To view any of the Hot
Topics, you may click on any of the
following Hot Topic Links (in maroon)
below or Scroll Down.
*Disease Precautions for Outdoor Enthusiasts and
Their Companion Animals
*How to Safely Remove a Tick from Your Pet
*Pet Poison
Helpline
*Heartworm Season
*How to Care for Your
Diabetic Cat
Special Links:
*
*How to Poison Proof Your
Home
Disease Precautions for
Outdoor Enthusiasts and Their Companion Animals
There is an
increasing awareness among campers, hikers,
backpackers, and other outdoor enthusiasts that
while we are enjoying the open spaces that
nature has provided us, we should also be aware
of the risks that come with the wilderness
experience, and certain safety precautions
should be taken. The AVMA has the following
advice on certain health concerns linked with
outdoor activities:
CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE
How to
Safely Remove a Tick from Your Pet
- Wear
latex gloves
to protect
yourself.
Use a pair
of
sharp-pointed
tweezers or
specially-designed
tick removal
tweezers to
grasp the
tick at the
point of
attachment.
This should
be done as
close to the
skin as
possible.
- Be very
careful not
to squeeze
the body of
the tick.
- Pull the
tick
straight out
from the
skin slowly
and steadily
using even
pressure -
without
twisting or
turning.
Some of your
dog’s skin
may come off
with the
tick. This
is normal.
If bleeding
occurs,
apply light
pressure to
the area.
- Once
removed, the
tick should
be handled
carefully.
While some
prefer to
dispose of
the pulled
tick, saving
the tick for
further
identification
is a good
idea.
You may want
to place the
tick in a
small
airtight
container.
Some rubbing
alcohol may
be added to
the
container.
Label the
container
with the
date and
store in
case future
illness
occurs, as
identification
may become
necessary.
- If part
of the
tick’s head
still
appears to
be embedded,
use the
tweezers to
gently pull
it out.
- After
the tick is
removed,
clean the
bite area
with mild
soap and
water.
Keep an eye
on this spot
for several
days in case
of further
irritation
or
infection.
If the area
does not
clear up in
a few days
or if you
have any
concerns or
questions,
please
contact MAH
at
269-668-3307
and we'll be
happy to
assist you!
Tips:
-
Do NOT use a match
or other materials
to try to smother
the tick or get the
tick to 'back out'.
This does not work,
and may cause the
tick to regurgitate
more saliva (and
potential pathogens)
into the skin.
-
Use a Flea/Tick
repellent product on
your pet. MAH can
help you find a
product right for
your pet's needs.
-
Check your pet
daily, especially in
the spring when
ticks are most
common.
-
Discuss your pet's
risk assessment of
Lyme Disease and the
annual Lyme Disease
vaccination with one
of MAH's
veterinarians or
staff.
|
Canine heartworm is
a debilitating, often fatal disease that affects
the heart and pulmonary vasculature in dogs. If you haven't done so, please make an
appointment to have your dog's blood checked for
heartworm. Even "indoor" lap dogs and dogs with
long, thick coats can contract heartworm from
infected mosquitoes. Monthly heartworm
prevention is extremely important and we have
seen mosquitoes already this spring! In
addition, we utilize a test that checks for two
tick-borne diseases, Lyme's disease and
Ehrlichiosis.
Pet Poison
Helpline
Pet Poison Helpline
(PPH) is an Animal Poison Control that provides
treatment advice and recommendations relating to
exposures to potential dangerous plants,
products, medications, and substances, to
veterinarians, veterinary staff and pet owners
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please be aware
there is a
$35.00/per
case consultation fee. Pet Poison Helpline is
located in Bloomington, Minnesota. The Helpline
number is
1-800-213-6680.
For further information regarding services,
visit the PPH website at
www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
Lists below provided by PPH.
Please
CLICK HERE to view a List of Summer Hazards.
Please
CLICK HERE to view a Top 10 List of
Poisonous Plants.
Please
CLICK HERE to learn how to Pet Proof Your
Home.
Mattawan
Animal Hospital
