February is National Pet Dental Health Month, of course.
But what else is going on?
Here’s the list:
Take this quiz —
Posts Tagged ‘wildlife’
February Pet Awareness Events
Posted in Pet Health, tagged heart health, Little Creek Veterinary Clinic, Norfolk veterinarian, Pet Dental Health Month, wildlife on February 4, 2020| Leave a Comment »
WHAT DAY IS IT???
Posted in Beyond, Fun Stuff, tagged Little Creek Veterinary Clinic, Norfolk veterinarian, squirrels, wildlife on January 21, 2020| Leave a Comment »
IT’S NATIONAL SQUIRREL APPRECIATION DAY!
Just in case you’re unsure what there is to appreciate about squirrels,
consider this:
Speaking of, this couple is probably not in the mood to celebrate squirrels.
What’s the big deal about…
Posted in Pet Health, tagged Little Creek Veterinary Clinic, Norfolk veterinarian, pet emergency, pet vaccinations, Rabies, wildlife, zoonotic disease on November 14, 2019| 1 Comment »
…Rabies?
This raccoon may be carrying the Rabies virus — a disease which is fatal in people and animals.
Simply put: If your pet is not up-to-date on its Rabies vaccination and is bitten by a wild animal (raccoon, skunk, fox, bat, or feral cat, for example), it may need to be euthanized.
[Virginia’s positive Rabies cases from January – September 2019 includes 138 raccoons, 51 skunks, 31 foxes, 22 cats, and 17 bats.]¹
There is no test for Rabies that can be performed on a live animal.
There is no cure for Rabies.
Rabies kills animals and people.
Protect your pets and your family by vaccinating all your cats and dogs (including the “indoor-only” types).
Contact Us at Little Creek Veterinary Clinic to check your pet’s Rabies vaccination status and to schedule a booster vaccine appointment, if needed.
¹http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/12/2019/10/2019_3rd-Qtr-Positives-1.pdf
Photo credit: D. Gordon E. Robertson, via Wikimedia Commons
September 2019 Animal Health Awareness Events
Posted in Community, General, tagged disaster preparedness, Little Creek Veterinary Clinic, Norfolk veterinarian, pet loss, Rabies, service dogs, wildlife on September 10, 2019| Leave a Comment »
There are so many things going on in September that we can’t fit them all on our Facebook header.
Here’s the list, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association:
September is…
*Catalyst Council’s Happy Cat Month
*Animal Pain Awareness Month
*National Disaster Preparedness Month
*Pet Sitter Education Month
*National Food Safety Education Month
*National Service Dog Month
*Responsible Dog Ownership Month
National Iguana Awareness Day
September 8
National Pet Memorial Day
September 8
Second Sunday in September
National Teach Ag Day
September 19
National Elephant Appreciation Day
September 22
National Deaf Dog Awareness Week
September 22-28
Last full week of September starting with a Sunday
Sea Otter Awareness Week
September 22-28
Last full week of September starting with a Sunday
National Farm Safety & Health Week
TBA
World Rabies Day
September 28
Which event is most important to you?
December 2016 Pet Health Awareness Events
Posted in Community, Fun Stuff, Pet Health, tagged family fun, Little Creek Veterinary Clinic, Norfolk veterinarian, pet events, wildlife on November 29, 2016| Leave a Comment »
December is heavy on holiday prep, light on animal-related awareness days.
My favorite this month is Visit the Zoo Day, on December 27th. Let’s hope the weather cooperates!
National Mutt Day
December 2
World Wildlife Conservation Day
December 4
National Day of the Horse
December 10
Second Saturday in December
Visit the Zoo Day
December 27
Flea facts and FREE flea control
Posted in Pet Health, tagged Fleabusters, fleas, freebie, household flea treatment, NexGard, stray animal, ticks, wildlife on August 22, 2014| 2 Comments »
Freaky and Fun Flea Facts
After reading this list, you’ll be itching (heh heh) to get your hands on flea control for your pets!
Did You Know?
- Fleas lay eggs in your pet’s fur; then the eggs roll and drop off into the carpet, onto the furniture, or outdoors.
- Squirrels, opossums, raccoons, stray dogs and cats can all carry flea eggs into your yard.
- Fleas can hatch in as little as 2 or 3 weeks, or they can wait for several months and spring themselves on you and your pets when you least expect it.
- After they feed and mate, female fleas begin laying eggs within 24 hours.
- Each female flea produces 40 to 50 eggs per day — which adds up to hundreds of eggs in days or possibly thousands of eggs, given enough time. One pair of fleas can infest your home with their offspring!
- Don’t forget the cat! Many households are infested because of untreated cats that act as reservoirs for fleas. While you’re picking up flea control for the dog, make sure to buy some for your cat, as well.
- Common household spots for hatching flea eggs and squirming larvae include: in pet beds, under furniture, deep in carpets.
- Outdoors, fleas like to hang out in shady, undisturbed areas like porches, decks, stairs, and doghouses.
- Young fleas go dormant in our winter climate and emerge as adults as the weather warms up.
So, how can you control flea infestations at home? Try these methods:
- Treat all dogs and cats in the household. Ask about safe treatments for other furry friends like ferrets, rabbits, chinchillas, rats, etc. Not all products are suitable for pocket pets. When in doubt, check with the manufacturer.
- Indoors, vacuum regularly. Lift and move furniture for a thorough cleaning.
- To treat carpets and upholstery, try a safe product like Fleabusters Rx for Fleas.
- Wash pet bedding and people bedding routinely.
- Keep baseboards and nooks and crannies clean.
- Eliminate weeds and brush piles; keep the lawn mowed.
- Keep rodents away from your home.
- Treat your yard with outdoor flea control products.
(Edited: Free flea control is limited to the Advantage II “Buy a 4-pack, get 5th tube free” offer.)
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Information for this article was adapted from the Companion Animal Parasite Council and dvm360.com.
Lepto on the Loose!
Posted in Pet Health, tagged camping, Lepto in dogs, pet vaccines, summer safety, swimming, wildlife, zoonotic disease on July 22, 2014| 1 Comment »
With summer vacation in full swing, pet owners will be taking advantage of the season to go camping, hiking, swimming, and playing in the backyard with their dogs.
But they’re not the only ones out in force — wild animals will be enjoying the weather, too. The problem is, wildlife can leave behind a bacterium called Leptospirosis, which infects both people and their pets.
This raccoon may be carrying Leptospirosis – a bacteria dangerous to people and pets.
LEPTOSPIROSIS PROFILE
Found in: Water, soil, mud, and food contaminated with animal urine. Flood water is especially hazardous. Also found in an infected animal’s tissues and bodily fluids such as blood and urine.
Host animals: Raccoons, squirrels, opossums, deer, skunks, rodents, livestock, dogs, and rarely in cats.
Points of entry: Cut or scratch on the skin; mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth; inhaling aerosolized fluids. Drinking contaminated water; exposure to flood water.
Symptoms in people: Fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, jaundice, vomiting, rash, anemia, meningitis. Some people show no symptoms.
Symptoms in pets: Fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, depression, stiffness, muscle pain. Some pets show no symptoms. The disease can be fatal in pets.
When will it show up in my pet: Between 5-14 days post-exposure, although in some cases it may take up to 30 days.
Gravity: In people, Lepto infection can lead to kidney and liver failure, and death if left untreated.
Who is at risk: Campers, water sportsmen, farmers, military, to name a few.
Prevention:
- Vaccinate dogs annually for Leptospirosis
- Don’t allow dogs to drink from puddles, streams, lakes, or other water that may be contaminated by animal urine
- Don’t swim in water that may be contaminated by animal urine
- Wear shoes when outdoors
- Keep dogs out of children’s play areas
- Control rodents around your home and yard
Resources:
http://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/index.html Visit the CDC website for comprehensive information on Leptospirosis in people and pets.
http://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/pdf/fact-sheet.pdf Print your own Lepto fact sheet, or send us a message using the contact form, and we’ll print one for you.
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This article was originally posted on July 8, 2011.
Photo credit: D. Gordon E. Robertson, via Wikimedia Commons.
