Southland Weimaraner Club

The premier Weimaraner Club for Southern California.

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Canine Heat Stroke

May 4, 2018 by swc

Article by Dr. Debra Primovic

Canine heat stroke is a condition arising from extremely high body temperature (rectal temperature of 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit), which leads to nervous system abnormalities that may include lethargy, weakness, collapse or coma. Abnormally high body temperature (also called hyperthermia) develops after increased muscular activity with impaired ability to give off heat due to high heat and humidity or respiratory obstruction. Allowing a dog to remain in a car with closed windows on a hot summer day is probably the most common cause of heat stroke.

Normal dogs dissipate heat from their skin. In addition, panting allows evaporation of water from the respiratory tract and is an effective method of heat dissipation. When these mechanisms are overwhelmed, hyperthermia and heat stroke usually develop. The elevation in body temperature stimulates the body to release substances that activate inflammation.

At temperatures greater than 109 Fahrenheit, failure of vital organs, and consequently death, occurs.

Heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps can occur after exposure to extremely high environmental temperatures. These illnesses occur in all mammals and can be prevented by taking proper precautions.

Animals at greatest risk for heat-related illness include:

# Puppies up to 6 months of age

# Overweight dogs

# Dogs overexerted during exercise

# Dogs that are ill or receiving certain medications

# Brachycephalic breeds (dogs with short, wide heads like pugs, English bulldogs, Boston terriers)

# Dogs with obstructive airway diseases

# Dogs with pre-existing fever

# Dogs that are dehydrated

# Dogs with heart disease

# Dogs with poor circulation due to cardiovascular or other underlying disease

# Older pets (large breed dogs over 7 years of age, small breed dogs over 14 years of age)

# Pets with a history of seizures

# Pregnancy and nursing

What to Watch For:

# Noisy breathing that may indicate upper airway obstruction

# Excessive panting

# Bright red mucous membranes (gums, conjunctiva of the eyes)

# Weakness

# Collapse

# Coma

# Altered mentation

# Petechiae (pinpoint hemorrhages on the gums and/or skin)

Diagnosis

Certain tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis of heat stroke and exclude other diseases that may cause similar symptoms or to better understand the impact of heat stroke. These tests insure optimal medical care and are selected on a case-by-case basis. Your veterinarian will take a complete medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. A complete medical history and thorough physical examination, including rectal temperature.

Diagnostic tests are needed to diagnose heat stroke and assess the extent of vital organ dysfunction, including:

# A complete blood count (CBC or hemogram) or packed cell volume or PCV. This is a simple test to evaluate your dog for the presence of blood loss (anemia), to assess the severity of dehydration and cardiovascular stress, low platelet concentration, or inflammation. It determines the percentage of the blood occupied by red blood cells, which is normally 35 to 55 percent in dogs. Total plasma protein concentration (TP) evaluates the hydration status (water will be lost from the blood during dehydration resulting in a higher concentration of proteins in blood).

# Tests of coagulation including: activated coagulation time (ACT); prothrombin time (OSPT); partial thromboplastin time (APTT); serum fibrinogen concentration; and platelet count. Fibrin degradation products (FDPs) to evaluate and to identify the presence of a life-threatening, body-wide disorder called  disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This is the failure of blood clotting which can result in consumption of the body’s clotting proteins and ultimately the inability of the blood to clot that is often a complication of heat stroke. The presence of breakdown products of fibrin (called fibrin degradation products) indicates that fibrin (the active form of the blood clotting protein fibrinogen) has been broken down and can serve as an important clue and supports the diagnosis of DIC.

# Serum biochemistry tests to assess the extent of damage to vital organs such as muscles, kidneys and liver.  To evaluate kidney function since acute kidney failure can complicate heat stroke, there is Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine concentrations, and serum phosphorus concentrations.  For liver function – alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase.  And for muscle function – creatine kinase.

Blood glucose and electrolyte (sodium, potassium, chloride) concentrations to evaluate for body wide infection (sepsis), the electrolyte and acid base status, and metabolic abnormalities that can complicate heat stroke.

Blood gas analysis may show abnormalities in body wide acid base balance including metabolic acidosis due to poor circulation and kidney failure or respiratory alkalosis from excessively rapid breathing.

# Routine urinalysis to identify leakage of protein including the muscle protein myoglobin, which can damage the kidneys and cause acute kidney failure. Damaged kidney cells may be sloughed into the kidney tubules and form microscopic casts that indicate ongoing damage to the kidneys.

# An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) may be recommended if arrhythmias are suspected. Arrhythmias are a relatively common complication of heat stroke.

Treatment

Intensity of treatment must be individualized and based upon the cause and severity of the heat illness, the condition, complications, pre-existing health problems,  and other factors that must be analyzed by your veterinarian. Treatments may include:

# For mildly increased temperature (rectal temperature of more than 102.5 F but less than 105 F) your dog may only require rest, a fan to increase air circulation, fresh water to drink and VERY careful observation. If the dog worsens or the temperature increases then medical attention is indicated.

#  With temperatures between 105 to 107 F, hospitalization and aggressive medical therapy likely will be recommended. If complications (arrhythmias, kidney failure, liver failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, cerebral edema, and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation) have occurred, the following additional treatments will be necessary.

# Dogs with markedly increased temperature (greater than 107 F) must be treated  aggressively.

Cooling can be accomplished externally with cool water baths, application of alcohol to the footpads, enhanced air circulation using a fan, and careful placement of ice packs over areas with large superficial blood vessels (neck, groin, armpit). Internal cooling methods include intravenous administration cool electrolyte solutions, cool water enemas, lavage of the stomach with cool water, or rarely necessary -peritoneal dialysis with cool electrolyte solutions (instillation of cool electrolyte solutions into the peritoneal cavity by means of a catheter).

# Underlying conditions, such as heart disease, respiratory disease and dehydration should be treated with appropriate medications, oxygen delivery, and intravenous administration of electrolyte solutions. Fluid therapy is often started immediately to treat the shock and metabolic waste concentrations that may accompany heat stroke.

# Close monitoring of your dog is necessary to guide treatment. You and your veterinarian will have to evaluate your dog’s rectal temperature, heart rate and rhythm, respiratory rate, blood pressure, urine output, level of consciousness, pinpoint hemorrhages on the gums or bruising of the skin, vomiting, diarrhea or gastrointestinal bleeding.

# The anti-clotting medication heparin may be recommended to prevent disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or if your dog is in the early stages of this life-threatening complication. Plasma that has been frozen soon after collection (fresh frozen plasma) may be administered to provide clotting factors in cases of DIC after your pet has been treated with heparin to prevent ongoing coagulation. Sometimes heparin is mixed in with the fresh frozen plasma.

# Mannitol may be used to reduce cerebral edema if it is suspected.

# The drugs dopamine and furosemide may be used to dilate blood vessels to the kidneys and to increase urinary excretion of salt and water, respectively. These treatments are given when acute kidney failure due to heat stroke is suspected.

# Sucralfate is a coating agent that can be used to limit gastrointestinal bleeding. Cimetidine and omeprazole are drugs that can be used to decrease acid secretion by the stomach and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

# Antibiotics may be administered to treat suspected bacterial infection.

# Dextrose (sugar) may be added to your dog’s intravenous electrolyte solution to prevent or treat low blood sugar concentration (hypoglycemia).

# The short-acting anti-convulsant agent diazepam may be recommended for seizures. Other seizure medications such as Phenobarbital may also be needed if diazepam is ineffective.

# The anti-arrhythmic agent lidocaine may be used to treat certain heart rhythm disturbances (rapid ventricular tachycardia).

The need for additional treatments depends on the severity of heat stroke and secondary complications that may arise. Complications of heat stroke may include:

# Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

# Liver failure

# Acute kidney failure

# Muscle breakdown

# Low blood pressure (hypotension)

# Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

# Convulsions (seizures)

# Secondary infections (including pneumonia)

# Gastrointestinal problems including bleeding and absorption of bacteria or toxins from the intestine with development of systemic infection (sepsis)

Home Care and Prevention

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. Check your dog’s temperature rectally if you suspect heatstroke. Normal body temperature in dogs is higher than in humans (99.5 to 102.5 F as compared to 98.6 F). If your dog’s temperature is over 105 F, call your veterinarian and remove your dog from the heat source immediately.

Meanwhile, place a cool, wet towel over your dog or place him in a cool water bath. Do NOT use ice because it may cause skin injury and causes surface vessels to constrict preventing cooling of core organs and tissues.  Surface blood vessels should remain dialated to carry core body heat to the body surface via circulation of blood and lymph so the body temperature can decrease.

There are several things you can do to prevent heat related problems for your dog:

# Monitor outdoor temperature and minimize your dog’s activity and provide cool housing on hot, humid days.

# Limit sun exposure during the hours of 11 AM to 3 PM on hot days.

# Walk or exercise your dog in the morning or evening when it is cooler or if temperatures are high limit exercise.

# Keep your dog in a comfortable environment (air-conditioned room, partially open windows with a breeze, fans, shade, etc ) during extremely hot weather.

# NEVER leave your dog in a car (even with the windows partially rolled down) for any reason at any time. Leaving dogs in a car during warm weather is the most common cause of heat stroke.

# Provide your dog with plenty of fresh water and plenty of shade. Take extra care with puppies, thick coated or long haired dark colored pets with medical problems, obese pets and senior pets.

# If possible, allow your dog to acclimate gradually to high temperatures. Heat illness is common in the spring when the animal has not had sufficient time to acclimate to the warmer temperatures.

# After traveling to a warmer climate, allow your dog several days to become acclimated before allowing any vigorous exercise.

# Consider the length of coat, amount and thickness of hair, and coat color when evaluating the amount of exercise and environment that is safe for your dog when the weather is warm and hot.

# Supervise children as they play with dogs in hot weather and prevent them from exercising or housing dogs to risk heat strokes.  Children often can not understand that dogs will get hotter faster and can not cool down in comparason to themselves.

# Prevent dogs from “denning up” in places where they can not get out to a cooler area.

# Do not encourage or allow dogs to engage in activities that they have instinctive drive to persue that will interfere with their sense of discomfort or danger ( i.e. hunting, retreiving, herding, digging, etc)

Other medical problems can lead to symptoms similar to those encountered in heat stroke. These conditions should be excluded before establishing a definitive diagnosis of heat stroke:

# Anxiety and fear

# Drug intoxication causing hyperactivity or seizures

# Intense exercise

# Fever

# Hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland)

# Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar concentration) resulting in seizures

# Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium concentration) resulting in increased muscle activity or seizures)

# Malignant hyperthermia (greatly increased body temperature) during anesthesia

# Abnormality of the temperature regulation center in the hypothalamus of the brain

# Seizures of any cause

Prognosis

The prognosis is variable. The prognosis depends on the severity of the clinical signs, response to treatment and secondary complications. Pets that are extremely mentally depressed or that have active signs of hemorrhage have a poorer prognosis.

Follow-up

Optimal treatment for your dog requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Follow-up is crucial. Administer any medications prescribed by your veterinarian and contact your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems treating your dog.

Observe your dog’s activity level and appetite. Monitor his skin for bruising and gums for pinpoint hemorrhages.

Your dog should be re-examined after 3 to 7 days to evaluate serum biochemical tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) if arrhythmias were detected during hospitalization.

The actual follow-up procedure employed will depend on the severity of your dog’s heat illness, his response to therapy, and your veterinarian’s recommendations.

Filed Under: Articles, Health

The Truth About Pet-Friendly Hotels

March 26, 2018 by swc

By Carol Bryant

If you’ve ever taken a trip with your dog and checked into a hotel that claims to be “pet friendly,” there are a few things to keep in mind that might not be advertised.

As a pet traveler of 20 years, I have encountered mostly amazing experiences at pet friendly hotels and bed and breakfasts, but occasionally one falls through the cracks. Pet friendly does not mean red carpet in all cases, so keep these pointers in mind the next time you book a room for you and Fido:

  • Fees are usually imposed on travelers who are staying with pets. Always ask ahead if there are fees involved, how much, and if there is a fee for each pet or a one-time deal. Often, hotels will hold a security deposit and then refund it or not charge your credit card prior to checking out.
  • Pet friendly has its pets allowed limits. You can bring three kids, just not three dogs, as an example. Ask first how many dogs are allowed. Nothing ruins a trip or vacation than hearing, “sorry ma’am, but three dogs are not welcome here, only two.”
  • Ask about their pet policy and what exactly it entails. Most pet-friendly establishments have a policy in writing and will ask you to sign it upon check in. Read the fine print carefully and if it isn’t, ask where you can find whatever they have as it pertains to rules of pets staying there.
  • Breed restrictions may apply, so ask ahead. I am hearing more about this but I’ve yet to encounter it. I personally would not stay somewhere that had a problem with my “breed” of dog. Better to be safe than sorry, so question the policy before making a reservation.
  • You can be asked to leave if your dog barks and is disturbing other guests. I understand this. I never leave my dog alone in the room. If a fire occurred, who is worrying about the dog in room 204 and if he gets out safely? Chances are, no one. Some hotels have a concierge service or can recommend a pet sitter/dog walker if you want to leave Fido behind while sightseeing.
  • Pets may not be allowed on beds, couches, furniture in general. My dog is allowed on all of this at home, so I travel with sheets and lay them across everything when I travel. I am sure at some point, whether child or adult, sockless feet have jumped on the same bed/the same furniture in the hotel, but pet travelers get the warning. I respect it and my dog’s paws never touch the fabric.

Filed Under: Articles, General

Why Join a Club

March 26, 2018 by swc

By Vickie Margolis

Something that has been on my mind for quite some time:  Why there is little participation from our membership.  And in researching, it is not just SWC, but many dog clubs, car clubs, gardening clubs…you name it.  It seems more and more the questions from prospective and former members is WHY SHOULD I JOIN A CLUB?  WHAT CAN A CLUB DO FOR ME?

I’d like to share my thoughts on that.  The reasons are many….Our lives are busier and more hectic than ever, we have more and more choices as to what to do with the little leisure time we have, traffic (especially here in So. Cal) is horrendous, options for social interactions without ever leaving home are greater than ever before.  I think people have lost sight of the reasons clubs/organizations exist.  Clubs were formed to bring together those with like interests in something, whether it be a car club, a golf club, a sports club or a dog club.  Breed specific dog clubs like Southland Weimaraner Club bring together those in a relative local area that have a love of a particular breed, enjoy talking about, and doing various activities with their dogs.  It really makes no difference if your dog came from rescue, or a successful long time breeder of conformation or field trial lines, they are all Weimaraners.  Specialty breed clubs like Southland Weimaraner Club are there to support and help us all realize the potential locked inside our dogs and provide a local community for us to exchange information about health issues that affect all our dogs, and ask each other for help when needed.  Local clubs are a resource for their members to learn how to start your dog in conformation, obedience, field, retrieving, agility or just being a better family member. Clubs like SWC provide organized activities such as dog shows, field trials, obedience trials, hunt tests, field and retrieving ratings.  These activities provide a way to let our dogs do the things they enjoy doing.

SWC is Southern California’s local club that is a regional member club of the  Weimaraner Club of America (also known as the WCA or the “Parent Club”)   The WCA is the keeper of the standard, the force behind health related research specifically in Weimaraners being done, a network of members across the country and even beyond our boarders with members all over the world.

The WCA is the guardian of our beloved Weimaraners.  The WCA upholds the standard by which all Weimaraners in the USA will be judged (not just conformation judging, but the essence of what a Weimaraner is).   Remember, there is a reason you choose to have a Weim. in your life, and not a different breed, or mixed breed. The WCA donates funds to research health related issues with the breed, is a central location to find information for breeding issues, then passes this information on to it’s members (and member clubs) who also pass the information on to their veterinarians.  These things benefit all Weimaraners from conception into old age.  The WCA and the regional clubs like Southland sanction and put on events for Weimaraner enthusiasts across the country.  The WCA keeps records of outstanding achievements of dogs, breeders, and individuals that have had an impact on the dogs we have today and hope to have in the future.  Through programs and committees like the Health Committee, we have the ability to learn more about the latest tests, and health issues that affect our dogs, we have a Breeders Education Committee to help spread information about the latest in what breeders need to know to help both our bitches and stud dogs continue producing happy, healthy puppies.

Clubs like SWC and the WCA need members to make these programs move forward, clubs are made up of volunteers who love the breed, and work hard to impart information and hold events that we all can participate in.  These events also contribute to keeping the Weimaraner that we know and love consistent with the standard, honing and evaluating hunting skills, and keeping them active in our modern world. Whether you have a budding Field Champion, Bench Champion, a Master Agility Dog, Hunting Companion, or a sweet lovable family dog, it is in part due to those that gave of their time and knowledge and helped spread information, years of experience, and thoughts to others that love the breed that produced that puppy you brought home.

In this months newsletter you will find your renewal form for the 2018/2019 year.  Please take a few extra moments to think what you can do to help keep SWC and all it’s history a viable club, check one of the boxes asking which area you would be willing to help with, or even attending meetings to offer up suggestions and thoughts.  As I’m finishing this up, the club has obtained a conference call number to hold our meetings.  It is hoped this will allow more members to attend the meeting through the conference call allowing easier access to attend the meetings and offer insights and suggestions.

Thank you for your attention for the minutes it took to read this, and I sincerely hope you will give thoughtful consideration to how you can help.

VM- Graymatter Editor & Membership Chair

Filed Under: Articles, General

Why I Dremel Instead of Clip

March 9, 2018 by swc

Because it is more comfortable for the dog and you can get the nails shorter and smoother (which is nicer for you). Many professionals agree that this is actually a much more comfortable method of maintaining nails than clipping them because it does not pinch or hurt the quick. The quick is sensitive living flesh inside your dog’s nail. If you use a guillotine style, then the nail is pushed hard against the immovable blunt metal while the blade cuts in from one side. If you use the scissors-style, then two blades squeeze in from either side of the nail. The harder the nail, the more pressure you must apply. This can be very uncomfortable for the dog. In order to get the nails back, you keep doing a series of small clips and try not to hit the quick. As a result, you often stop short of where you could go, if you were using a Dremel. When done properly, there is no squeezing or pressure on the quick with the Dremel. Further, you can see “inside” the nail as you gradually grind back to the quick. So, you can judge when you’re getting close to nicking it and stop in time. With the Dremel, you can also grind off all around the quick so that it recedes faster and you can get even shorter nails. The closer you can get to the quick, the more you can force it to recede and the more quickly it will recede. Finally, you can grind off all the corners and rough edges leaving nice soft nails that don’t gouge nearly so much when your dog paws you for affection.

How to Use a Dremel to Trim a Dog’s Nails

Do not use the various grinding stones that come with the dremel because they get too hot for the dog’s nails and can hurt the dog! Please do not use any of these.  There are some great diamond bits that are easy to use, removes excess nail, and provides a nice smooth finish.  These bits are more expensive, but last forever. 

Step 1

Secure your dog. Every dog reacts differently to the sound and sensation created by a dremel, and until your dog becomes used to it, he may struggle or run away. A grooming table with an overhead arm to which you can attach the leash is optimal, but you can recruit an assistant to help hold your dog or you can tie your dog’s leash to a post or other sturdy object.

Step 2

Fit the dremel with a cylindrical bit or an inverted bit. The inverted bit with a hollow-tip works very well because your dog’s nail fits right inside the hollow area. Check hobby stores for a hollow-tip bit or ask your hardware store about special-ordering one. The cylindrical bit has a flat circular tip that offers safety and control. Avoid using a very small bit or a pointed bit that can slip and injure the dog.

Step 3

Introduce your dog to the dremel slowly. Let him sniff it while it is turned off, then turn it on and off to allow him to hear the sound it makes. If your dog is frightened by the dremel, the first few trimming sessions should be very brief.

Step 4

Hold your dog’s paw firmly, but don’t squeeze it. Push gently on the top of the dog’s paw, just above one nail, to separate that nail from the rest. This pressure will cause the nail to extend slightly. If your dog has furry paws, smooth the fur back and away from the nail or trim the fur away before using the dremel. If the dremel catches in long fur, it can injure your dog’s paw.

Step 5

Touch the spinning dremel bit to the tip of your dog’s nail, using very little pressure. The momentum of the dremel will grind away the tip of the nail, and using pressure may cause the tip to slip and injure your dog.

Step 6

Move the spinning tip lightly around the end of the dog’s nail, taking care not to place the bit too close to the skin or fur. Keep the hand that is holding the dremel moving at all times to reduce the risk of slipping.

Step 7

Speak reassuringly to your dog and take a break after each nail, offering your dog a treat or praise for being so good before continuing. A few short sessions are less traumatic than one long session.  Once your dog is used to this method of nail trimming, you can do more nails before stopping for a break.

Here is a link to a great demonstration on introducing your dog to the dremel:  http://www.doberdawn.com/doberdawn/dremel.html

And some links to the diamond bits:

 http://www.whitmansharpening.com/Diamagroove.html (this in my opinion is the Cadillac of the diamond bits)

 

http://groomwise.typepad.com/grooming_smarter/2016/10/dremelling-nails-with-diamond-bits.html  (also demonstrates using the diamond bit, and you can order direct from her.)

Filed Under: Health

Buying Pet Medicines Online: Ensuring Products Are Safe

December 29, 2017 by swc

From the FDA Website:

If you’re purchasing medications for your pet online to save money or for convenience, there are Internet sites that represent legitimate pharmacies.

But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has found that there are others that sell unapproved pet drugs and counterfeit pet products, make fraudulent claims, dispense prescription drugs without requiring a prescription, and sell expired drugs. Any of these practices could mean that the products you are buying could be unsafe or ineffective for your pet.

In general, FDA regulates the manufacture and distribution of animal drugs, while individual state pharmacy boards regulate the dispensing of prescription veterinary products.

If you are ordering pet medications online, you should look closely to ensure that you’re ordering from a reputable pharmacy, says Martine Hartogensis, D.V.M., deputy director of the Office of Surveillance and Compliance in FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM).

Protecting yourself and your pet requires awareness of the importance of involving a veterinarian even when ordering online. If an online pharmacy does not require a prescription from a veterinarian before filling any order for prescription drugs, that’s a red flag.

Here are some other things to consider when looking at sites offering pet medications.

How to Recognize Legitimate Online Pharmacies

Look for pharmacy websites ending in “.Pharmacy.” You may be used to looking for the Vet-VIPPS seal on your pharmacy’s website. But as of late August, 2017, that no longer holds true. Instead, you should look for pharmacy websites ending in “.Pharmacy.” Under the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) new Pharmacy Verified Websites Program, pharmacies must meet strict standards for enrollment. Once accepted, they are given “.Pharmacy” website addresses to help you quickly identify trustworthy, worldwide online pharmacies and pharmacy-related websites, so you can safely make purchases.

Order from an outsourced prescription management service that your veterinarian uses. These state-licensed Internet pharmacy services work directly with the veterinarian, require that a prescription be written by the veterinarian, and support the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Ask your veterinary hospital if it uses an Internet pharmacy service.

But First, Consult Your Veterinarian

An online foreign or domestic pharmacy may claim that one of its veterinarians on staff will “evaluate” the pet after looking over a form filled out by the pet owner, and then prescribe the drug. But that could be a sign that the pharmacy isn’t legitimate. Written information—without a physical examination of your animal—may omit important clues to your animal’s condition, and is no substitute for a vet physically examining your animal.

CVM is especially concerned that pet owners are going online to buy two types of commonly used veterinary drugs that require a prescription: heartworm preventives, such as Heartgard, Trifexis and Interceptor; and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Rimadyl or Metacam.

“Both types of drugs can be dangerous if your vet doesn’t get involved,” says Hartogensis. “It’s not generally a concern if you use a legitimate online pharmacy and mail in a prescription from your veterinarian, who is monitoring your pet. But if there is no veterinarian–client–patient relationship, it’s a dangerous practice.”

Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition transmitted by the bite of a mosquito that is carrying larvae of the heartworm parasite. Dogs, cats, and ferrets can get heartworm disease. Heartworm preventives, given daily, monthly, or semiannually, depending on the product, kill the larvae before they become adult worms.

The American Heartworm Society recommends that you get your pet tested every 12 months for heartworm and give your pet heartworm preventive 12 months a year.

Veterinarians often prescribe NSAIDs to relieve pain in pets. You should not buy NSAIDS on the Internet without a veterinarian’s involvement because

  • your pet should undergo blood testing and a thorough physical examination before starting NSAIDs,
  • your pet should be monitored by a veterinarian while taking NSAIDs,
  • your veterinarian should discuss possible side effects of NSAIDs with you, and
  • the prescription should be accompanied by a Client Information Sheet that explains important safety information to you.

Updated: October 11, 2017

 

Filed Under: Articles, Health

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