174 The Fleas are BACK!

This weird weather of 2021 has led some clients to relax on their flea vigilance, and “surprise”, fleas are back. Hardly a day goes by when I don’t see a pet with fleas, or symptoms of recent flea bites, often from people that have never had fleas before, or pets that never leave the backyard. I have been finding myself explaining the flea life cycle A LOT lately.


Fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals. In addition to causing itching and other skin problems, fleas can transmit diseases to animals and people. Most of the flea population (eggs, larvae, and pupae) are found off the pet and around the home, where you can’t see them.
The ideal flea control program uses products that target all the various stages of the flea life cycle and treats the pet’s environment.


The Life Cycle of the Flea: Ctenocephalides felis
The flea life cycle consists of egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Eggs are laid in the hair coat and are designed to fall off your pet and into your home. Larvae hatch from the eggs and develop in a pet’s environment by feeding on adult flea feces (looks like dirt but is digested blood) that fall out of the hair coat of the pet. Larvae eventually spin cocoons, often within carpet fibers, for pupation. Pupae are resistant to freezing, drying, and insecticides, and can lie dormant for many months! New fleas develop from pupae and can begin feeding within hours of finding a dog or cat. The entire flea life cycle can be completed in as little as three weeks.


Today’s Flea Control Products
In the past, veterinarians and pet owners had to try to control fleas by treating the environment of the animal for the immature flea stages. This approach was labor intensive and required frequent applications. Although some older flea control products could be applied to pets, these products did not kill fleas quickly enough or were not long-lasting.
In 2021, we have some great prescription systemic flea control products in our arsenal for dogs and cats. There are now many effective and safe new products to choose from. For dogs, we carry Credelio, which is in the same class of drugs as Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica and Simparica Trio. You can also order any of these at our online pharmacy, VetSource, with a link found on our website, gardenridgevet.com. For cats, we recommend Revolution, which we carry.


Flea Control Recommendations
• Treat all pets with a monthly flea control product. Do NOT use permethrin-containing products on cats. As fleas can live indoors even in the winter, your veterinarian may also recommend year-round flea control.
• Sometimes a pet’s indoor environment also needs to be treated for fleas using a flea spray designed to quickly kill fleas and stop their reproduction. To use a spray around your home:
• Remove your pets from the area to be sprayed.
• Wash all bedding.
• Vacuum all carpets and upholstery and then discard the vacuum bag. This will prevent the flea eggs from hatching in vacuum bags and spreading through your home.
• Spray all surfaces until damp to the touch.
Don’t get lax on your flea control in August (or September or October).

Remember to treat ALL your pets. And the oral systemics do work even better than OTC topicals like Frontline.

https://www.credelio.com/about-credelio

https://www.gardenridgevet.com/

173 Thank you for your patience (and patients) for a “Rocky” few weeks

I recently missed some shift due to kidney stones and a short vacation to the Rockies. As some of you may know, my hereditary disease is kidney stones, and I seem to pass one every 2-4 years. This was one of those years. I struggled with intermittent pain all June, finally ending up in an ER in Colorado, where they confirmed that I had several. Then I had to have 2 “procedures” to get rid of them back here in Dallas.

I apologize for not being here during this episode. I am back 100% now, and pain free. I have a new appreciation for dogs and cats in chronic pain, and empathy for pets that make bladder stones.

Our vacation was hauling our 1931 Model A Ford to Colorado on a trailer, and driving around the Rocky Mountains with our Dallas Model A Ford Club. It would have been more fun if I hadn’t been in pain. I still got some pretty pictures of antique cars and enjoyed their cooler weather.

172 Noise phobias- new resources

I have had numerous clients report to me that recent thunderstorms are upset dogs and cats. I looks like we might finally get a break in the rain and storms, but then July 4 and fireworks will come along.

I normally recommend a ladder of approaches. The lowest rung in calming phermones like Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats. I have had some good results with Thundershirts, and white noise machines.


For the more serious affected dogs, I recommended medications. I normally start with Trazadone, but can escalate to Sileo if severe.


And I always recommend letting the pet feel safe, where ever that is, without inadvertently “rewarding” the attention seeking with lots of attention.


For a long term approach when it isn’t thunderstorm season, I recommend a gentle approach of playing a CD or digital file of thunderstorms, first very softly, then gradually increasing the volume, while the pet is distracted with pleasurable stimuli (food, treats, toys) to help desensitize to the noise. When the real deal comes along, there is much more than noise, but it can help decrease the severity of the pets reaction, or postpone the anxiety.

For more info:
https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/kit/fear-of-thunder-fireworks/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=What+s+New+In+June&utm_campaign=20210601_Newsletter_FFP#blog_link1

Grass-fed Beef for sale

As many of you know, my husband and I raise grass-fed beef, that we sell by the side (1/2 cow). We are selling 3 sides of beef, which will be available to pick up in mid July. Our 2 steers have been born and raised on our ranch, our grass, without hormones, fertilizer or pesticides. Each finished out side will weight ~300-400#. We are asking $6/pound plus the processing fee. It will include individually packaged, shrink wrapped steaks, roasts, stew meat, and hamburger. Many people split a “side” with another family member to make it more affordable and easier to fit into a freezer. A side will usually take 9-12 cubic feet of freezer space.

We are taking deposits now. We won’t graduate more steers until next year. Please call my farm manager now for more details if your are interested. 903-473-1487.

UPDATE 6/8/21 We are all sold out for 2021. We will have more beef sides in 2022.

171 Anaphylaxis- a severe allergic reaction

Many of you know that I am a beekeeper. 2 years ago, I had a very bad day when I was stung about 30 times through my bee suit and was very sick. I then got a better bee suit and carried Benadryl with me whenever I worked my bees.

Last weekend, I was stung by a bee (probably) while we were driving in an open antique car. Within 15 min, I felt light head, and could not sit up. My heart was racing and was sweating all over. Fortunately, my husband quickly got some Benadryl into me, and was eventually OK. I now have a new appreciation for my dogs and cats that experience these severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe, potentially fatal, systemic allergic reaction that can involve various systems of the body such as skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular. Onset of symptoms may be suddenly in minutes or to two hours after contact with the allergy causing substance. Allergic reactions may be mild to life-threatening. When I see a vaccine reaction in dogs and cats, it is usually withing two hours.

Common skin symptoms are hives, rash, or a prickly feeling, with general flushing or skin & itchiness. Sometime swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue, or throat may occur. I had the general flushing, but not hives this time. Most dogs I see get hives, and facial swelling. The few cats I have see get itchy and a rash all over.

Common symptoms of the circulatory system are paleness/bluish color, dizziness, confusion, fainting. A drop in blood pressure, with shock or weakness may occur. I had dizziness, weakness, and maybe fainting. I do not remember. I have only seen a few animals that fainted, thank goodness.

Lung symptoms look like asthma, including shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing. I rarely see this in pets.

Gastrointestinal symptoms include abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Actually, GI signs very common in dogs and ferrets. I experience nausea much more the first time I got stung by those 30 bees.

Treatment of choice is immediate intramuscular injection of epinephrine, such as an Epi-Pen.

Common causes are insect stings, medications, food allergies, and latex (in humans). The most common one I see in dogs, and rarely cats are post vaccination reactions.

Anyone want to buy some beehives and equipment?

170 Why are Grapes Toxic to Dogs?

We have known for years that grapes are toxic to dogs. But we did not quite know why until maybe now and homemade playdough is the reason. Veterinarian toxicologists at the ASPCA Poison Control Center made the connection between tartaric acid and grapes while managing the case of a dog who ate homemade playdough.


We have known for 20-plus years that grapes, along with raisins and currants, can be poisonous to dogs, but we never knew exactly why. There have been several theories about the toxic component of grapes and raisins. Tartaric acid became suspect when the ASPCA Poison Control Center consulted on a case involving homemade playdough made with cream of tartar, which contains potassium bitartrate, the potassium salt of tartaric acid, instead of table salt like most homemade playdough. Tartaric acid has a wide margin of safety in humans and common lab animals such as mice, and many of the studies in dogs are outdated, so tartaric acid was not previously on the radar as the possible toxic principle.


This dog’s symptoms were different than most homemade playdough cases and were more like the cases of sudden kidney failure seen with grapes than “normal” salt toxicity. The lightbulb moment came with the realization that tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate are uniquely present in high concentrations in grapes, and that dogs are members of a species that has been shown to be sensitive to tartaric acid—with acute kidney failure reported in the older studies. Upon further investigation, tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate kept checking off the boxes in support of the theory that they are the toxic principles in grapes and raisins.


Another food that might fit this explanation includes Tamarinds [a tree that bears fruit that is used both in medicine and in cooking]. Tamarinds also contain high amounts of tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate, and the Poison Control Center has had reports of severe vomiting and acute kidney failure following large ingestions.


The toxicologists anticipate that this breakthrough will open doors to a collaborative effort toward an improved understanding of grape and raisin poisoning and, potentially, better testing, treatment, and prevention.


https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/common-human-snack-toxicities-pets


https://www.aspca.org/news/leahs-close-call-handful-grapes-nearly-cost-one-dog-her-life

169 In-Room Appointments starting in May 2021

Beginning in May, we will be offering in-room appointments with the owner present, social distancing, and masks on. Everything else will still be curbside (for now). Clients with appointments will call from the parking lot, history taken over the phone, and they will be escorted into an exam room, where they can be present with their pet. This is only for appointments, not medication refills, grooming, food, etc. And if the client does not wish to come in, we will be happy to offer curbside appointments like we have been doing for the last year.

This is our plan to transition back to “normal” since the Covid-19 case numbers are very low now in Denton County. Even the Lewisville Library has opened to normal visitation, with masks and social distancing.

Vet practices nationwide are experiencing problems with curb side care. The biggest one we have been encountered this week is loose dogs. Several dogs have simply slipped out of collars that were too loose, and even harnesses that were too loose. And we had one pit bull in the car for moral support for the tiny dog who had an appointment, and when the owner opened the door, it hopped out of the car, and ran around the parking lot. Fortunately, it was not fearful, didn’t bit any people, dogs or cats, and didn’t run out onto Garden Ridge Blvd. We have never had this many loose dogs on our parking lot before. So help us out my making sure your cat is in a carrier (we have loaners if you need one), and dogs are on a leash attached to a well fitted collar.

Call now to book your In-room appointment starting Monday, May 3, 2021

168 National Bite Prevention Week

April 11 to 17 is AVMA’s Dog Bite Prevention Week, co-sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association and State Farm Insurance. Any dog CAN bite, but most dog bites can be prevented by paying attention to dogs’ body language and health and by desensitizing dogs to certain external stimuli. Most homeowner’s insurance will pay for damages but might have breed restrictions. According to State Farm’s claim information, there were more dog-related injury claims in March 2020 than in any other month last year, with a reported 21.6 percent increase in dog bites compared to March of the previous year

Nipping and play biting might be cute as a puppy, but we never want it to escalate to the point of breaking the skin. Taking the Fear Free training has trained me to look at biting as much more than “aggression”, but a sign of dog pushed past their point of control with anxiety and fear. It might be triggered by new people, pushing past a dog’s comfort zone on their body, or defending what they perceive as their home, or their resources. Resources might be food, toys, sleeping places, or their owner’s attention.

We have been seeing more behavior problems in “pandemic puppies” due to lack of opportunities to exposed them to new situations. Trainers were closed but starting to reopen for classes.

To help our pets with this transition, the National Dog Bite Prevention Coalition recommends the following tips:

  • Make sure your pet is healthy. Not all illnesses and injuries are obvious, and dogs are more likely to bite if they are sick or in pain. If you haven’t been to the veterinarian in a while, schedule an appointment for a checkup to discuss your dog’s physical and behavioral health.
  • Take it slow. If your dog has only been interacting with your family this past year, don’t rush out into crowded areas or dog parks. Try to expose your dogs to new situations slowly and for short periods of time, arrange for low-stress interactions, and give plenty of praise and rewards for good behavior.
  • Educate yourself in positive training techniques and devote time to interact with your dog.
  • Get outside for leash training and allow your dog to do more socializing.
  • Gradually start arranging play dates with other dogs and people as allowed, and carefully increase the amounts of time and freedom together. This will help your dog get used to being with other canine companions again.
  • Be responsible about approaching other people’s pets. Ask permission from the owner before approaching a dog, and look for signs that the dog wants to interact with you. Sometimes dogs want to be left alone, and we need to recognize and respect that.

If your puppy or adult dog (or cat) has triggers that might result in a “nip”, please call for a behavior appointment so we can “nip” it in the bud with helpful training tips for your pet and family.

https://www.avma.org/events/national-dog-bite-prevention-week



#167 April in Heartworm Awareness Month

Most pet owners have heard about heartworms but may be fuzzy on the details about the nasty little critters. I hear clients ask ”why should we do a blood test when they look at their dog’s poo and don’t see worms”, or that they are “just backyard dogs” and never encounter other dogs. Here are 5 IMPORTANT FACTS EVERY PET OWNER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HEARTWORM DISEASE (but were afraid to ask)


#1: Blame the mosquito! Pets do not infect each other with heartworms; pesky mosquitoes spread the disease. In fact, just ONE BITE from an infected mosquito is all it takes to infect your pet with heartworms.
#2: Heartworm infection has been diagnosed in all 50 states, but it is very prevalent in Texas. (Link to HW incidence maps- https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/incidence-maps)
We routinely diagnose 3-6 cases of canine heartworms a year at Garden Ridge Animal Hospital.
#3: Cats as well as dogs get heartworm disease. Fortunately, there is a monthly topical prevention for cats called Revolution, and it controls fleas and intestinal parasites too! Unfortunately, cats are not the correct host, and their immune system goes into high gear to fight the migrating larva, which causes severe, and often fatal, lung disease.
#4: There’s no season for heartworm disease. That is why the American Heartworm Society recommends year-round prevention.
#5: Heartworms are deadly, but heartworm prevention is affordable, highly effective and (usually) easy to give. The America Heartworm Society and Garden Ridge Animal Hospital recommend testing dogs for heartworm infection every 12 months and giving heartworm preventives all 12 months in a year. Here at Garden Ridge, we carry 2 affordable complete heartworm/intestinal oral preventions for dogs, and you can order ANY heartworm prevention brand from VetSource, our online pharmacy with a link on our website front page. (http://gardenridgeanimalhospital.vetsourceweb.com/site/view/HomeDelivery.pml)


Some dogs are extra picky and require some “pill pockets” or human food to hide the medicine. Our goal is for your dog to just think he is getting a “special treat” once a month.


Or we have a 12-month injection to prevent heartworms called Proheart 12. https://www.zoetispetcare.com/products/proheart


For more information about heartworms: https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources

166 Easter Dangers

Every season can have potential dangers and toxicity for our pets. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the top 4 dangers are chocolate, plastic Easter grass, plants, and pesticides/herbicides.

Here are my top dangers for Easter
1) Chocolate. This is easily MY favorite treat, but there is an ingredient, theobromine, that can be toxic to dogs, depending on their size. Theobromine is a relative of caffeine, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, up to seizures. Dark chocolate is many time more toxic than milk chocolate, and white chocolate has no theobromine. If your pet eats chocolate, call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435) to determine if the quantity is in the dangerous range. One Hershey kiss isn’t going to kill any dog or cat, but a whole Hershey bar can. Be prepared tell the vet amount in ounces of chocolate, the type of chocolate ( dark, baking, or milk), and the weight of your pet. I had a patient many years ago that got into the Easter Candy stash not once, but twice, and had to hospitalized both times. Some dogs just really want chocolate.
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/c_multi_chocolate_toxicity
2) Plastic Easter Grass. It looks edible, but it isn’t, and can cause GI obstruction
3) Easter Lilies. They are beautiful, but deadly for cats, causing kidney failure. Keep them away from cats, but they don’t seem to be toxic for dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/lily
4) Xylitol. This is a common artificial sweetener, found often in sugarless gum, but there is a granulated version that some cooks use a sugar substitute. Symptoms are vomiting, seizures, low blood sugar, and liver failure.
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/endocrine/c_dg_xylitol_toxicity
5) Candy wrappers, esp foil. Like the Easter Grass, they can really mess up a gut.
6) High Fat People Food like Ham, or Brisket. High fat can cause inflammation of the pancreas, with intense vomiting and diarrhea. I would not feed a cooked pork bone to dogs.


https://www.aspca.org/news/top-four-easter-hazards-pets