Fall 2007 Newsletter

This year has seen an exponential rise in the local flea population, causing problems and nuisance for pets and pet owners alike.  Along with some new products in the arsenal against fleas and ticks, here are a few helpful hints to get the fleas off your pet, and out of your house! 

1. Vacuuming your home is one of the most important ways to control and help eradicate fleas. Make sure you regularly vacuum carpets, floors, and especially areas around where your pet sleeps. Wash your pet’s bedding frequently, especially after each treatment for fleas.

2. Be vigilant in your pet’s flea control. Proper application of medications like Frontline and Advantage will help ensure the product’s success.  Because topical flea medications work in conjunction with the natural oils in your pet’s skin, wait two days after bathing to apply the medications, and do not allow swimming or bathing for 4 days after application. In the summer, or in the face of severe flea infestations, Frontline or Advantage can be safely applied at three-week intervals to ensure effectiveness.  Along with topical products that kill adult fleas on your pet, we also offer Sentinel, a monthly pill that contains an insect growth regulator, preventing flea eggs on your pets from hatching, effectively ending the flea life cycle. 

This year we also have two new medications in the flea arsenal.  Promeris is a new monthly topical medication, and contains an active ingredient never before used in flea control. As a result, fleas are readily susceptible and Promeris is very effective. Currently Promeris is only available for cats, however a dog formulation is expected soon, and eagerly awaited!  We are happy to offer Promeris in single doses, or in a 3-month supply.

Another exiting new product for flea control is Capstar.  Capstar is a pill that begins to work on your pet within 30 minutes after administration, and kills 98% of adult fleas within 4 hours. 

Although the effects of Capstar last only 24 hours, it can safely be given as often as once daily for extreme situations. Capstar is especially helpful for pets that frequent areas with fleas, such as Doggy Day Care or the beach, for helping to get immediate flea infestations under control, and for pets with flea allergies.  Capstar is extremely safe, and can be given in conjunction with other types of flea control. We are offering Capstar in both single doses, as well as 6-dose cartons. 

Pet 

Wellness 

Month

Because dogs and cats age about 7 times faster than people, significant health changes can occur in a short amount of time! Your pet’s annual exam plays an integral part of keeping your pets healthy. For senior pets (over 7 years old) an exam every 6 months is recommended. Exams give your veterinarian the opportunity to detect, treat and hopefully prevent problems before they become life threatening.

Harmful 

Foods

With the recent pet food recalls, many of us have started treating our pets to more home-cooked meals. However, many common foods for us can be harmful or deadly to pets.

These include:

1.  Avocados               5. Garlic                      9. Alcoholic drinks                13. Fatty Foods

2. Chocolate               6. Grapes                    10. Raw Yeast Dough            14. Tea Leaves

3. Coffee                     7. Raisins                    11. Fish/Poultry bones           15. Fruit Seeds/ Stems

4. Onions                    8. Macadamia Nuts   12. Diet Products                               

Halloween

Frights!

With Halloween coming up, it’s important to remember that this fun holiday for us can be a nightmare for your pets! Lots of doorbells, strangers and commotion in the night equal a scary night for pets, and one that can be dangerous as well. 

*Make sure your pet is collared and tagged with your name, address and phone number, just in case he manages to get out.  A microchip is also a smart idea for identification your pet can’t lose. 

* Don't leave a lighted jack o' lantern unattended around pets. One exuberant swish of a tail can start a fire. 

*Cats, especially black cats, are in particular danger from pranksters around Halloween.  Ensure your cats’ safety by keeping them indoors in the days leading up to Halloween.