Lyme Disease…it can affect your pet and your family… but you can protect both!

Lyme disease is a serious condition that affects dogs and humans and ticks are the number one carrier of Lyme Disease.  Dogs infected with Lyme disease may develop problems like joint swelling, lethargy, lameness, and fever two to five months after the tick bite.

Occasionally, Lyme disease can cause a heart or nervous system problem in your dog. Rarely, kidney failure can occur. If you think your dog has been exposed to ticks, ask your veterinarian for a blood test to detect the antibodies, and, if positive, regular blood tests to monitor Lyme disease titers should be performed.

The good news is that, nine out of ten dogs exposed to the bacteria do not go on to develop Lyme disease.

However, it’s not as rosy a picture for humans. Symptoms resembling the flu can start days or weeks after the infection, and there may be a rash. These symptoms can come and go and, unfortunately, rarely be connected with Lyme disease.

Left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to your brain, heart, and joints. Many people are now discovering that the muscle and joint pain, numbness and tingling, insomnia, memory problems, and a host of other symptoms that they’ve suffered with for years may actually be related to a tick bite they got decades ago.

So, if your dog will be going outdoors this spring and summer (and most dogs spend time outside even if it is just for their daily walk), then you need to protect him and yourself from disease carrying ticks.

The best way to keep ticks – and potential Lyme disease- out of your home is by giving your pet high quality flea and tick prevention medication.  In addition, your dog should receive the Lyme Disease vaccine.  The vaccine is administered in a 2-part dose for the regular price of $60; however, throughout the month of May, your dog can receive both vaccine dosages for a total of $40 and the exam fee is waived.  Call us today to schedule your dog’s appointment and help to protect your pet and your family!

Remember that we are open late and on the weekends to help care for your pet:
Monday – Friday:  7:30 AM – 10 PM
Saturday:  8 AM – 8 PM
Sunday:  10 AM – 8 PM

Your friends @ the Animal Hospital of Polaris
8928 South Old State Road
Lewis Center, Ohio  43035
614-888-4050

 

Hard to believe flea and tick season is upon us…but we have a great, new solution to protecting your pets!

Seresto is the newest breakthrough in flea and tick prevention for your pets! Easier than monthly topicals, you simply apply Seresto to your pet just once and they enjoy 8 months of protection from fleas and ticks!  Seresto is a revolutionary new flea and tick collar that releases two active ingredients in controlled doses over time to protect your pet.  The cost is also impressive… throughout the month of May, the cost of the Seresto collar is just $69.99 with a $20.00 rebate.  Stop in today to purchase this protection for your furry friend! Flea bites can cause skin lesions, hot spots, hair loss and even anemia. Not only is the condition dangerous and uncomfortable for your pet, a single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day causing a full-out infestation in your home before you know it. Dogs are also common targets for ticks that can transmit serious diseases when they feed on your dog’s blood. A few of the most dangerous conditions: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Ehrlichiad Lyme Disease Remember that we are open late and on the weekends to help care for your pet: Monday – Friday:  7:30 AM – 10 PM Saturday:  8 AM – 8 PM Sunday:  10 AM – 8 PM Your friends @ the Animal Hospital of Polaris www.animalhospitalofpolaris.com 8928 South Old State Road Lewis Center, Ohio  43035 614-888-4050

 

Be prepared… what you need to know for pet first aid kit and how to build one!

Most of us have a first aid kit for humans either in our car or our home…or both. But have you ever considered having a first aid kit handy for treating your pets?  If you don’t have a first aid kit for your pets in your household, now is a good time to get one, or you can easily build one.  You can start with a first aid kit built for humans and then consider adding the following items:

• A fresh, unexpired bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide. This isn’t for cleaning wounds necessarily, but rather for inducing vomiting if your dog gets into something poisonous! Accidental poisonings in our pets occur thousands of times a day across the world, so you always want to be prepared to induce vomiting if necessary. That said, never induce vomiting without consulting your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680, an animal poison control first), as it may make your pet worse.
• A bottle of liquid dish soap (e.g., Dawn, Joy, etc.). Most households already have a bottle of liquid dish soap handy but ensuring you have enough for emergencies is critical. For example, if your cat accidentally had a dog flea and tick medication put on it, you’ll need to bath off this chemical immediately to prevent tremors and seizures. Likewise, if your pet rolled in something poisonous (like motor oil, etc.), you can safely administer a bath with liquid dish soap.
• A can of canned tuna (in water) or a can of chicken broth. You’re probably wondering why this needs to be in a first aid kit. Well, several plants (e.g., Dieffenbachia, Poinsettias, etc.), household products (e.g., glow sticks) and household cleaners can cause severe foaming and drooling of the mouth due to irritation. By simply diluting the taste or chemical out of your pet’s mouth with something tasty (like the water from the tuna), it can safely flush out the mouth and esophagus. This is much safer than using a spray or hose to flush out the taste from your pet’s mouth, as there is a chance your pet could aspirate that fluid into their lungs.
• A few cans of dog or cat food and bottles of water. As the nightly news tells us, disasters can strike anywhere so you need a “pet bag to go” in case of emergency. Making sure that you have pop-off lid canned food is important in case you need to feed your pet during a disaster. Don’t use dry kibble (which can go rancid after years) or cans that require a can opener (since you’re unlikely to remember to grab your can opener on the run!).
• A quart size bag full of kitty litter. Again, you never know when you have to evacuate quickly with your pet. Keeping a bag of kitty litter in your first aid kit or in your cat carrier is imperative in case you’re on the run.

As time and circumstances have taught us, we can’t predict when disaster or tragedy strikes but attempting to be prepared (and keep the first aid materials in a box with a copy of the notes above so you know what to do in instances of illness or injury) will do much to help treat your pet at home, prevent costly veterinary treatments and possibly save your pet’s life.

Does your dog’s breath stink? There might be more to it than just a bad smell…

Halitosis, or bad breath, is the most common sign of dental disease. Classic “doggy breath” is not necessarily normal. It’s usually caused by an infection of the gums and potentially the other supporting structures of the teeth. Plaque builds up every day on the tooth surface including at the gum line. Left in place, the plaque can mineralize, or harden, in less than 2 days. The familiar brown, grey, or yellow staining commonly seen near the gum line is a sign of advancing disease.
Signs of dental disease include bad bath, red inflamed gums, loose teeth, tartar accumulation, and/or calculus on the teeth. Dental disease is the most common ailment affecting pet dogs and cats.

The amount and severity of dental disease in our pets can be very surprising. The best way to reduce the risk of dental disease in pets is proper dental care. A simple and quick tooth brushing just 3 times a week can add years to your dog’s life, but the sad fact is that most dogs never even see a tooth brush. Luckily there are some easy and inexpensive ways to avoid the costly and dangerous issue of periodontal disease.

One of the best ways to reduce plaque and tartar (as well as nasty “doggy breath”) is to brush your dogs teeth daily or offer a toy that cleans your dog’s teeth as they chew.

Call today to schedule your FREE dental exam!

Remember that we are open late and on the weekends
to help care for your pet:
Monday – Friday:  7:30 AM – 10 PM
Saturday:  8 AM – 8 PM
Sunday:  10 AM – 8 PM

Your friends @ the Animal Hospital of Polaris
www.animalhospitalofpolaris.com
8928 South Old State Road
Lewis Center, Ohio  43035
614-888-4050

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Have a safe and Happy Halloween with your pets!

It is the season for pumpkin carving, apple cider, the smell of leaves, and all things spooky.  Fall brings a magic along with it!  And nothing says “fall” quite like October and Halloween.

We wanted to share how you can safely share this much-loved holiday with your furry friend.  Despite all the fun of Halloween it is one of the most dangerous days of the year for pets. The new experiences also bring new ways that your pet can be put in harm’s way.

1. Don’t leave your dog outside. Even if you have a fenced yard, bring your dog inside where it is safe. Your dog may be used to strangers, but so many little ghouls and goblins running about may be too much. Remember also that it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be no shortage of strangers.

2. Keep your dog restrained. If your dog is timid or scared, or if he tends to love people a little too much, it is best to put him in a separate room away from the front door to limit his excitability, aggression, and chance of running outside and becoming lost.

3. Reassure your dog. The best thing you can do for your dog when he is feeling unsettled by Halloween activities is to act as you normally would. By over-reassuring your dog or giving him an unusual amount of attention, you inadvertently can communicate to him that because you are acting differently, there must be something to worry about.

4. Have your dog get used to costumes. Your dog may see his family members as strangers once they don their Halloween costumes. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes. If your costume has a mask, keep the mask off when you are with your dog because dogs can become confused when they can’t see our faces.

5. Check your dog’s ID tag. Be sure identification tags are secure on your dog’s collar-just in case.

6. Keep candy away from your dog. Many candies-especially chocolate-are toxic to dogs. The severity of the toxicity depends greatly on factors such as breed, age, size, and how much candy was ingested. Problems may range from a mild upset tummy to vomiting and diarrhea, or even death.

7. Protect dogs from candles and pumpkins. Excited or agitated dogs can easily knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Be sure those items are away from your dog’s reach, or consider a battery-powered candle that does not burn

8. Think twice about dressing your dog in a costume. While some dogs might enjoy being dressed up, many don’t. Experiment first to see if your dog likes being in a costume.

9. Be prepared. If you take your dog with you while trick-or-treating, be prepared at all times. Do not let your dog approach the door of a house, and stay clear of possible gags or gangs of goblins who will gather at the door. Dogs do not understand that the person jumping out at you will not hurt you; they often think they can only help you by acting aggressively.

10. Have fun but think of your dog’s safety. Finally, if you want your dog to be included in Halloween festivities, think about his safety much as you would the safety of a small child. Your dog does not understand Halloween, so he needs you to provide the guidance and safety that you always do.

If you have any questions, give us a call!  We will be open from 7:30 AM to 10 PM on October 31st…. we will be there if you need us!

Finding a safe, healthy and tasty treat for your furry friend!

A recent recall of chicken jerky treats made in China made the news across the world and encouraged many pet lovers to think very carefully about the snacks they give their beloved pets.  Treats, table scraps and human foods can all cause problems in small companion animals.  We would like to provide you a few tips on how to keep your pet healthy.

1. Don’t Give Bones. Dogs are notorious for chewing on things they shouldn’t and items given to dogs as “treats” can have grave effects. In particular, many people think that giving their dogs chicken or turkey bones during the holidays is a safe option, but they soon end up in the emergency room after their dog swallows one of the bones. The sharp edges can lead to bleeding, internal injuries, and worse.

2. Don’t Feed Table Scraps. Another problem is that human food can contain toxic ingredients that can seriously poison your pet. The tasty onion rings, grapes, raisons or other high fat meals that you love can make your pet sick.

3. Be Careful With Treats. The best way to keep your pet safe from toxicity or injury due to treats is to only feed them treats which are designed for feline or canine consumption.

4. Check Recalls. Regularly check the FDA recall list and make sure that their food or treats are not anywhere on there. Monitor your pet closely for any signs of injury or illness and if something feels “off,” trust your instincts. Stop giving your pet the treat immediately and call us if symptoms occur. We try to proactively notify our clients of pet food and pet treat recalls.

5. Pick Treats for Your Pets Size. Treats that are too big or too small can cause problems by getting caught in your pet’s mouth or esophagus. For example, items that are too small for your large dog can be easily swallowed.

If you are in the market for healthy, tasty and safe treats for your pet, stop in today and we’ll help you select just the right treat for your furry friend!

 

More Pet Food/Treat Recalls

Nature’s Recipe brand is voluntarily recalling a limited supply of Nature’s Recipe® Oven Baked Biscuits with Real Chicken, manufactured in one of its U.S. production facilities. This is being done as a precautionary measure, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some, or all, of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting and diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact us immediately.

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Fall is still prime flea season…save on Frontline & get $15 to spend!

 

Many pet owners mistakenly believe that fleas die off and are out of sight in the fall (and therefore out of mind) but nothing can be further from the truth. Temperatures are still warm enough outside, so fleas are still actively breeding. In addition, there’s typically an increase in precipitation in the fall months and fleas love the moisture. Fleas can also live inside your warm home and will continue to multiply until you do something about it.

Pet owners often choose to let their dogs go without protection in the fall and winter, leaving them at great risk for picking up these pesky pests in the yard, by the lake or on a walk. Did you know? Fleas can jump 8-12 inches – easily able to attach to your furry friend. Within 30 minutes, those little vampires start sucking your dog’s blood. In just 24 hours, a flea will start breeding. Without treatment, these little bloodsuckers can live six to 12 months … feeding on your poor dog the whole time.

The flea eggs begin hatching within two-five days and the whole lifecycle of the flea continues until your pets, your carpets … even your bed are infested with those itchy and nasty pests.

Don’t be fooled by cooler weather! Just because the temperatures start dropping outside doesn’t mean the fleas will die off in your home. They’re still nice and warm inside your home … breeding and multiplying to your dog’s (and your) irritation.

Now that you know how serious the flea problem is in the fall, we urge all pet owners to protect your beloved pets against these nasty, icky and painful pests. There’s no reason any dog should go unprotected this fall. If price is an issue, not to worry! We have a great deal for you.

Frontline Plus: Buy 6 doses, Get 2 FREE (PLUS $15.00 to spend)

The key to all-year-round flea control is continued monthly application of FRONTLINE PLUS, even in cooler weather. FRONTLINE PLUS kills all stages of the flea life cycle to protect your pets and their home environment
from flea infestation. If you purchase 6 doses of Frontline between now and October 31st, you will not only receive 2 Free doses but you’ll receive a check for $15.00 from the makers of Frontline to be used for any product or service offered at the Animal Hospital of Polaris.

 

Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers or coupons.

 

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• Why is flea & tick prevention important throughout the year? PLUS, buy 6 doses of Frontline & get 2 FREE! (animalhospitalofpolaris.wordpress.com)

 

Autumn is a great time of the year to get out and exercise with your pet!

While the fall season can bring about colder weather and more time spent bundled up inside, that does not mean that you and your pets cannot still enjoy the wonderful autumn air around you. In fact, fall is one of the greatest times of year for escaping outside with your pooch or spending some real one-on-one time inside with your favorite pal.

The smells and sights of autumn make a great excuse to head out into the woods or to take long walks with your pets. However, there are several different outdoor dangers that you should be cautious of whenever you head outside in the fall. For instance, October is the peak season for hunting. Therefore, you should always make sure both you and your pet are wearing proper bright colors to ward off any hunters in your area.

In addition, many people begin preparing their vehicles for the colder season once we hit the month of October. Therefore, beware of any antifreeze or any other coolant product that may have spilled out onto the ground. These chemicals can be deadly to your pet if they are ingested.

The fall truly is a season is a great time of year to get in some quality bonding with your pet. Make sure you follow these three helpful tips for keeping your pet healthy and happy in the months ahead.

Our pets LOVE their toys!

Why do we give dogs toys? Because toys make them happy! But they’re also necessary for your dog’s mental health. What kind of toys does your dog like to play with?  Squeaker toys are by far some of the most popular. But here’s the question on most dog owners’ minds:  If my dog loves playing with squeaker toys so much, why does he destroy them in a matter of minutes?

Dogs attacking their squeaker toys is a common complaint. It’s not unusual for a dog to go after a squeaker toy like crazy until he finally “kills” it by ripping the squeaker out.  The dog loves the toy – why would he destroy it and not be able to play with it anymore? The truth is that this kind of play behavior is based on instinct. “Killing” a squeaker toy is the dog’s objective – that’s the real fun of it for them. The squeaking noises remind your dog of the natural squeals and chirps made by live prey as they are caught, injured and killed.  So the more the toy squeaks, the more excited your dog gets. Toys that squeak a lot can make your dog feel like an expert hunter, the king or queen of the pack. The process of ripping out a squeaker can be VERY satisfying to a dog, which is why squeaker toys are quite often a dog’s favorite.

If you are in the market for some fun toys for your furry friend, stop by the Animal Hospital of Polaris and check out the selection of fun and safe toys that will keep your pet happy and entertained.