Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites are capable of causing zoonotic infections, which are infections that can be passed from your pet to your family. Although zoonotic diseases can infect any human, the most commonly affected are young children, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system for any reason. The most common intestinal parasites that are capable of causing zoonosis are roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.

Virtually every puppy and kitten is either born with roundworms, or infected while nursing. Children playing in contaminated dirt or sandboxes can become infected with roundworms by putting their dirty hands in their mouths. Roundworms can lead to blindness in humans.

Hookworm larvae can penetrate human skin. Children can become infected by walking barefoot in contaminated soil, or by putting contaminated dirt in their mouth.

Whipworm eggs can survive in soil for years, even in cold climates. People become infected through ingestion of infected dog feces, soil or grass.

The Center for Disease Control recommends yearly fecal checks in order to detect and treat possible infections before any human infection occurs. The CDC also recommends regular dewormings to help decrease the number of infections with intestinal parasites. Because Interceptor and Sentinel (the two products that CVVC recommends using to prevent heartworm disease) also prevent roundworm, hookworm and whipworm infection, monthly use of these products is recommended all year long.

For additional information on intestinal parasites and the risk of zoonosis, visit www.growingupwithpets.com.

Twice Yearly Wellness Exams

Chaska Valley Veterinary Clinic is following the current standard of care by recommending twice yearly wellness exams. Our pets age seven times faster than we do, so problems like diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease and cancer can occur much earlier than we would expect. The old practice of bringing your pet in to see the veterinarian once a year is the equivalent of you visiting your doctor only once every seven years. Significant health changes can occur in pets in as little as three to six months. Because cats and dogs cannot tell us where it hurts, examinations once every six months allow us to identify any problems early, possibly even before clinical signs are noted at home. The earlier a problem is detected, the more likely we will be able to treat it and extend your pet’s life. For more information on the benefits of twice yearly exams and the aging process of pets, visit the National Pet Wellness Month website at www.npwm.com, or view this Wellness Testing Brochure.

Separating Vaccines

There are a number of vaccines available to help keep your pet healthy. Although vaccines are safe, studies have shown that a vaccine reaction (allergic reaction to the vaccine) is more likely when multiple vaccines are given at one time. This is especially true in young and senior pets, as well as any pet that has a chronic disease. Chaska Valley Veterinary Clinic is following current recommendations to separate vaccines and determine which ones are right for your pet. Your pet’s veterinarian will discuss a vaccine schedule tailored to the individual needs of your pet.

Fire Safety

Make sure to include your pets in your fire safety program. Install smoke detectors and develop an evacuation plan that includes both your family and your pets. Remember where your pets usually hide and sleep because during a fire they will be terrified and are likely to hide in these places. If possible, escort your pets to safety on leashes, or in crates or cages. In an emergency, a cat can be carried inside a pillow case. Include some of your pet’s food in your family emergency kit. Pet health records should also be included because if you need to board your pet after a fire, most kennels will require these documents. Always identify your pets with microchips, collars and current license and vaccination tags. Proper identification helps to insure that pets and owners are reunited if they are separated during or after a fire. Take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible after the fire. Pets can suffer from serious smoke inhalation within minutes, and they may also have burns underneath their fur. Finally, as much as we all love our pets, do not jeopardize your own safety to rescue your pets. Firefighters can help in the rescue of your pets.