Caring for Your Pet
With Over 40 Years of Combined Veterinary Experience | Quality Care for Both Pets and Livestock
Tips and Guidance for Your Family Pets
Pets are more than just animals. They are a part of the family. You should care for them just as you'd care for your children. Below are some subjects that are important to keep them safe, clean, and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet's health, please feel free to call Animal Health Center at any time.
Dealing With Flea Infestations
The Facts About Fleas
- Adult fleas spend most of their life on animals, not the carpet. For this reason, treating the animal and the environment is important for eliminating fleas.
- Adult fleas lay all of their eggs on the animal, but the eggs fall off into the carpet, furniture, and wherever the pet sleeps. Treating every surface that could be exposed to fleas and eggs is vital.
- Flea eggs hatch into larvae. These larvae stay in the carpet and furniture. They feed on dried blood in pet resting areas.
- Before becoming adults, the larvae become pupae in treatment-resistant silk cocoons. This is why we see adult fleas after full treatments.
Treating Your Home and Property
Neglecting to treat the environment your pet resides in means you'll miss eliminating more than 90% of the eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult fleas. If your pet spends time inside, treating the interior of your home is vital. To treat your home, do the following:
- Remove all toys, clothing, bedding, items in closets, and items under beds
- Remove all pet water and food dishes, cover fish tanks, and unplug aerators.
- Wash, dry clean, or dispose of all pet bedding.
- Vacuum carpets and furniture. Vacuuming eliminates eggs and pupae, stopping their development. Don't forget to get the edges of carpet, under furniture and beds. Raising the nap in the carpet also allows for treatments to get further down into the carpet. Be sure to completely empty the contents of the vacuum into a sealed bag and dispose of it outside your home.
Treatment Application
Once fleas are established in your home, you need to use insecticides to eliminate the infestation. There are many products to choose from for at-home treatment. When applying the chemicals, be sure to get under furniture and beds while also targeting the areas where your pet spends the most amount of time. Expect that new adult fleas will hatch within 2 weeks of treatment. These newly hatched adults were in pupae during treatment and have not yet been in contact with the chemicals. Instead of retreating, continue to vacuum. If you continue to see adults beyond 2 weeks, retreat to the areas of infestation.
If your pet spends time in your yard, it's important to treat the yard with exterior treatments so that your pet doesn't continue to bring fleas indoors. The application should focus on where the pet sleeps, plays, or runs. Exterior treatments come in a variety of forms. If you need a recommendation on which one to use, please give us a call.
Treating Your Pet
Your pet should be treated at the same time you are treating your home and yard. Adult fleas spend their entire life on your pet, and untreated pets will continue to be infested. They bring fleas inside your home from the yard or other animals. For advice on which flea treatment is best for your pet, please call our office.
Regular Screening For Your Pets
Why do our pets need regular screenings?
Our pets can't tell us if they are feeling unwell, injured, or something more serious. Additionally, pets will mask their symptoms and hide their injuries. Click on the button below to find your pet's age and the testing recommended for the stage of their life. If it's been a while since we've seen your pet, call our office to set up an appointment.
Which Plants Can I Have Near my Pets?
Having plants in your home is great for your air quality but isn't always the best for our pets. Curious puppies and kittens will sometimes chew on plants to find out what they are and if they taste good. Keep your pets safe by using the list below to determine which plants need to be placed higher to avoid making your pets sick.
Relieving Your Pet's Allergies
Whether allergies are seasonal or all year long, getting relief for your pet is important. Different symptoms can mean different allergies. Testing to find out what allergies your pet has is the first step in getting relief. Tests will determine the cause of allergies, and we can help you find the best treatment for your pet.
What can you do to control allergy symptoms?
If your pet's allergies are predictable and consistent, giving them an antihistamine on a regular basis will work better for preventing symptoms than for relieving them.
- Benadryl is short-lived and should be given 3 times per day at 1-2mg per pound
- Zyrtec is longer-acting and can be given to dogs or cats.
- Under 15 lbs - 5mg once a day
- 15-39 lbs - 10mg once per day
- 40+ lbs - 10mg twice per day
- Claritin can be given in the same dose as Zyrtec. (Do not use Claritin-D)
- Fish and Coconut Oil helps to produce fatty acids in the skin, especially if their skin is dry. 1T per 60 lbs
- Baths help reduce itching and dryness, especially if an oatmeal shampoo is used. Baths pull pollen and mold spores out of the skin.
If you have any questions about treating your pet's allergies, don't be afraid to contact our office for help in testing or treatment.
Small Animal Care Informational Links
Choosing a new puppy - A resource guide for what you need to consider when you're getting a new puppy.
Heartworm Society - Everything you need to know about heartworm disease
Great Dogs Behavior Program - A terrific resource for behavior issues
Cat Fanciers' Association - Cat breed information, cat care, upcoming cat shows, and more!
American Association of Vet Medical Colleges - Find a veterinary program near you!
Novartis Animal Health - Information on heartworm and flea prevention products for pets.
Rainbow Bridge - Tribute site for pets we have lost.
West Nile Virus - Information on the virus, transmission, and symptoms from the CDC in Atlanta, GA.
American Veterinary Medical Association - Information on a variety of veterinary topics
American Association of Feline Practitioners - Medical Association for cat doctors.
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Animal Health Center of Marion County Inc
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