The Mid North Minute: Mid North Animal Hospital's Newsletter
 

Summer is almost here, and here are some tips on keeping your pet safe.  

1)     Pets are very sensitive to heat because they rely on panting to stay cool, which becomes inefficient in extreme temperatures. If you take your pet anywhere in a car, remember not to leave it in the car, even with the windows cracked.  Temperatures inside a car can rise to over 150F and rapidly lead to heat stroke. 

2)     Be sure your pet has adequate water at all times to prevent dehydration.

3)      Fireworks and thunderstorms can cause severe anxiety in some pets.  If your pet has a history of problems, be sure to ask us about options for anti-anxiety medications in preparation for the summer.

Do you travel with your pet to Michigan or Wisconsin regularly?  We have begun to see an increase in incidence of diseases transmitted by ticks in recent years, and in many cases, the history in positive patients indicates a recent trip to Michigan or Wisconsin.  To help prevent problems, it is critical to use Frontline Plus® regularly to kill ticks and prevent their ability to attach to your dog.  While we can prevent transmission of these diseases with this product, we may also want to consider vaccinating your dog for Lyme disease.  We recommend discussing whether you should vaccinate for this disease with your dog’s veterinarian.

Is your cat on heartworm preventive medication?  Yes, that’s right, we said cat!!  Most of our clients know their dog should be on heartworm preventive, but the same mosquito that can transmit heartworm to your dog can transmit it to your cat as well.  As we have started to test cats routinely, we are finding positive tests more frequently. Many of the cases of heartworm in cats are found in indoor cats, and this disease is fully preventable!  See our education board for 5 important facts about heartworm disease in cats.

Remember to take advantage of the benefits of buying Heartgard and Frontline directly from Mid North Animal Hospital, including:  quality product with good shelf life, competitive pricing, manufacturer guarantees, and loyalty rebates and extra dose programs. Remember that the manufacturer of these products only recommends purchasing them through your veterinarian!  Ask one of our staff to go through the benefits of purchasing these medications here today.

Does your dog have its Dog-Friendly Park License?  For a list of dog-friendly parks (including Wiggleyville and Montrose Beach), see the information on our front desk.  Dogs are required to have a special tag for each year to enter these parks, and you can be fined significantly if your pet is not wearing one.  Vaccination for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Bordetella, and Rabies, as well as a negative fecal, must be current to receive this tag.  The cost of the tag is $5.00, but fines could be as high as $500 for not having the tag. 

Planning a vacation or even a “staycation” this summer?  Do you need someone to watch after your dog or cat?  Did you know Mid North Animal Hospital offers boarding services?  We have several runs and cage spaces available for your pet should you need to board them with us.  Dogs are walked several times per day and will feed them our standard “house” food or your own food should you wish to bring it along with you.  We are also able to medicate your pet for you if needed, and our veterinarians are available to evaluate any problems which might arise.  We do require your dog or cat to be current on vaccinations, heartworm testing, and fecal testing prior to boarding

Let us take you out to the ballpark!

  Join us at Veterinary Night at the White Sox!   Provide your information below to receive an entry to win a pair of tickets to join us at the White Sox Game Thursday, July 29.  No purchase necessary to enter.  One entry per client.  Winners will be contacted after July 1.  If winner does not reply within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected.

Your Name:  ________________________ Phone _______________ Email: __________________________