Flea and Tick Prevention

Safety Tips for Using Flea and Tick Products on Pets Flea and tick prevention is an important part of taking good care of your cat or dog. That’s because pets can get a variety of diseases from fleas and ticks. And flea and tick bites can make your pet (and you!) very uncomfortable. But flea and tick preventives contain substances that can be harmful if not handled properly, so it’s important to know how to use these products safely. When to Use Flea and Tick Control Products When should you treat your cat or dog with flea or tick products? It depends on where you live. Fleas are worst during warm weather months, but they can live inside all year long. Spring and summer can also be the worst time for ticks. In some areas of the U.S., they survive year-round. If you see signs of fleas or ticks on your pet, be sure to treat them right away. Otherwise, start treating at the beginning of flea or tick season. Types of Flea and Tick Prevention Many products are available for flea control in cats and dogs. Some products also prevent ticks or other pests. The most popular products for their effectiveness and ease of use are the topical or ''spot-on'' treatments (applied between the shoulder blades) and oral medications. Flea and tick preventives also come in the form of dips, shampoos, collars, and foggers or sprays. Flea and Tick Prevention: Medication Safety Guidelines 1. Check with your vet before using flea and tick products, even if you purchase them over the counter. This is especially important for elderly or sick pets, puppies or kittens, pets who are on other medications, or pets who are pregnant or nursing. For these and pets that have had reactions to tick and flea products, your vet may suggest using a flea comb instead to pick up fleas, eggs, and ticks. Deposit them in hot, soapy water. 2. Read and carefully follow instructions when using flea and tick products. Do not use dog products on cats or cat products on dogs. Cats are very sensitive to insecticides – a few drops of a spot-on treatment designed for dogs can be fatal to a cat. Only apply the amount needed for the size of your cat or dog. Never double up on products – applying powders in addition to spot-on products, for example. 3. Wear gloves or wash your hands with soap and water after applying a flea and tick preventive. Be sure to follow the instructions for proper storage and disposal of packaging. 4. When applying spray or spot-on flea and tick preventives, keep pets separate while the product dries. This will keep them from grooming each other and swallowing the chemicals. 5. After applying a product, watch your cat or dog for signs of a reaction, especially if it’s the first time you’re using it. Call your vet if your pet has symptoms such as: Poor appetite Vomiting or diarrhea Excessive salivation Depression If you cat or dog has a bad reaction to flea and tick products such as spot-ons, sprays, or powders, immediately bathe your pet thoroughly with soap and water and follow any instructions from the package insert. Call your vet and report problems to the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378. We at A Caring Heart offer multiple products ask at your next visit!

Heat Stroke in Dogs

Heat stroke is an emergency and requires immediate treatment. Because dogs do not sweat (except to a minor degree through their foot pads), they do not tolerate high environmental temperatures as well as humans do. Dogs depend upon panting to exchange warm air for cool air. But when air temperature is close to body temperature, cooling by panting is not an efficient process.

• Common situations that can set the stage for heat stroke in dogs include:
• Being left in a car in hot weather
• Exercising strenuously in hot, humid weather
• Being a brachycephalic breed, especially a Bulldog, Pug, or Pekingese
• Suffering from a heart or lung disease that interferes with efficient breathing
• Being muzzled while put under a hair dryer
• Suffering from a high fever or seizures
• Being confined on concrete or asphalt surfaces
• Being confined without shade and fresh water in hot weather
• Having a history of heat stroke

Heat stroke begins with heavy panting and difficulty breathing. The tongue and mucous membranes appear bright red. The saliva is thick and tenacious, and the dog often vomits. The rectal temperature rises to 104° to 110°F (40° to 43.3°C). The dog becomes progressively unsteady and passes bloody diarrhea. As shocksets in, the lips and mucous membranes turn gray. Collapse, seizures, coma, and death rapidly ensue.

Employee Spotlight: Jorden

Meet Jorden our office manager. She was born in Wichita Falls. Went to school and earned her degree at Oklahoma University for Interdisiplinary Studies. She enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs Gus and Lincoln and her cat Luna. She enjoys volunteering with her church doing mission work. Come see her smiling face soon!

We now carry Iverhart Maxx!!!

Iverhart Max kills the immature form of the heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs and puppies. It is also used for the treatment and control of hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, A. brasiliense, and Uncinaria stenocephala), roundworms (ascarids - Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and tapeworms.
Who is it for?
For dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and over. The safe use of this product has not been evaluated in pregnant or nursing dogs.
What are the benefits?

*	Monthly oral heartworm preventive medication for dogs and puppies 8 weeks and over
*

Also used for the treatment and control of hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms *Flavored chewable tablets are palatable to your pet
How does Iverhart Max work?
Iverhart Max is used in the prevention, control, and treatment of various worm infections. Iverhart Max contains three active ingredients: ivermectin, which interferes with the parasite's nerve transmission, causing paralysis and death of the immature heartworms (larvae); and pyrantel pamoate which also interferes with nerve transmission in worms, causing paralysis and death of roundworms and hookworms. Death of intestinal worms occurs when they are passed into the environment. Praziquantel, the third ingredient is thought to damage the parasite's skin causing death of the tapeworm.
Is there a generic equivalent available?
No.
How is it given?
Iverhart Max must be administered monthly, preferably on the same date each month. Drs. Foster and Smith recommends (and our guarantee requires) that Iverhart Max be given year round, although some veterinarians may recommend giving it only during the mosquito season. If given seasonally, the first dose must be given within 30 days of the dog's first exposure to mosquitoes. The last dose must be given within 30 days after the dog's last exposure to mosquitoes.
Most dogs like the taste of Iverheart Max and will accept the chewable tablet as a treat. The chewable should be administered in a manner that encourages the dog to chew, rather than to swallow without chewing. Iverhart Max Chewables may be broken into pieces and fed to dogs that normally swallow treats whole. Care should be taken that the dog consumes the complete dose, and treated animals should be observed for a few minutes after administration to ensure that part of the dose is not lost or rejected. If not entirely consumed, give another full recommended dose as soon as possible.
What results can I expect?
Iverhart Max will kill the immature heartworms the dog was exposed to in the preceding month. It will treat an intestinal infection with adult hookworms, tapeworms and roundworms.
What form(s) does it come in?
Chewable Tablet

We now offer laser therapy!

The same cutting edge technology that human doctors and surgeons use on the patients is now available for your pet here at A Caring Heart Veterinary Hospital. Problems that once plagued your fur baby can now be lessened or sometimes even completely cured. Laser therapy sessions are fast, low stress to the animal, and highly effective, sometimes even seeing results in as little as minutes. The high tech laser is effective in treating common ailments like simple skin dermatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, anal gland irritation, stomatitis, wound care, and so much more. Treatments can be given both before and after a procedure to speed healing, reduce swelling, and quickly create skin granulation for better natural wound protection. This laser is so safe, it is FDA approved even for use in humans, the only therapy laser that has that claim. We are so confident that this laser is incredibly safe and gentle, our staff has used it on themselves as well as their pets. Call us today and ask how laser therapy sessions could help your baby. 940.855.0451

Wichita Falls offers dog obedience classes!

Did you know that the city offers various classes for obedience and training? Spots fill up rather quickly so we recommend that when you see a class, sign up right away! Also, give us a call to make sure your puppy or dog has the right vaccinations to keep them safe and healthy while attending these classes! 940.855.0451

City of Wichita Falls Dog Obedience Classes

What in the world is Brachycephalic??

Brachycephalic dogs (pronounced: bracky-seh-falic) are short snout or flat faced dogs. Many of these are small breeds of dog, commonly called lap dogs, although some are larger. The term "brachycephalic" comes from the Greek, "brachy" means short and "cephalic" means head. Of the dogs of this type the most common include:

• Pugs,
• Boxers,
• Boston Terriers,
• Yorkshire Terriers,
• English and French Bulldogs, and
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, among others.

They are very popular breeds that are typically pampered by their owners. Many are recognized pedigree varieties. Like all dogs, these flat face dogs love to play and romp around outside the house in the summertime. However, the summer is a time when owners should be on guard for potential trouble with these breeds. High heat and high humidity affect all dogs, but these weather conditions are especially difficult on all brachycephalic breeds.
The problem is one of natural anatomy design. Brachycephalic dogs have an upper respiratory tract that is awkward and downright obstructive. In fact, "obstructive" is the word most often used in describing their peculiarly problematic airway anatomy. This physical characteristic is referred to as the "brachycephalic syndrome" which provides a facial design that may be cute, but is otherwise an efficient design for breathing. As a result, a number of problems may occur as the result of extremes in temperature.
Panting is the way dogs cool themselves. It is the manner that dogs regulate their body temperature. However, because of their airway anatomical design, the brachycephalic breeds of dogs pant much less inefficiently than other breeds. Air does not pass in and out as easily or as quickly. This is why these breeds sometimes sound as if they are out-of-breath for no reason. On top of this, high humidity impedes their breathing process and at times may cause their breathing to become very noticeably labored. Complicating this is a tendency for their airways to become easily inflamed and swollen in stressful conditions.
Curiously, the flat face design encourages saliva to evaporate from the tongue more quickly than it otherwise would. This impedes the cooling effect the tongue has on the blood circulating through the tongue. This in turn makes the body cooling process far less efficient than in other breeds.
Inefficient panting, airway sensitivity, and an ineffective cooling design means that in hot weather conditions the brachycephalic dog is especially vulnerable to rapid overheating. High humidity complicates this situation. Of all breeds of dog, brachycephalic dogs are the most likely candidates for heatstroke, which is an especially dangerous problem.
Summer Safety Tips
You should take special precautions for brachycephalic dogs in hot, humid weather. These include:
* Go for "walkies" in the cool morning and evening, avoid the mid-day sun.
* If you must keep your pooch outside in hot weather, make sure you provide plenty of cool fresh water, and provide a shady place to rest-making sure that the area is shady throughout the entire day. This is very important.
* Of course, it is always best to keep brachycephalic breeds indoors in air-conditioning during hot weather.
* Also, never leave any pet (or children) in a car on a warm or hot day. Temperatures inside a car can easily rise to 120 degrees Fahrenheit under the summer sun. Even if the outside temperature is only 70 degrees, the inside of a car can cause heat stress and even heatstroke.
While a brachycephalic dog is a pleasure to own and is particularly convenient for apartment living, these breeds have their own unique requirements. However, by taking a few precautions you can easily avoid potential danger. But a little inconvenience is no problem when talking about the abundant personality and keen intelligence that make the flat faced dog so especially desirable and well-liked.

Allen MacAlister is a veterinary medical student and he writes about the diagnosis and treatment of dog allergies in articles on his site: Dog Allergies.
You can read common sense dog allergy tips in the his article: Common Sense Tips

Wichita Falls City Animal Licenses

Did you know that all animals over the age of four months old must be licensed by the city? This aids in rehoming animals that become lost as well as keeping the animal population in check. Below are the current city ordinances regarding city licenses for pets Did you know city licenses can be purchased here at ACHVH? You can get your yearly vaccinations and license all in one stop! Call today and ask me how to get your pets legal! ;) 940.855.0451

 

 

ARTICLE II. DOG AND CAT VACCINATION AND LICENSING

DIVISION 1. GENERALLY

Sec. 14-36. Vaccination required.

(a) No person shall own, possess or harbor any dog or cat four months

of age or older, unless it has been vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian or

approved antirabies clinic in accordance with this section.

(b) Any unvaccinated dog or cat redeemed from the animal reclaim

center must be vaccinated against rabies before leaving the center.

(c) A valid vaccination tag must be worn on a collar or harness at all

times. Failure to be wearing the tag is prima facie evidence that no vaccination

has been given.

Secs. 14-37--14-65. Reserved.

8

DIVISION 2. LICENSE

Sec. 14-66. License Required.

No person shall own, possess or harbor a dog or cat four months of age or

over without obtaining a license for each animal, except where specifically

exempt in this chapter.

Sec. 14-67. License Exemptions.

(a) An animal with a valid rabies tag whose owner resides outside the

city is not required to have a license for a maximum period of 30 days, unless the

animal is impounded.

(b) No license fee shall be required for dogs trained to assist the

physically handicapped or governmental agency police dogs.

(c) No license fee is required for an animal in a commercial animal

establishment, as evidenced by a current city kennel or commercial animal

establishment permit, unless the animal is impounded.

Sec. 14-68. Application, fee and certificate of rabies vaccination required

for license.

A completed application form obtained from the vaccinating veterinarian or

Health District, the license fee and a valid certificate of rabies vaccination must

be presented to obtain a license for a dog or cat.

Sec. 14-69. Right to inspect.

A condition for issuing and maintaining a dog or cat license is permission for the

animal control department, upon presentation of proper credentials, to inspect

the dog or cat and premises of the dog or cat, when ordered by the director of the

Health District and their designee. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure

compliance with this chapter.

Sec. 14-70. Certificate Tag and Fee for License.

The fee for license shall be set by the Health District and approved by the

City Council; the fee schedule will be posted in the environmental health division

of the Health District. Animal license tags are not transferable from one animal to

another and it shall be unlawful to alter or to issue one without a current rabies

vaccination. If a tag is lost, a duplicate tag may be issued by the Health District

and a replacement fee charged. The animal license shall run concurrently with

the rabies vaccination.

9

The Health District will monetarily compensate Authorized Veterinary

Clinics that participate in selling animal licenses. Each Authorized Veterinary

Clinic shall submit the license applications and fees to the Health District by the

fifth of each month; from every license sold, the Authorized Veterinary Clinic may

retain $2.00 for administrative services.

Sec. 14-71. Denial of license.

(a) No dog or cat license may be issued if the applicant falsifies

information, or fails to comply with any section of this chapter.

(b) No dog or cat license shall be issued if the applicant has been

convicted of inhumane or cruel treatment to animals or has three or more

convictions for violating a section of this chapter.

Sec. 14-72. Issuance of license.

Upon approval of the application for a dog or cat license, a certificate and

license tag will be issued. The tag of durable material, designed to be easily

fastened or riveted to the animal’s collar or harness, shall bear a number

corresponding to the number on the certificate, showing the month and year of

expiration. The department shall maintain a record of identifying numbers, which

shall be available to the public.

Sec. 14-73. Wearing of tag.

Failure of a dog or cat to wear the license tag at all times shall be prima

facie evidence that no license has been issued and constitutes a violation of this

section.

Sec. 14-74. Suspension or revocation of license.

(a) If the person holding the dog or cat license refuses or fails to comply

with this chapter or any law governing the protection of animals, official notice

shall be given of the intention to suspend the license. If, within seven days after

official notice is given, evidence shows the offense has not been corrected, the

license shall be automatically revoked.

(b) Upon receipt of official notice, a dog or cat license is automatically

revoked for one of the following reasons:

(1) Impoundment by the city three or more times during a 12-

month period.

(2) Three or more convictions of a person for violating any section

of this chapter.

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(3) Any combination of impoundments and convictions totaling

three incidents.

(c) W henever a license is revoked, the owner of the licensed animal

shall have the opportunity for a hearing if the owner files a written request with

the director of the Health District within five (5) days of receiving written notice of

the revocation. The owner will be granted a hearing within ten (10) days of

receipt of a request for a hearing. If no request for a hearing is received the

revocation is sustained and becomes final.

(d) A notice as required in these rules is properly served when it is

delivered to the owner, caregiver, or possessor of the animal, or when it is sent

by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the last know address

of the owner, caregiver, or possessor of the animal. A copy of the notice shall be

filed in the records of the regulatory authority.

(e) The director of the Health District or their designee shall conduct the

hearings provided for in these rules at a time and place designated by the

director. Based upon the recorded evidence of such hearing, the director or

designee shall make final findings, and shall sustain, modify, or rescind any

notice or order considered in the hearing. A written report of the hearing

discussion shall be furnished to the holder of the permit by the Health District. If

the outcome of the hearing allows for the re-issuance of the license, a

reapplication fee shall be assessed at the discretion of the director.

Sec. 14-75. Disposal of unlicensed animal.

If a dog or cat is unlicensed, because of nonissuance or revocation of the

license after official notice, it must be humanely disposed of, or it will be seized

and disposed of by the Health District.

Sec. 14-76. Reapplication.

Any person having been denied a dog or cat license or if the license has

been revoked shall wait at least 60 days before making reapplication. The

application will not be accepted unless the animal control department is satisfied

that there will be compliance with this chapter. The fee for reapplication shall be

set by the Health District and approved by the City Council.

Fleas and ticks? We have what you need!

Only $32.80  bottle for multiple treatments!!

 

 

Hose End Sprayer

Easy to Use. For Application to Lawns, Outdoor Ornamentals, Outside Surfaces of Buildings, and Other Outdoor Residential Areas. 32 oz. treats up to 5,000 square feet.

1. Make sure Knob is twisted fully clockwise to OFF position. Shake well before attaching to hose.
2. Turn Product Control Button clockwise until the flat portion is flush with the lock tab, then push button all the way in. Avoid squeezing bottle.
3. Turn water on at faucet, aim nozzle toward lawn and turn Knob counterclockwise to begin spraying.
4. When finished, push Product Control Button to OFF position from opposite side. Return Knob and faucet to OFF position. Discharge water pressure by turning Knob ON and OFF again. Turn Product Control Button counterclockwise away from lock tab to prevent accidental discharge. Store out of reach of children.
Do not spray animals. People and pets should not be allowed in treated areas until spray has dried.

3 Easy Steps To Mix And Apply

#1 For lawns, measure the area to be sprayed. Calculate square feet by multiplying length by width. For all other applications, apply as a thorough cover spray.
#2 Use a clean sprayer. Carefully measure and mix the amount of concentrate and water as directed.
#3 Spray as directed. Thorough coverage is important. Flush sprayer with clean water after each use. Make applications when insects first appear. Repeat applications as directed. See directions for complete insect list.
Use dilution rates as indicated. 1 fl. oz. = 6 tsp. or 2 Tbsp.; 8 fl. oz. = 1/2 pint or 1 cup. Food utensils such as teaspoons or measuring cups should not be used for food purposes after use with insecticides.

Nuisance Pests In Outdoor Areas

Treatment areas	Pests	Remarks	Use Rate
Outside surfaces of buildings	Ants (including foraging fire ants), Chiggers, Clover mites, Crickets, Earwigs, Millipedes, Sowbugs (pillbugs), Mosquitoes	To help prevent infestation of buildings, treat the building foundation to a height of 2 to 3 feet, where pests are active and may find entrance. Also, apply as a residual spray to outside surfaces of building, including porches, screens, window frames, eaves, patios, garages, refuse dumps and other areas where these pests congregate or have been seen. Repeat treatment as needed to maintain effectiveness	6 2/3 fl. oz. in 1 quart of water, treating 400 linear feet with a 6-inch spray band.
Other Outdoor areas	Ants (including foraging fire ants), Chiggers, Crickets, Earwigs, Fleas, Lone star ticks, Ticks, including Deer tick (which may carry Lyme disease)	For treatment of localized infestations of these insects in areas where there are weeds or bushy non-crop areas, spray infested areas thoroughly. For Ants, thoroughly wet hills and runways. Repeat application as reinfestation occurs.
	Cluster flies, Flying moths, Gnats, House flies, Mosquitoes	For use only as an aid in reducing annoyance from these insects. Spray outside surfaces of screens, doors, window frames or wherever these insects may enter the room. Also treat surfaces around light fixtures on porches, in garages and other places where these insects alight or congregate. Repeat as necessary.
	Tent Caterpillars	Application should be made when caterpillars are young and tents are first noticed. For best results, apply in the late afternoon or evening, when caterpillars have returned to their tents. Wet tents with spray on all sides. A few caterpillars may be seen escaping from the tent, however, they should die within several hours.

Home Lawns

Treatment areas	Pests	Remarks	Use Rate
Bent, Bermuda, Bluegrass, Dichondra, Fescue, Irish Moss, Merion, St. Augustine	Armyworms, Brown dog ticks, Chiggers, Chinch bugs, Cutworms, Fleas, Japanese beetle grubs, Mole crickets, Mosquitoes, Sod webworms, Ticks, including Deer Tick (which may carry Lyme disease)	Thoroughly wet down grass a few hours before applying. Home lawns should be no taller than 3 inches at time of application. Slightly more water may be used as long as the amount of product per area is as listed below. For heavy infestations, repeat application after 2 weeks	6 fl. oz. in 10 gallons of water to cover 1,000 sq. ft.
	.Ants (including foraging fire ants), Crickets, Grasshoppers		2 fl. oz. in 3 gallons of water to cover 1,000 sq. ft.
	Fire Ants (mound treatment)	Apply 1 gallon of solution as a gentle rain to each fire ant mound using a sprinkler can. Thoroughly wet the mound and surrounding area to a 4 foot diameter. For best results, apply in cool weather, 65° - 80° F, or in early morning or late evening hours. Treat new mounds as they appear. Do not disturb the mound prior to treatment. If possible, treat all mounds in the vicinity, and treat all colonies which may not as yet have constructed a mound. Larger quantities of solution can be prepared for multiple mound treatments. Equipment to deliver the diluted product as a gentle rain at the rate of 1 gallon per mound is still required. Do not use equipment that produces a pressurized spray as pressurized sprays may disturb fire ants and cause migration, reducing product effectiveness	6 fl. oz. in 1 gallon of water to treat one mound.

Trees & Shrubs

Treatment Areas	Pests	Remarks	Use Rate
Arizona cypress, Azalea, Birch, Cherry, Non-bearing citrus, Conifers, Elm, English ivy, Euonymus, Weeping fig, Fir, Honeysuckle, Lilac, Mock-orange, Oak, Palm, Philodendron, Pine, Poinsettia, Tulip, Poplar, Rhododendron, Taxus	Aphids, Bagworms, Cicadas, Exposed thrips, Fall cankerworms, Inchworms, Leafminers, Leafrollers, Mealybugs, Spider mites, Whiteflies	Apply as a thorough spray, wetting leaves and branches to the dripping point. Try to penetrate dense foliage. Spray in the late afternoon or evening, when the temperature ranges from 50° to 75° F and when there is little or no wind. Spray at the first sign of insects. Repeat as necessary; use intervals of 4-8 days. Application can be made up to the day of collection.	1 fl. oz. in 1 gallon of water
Cherry, Honeysuckle	Fall webworms
Conifers	Budworms
Elm	Elm leaf beetles, Elm spanworms, Fall webworms
Douglas and Grand firs	Tussock moths
Non-bearing citrus	Citrus black flies
Oak	Oakworms
Pine	Pine beetles, Pine moths, Pine needleminers, Needle scales

Roses & Flowers

Treatment Areas	Pests	Remarks	Use Rate
Ageratum, Aster, Azalea, Begonia, Coleus, Common ninebark and snowberry, Exacum, Gladiolus, Gold bells, Hypoestes, Ivy, Lilac, Marigold, Mock-orange, Nannyberry, Orchid, Pansy, Pea shrub, Petunia, Poinsettia, Rhododendron, Rose, Snapdragon, Zinnia	Aphids, Bagworms, Cicadas, Exposed thrips, Fall cankerworms, Fall webworms, Inchworms, Leafminers, Leafrollers, Mealybugs, Spider mites, Whiteflies	Apply as a thorough spray, wetting the plants to the dripping point. Try to hit underside of leaves and penetrate dense foliage. Spray in the later afternoon or evening, when the temperature ranges from 50° to 75° F and when there is little or no wind. Spray at the first sign of insects. Repeat as necessary; use intervals of 4-8 days. Application can be made up to the day of collection.	1 fl. oz. in 1 gallon of water

For information, call 1-800-766-7661 or visit our Web site: www.vet-kem.com

Matter of fact: Trifexis

What is Trifexis? Trifexis is a 3-way parasite protection against fleas, heartworm, and intestinal worms available in a monthly chewable tablet.
Who is it for?
Trifexis is for use in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age or older and 5 lbs of body weight or greater. What are the benefits?
3 types of parasite protection in a monthly chewable tablet!

*	Kills fleas and prevents infestations
*	Prevents heartworm disease
*	Treats and controls intestinal parasite infections
*	Does not control ticks

Trifexis is a monthly chewable tablet for dogs that kills fleas, prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls adult hookworm, roundworm and whipworm infections. Trifexis combines two active ingredients to provide protection for your dog against three kinds of dangerous parasites. And Trifexis is beef-flavored, so you can offer it as a treat.
Because Trifexis is given orally, you don't have to isolate your dog from other pets or children.
How does Trifexis work?
Milbemycin oxime is used as a heartworm preventive. It kills the immature form of the heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis), which is transmitted by a mosquito. Milbemycin also kills adult hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. The spinosad in Trifexis prevents and controls flea infestations by killing adult fleas. Is there a generic equivalent available?
No generic products are available. How is it given?
Trifexis is given orally. Give with food for maximum effectiveness. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Follow your veterinarian's directions on when to give this medication. If advised to give it seasonally for heartworm prevention, remember to give it during and 3 months beyond the mosquito season, preferably on the same date each month.
Treatment with fewer than 3 monthly doses after the last exposure to mosquitoes may not provide complete heartworm protection.
This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.
What results can I expect?
Trifexis will kill the immature heartworms the dog was exposed to in the preceding month. It will treat an intestinal infection with adult hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms, and will kill adult fleas. What form(s) does it come in?
Chewable tablet

Mythbuster: Feline Leukemia

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

Feline leukemia (or FeLV) is the leading viral killer of cats. It weakens the immune system, increases susceptibility to other diseases, causes blood disorders and is the most common cause of cancer in cats.

Symptoms

Feline leukemia is sneaky. Cats may have no signs during early stages, and then over weeks, months or even years, health may progressively deteriorate. Or, an FeLV-positive cat may have recurrent illness interspersed with periods of relative health. Symptoms include:

• weight loss
• lethargy
• fever
• diarrhea
• unusual breathing patterns
• pale gums or a yellow color around the mouth and whites of the eyes

Methods of Infection

The virus occurs in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces and milk from infected cats. It is spread cat-to-cat through:

• bite wounds
• from an infected mother cat to her kittens
• during mutual grooming
• through shared litter boxes and feeding dishes (although this is rare)

Outdoor cats and indoor/outdoor cats are at greater risk than indoor-only cats.

Prevention

It’s best to take preventive measures against this typically fatal disease, because there is no cure for FeLV:

• A vaccine is recommended for all cats at risk of exposure, but the only sure way to prevent transmission is to prevent exposure to infected cats.
• Keep your cats indoors, away from potentially infected cats who might bite them. 
• If you do allow your cat outdoors, provide supervision or place her in a secure enclosure.

The good news is that the virus will not survive outside a cat for more than a few hours in most environments.

Diagnosis

There are two types of blood tests for feline leukemia, and usually both are required for accurate results.

Care of FeLV-Positive Cats

If your cat is infected with feline leukemia, keep her indoors to reduce exposure to other infectious agents and prevent the spread of infection to other cats. We can’t predict the life expectancy of an infected cat, but unfortunately, most will succumb to a feline leukemia-related disease within two or three years after becoming infected.
It’s a good idea to replace food and water dishes, bedding, litter pans and toys used by an FeLV-positive cat -- or clean and disinfect them using 4 ounces of household bleach diluted in a gallon of water -- before getting a new cat.
And remember: Any new cats or kittens should be properly vaccinated before entering the household.

Microchip Scanning

Last night's activities spurred quite a few missing animals in the area. If you have come across a pet that is not yours, please bring it in to us or another facility to have it scanned for a microchip. Also, scan the local shelter and clinic pages for animals that have been posted as found or missing. Some popular sites for Lost and Foud postings are Craigslist, Wichita Falls Animal Services (Facebook), The Humane Society of Wichita County (Facebook), and PetTango. Links to all these sites are at the bottom of this post. In our clinic, the scanning is free of charge and takes less than five minutes. Before you surrender a lost pet to a shelter, please consider taking five minutes out of your day to check for a chip. You choosing to scan can ulitmately decide if the pet finds it's way home or not. Also, just a reminder that when you get a pet microchipped by us, you must go online to register your animal's chip number into the database. In order to do this, you must have a valid email and it will ask you some basic questions about your location and pet description. If you have any problems registering or are not computer saavy, please ask me. I have registered dozens of clients and will glady help you get that completed. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to make an appointment to get your pet chipped, please give me a call at 940.855.0451. - Alex

Humane Society of Wichita County's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/hsofwc?fref=ts
Wichita Falls Craigslist Lost and Found: http://wichitafalls.craigslist.org/search/laf?query=+
Wichita Falls Animal Services Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/WichitaFallsAnimalServices?fref=ts
Wichita Falls Pet Tango site: http://www.petango.com/wichitacountyhumanesociety

Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips!!

Just a little info to help you keep your loved ones home and safe this holiday! Happy Fourth!

 

Fourth of July Safety Tips

For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family—including the four-legged members of the household. While it may seem like a great idea to reward Rover with scraps from the grill and bring him along to watch fireworks, in reality some festive foods and products can be potentially hazardous to your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips:

• Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.
• Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
• Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.
• Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.
• Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
• Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.
• Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.
• Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

Mythbuster: Parvo

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F A C T S H E E T

WHAT IS

Canine parvovirus, or “parvo” as it is commonly known, is a virus that usually attacks

PARVOVIRUS?

the canine intestinal tract (canine parvovirus enteritis) and, in rare cases, the heart (myocarditis). First identified in the late 1970s, the virus is one of the most resistant known; it is able to withstand heat, cold, and most common disinfectants.

HOW IS IT

Parvo is transmitted through the feces and vomit of infected dogs and puppies.

TRANSMITTED?

The virus can live in feces for about two weeks and can exist in the environment (such as on floors or cages) for many months. Because it is so difficult to kill, the virus is easily transmitted by “fomites” such as the hands, clothing, or shoes of anyone who comes in contact with it.

WHAT ARE

Signs appear after the disease’s incubation period. The incubation period can last from 3 to 12 days after exposure but usually occurs within 5 to 7 days of exposure. Signs? The initial signs of parvo include loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, fever, and depression. These are often accompanied by malodorous gray- or yellow-colored feces or diarrhea streaked with blood. Some dogs infected with the virus exhibit no symptoms and never become ill, while others show a few of these signs and recover quickly. Some, however, become severely ill, and succumb within 48-72 hours after first exhibiting symptoms.

WHICH DOGS

Although the virus can attack dogs and puppies of any age, it is most commonly found

GET IT?

in dogs under one year old. The highest incidence is seen in puppies 6 to 24 weeks old. Generally, puppies are protected through maternal immunity up to about 6 weeks. Many adult dogs are immune because they were either vaccinated or exposed to the illness when they were young. Several studies suggest that certain breeds, including Dobermans and Rottweilers,may be more susceptible to the disease than other breeds. Studies also indicate that unsterilized animals may be at greater risk than those who have been spayed or neutered. (Animals who have been spayed or neutered are more likely to have been vaccinated and are less likely to roam, thereby reducing their chances of coming in contact with the virus.

HOW IS PARVO TREATED?  Treatment usually includes hospitalization, intravenous fluid replenishment, and medication (to control vomiting, diarrhea, and secondary infections).

HOW IS PARVO PREVENTED?

The best way to help prevent dogs from getting parvo is to vaccinate them against the virus and keep them under control; dogs allowed to roam are more likely to come into contact with the virus. Shelters can prevent an outbreak by instituting a vaccination program; ensuring that their kennels are disinfected with a product proven to kill viruses; carefully evaluating and monitoring all animals; minimizing “fomite” transmission; and educating staff and the public about the disease.

P

A R V O V I R U S© 1996 The Humane Society of the United States