Rea Road Animal Hospital

Ever wonder why we do annual fecal checks on your pet? A 2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report shows about 14 percent of the US human population is infected with roundworms. Fortunately, relatively few people develop the disease but when they do it’s potentially devastating.

If the roundworm infestation is only a mild one then there will be few easily identifiable symptoms. There is the possibility of intermittent abdominal pain and “flu like” symptoms. Coughing and wheezing could occur when the roundworm larvae migrates to the lung. Severe infestations can result in vomiting, restlessness, sleep disturbances and blockage of the intestine resulting in extreme abdominal pain. The large size of roundworms (up to 40 cm long) means that they can literally block up the gastrointestinal tract with their bodies.

The top six internal parasite infections from 2008: tapeworms, roundworms, coccidia, hookworms, giardia and whipworms.

We are now stocking the Furminator. This professional de-shedding tool removes the furry undercoat that is deposited all over your house, carpet, clothing, and car. We also offer a furmination treatment for your pet at a minimal cost.

In the past few months, several new types of flea and heartworm medications have hit the market, and a few more are poised to be released before flea season reaches full swing. But what does this mean for you and your pet?
If you feel like your old flea medication isn’t as effective, or if you want more from your heartworm prevention, let us know and we can help you find the products that are perfect for your lifestyle. For example, if you don’t like topical medications, there is now a pill for flea protection. If you don’t like giving your pet pills, there is a topical application which combines flea, heartworm, and internal parasite prevention.
We can also help you decide which products best fit your budget. Manufacturers know that products are required for the health of your pet and try to help ease the burden of payment through rebates or free doses. Of course, these incentives are only available when buying directly from your veterinarian and not through online pharmacies.
As much as manufacturers try to prevent it, most medications will end up in online pharmacies. There are several reasons why purchasing from these places is dangerous. The products are not guaranteed, because they are not in a controlled environment. In fact, they are often purchased through secondary sources, perhaps in a different country. If you purchase heartworm medication through us and your pet contracts the disease, some manufacturers will cover the expensive treatment cost.

Although canine arthritis is incurable, it can be managed. By following a few steps, you can ensure that you and your dog will have many healthy and happy years together.
Get their paws in gear. Moderate exercise can help strengthen joints and reduce the chances of further damage. The weight loss can decrease the burden on load-bearing joints. Consult your veterinarian before starting a new exercise routine to establish an adequate, low-impact plan.
Get safe, effective help. With modern advances in medication, there is help for a dog that is slowed down by the pain and discomfort of arthritis.
Stick with the program. Arthritis is a chronic disease that requires continuous treatment. Although you will probably notice an improvement with medication and therapy, it is important to stay faithful to your veterinarian’s instructions in order to maintain your dog’s quality of life. (pfizerah.com)
One of the ways to avoid problems with arthritis in dogs is to make sure that some of the key risk factors are avoided. Start senior dogs (over 7 years-old) on a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement. There are also foods whose ingredients include joint supplements, antioxidants E and C, and omega-3 fatty acids. If you are concerned about your dog’s weight or mobility, make an appointment to see your veterinarian today!

The sugar substitute Xylitol (zy-li-tall) has been proven very harmful and sometimes fatal to dogs.  Xylitol is often used in products like sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods, toothpastes, smoking cessation aids, sunscreens, cereals, beverages, and some vitamins and diet supplements.

According to the experts at the ASPCA Poison Control Center, “Dogs ingesting significant amounts of gum or candies solely or largely sweetened with Xylitol may develop a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination, and seizures.  These signs can develop quite rapidly, so it is important that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately.”  In 2003, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center reported three cases of canine Xylitol poisoning.  193 cases were reportedin 2005, and 114 cases were reported during the first half of 2006.  Xylitol’s effect on cats and ferrets is currently unknown.

Depending on the size of the dog and the amount ingested, symptoms of toxicity may occur anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion.  If you suspect your dog has eaten a product with Xylitol in it, please obtain the packaging of the product if possible and seek veterinary care immediately.

It’s easy to run the dog around the neighborhood or watch the hamster go round and round in the wheel but it’s a little more difficult to get cats to exercise. Given their calorie intake and their usually sedentary life, it’s important that they exercise and stretch their muscles to avoid packing on the pounds and stressing their joints. Here are some fun ways to get your favorite feline friend to play:

Use an interactive toy with feathers on the end. Move it like a bird to encourage your cat to leap and stretch.

Set up boxes, bags and soft-sided tunnels to create an obstacle course for your interactive exercise session. If you can’t find the soft-sided tunnels, make tunnels of your own by turning boxes upside down and cutting entrance and exit holes

A small ball in a box works as a mini raquetball court