Mosquito Concerns in Dogs: general discomfort from bites especially for dogs with allergies, Heartworm (three confirmed cases at Dogwood Pet Hospital), West Nile (one confirmed case in West Linn).
Recommendations:
Deet Wipes — lightly wipe ears, nose, and underbelly.
Give a monthly heartworm preventative: Sentinel (tablet), Heartgard Plus (chewable treat form), and Revolution (topical). We recommend Sentinel since it has the added benefit of flea and certain intestinal parasite prevention.
Cats
Mosquito Concerns in Cats:general discomfort from bites especially for cats with allergies. Although hearmworm in cats is extremely low in this area, it does exist.
Recommendations:
Deet Wipes — lightly wipe ears, nose, and underbelly.
A soggy spring combined with hot summer temperatures have created a thriving environment for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are not only bothersome but are capable of transmitting disease in both humans and animals. Protect your pet naturally with the following recommendations:
1.Prevent Heartworm Disease. Heartworms are parasites that can live and breed inside your pet’s heart transmitted by mosquitoes. Adult heartworms can cause heart and lung damage, even death. Learn how to protect your pet from heartworm disease.
2.Keep Pets Indoors. Make sure windows and doors are shut or properly screened.
3.Remove Standing Water Sources. Ideal environments for mosquito larvae.
Last Saturday, our technician Danielle teamed up with Gresham Petco for The Reptile Rally featuring the Bearded Dragon. The Reptile Rally is FREE family event offering tips and information on caring for your amphibians and reptiles. It’s also a great format for anyone interested in becoming a reptile owner. Stay posted for the next Petco Reptile Rally!
In response to our unusually high and dangerous mosquito population, we recommend dogs continue or start heartworm prevention. It’s safe, simple to give, and protects your pet against life-threatening parasites.
What are heartworms?
In a nutshell, heartworms are parasites that can live and breed inside your dog’s heart transmitted by mosquitoes. Adult heartworms can cause heart and lung damage, even death.
How do dogs get Heartworm in the first place?
Infected mosquitoes transmit heartworms from one pet to another. It only takes one infected mosquito!
What are common symptoms of infected pets?
Coughing, lack of energy, labored breathing, and weight loss. We recommend testing yearly for heartworms if not already taking a preventative.
Is heartworm prevalent in our area?
Sadly, almost 300,000 dogs in the U.S. are infected with heartworms annually. Traditionally, heartworms are found in warm, humid climates ideal for mosquitoes however Heartworm IS moving north. Dogwood has confirmed 3 cases of heartworm–all patients were not taking a preventative. What exactly is “heartworm prevention” and where do I get it?
Heartworm prevention is a prescription tablet given once monthly. It’s easy and safe to give, in fact most dogs take it as a treat. We recommend giving Sentinel tablets (protects against heartworm, roundworm, whipworm, and fleas) or Heartgard Plus chewables (same as the Sentinel except no flea protection). We ALWAYS carry both products, GUARANTEE it’s efficacy, and routinely offer coupons and rebates. [ add links to both products].
Is it safe to give a monthly heartworm preventative?
YES! We at Dogwood Pet Hospital confidently give our own dogs a monthly Sentinel tablet since it covers fleas too. By giving a monthly preventative, you’re not only protecting your dog from infectious disease, but your family as well! The United States Center for Disease Control reports that 1 to 3 million people are infected with zoonotic diseases every year and 700 plus Americans experience permanent or partial blindness from roundworm parasites. Roundworm protection is an added bonus of Sentinel and Heargard Plus!
How much does heartworm prevention cost?
Protecting your dog from heartworm, fleas, whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms costs as low as $15/month. We routinely have rebates and special offers too!
I’d like to start protecting my dog and family today. How do I begin my dog on heartworm prevention?
It’s easy! Your pet needs an exam within the last year and a current heartworm blood test. Once your pet begins monthly prevention, we recommend testing for heartworms every 2 years just in case a dose is missed.
Exciting things are happening at Dogwood! After 30 years of yellow
counters and floors, and more than 15 years with the grey counters, we are
remodeling half of our building now, and the rest later this year. Please
bear with us through the mess, and we will have a better environment for
you and your pets.
To facilitate the floor and counter changes, we will be closed this Saturday, July 24th. We will reopen Monday morning at 7:30. Please plan accordingly for food and prescription pickup and patient visits.
If you have a pet health emergency this Saturday, please call SE Portland Animal
Hospital at 503-255-8139.
Thank you for your understanding of our mess, and come see our new look!
