As the weather warms up, we’ve already experienced a few mosquito bites this year. These 10 facts about heartworms and the devastating disease they cause in pets are more important to know than ever.
Heartworms are parasitic worms that live inside the heart, pulmonary arteries and/or lungs of an infected mammal
Adult worms reproduce in the host animal and multiply in the bloodstream
Dogs, cats, ferrets, wolves, coyotes and foxes can all contract heartworm disease
One thing that makes them different from other parasitic worms? Most others infect the gastrointestinal tract, not the circulatory system
Heartworms can grow to 14 inches in length
Mosquitoes carry and spread heartworm larvae. When a mosquito bites a heartworm-infected animal (often wildlife), the larvae enters the mosquito along with the blood meal
When a heartworm-carrying mosquito bites another animal (often a pet), the larvae spreads to that animal
It takes months for heartworm disease to become visibly symptomatic in a pet. This is the time it takes for heartworm larvae to grow into adult worms
Treatment in dogs is expensive, time-consuming and high-risk for the dog. There is no approved treatment for cats.
Heartworm prevention is the best method to address heartworm disease for dogs and cats. Year-round prevention can come in several forms, from a monthly tablet to a combined flea-tick-and-heartworm medication. Ask your veterinarian which method is best for your pet and lifestyle
For more information, check out our recent article, “Heartworm Prevention: Be Aware!” And contact us if your Fairfield or Cincinnati-area pet is in need of heartworm prevention and other wellness care.
Heartworm disease is cause by a parasitic worm carried by mosquitoes. Over 70 species of mosquito are capable of transmitting heartworm to dogs, cats and ferrets through their bites. And it only takes one bite to cause this life-threatening infection.
The worms are called Dirofilaria immitis and grow to a foot long. They live in an animal’s heart, lungs and blood vessels.
How Common is Heartworm?
Infected mosquitoes are found in all 50 US states. It’s estimated that one million dogs in the US are suffering from heartworm disease. And up to one-third of heartworm-infected cats live exclusively indoors.
Heartworm Prevention is Simple and Cost-Effective
Not only is prevention simple and cost-effective, it saves lives! The risk that one infected mosquito will bite your pet one time is quite high.
All pets should be on a heartworm prevention medication 12 months of the year (all year round!). And, to be on the safe side, we recommend annual heartworm testing.
Heartworm Disease is Heart-Breaking
Outcomes for heartworm disease aren’t pleasant. It takes six months after being bitten by an infected mosquito to test positive for the disease. The parasitic worms have opportunity to grow unchecked during that time.
There is only one approved treatment for dogs, and it can cost up to 15x’s the cost of a year’s worth of prevention medication. Plus, it’s high-risk for your dog, with the potential side effect of a fatal pulmonary embolism.
Even more alarming, there are NO approved treatments for cats with heartworm disease.
The plant names link to Pet Poison Helpline’s plant information page. Percentages show the majority proportion of cases (cat or dog). We also give the organization’s toxicity level for each plant.
Easter is early this year, so it coincides with Pet Poison Prevention Awareness month in March. Keep these five tips in mind as you plan your celebrations.
Plastic basket grass: If your pet swallows plastic grass, it can cause intestinal blockages.
Lilies: These plants are very toxic to your feline friends and can cause rapid kidney failure.
Chocolate: This food is very toxic to dogs if ingested.
Easter dinner: High-fat foods can cause GI upset. Leftover bones can cause foreign body (an object that becomes stuck in your pet’s body that shouldn’t be there).
Easter eggs: Real or fake eggs can be harmful to your pets. Spoiled eggs can cause upset stomachs and fake one can cause intestinal blockages.
10 Common Plants Toxic to Pets
Know these common plants that are toxic to cats and dogs. We recommend that you don’t keep the in your home.
Lilies
Philodendron
Oleander
Aloe
Chrysanthemum
Hyacinth
Jade plant
Sago palm
Daffodil
Asparagus fern
You may also want to check out “Top 20 Pet Toxins in Ohio.” Let’s enjoy spring with our pets, and keep everyone safe.
Since 2018, the Pet Poison Helpline has been tracking Toxin Trends by state and making them publicly available. The data are derived from cases called into the organization. In Ohio, you can see that dogs represent the top species encountered at this hotline.
Top 20 Pet Toxins in Ohio Explained
Here’s the graph for the pet toxins that are most commonly the culprit for calls to the helpline. (Remember, dogs represent 90% of these cases).
Some of these items are well-known, like chocolate. Others seem obscure, like #2 on the list, bromethalin. Let’s explore each a little further.
Carprofen: This veterinary anti-inflammatory pain medication also made it to the top 10 list last year. It’s important to follow dosage instructions given by your veterinarian.
Amphetamine combos and methylphenidate: Includes common ADHD medications, along with illicit drugs like ecstasy.
Beta-blockers: Common human heart medications.
Acetaminophen: Common over-the-counter human pain reliever and fever reducer, i.e, Tylenol.
Lilies (Lilium species): True lilies, along with all flowers that look like lilies, are particularly toxic to cats. This includes every part of the plant, from flower to root.
Onions (Allium species): Includes all members of the species, like garlic, shallots, leeks and chives.
Allergy medications: Any medicine with D in the name, i.e., Claritin D or Mucinex D.
Thyroid hormone medication: Large overdoses are the main area of concern.
Cholecalciferol rotenticide: One of the most potent rat and mouse poisons, it’s activated vitamin D3.
Melatonin: Common human supplement, can be found in gummy form
Lisinopril (Zestril): One of the ACE-inhibitors, which is a common heart medication in humans.
Top Symptoms of Pet Toxicity in Ohio
The Pet Poison Helpline also tracks reports of signs of toxicity that caused pet owners to reach out. There are 13 on the list, which is topped by vomiting and drowsiness.
For Emergencies, Save the Pet Poison Helpline Number
Anytime of day or night, you can reach the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. As of this writing, the fee is $85.
Here are their recommended steps if you suspect your pet is experiencing an emergency after exposure to a pet toxin.
15 Tips to Help Your Cat or Dog Enjoy a Safe Spring
Are you starting to get spring fever? So are your pets! As the birds start singing, flowers start blooming and spring cleaning gets underway, take a moment to review our 15 safety tips.
Spring Safety Tips for All Pets
Pets of all kinds need humans to watch out for their safety. Our cats, dogs and other pets are adorable for the exploring, curious natures, but that can sometimes get them in trouble! Consider these five spring safety tips:
When you embark on spring cleaning and airing out your home, remember that cats and dogs may wish to escape from open doors and windows. Watch your pets and use window screens.
Also, keep all cleaning chemicals and solutions out of reach of pets. When you’re actively cleaning, keep them (and yourself!) safe from chemical fumes, as well.
Keep chocolates away from your pets. The caffeine and theobromine in chocolate are toxic to them.
As you start to freshen up your lawn and garden, read the usage instructions for all fertilizers, pesticides and weed killers. Don’t let your pets around these areas until it’s safe.
You and your dog are likely preparing to enjoy the outdoors more as the weather warms up. Let’s keep these five spring safety tips for dogs in mind.
It’s time to make sure that your dog is on flea, tick and heartworm preventative.
Cold and allergy medications are in the top 10 toxins for dogs. As your seasonal allergies start acting up, keep medicines containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine away from your pups. This includes medicines ending in D, i.e., MucinexD.
Check your backyard fence for disrepair that may have happened over the winter. With better weather, your dog may be spending more time outdoors, and you don’t want them to escape.
As an extra insurance policy against escape, consider microchipping your dog if you haven’t already. Or, check your dog’s existing microchip to make sure the information is up-to-date
Spring Safety Tips for Cats
Cats typically spend more time indoors, but that doesn’t mean they don’t encounter some spring dangers. Here are five spring safety tips for cats.
Cats require feline-specific flea, tick and heartworm preventatives. Using products made for dogs can be deadly for cats.
Remember that ALL varieties of lily are toxic to cats. This includes Easter lily, Asiatic lily, Daylily, Stargazer lily and even the not-true-lily Lily of the valley. The entire plant is toxic, including stems, leaves, flowers, pollen and water in its vase.
Avoid using plastic grass in your Easter baskets. Cats find this product unavoidably attractive, and it can obstruct their digestive system when ingested.
Now’s a good time to give those litter boxes a deep clean. Scrub them with diluted vinegar and allow them to dry in the sun.
If your cat isn’t neutered or spayed, consider the procedure now. Spring is an active time for cats to go into heat and be on the prowl.
Enjoy a beautiful spring with your pets! And check out our resources for more Pet Safety Tips.
It’s true; when you have a pet, every day is Love Your Pet day. So, a leap year gives you one extra day to shower your pet with the affection they deserve. But, February 20 is set aside as Love Your Pet Day. Think of it as a furry Valentine’s Day.
10 Ways to Show Your Pet the Love
The best way to show your dog or cat you love them is to help them lead a happy, healthy life. You won’t be able to fit all of these ideas into one day! Consider this a checklist for the rest of 2024.
Help your pet stay active: take a walk or play with toys to encourage a healthy lifestyle. This counts for self-care as well!
Feed your pet a nutritious diet: avoid raw food for cats or dogs, and take into account your pet’s lifestage, from puppy or kitten to senior.
Snack sparingly and healthily: we love to shower our pets with snacks, but we also want to promote healthy weights. Go for raw carrots or frozen green beans, and offer smaller bites of pet treats.
Spend quality time with your pet: prevent boredom and loneliness by cuddling, playing and talking with your pet. Put down your devices and use your hands for pets, instead!
Learn your pet’s favorite kind of toy: some dogs like stuffed animals, while some dogs need tougher chew toys. Some cats like batting toys, while others might just prefer your robot vacuum or a cardboard box. Make your pet’s day by getting them the toys they prefer!
Stay up-to-date on wellness visits: At all ages, cats and dogs benefit from an annual wellness visit to their veterinarian. This helps them stay current on important vaccinations, along with catching early symptoms of aging or disease.
Prioritize dental health to add years to your pet’s life:Dental disease in pets becomes a systemic health issue that can ultimately lead to early organ failure.
Plan a pet photo shoot: your pet may or may not be a diva, but it’s wonderful to preserve memories of your precious pet in photo form. Go outside on a sunny day with your phone camera, or go all-out and find a professional photographer.
Go on an adventure: It’s no surprise that dogs love hikes or visits to a dog park. Plan one! Some cats also enjoy getting out and about. Check out harness and leash training for cats.
Now, stop reading and go tell your pet you love them! And give them a kiss from us.
Dental Care Should Be a Top Health Priority for Your Cat or Dog
For Pet Dental month, we want to highlight an interview with Dr. Seth Shirey who shares important information about how pet dental health affects your pet’s overall health and life expectancy.
“This [untreated] mouth will shorten a pet’s life span by a noticeable amount of years… instead of making it to 15, 16, they’re passing away at 11 because they have kidney failure….The smaller the breed, the worse their teeth, so like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Dachshunds those dogs I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to remove 20 teeth, from a dog’s mouth because it was just rotten.”
When oral bacteria from diseased teeth and gums makes its way into a pet’s bloodstream, this bacteria can affect the animal’s heart, liver or kidneys. This systemic infection causes inflammation and possible organ failure over time.
Pet Dental Month is a Good Time to Make a Dental Cleaning Appointment
Data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) show that up to 80% of pets will suffer from dental disease by age three.
It’s important to make dental health a priority early in a pet’s life. That starts with an annual dental cleaning appointment. These cleanings remove tartar and plaque above and below the gumline.
What should you expect at a pet dental cleaning? The AVMA shares the basic steps:
Pets are placed under general anesthesia for the health and safety of both the animal and dental care team. Pets are closely monitored the entire time they are under anesthesia
Dental X-rays show what’s happening below the gum surface
A thorough examination of each tooth is made as the cleaning takes place. Veterinarians use many of the same cleaning tools as dental hygienists
It may be recommended to remove one or more teeth, if the veterinarian finds advanced dental disease
The pet is awakened, placed in recovery and usually goes home soon after
At-Home Pet Dental Care
The most important way to promote healthy teeth and gums at home is to brush your cat or dog’s teeth with an enzymatic pet toothpaste once each day. It’s important to use toothpaste made especially for animals. Human toothpaste usually contains flouride, which is toxic if swallowed. For ease of purchasing, look for a toothpaste with the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal.
Dr. Shirey says:
“You’re adding years to their life down their life, 11 or 12 you are seeing 14, 15… you can truly add years into patients’ lives by doing these dental cleanings.”
How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
We get plenty of questions about how to brush a dog’s teeth. Hopefully, this video guide will be helpful.
Prevention is the most important part of pet dental care. But you should also check out our article “Know the Signs of Dental Disease.” If you have any questions about your cat or dog’s dental health, please contact us.
Looking Back on a Great Year & Looking Forward to the New Year
We’re thankful for our wonderful patients, clients and team. We at Companion Care Animal Hospital made a lot of memories in 2023. Here are a few of our favorites!
January: Baby Cat Makes Us Smile
Nobody puts Baby (Cat) in a corner! But sometimes Baby Cat puts herself in the corner. We love our sweet and sour clinic kitty.
February: Falling in Love with Patients
Sadie came to us for her first appointment, and we were smitten. And Maddy glammed up for her appointment.
March: St. Patrick’s Day
What a treat to treat three Irish-breed dogs in March. Abby is an Irish Setter and Charlie and Pippa are Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.
April: Veterinary Receptionist Week
Jan and Morgyn are absolutely worth celebrating, and we appreciate their dedication to our patients and clients.
May: Cinco De Mayo
Taco puppy! We loved it.
August: Mufasa’s 17th Birthday
This beautiful kitty belong to Veterinary Technician Samantha, and we were elated to celebrate his birthday.
August: Flea & Tick Awareness
Ok. This isn’t a “favorite” memory, but it’s still a very important reminder to check your pets for ticks and to keep up-to-date with their flea and tick preventatives. We found the pictured tick on a patient and were able to remove it successfully.
October: Pumpkin Decoration Contest
Competition was fierce for our pumpkin decoration contest! But you ultimately chose these three creative entries.
December: Photos with Santa
We featured over 150 photos of Santa with your pets on our Facebook page! Of all the dogs, cats (and even a hamster!), here are just a few examples.
We hope you and your pets are looking forward to a happy and healthy 2024! We look forward to making more memories with all of you.
Winter can be a difficult season for many, including our pets. Refresh your memory on cold weather hazards for your pet, and we wish you cozy cuddles until spring!
Be Prepared for Cold Weather Hazards
Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s risks in cold weather
Have an emergency kit that includes your pet’s needs in case of severe weather or prolonged power outage
If your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by cold, consider a sweater or dog coat. Check out our winter pet clothing tips.
Consider booties for your dog’s feet, and make sure they fit
Ensure outdoor pets have insulated shelter and unfrozen drinking water
In extreme cold, even outdoor pets should stay inside
Cold Weather Hazards: Avoid Injury and Poisoning
Use pet-safe de-icing products
Quickly clean up any antifreeze spills
Keep your pets away from frozen ponds, lakes and streams
After walks, wipe down or wash your pet’s paws, legs and belly to remove packed snow, ice, salt and de-icing chemicals
Cold Weather Hazards: Know Your Pet’s Limits
Understand your pet’s tolerance for the cold; adjust accordingly
