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