April 2010

Companion Animal Times: Paws for News

Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes Can Transmit Diseases That Really Bite!

It’s that time of year again when our minds turn to backyard barbeques, going to the cabin and spending time at the lake. As we spend more time outside we shouldn’t forget the dangers that lurk there for our four legged friends. Fleas and ticks are out enjoying this weather and looking for their next blood meal! Even if your pets spend most of their time inside, they are still at risk as ticks and fleas can be found in the short grass of your yard. Keeping Frontline flea and tick prevention on your pet from March through November is the best way to protect against flea and tick disease. One bite from a deer tick can transmit diseases which can cause high fever, loss of appetite and lameness. We offer a 4DX rapid blood test which screens for three common tick-borne diseases (Lyme, anaplasmosis and erlichiosis), in addition to heartworm disease. Heartworm disease is spread by our state bird, the mosquito! A single mosquito bite can transmit heartworm disease. It is best to prevent heartworm disease rather than treat a pet that has become infected with adult worms as it is painful and costly to treat and the prognosis is guarded. We recommend giving heartworm prevention tablets once a month year round to keep your pet parasite free.

Buy a 6 pack of Frontline Plus and receive the 7th dose free ! Buy 12 months of Tri-Heart heartworm prevention get a $5 mail-in rebate ! Buy 6 months of Heartgard heartworm prevention and get $6 off ! Buy 12 months of Heartgard and get $12 off !

What’s New at Companion

The Companion Animal Hospital daycare staff has some exciting new daycare news!

We now have longer playtimes with staff and friends.  Daycare dogs receive three playtimes per day. Each playtime includes access to our fenced yard where they can run, play, wrestle, and dig through our big tub of toys.  Between playtimes, daycare dogs get to relax in their very own suite with a bed.  Staff will make sure every dog has a full bowl of water at all times and that everyone is happy and comfortable. We would love to welcome your dog to our daycare group and as always we are happy to see our regular daycare dogs. We are excited to provide excellent care and attention to your four-legged friend.

Dear Dr. Wheeler,

My Labrador, Sarge, has been on a diet since our last visit with you, but he seems so starved all the time. Are you sure he’s getting enough to eat?

One-Scoop Sally

Dr. Wheeler replies:

The biggest thing to remember about Sarge (and all dogs!) is that he will never be internally motivated to be on a diet. He never has to fit into jeans or go to a high school class reunion, and has never read about the links between obesity and a shortened life span. Don’t feel like you’re being mean to him just because he would eat more than we’re giving him. Offer him green beans and baby carrots, take lots of walks, and break every treat into a morsel the size of a Cheerio or less. Dogs can’t count and they can’t measure, so Sarge will still think life is worth living especially if next time, instead of giving him a treat, you rub his belly or throw his ball for him. Good luck, and remind Sarge that a lot of us humans are on diets, too!

Meet the Staff

Name: Megann

Position: Pet care attendant/receptionist.

Experience: Megann has been working with boarding/daycare facilities for three years and she has also volunteered at the humane society.

Pets:  Olive and Asher, her Italian Greyhounds (that’s us in the picture!),  Fluffy, her three year old cat, and her newest addition Max, a loveable Persian.

Interests: Playing at the dog park, making homemade dog treats, photography and planning her wedding .

Look Who Visited Us Recently!

Judd	Fred	Xas
I was rescued by my new family but came with some big problems, including heartworm disease!  The doctors treated me and now I stay healthy with my annual heartworm test.	I come to daycare every week to see my friends (both human and canine).   I can chase after the ball really well, but why do they want me to always bring it back?	I love to come and board. I am a Princess wherever I go, and here I get all the love and attention I require. If only my ears wouldn’t get in the way of my tiara!

Event Reminder

The Annual Woofer and Hoofer walk is Saturday, June 5th, from 9 - 1 at Alimagnet Park in Burnsville. This fun event benefits the Minnesota Valley Humane Society. More information and registration forms can be found at www.wooferandhoofer.com