is feeling relaxed, happy, or curious
• Pulled back are a sign the animal is feeling aggressive or defensive

Eyes
Cats use their eyes to try to send a message, for instance:

• Staring, with wide eyes
  • Used to intimidate
  • Usually observed before and during the time a cat attacks or is in a fight
• Narrow, with slowly blinking eyes
  • Sending a message of happiness and of trust

Body
A cat will use its body in ways that are intended to show affection and trust, for example:

• Kneading
  • Show of comfort and contentment
• Rubbing against its human’s legs
  • Marking his territory by leaving his scent on you
• Rolling onto its back
  • Being submissive, showing trust

An arched back can mean different things depending on the age of the cat.

• To a kitten, this is an invitation to play fight
• To an adult, this usually is an indication that a real fight is going to happen
  • Other body language signs help to interpret the stance, for example if the cat is going to fight, its ears will be turned back, the hair on its back and tail will be standing on end, and it will have wide eyes

Sources:
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/cat_communication.html#Body_language
http://pets.webmd.com/cats/features/cat-body-language

April is Heartworm Awareness Month

Heartworms are transmitted to dogs and cats by mosquitoes. Heartworm disease develops when a dog or cat is bitten by a mosquito carrying microscopic heartworm larvae (juvenile worms) of a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis . As a mosquito feeds, these larvae are deposited on the pet’s skin and quickly penetrate the skin to begin their migration into the pet’s bloodstream. The larvae migrate through the bloodstream and tissues, eventually reaching the heart and lungs. Adult heartworms can grow 10 to 12 inches in length and make their home in the right side of the heart and pulmonary (lung) arteries, often causing lung disease and heart failure.

Heartworm disease is a major health problem for dogs living in the United States and throughout the temperate and tropical regions of the world. Once thought to be only a disease of dogs and other wild canids (foxes, wolves, and coyotes), recent studies indicate that heartworm infection in cats is more common then ever believed. Without the protect ion of a heartworm preventive, your pet could get heartworm disease – a potentially deadly illness of the heart and lungs. While there is treatment available for dogs that get infected with heartworms, treatment can be expensive, difficult and can lead to serious side effects. However, there is no approved treatment for feline heartworm infection. Therefore, heartworm prevention given to your pet once monthly year-round is strongly advised to protect your pet from contracting this potentially fatal disease.

The good news is that heartworm disease is essentially 100% preventable! Various heartworm preventives are available, including monthly oral and topical formulations. Heartworm preventives are effective when given properly and on a timely schedule. All heartworm preventive medications work by killing heartworm larvae acquired during the previous month and do not continue to protect pets from future infection. This is why it is important to administer heartworm preventives to your pet once every month year-round. All approved heartworm preventives are highly effective, safe, easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and often provide treatment for additional parasites. Please remember, it is your responsibility to faithfully maintain the preventive program you have selected in consultation with your veterinarian. The best way to eliminate the risk of heartworm infection in your pet is to institute a year-round prevention program. Prevention is always more safe and affordable than treating dogs with adult heartworm infections.

Clinical signs of heartworm disease in dogs and cats can vary. Recently infected dogs may show no signs of the disease. Some common signs of heartworm infection in dogs include coughing, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, decreased appetite, weight loss and lethargy. Left untreated, heartworm disease may be fatal to your dog as it can cause “caval syndrome”, a sudden obstruction of blood flow through the heart and lungs, or development of heart failure. Signs of heartworm disease in cats range tremendously, from mild and subtle in appearance to severe and life threatening. Symptoms of feline Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD) can mimic many common diseases of cats such as hairballs, asthma, or pneumonia . Signs of disease may include loss of appetite, sluggishness, intermittent vomiting (not associated with eating), coughing, wheezing, and respiratory distress. The presence of just one heartworm may result in permanent damage – or even death – to a cat or kitten. In fact, sudden death may be the first and only sign of heartworm infection in some cats.

Detecting heartworm disease in both dogs and cats involve   simple blood tests; however, heartworm disease in dogs and cats do have some differences. Numerous blood tests are available for detecting heartworm infections in dogs, and your veterinarian will perform the test most appropriate for your dog. Tests cannot consistently detect infection until heartworms are at least six to seven months old. Moreover, tests are unable to detect infections if only male worms are present or if there are only one or two female worms.   All dogs more than six months of age should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Annual heartworm testing is recommended for monitoring the success of any heartworm prevention program in dogs. If your dog tests positive for heartworm disease, then your veterinarian will need to perform a thorough physical examination, blood tests (e.g. a CBC and chemistry profile), and radiographs to assess your dog’s level of risk and stage of disease. To reduce complications, your veterinarian will educate you in great detail before beginning treatment. While the heartworm medication melarsomine dihydrochloride (Immiticide) is extremely effective in eliminating adult worms, some dogs will not be completely cleared with a single course of treatment. Testing is recommended six months after treatment to ensure all heartworms were killed. If tests are positive, additional adulticidal treatment may be indicated.

For the feline population, two blood tests are currently available to assist in diagnosing heartworms in cats . Unfortunately, test results do not always produce clear answers, even with professional interpretation. Positive tests indicate heartworms were present, but do not necessarily mean the pet is still infected. Moreover, since tests cannot diagnose very early infection or those infections cause by only one or two worms, negative test results are not always accurate. Even when heartworm disease is highly suspected, confirming a diagnosis through testing in the cat can be difficult. Multiple blood tests along with chest x-rays and ultrasound imaging of the heart and lungs are often needed to make a diagnosis. Since no safe treatment exists for the elimination of heartworms   in cats, the best option is the routine use of heartworm preventives to inhibit development of infection.

All dogs are at risk for heartworm disease no matter where they live. Cats are at risk wherever dogs are at risk. The prevalence of heartworm disease has increased steadily since it was first identified. It now affects dogs in all 50 states. Even indoor cats can get heartworm disease. Some people think that indoor cats are safe from heartworm disease, but mosquitoes can get indoors, and cats can get out. Please visit the website of the American Heartworm Society (www.heartwormsociety.org) for more in-depth information regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heartworm disease.

FOR DOGS: 

• Heartgard Plus = Ivermectin/Pyrantel pamoate, oral heartworm prevention plus intestinal parasite control (hookworms and roundworms), lasts 1 month
• Trifexis = Spinosad/Milbemycin Oxime, oral flea control plus heartworm prevention, intestinal parasite control (hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms), lasts 1 month (DOGS ONLY)
• Interceptor = Milbemycin Oxime, oral heartworm prevention plus intestinal parasite control (hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms), lasts 1 month 
• Revolution = Selamectin, topical flea/tick control plus heartworm prevention, lasts 1 month 
• Proheart 6 = Moxidectin, Injectable heartworm prevention, lasts 6 months

FOR CATS :

• Advantage Multi = Imidacloprid/Moxidectin, topical flea control plus heartworm prevention, intestinal parasite control (hookworms and roundworms), and earmite treatment/prevention, lasts 1 month
• Revolution = Selamectin, topical flea control plus heartworm prevention, intestinal parasite control (hookworms and roundworms), and earmite treatment/prevention, lasts 1 month.
• Heartgard = Ivermectin, oral heartworm prevention plus hookworm intestinal parasite control, lasts 1 month

Please call us at 706-546-7879 for more information or visit our clinic’s website at www.hopeamc.com. 

Spring has sprung! 

We all want to wish you a Happy March! With the warmer weather, we officially mark the beginning of flea and tick season. Fleas and ticks are external parasites that affect dogs, cats and humans too. The harmful effects of fleas and ticks can include more than just itchiness and discomfort. In fact, both fleas and ticks can carry serious diseases that are dangerous to both owner and pet. Thankfully, today there are a variety of products available through veterinarians that can help ensure protection from these pesky parasites.

Fleas 
In addition to itchiness, or pruritus, fleas can cause numerous health problems in our pets. Fleas are small, brown, wingless insects that bite the skin and feed on blood. Because they feed on blood, flea infestations can lead to anemia. When a flea bites a pet, it injects small amounts of saliva into the skin that works to prevent blood clotting and allows it to better siphon blood. Some pets are allergic to the flea saliva, which can cause severe skin reactions, known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) or flea bite hypersensitivity. Fleas can also carry tapeworm larvae, which a pet can ingest and become infected with tapeworms and then pass through its feces (often looks like “pieces of rice”). Plus, fleas can carry the organism Bartonella henselae , one of the causes of “cat-scratch disease (CSD)” in humans.

Ticks 
Ticks are another blood-sucking parasite of the arachnid family related to mites and spiders. Ticks are most commonly found on the ears or in between the toes, but they can be found anywhere on the body. Ticks can be harmful in small or large numbers, as they can transmit serious diseases to both animals and humans. Tick-borne diseases include: Ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Lyme disease. Erhlichia can cause anemia, low platelet counts, bleeding, fever, lethargy, neurologic disease and multiple leg arthritis. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can cause fever, neurologic disease, breathing difficulty, bleeding disorders and anemia. Lyme disease, caused by the organism Borrelia burgdorferi , is transmitted by the deer tick and can cause multiple leg arthritis, weight loss, lack of appetite, lethargy and fever. Ticks can also cause localized inflammatory lesions of the skin, and occasionally, a syndrome called tick-bite paralysis: weakness or paralysis associated with a toxin the tick secretes as it feeds.

Signs of Infestation 
Often times pet owners will find fleas or ticks on their pets; however, some pets with flea allergy dermatitis/flea bite hypersensitivity may just be itchy, but no fleas are visible. Finding an adult flea is just the “tip of the iceberg” as the flea has other life-cycle stages that are more numerous and often times too small to see easily. Fleas lay eggs that fall off the pet into the surrounding environment. These eggs hatch into larval-stage fleas then form a pupa before maturing into an adult flea. Other signs of flea infestation are finding pepper-like debris (flea feces) in the pet’s fur, pruritus (itching/scratching/over-grooming), and irritated skin. Flea infestations can lead to secondary skin infections as well. Another indicator of a flea or tick problem is if pet owners find a tick or small bites on themselves.

Flea and Tick Preventives 
Fortunately, there are a variety of flea and tick preventives available through your veterinarian. These products are safe and effective, and come in either topical or oral formulations. It is crucial that products designed for dogs should never be used for cats and vice-versa. The use of over-the-counter products is not recommended as they can have harsher ingredients and harmful side effects, especially if used incorrectly. Harmful side effects can include: allergic reactions, muscle tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, death for a pet. We have a variety of products here at Hope Animal Medical Center that can help you and your pet. We recommend using flea/tick control products once monthly year-round as insects are a year-round problem here in the south. Below is a brief explanation of the different products available.

FOR DOGS: 
Nexgard = Afoxolaner, oral flea/tick control, lasts 1 month (Dogs Only)
Simparica = Sarolaner, oral flea/tick control, lasts 1 month (Dogs Only)
Bravecto = Fluralaner, oral flea/tick control, lasts 3 months
Capstar = Nitenpyram, oral flea control, kills fleas quickly,lasts 1 day only
Frontline Gold (New and improved from the original formula) = Fipronil/S-Methoprene/pyriproxyfen, topical flea/tick control, lasts 1 month
Seresto Collar = Imidacloprid/Flumethrin, Flea/tick Collar that lasts 8 months
Preventic Collar = Amitraz, tick collar, lasts 3 months (DOGS ONLY)
Trifexis = Spinosad/Milbemycin Oxime, oral flea control plus heartworm prevention, intestinal parasite control, lasts 1 month (DOGS ONLY)
Revolution = Selamectin, topical flea/tick control plus heartworm prevention, lasts 1 month

FOR CATS: 
Capstar = Nitenpyram, oral flea control, kills fleas quickly,lasts 1 day only 
Advantage Multi = Imidacloprid/Moxidectin, topical flea control plus heartworm prevention, intestinal parasite control, and ear mite treatment/prevention, lasts 1 month
Bravecto = Fluralaner, Topical flea/tick control, lasts 3 months
Frontline Gold (New and improved from the original formula) = Fipronil/S-Methoprene/pyriproxyfen, topical flea/tick control, lasts 1 month
Seresto Collar = Imidacloprid/Flumethrin, Flea/tick Collar that lasts 8 months
Revolution = Selamectin, topical flea control plus heartworm prevention, intestinal parasite control, and earmite treatment/prevention, lasts 1 month.

Please call for more information or visit our clinic’s website at www.HopeAMC.com. ​

Spring has sprung! 

We all want to wish you a Happy March! With the warmer weather, we officially mark the beginning of flea and tick season. Fleas and ticks are external parasites that affect dogs, cats and humans too. The harmful effects of fleas and ticks can include more than just itchiness and discomfort. In fact, both fleas and ticks can carry serious diseases that are dangerous to both owner and pet. Thankfully, today there are a variety of products available through veterinarians that can help ensure protection from these pesky parasites.

Fleas 
In addition to itchiness, or pruritus, fleas can cause numerous health problems in our pets. Fleas are small, brown, wingless insects that bite the skin and feed on blood. Because they feed on blood, flea infestations can lead to anemia. When a flea bites a pet, it injects small amounts of saliva into the skin that works to prevent blood clotting and allows it to better siphon blood. Some pets are allergic to the flea saliva, which can cause severe skin reactions, known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) or flea bite hypersensitivity. Fleas can also carry tapeworm larvae, which a pet can ingest and become infected with tapeworms and then pass through its feces (often looks like “pieces of rice”). Plus, fleas can carry the organism Bartonella henselae , one of the causes of “cat-scratch disease (CSD)” in humans.

Ticks 
Ticks are another blood-sucking parasite of the arachnid family related to mites and spiders. Ticks are most commonly found on the ears or in between the toes, but they can be found anywhere on the body. Ticks can be harmful in small or large numbers, as they can transmit serious diseases to both animals and humans. Tick-borne diseases include: Ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Lyme disease. Erhlichia can cause anemia, low platelet counts, bleeding, fever, lethargy, neurologic disease and multiple leg arthritis. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can cause fever, neurologic disease, breathing difficulty, bleeding disorders and anemia. Lyme disease, caused by the organism Borrelia burgdorferi , is transmitted by the deer tick and can cause multiple leg arthritis, weight loss, lack of appetite, lethargy and fever. Ticks can also cause localized inflammatory lesions of the skin, and occasionally, a syndrome called tick-bite paralysis: weakness or paralysis associated with a toxin the tick secretes as it feeds.

Signs of Infestation 
Often times pet owners will find fleas or ticks on their pets; however, some pets with flea allergy dermatitis/flea bite hypersensitivity may just be itchy, but no fleas are visible. Finding an adult flea is just the “tip of the iceberg” as the flea has other life-cycle stages that are more numerous and often times too small to see easily. Fleas lay eggs that fall off the pet into the surrounding environment. These eggs hatch into larval-stage fleas then form a pupa before maturing into an adult flea. Other signs of flea infestation are finding pepper-like debris (flea feces) in the pet’s fur, pruritus (itching/scratching/over-grooming), and irritated skin. Flea infestations can lead to secondary skin infections as well. Another indicator of a flea or tick problem is if pet owners find a tick or small bites on themselves.

Flea and Tick Preventives 
Fortunately, there are a variety of flea and tick preventives available through your veterinarian. These products are safe and effective, and come in either topical or oral formulations. It is crucial that products designed for dogs should never be used for cats and vice-versa. The use of over-the-counter products is not recommended as they can have harsher ingredients and harmful side effects, especially if used incorrectly. Harmful side effects can include: allergic reactions, muscle tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, death for a pet. We have a variety of products here at Hope Animal Medical Center that can help you and your pet. We recommend using flea/tick control products once monthly year-round as insects are a year-round problem here in the south. Below is a brief explanation of the different products available.

FOR DOGS: 
Nexgard = Afoxolaner, oral flea/tick control, lasts 1 month (Dogs Only)
Simparica = Sarolaner, oral flea/tick control, lasts 1 month (Dogs Only)
Bravecto = Fluralaner, oral flea/tick control, lasts 3 months
Capstar = Nitenpyram, oral flea control, kills fleas quickly,lasts 1 day only
Frontline Gold (New and improved from the original formula) = Fipronil/S-Methoprene/pyriproxyfen, topical flea/tick control, lasts 1 month
Seresto Collar = Imidacloprid/Flumethrin, Flea/tick Collar that lasts 8 months
Preventic Collar = Amitraz, tick collar, lasts 3 months (DOGS ONLY)
Trifexis = Spinosad/Milbemycin Oxime, oral flea control plus heartworm prevention, intestinal parasite control, lasts 1 month (DOGS ONLY)
Revolution = Selamectin, topical flea/tick control plus heartworm prevention, lasts 1 month

FOR CATS: 
Capstar = Nitenpyram, oral flea control, kills fleas quickly,lasts 1 day only 
Advantage Multi = Imidacloprid/Moxidectin, topical flea control plus heartworm prevention, intestinal parasite control, and ear mite treatment/prevention, lasts 1 month
Bravecto = Fluralaner, Topical flea/tick control, lasts 3 months
Frontline Gold (New and improved from the original formula) = Fipronil/S-Methoprene/pyriproxyfen, topical flea/tick control, lasts 1 month
Seresto Collar = Imidacloprid/Flumethrin, Flea/tick Collar that lasts 8 months
Revolution = Selamectin, topical flea control plus heartworm prevention, intestinal parasite control, and earmite treatment/prevention, lasts 1 month.

Please call for more information or visit our clinic’s website at www.HopeAMC.com.