Zoonotic Diseases

• Owning a pet can be a rewarding experience for you and your family, but pets can also transmit diseases that may be harmful to humans. These are called zoonotic diseases. It is important to take precautions to protect both your family and your pet from zoonotic diseases. You share so many wonderful things with your pet, but disease shouldn’t be one of them. Certain zoonotic diseases,like leptospirosis or rabies, can be prevented by vaccination. Vaccines are available for leptospirosis and rabies at our animal hospital.

Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitos

(Prevention Available through our Hospital)

• Fleas, ticks, and mosquito’s are extremely common, blood-sucking parasites that become active in warmer weather. These insects can transmit several diseases that can effect pets and people. Tick-borne diseases include: 1. Lymes Disease, 2. Ehrlichiosis, 3. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, 4. Babesiosis, 5. Hepatozoonosis, and so on. Pets and people can be allergic to the bites that sometimes cause skin irritation. Mosquitos can transmit heartworm disease to your DOG OR CAT. If you plan to travel to a mosquito infested area (foothills, mountains, coastal areas) you may want to protect your pet with a preventative medication.
  

Pet Care Tips

Traveling with Your Pet

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ALWAYS check with the state/country you are traveling to on the required paperwork needed prior to having your pet examined by a veterinarian for the Health Certificate.

• If you plan to travel with your pet to another state or country a Health Certificate for your pet is necessary. Your pet must be examined by a veterinarian in order for a health certificate to be issued. This certificate basically indicates your pet is healthy to travel and is not showing signs of a disease that could be passed to other animals or to people. Certain vaccinations must be up to date for a health certificate to be issued.
• Keep in mind that you have to follow both the United States regulations as well as the regulations in the other country to which you are traveling. You should contact the Consulate or Embassy in that country to find out their regulations.
  
• If you are flying ALWAYS check with the airlines which you are traveling with. Some airlines will not allow specific breeds to fly. Most airlines also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) issued within 10 days of travel. Federal regulations require pets to be at least 8 weeks old and they should be weaned at least 5 days before flying​

Allergy

• An “acute allergic reaction” can occur when a pet is exposed to a substance which cannot be tolerated by its body. Common Causes: Bee stings, wasp stings, spider bites, vaccinations, antibiotic injections, and certain plants. Signs Include: Watery eyes, swollen eye lids or face, rubbing the face, swollen ear flaps, and “welts” or “wheals” (small accumulations of fluid in the skin). This can be life-threatening, and your veterinarian should be contacted immediately.

• Allergic dermatitis may be caused by dust, weeds, molds, grass, food, fleas, and many other materials. In dogs and cats, the most common symptom is itching. This causes the pet to chew and scratch, which in turn causes more damage to the skin. The skin often becomes infected or thickened from prolonged chewing and scratching. Allergies are not preventable, but can be controlled with medications. This is effective if the owner gets proper medical attention as soon as symptoms are seen, and is diligent with treatment.

Poison Prevention

Click the link the read more about why these foods are poisonous: 

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

For more information on traveling tips click the link belowhttps://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Traveling-with-Your-Pet

​​​Shield Stone Pet Hospital 

​​               CareLoveHealing&Joy ​​​

​​TOP 10 DOG POISONS:
Chocolate
Mouse and Rat Poisons (rodenticides)
Vitamins and Minerals (e.g., Vitamin D3, iron, etc.)
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.)
Cardiac Medications (e.g., calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, etc.)
Cold and Allergy Medications (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, etc.)
Antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
Xylitol
Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)
Caffeine Pills

TOP 10 CAT POISONS:
Topical spot-on insecticides
Household Cleaners
Antidepressants
Lilies
Insoluble Oxalate Plants (e.g., Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, etc.)
Human and Veterinary NSAIDs
Cold and Flu Medication (e.g., Tylenol)
Glow Sticks
ADD/ADHD Medications/Amphetamines
Mouse and Rat Poison

Protecting your pets from the heat & summer tips

• Although getting outside and enjoying the weather is a favorite summer pastime, pet owners need to be careful in protecting their dogs from the heat and sun.

These simple tips will ensure a healthy summer for local pets:

• Provide plenty of fresh water. Pets can become dehydrated, especially when exerting themselves.
• Limit outdoor activity when it’s extremely hot.
  
• Know the signs of an overheated pet, which include panting, drooling, and increased heart rate. Animals with flat snouts, such as bulldogs, are especially at risk.
  
• Do not leave your pet in a parked car. In hot weather, the inside of a vehicle can become significantly warmer that the outside temperature, potentially leading to heat stroke or even death.
  
• For pets with very short or light hair, consider a pet-friendly sunscreen.
  
• Avoid too much time on hot asphalt, which can burn paws.
  
• Supervise your dog when swimming, and use appropriate flotation devices. It’s also important to rinse salt and pool chemicals from your dog’s coat after swimming.
  
• Avoid setting off fireworks around pets, which can become scared or injured.
  
• Reserve picnic food and alcoholic beverages for humans only. Many foods and drinks intended for humans can be harmful for our four-legged friends.