Posts Tagged: Effects people and pets

As summer comes to a close, and the cool of fall begins, everyone is preparing for sweaters and pumpkins. With the change of the season, it can be easy to forget that as we gear up for cool weather, pests like ticks and fleas do not. It is important to maintain preventatives for your pet all year round. Let’s review some of the important reasons to keep up on preventatives for your dogs and cats.

Skin Problems

One reason to use prevention against fleas and ticks is because they can cause skin problems for your pet, and your family. The tiny pests can cause irritation of the skin when they bite, leading to itching and redness. In some cases, they can cause a allergic reaction.

The Costs

In addition to irritation, the presence of fleas and ticks can quickly become overwhelming. When fleas and ticks get into your home, they can quickly populate and spread, making them difficult to get rid of. It can be very costly to treat an infestation in your home, and can take more than one treatment because of the varying lifecycle of the little bugs.

On top of this, if your pet is infested, they will also need treatments. This can range from flea dips to topical and oral medications in order to get rid of the pests.

Preventatives Stop Illness

The number one reason for preventatives is to stop the spread of illnesses from fleas and ticks to your pets. There are a variety of illnesses that these small bugs can carry, and spread to your pets and your family. Fleas in the US commonly transfer flea-borne tape worms, cat scratch fever (bartonellosis), murine typhus, and flea-borne spotted fever.

Ticks can spread illnesses such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, leptospirosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, rickettsiosis, and more. Fleas and ticks spread these illnesses through their bites. The more they bite, the more likely the to infect your pet. Preventatives are designed to lower the chance by killing off fleas and ticks when they get on your pet and try biting them.

Does my pet need preventatives?

The short answer is – Yes! Fleas are small, and move quickly. Ticks can also be easily missed, ranging in size from as small as a poppy seed, to as large as the eraser on a pencil. It can be difficult to find these pets on your pets, especially cats since they groom themselves so often!

Even if your pet is an indoor cat, or a small dog that rarely goes outside – they still need preventatives! All it takes to pick up fleas or ticks, is for you to have them on your clothes when you come inside. Even a brief step outside by your dog to use the bathroom can expose them.

As a result, by the time you notice the presence of fleas or ticks in your home or on your pet, it may already be too late. Veterinarians recommend you keep your pet on preventatives year-round. Here in Minnesota, these pests are present all year.

You can read more about Flea and Tick Prevention from our previous blog. You can look up prevalence of tick and flea borne illness near you checking out the Parasite Prevalence Maps.

As the temperature rises, the danger it can pose to pets goes up too. If you see dogs in hot cars this summer, don’t panic. There are things you can do to help!

Why is it dangerous?

To begin, let’s look at why hot cars are so dangerous for dogs. First, is to understand just how hot it actually gets inside a car during the summer. When it is a nice, sunny, 75 degree day here in Minnesota, a car can get up to temperatures as high as 113 degrees! On an especially hot day, where it is 90 degrees out, it can get up to 128 degrees inside of a car!

This extreme heat is already very hot for us, and when you add fur on top of it with a dog, it gets even worse. The high temperatures put dogs at risk of developing heat related conditions, such as heat stroke. Some breeds, such as those that are flat faced, are at even higher risk of this.

Signs of Heatstroke

• Heavy panting 
• Restlessness/anxiety 
• Clawing at the window 
• Trembling 
• Collapse
• Foaming at the mouth
• Disorientation
• Vomiting 
• Bloody diarrhea
• Seizures 

What should you do?

If you see a dog inside a hot car, no matter how long it has been, you need to take action right away. Time is extremely critical for getting the dog out of the car.

1. First thing to do is call 9-1-1. In Minnesota, the police have the ability to assess if force is needed to get a dog out of a hot car, so you will need their assistance if it becomes necessary to break the dog out of the vehicle.
   
2. The next step is to find the owner. If there is a business nearby, notify them and ask the to us their loud speaker to request the owner immediately. Best case scenario, the owner is near by and can help get the dog out of the vehicle immediately. Inform them of their pets condition, and your concern for the pets safety.
   
   Don’t try to lecture them or ridicule their decision to leave their dog in the car. It can be frustrating to deal with an owner who left their dog in a dangerous situation, but its important to protect yourself too. Keep the focus on saving the pet to minimize the chance of confrontation or fall out after the situation is resolved.

What can Law Enforcement Do?

The next step is understanding Minnesota laws. In Minnesota, there are several laws and statutes that cover leaving an animal inside a car (Minnesota Statute 346.57) by classifying it as endangering an animals health or safety. When the police arrive, the officers will be able to determine if a law was broken, and the repercussions from there.

If it is determined that the dog is in danger of overheating and heat stroke, than the officer may decide force is necessary to remove the dog from the car. From there, police will begin working to care for the dog, and you can offer assistance if they need it.

The police will focus on cooling the dog down slowly by:

• Moving pet to a shaded area where it will be cooler temperatures
• Offering fresh water (but not forcing the pet to drink) 
• Drenching the pet in lukewarm water
  • This should not be cold water
  • Cold water constricts blood vessels in the skin and slows the body’s ability to cool itself 
• Apply wet rags under the dogs arms, on their stomach, and on their neck
• Placing the pet in their vehicle with the A/C on
• Bringing the pet to a nearby animal emergency hospital
  • There, the pet can receive IV fluids and further cooling measures 

A second officer, if present, may begin their investigation, including trying to find the owner, talking to you as the caller, talk to other witnesses, and so on. This is to determine what laws, if any, have been broken.

Stay informed

Overall, the best thing you can do for a dog, or any pet for that matter, left in a car is call for help. Stay informed as laws develop and change on the topic, and be ready to stick around to help the police once they have arrived. You can also help by educating people you know about the dangers of leaving their dog in their car.

For more information on the dangers of hot cars, you can check out this article by The Humane Society of the United States. For a tasty way to keep your dog cool this summer, check out our blog on Summer Dog Treats!

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

As temperatures rise, we will see more and more activity from bugs and creepy crawlies. This means your dog’s risk of contracting preventable illnesses will increase too! Lyme, and several other illnesses, are carried by ticks and spread through their bite. While ticks are out year round, the spring and summer see a significant increase in their numbers. That is why April is a great time to discuss the hazards of Lyme, and ways to protect your pet!

Where Do Dogs Get Lyme?

Lyme Disease in Minnesota is a well known risk for both people and dogs alike. According to The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), there have been over 109 confirmed cases of Lyme disease in Sherburne County alone, and 4,189 cases across Minnesota in the first few months of 2024. 

The risk is very present, and those numbers are, unfortunately, expected to rise. Ticks are typically found in environments with heavy vegetation, like forests or grassy areas, like when you go hiking or camping. However, they can also be found in your own back yards. They are also common near bodies of water or in marshy areas.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease and Treatment

If you are worried your pet is getting ill, here are some common symptoms associated with lyme:

• Limping that starts and stops again
• Less interest in eating or complete loss of appetite
• Decreased activity, laying around often
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Painful and swollen joints
• Fever

Call your veterinarian right away to discuss the symptoms and risk factors your pet has for Lyme, including their exposure to ticks and their symptoms. To diagnose your pet, the veterinarian will want to run lab tests to rule out other illnesses and to confirm the Lyme diagnosis.

Once diagnosed, they will begin a course of antibiotics to fight back against the illness. This can take a month or longer to resolve itself.

Preventing Lyme Disease

The best way to avoid your pet getting sick is to be proactive in protecting them. A reliable tick-preventative product recommended by your veterinarian, as well as vaccination, are the strongest protections for your dog.

Additionally, you can also:

• Mow your grass, trim bushes, and remove unnecessary brush piles to make your yard less friendly to ticks.
• Inspect your pet when coming in from outdoor activities. Check their bodies over, including particularly tick-favored spots such as ears, legs, tails, and under their collar. Remove ticks you find immediately, wrapping them in tape or flushing them to dispose of them.

If you do find a tick on you or your pet, be sure to get checked for Lyme disease to be on the safe side. It can take 3 to 4 weeks before symptoms start.

Talk to your veterinarian today about prevention options.

To learn more about Lyme Disease, you can also visit another of our blogs on Lyme disease Prevention.

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

by Katie Meneses, HR Manager

We put out blog posts every month of the year, covering pet topics from veterinary care, to general pet topics. Let’s look back through 2023 at some of our top posts with our Year in Review!

Year in Review Number Five – Why Grooming Your Dog is Important

Number five on the list of blogs is Why Grooming Your Dog is Important. This blog covers the different aspects of dog grooming, and why each one is important to your dogs health and general wellbeing. From nail trims, to taking care of their skin and the fur coat they wear, this article covers it all!

Number Four – Leptospirosis: A Risk to Pets and People!

Number four, is our article this year about Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis, or Lepto, is an illness that can effect both people and pets alike. This article warns about the ways you can get infected, typically in area’s with high levels of wildlife, and drinking, swimming, or walking through contaminated water and soil. Your dog can also pass it to you directly if they catch it from playing in some mud. This blog does over the symptoms of Lepto, as well as treatment and prevention through vaccination.

Number Three – Canine Influenza

Coming in at number three is our blog about canine influenza. Last year, Minnesota had an outbreak of canine influenza, centered primarily around the Twin Cities. We shared important information about how it spreads, as well as the signs and treatments through this blog post. The post also discusses prevention through vaccination, helping to protect your dog from illness.

Number Two – Get Your Dog Ready for Hunting Season

A big part of Minnesotan life is covered in our number two blog for this year, hunting season! Many people have dogs that they train and take out hunting with them every year. This article covers the important steps to take to keep your hunting companion protected and safe. From parasite protection, to vaccination, and exercise, this blog covers all the ways to keep your hunting dog healthy!

Year in Review Number One – Pet Arthritis is Common and Treatable

Finally, our number one blog for this year, is Pet Arthritis is Common and Treatable. Arthritis is a very common illness among pets. Cats and dogs alike can suffer from arthritis, starting at early ages. However, we have had new medications released in the last two years, plus pain management and other treatments available. This blog covers it all, from diagnosis to treatments.

Which of these blogs interests you the most? Keep an eye out for more educational blogs from ZimmVet in 2024!

Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet 763-856-4848

Many people enjoy hunting as a hobby with their dogs. A little preparation can make the time fun for you and your dog. It’s time to get your dog ready for hunting season

Flea & Tick Prevention

Fall is peak time for transmission of Lyme disease from adult ticks. It is also when many pets become infested with fleas. There are a variety of products on the market including topical and oral options. Talk to your veterinarian about what product is best for you pet. Check out this blog post from ZimmVet on preventatives.

Internal Parasites

Hunting dogs are at higher risk to contract roundworms and hookworms from the environment. These parasites can then be passed to people. The University of Minnesota has a great article on internal parasites. Heartworm prevention, such as Sentinel or Simparica Trio®, deworms for these parasites and should be given once a month.

Vaccinations

Make sure your pet is current on vaccinations such as Rabies, Lyme and Leptospirosis. Hunting dogs are at increased risk of these easily preventable diseases. Also, if your dog is going to be hunting with a group of other dogs, its distemper combination, Bordetella and Influenza vaccinations should be up-to-date.

Exercise

Just like a person, a dog that is not properly conditioned before working hard can suffer from performance injuries such as pulled muscles, sore joints and strained or torn ligaments. Gradually increase your pet’s activity over a couple weeks prior to the start of hunting. In addition, be sure to allow your pet time to rest while hunting.

Food

Overweight pets are at an increased risk for performance injuries as well as exhaustion. Get your dog ready for hunting season by making sure they are an ideal weight prior to the start of hunting season. Weight loss occurs safely over several months when a pet is more than a few pounds overweight. Contact your veterinarian to make a weight loss plan for your pet. During hunting, a dog’s calorie intake increased. Feeding small frequent meals can help your pet keep up to the demands of hunting.

Paws

Many dogs can wear down their paw pads and form painful ulcerations. Keep protective boots on hand for your dog to wear. Dogs can suffer from cuts and debris in their eyes, especially in grass and wooded areas. Keep an eye saline solution with you, along with some bandaging material to stop bleeding until you can get to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help you put together a first aid kit for your pet or you can purchase a premade kit.

Senior Hunters

Senior dogs can often remain active and healthy with the help of your veterinarian. Older pets benefit from a daily glucosamine supplement such as Dasuquin. One month before hunting, start your dog on this supplement if you don’t already have them on it year round. Senior dogs do well on pet pain medication started a day prior to the hunt and continued daily. The goal is to control the pain before it builds up. If your pet is already on a daily pain medication your veterinarian can prescribe additional medications to help during hunting. Contact your veterinarian to make a plan to keep your senior hunter comfortable.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – Zimmvet (763)856-4848

Allergies in Pets

Imagine that you have burning eyes, itchy skin or hair loss, but without the ability to talk.  Just like people, many pets suffer from allergies.  If you have owned a pet with allergies, you know the common signs: skin redness, scratching, licking, chewing at the skin, ear and skin infections, hair loss, excessive paw licking among others.  Pet allergies are a medical condition that requires lifelong management to control the symptoms.  Some pets only have seasonal allergies, such as spring time, and need to start treatment prior to when allergy signs begin for best management.

Types of Allergies

• Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy) – Inhalation of pollens, molds and other things in the environment.
  • Atopy is seasonal, one of the most common triggers in the spring time is Tree Pollen.
• Food Allergies – Allergies to certain foods such as chicken, beef, or pork.

Treatment Options

Pets that suffer from Spring allergies need to start treatment to manage the symptoms as soon as it starts getting warm. It is best to work with your veterinarian to create a plan that is best for your pet. Common treatments include the following.

1. Antihistamines:   Benadryl is a common medication used to control allergies. Speak to your veterinarian about how much and how often you can give your pet Benadryl. Other antihistamines include cetirizine, hydroxyzine and others.
2. Shampoos: Often, pets with allergies have a poor skin barrier, which allows more allergens to get into the body. Bathing is usually needed at least every 2-3 days. Make sure you have shampoo that is made to help with itchy skin and allergies!
3. Omega Fatty Acid Supplements:  These supplements are a natural anti-inflammatory agent, and can help reduce itching and help with general skin health.
4. Dermaquin: This product is a natural supplement that comes in a form as a soft chew. Dermaquin helps strengthen the skin barrier which decreases a pet’s allergic response.
5. Apoquel:  This is a very effective allergy medication. Apoquel directly affects the molecule that causes itch and inflammation in dogs. Apoquel is a tablet medication that is given daily.
6. Cytopoint: This allergy treatment is an injection. The effects last about 4-8 weeks. Its mechanism is interrupting the pathway that causes itch and inflammation in dogs. 
7. Allergy treatments for food can include things such as changing the diet your pet is on.

Speak with your Veterinarian

Allergies can be a very frustrating condition for pet owners.  Your veterinarian is here to help find the best treatment for your pet. Often, pets with allergies develop secondary bacterial and fungal skin infections that need to be treated with oral and topical medication. Ear infections are also common secondary condition that would needed prescription medication.  For tough cases, your normal veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary dermatologist (skin specialist). Visit this website for more information https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/allergy-general-in-dogs. If your pet is fearful of going into the clinic please visit this website for tips on how to make them more comfortable https://www.zimmvet.com/blog/successful-veterinary-visits/.

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Leptospirosis (Lepto) is an infectious disease and can cause serious illness in dogs and people. This disease is from a spiral-shaped bacteria called Leptospira which live in water or warm wet soil. Any type of animal can potentially get infected. In fact, this has been a problem for years but is now more prevalent; which means Leptospirosis is a risk to all!

How Pets and People get Infected

Lepto is spread through bacteria in the urine of the infected animals. Humans and animals can potentially become infected through skin, bodily fluids (except for saliva), and mucus membranes (such as eyes, nose, and/or mouth). Dogs can pass the disease to each other as well as to people.

Lepto has become more problematic with the increase in development in areas that were once rural. As a result, pets may be exposed to more wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, squirrels, opossums, or deer that have been infected with the disease. In the event that your pet does become infected, it could mean that your pet may have been drinking, swimming, or walking through the contaminated water or soil.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs can vary and are nonspecific. However, some pets do not have any symptoms.

• Common signs to list that have been reported in dogs are:
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Refusing to eat
  • Severe weakness
  • Depression
  • Stiffness
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Inability to have puppies
• Younger dogs (less than 1 year of age) tend to get the most severe forms of the disease.
• 87-100% of dogs that have been infected will have some degree of kidney dysfunction.

Treatment

The disease is treated with an antibiotic. More often than not pets will need other supportive treatments. Unfortunately, in some cases the disease has caused too much damage to the pet’s liver and kidneys which means the pet doesn’t recover.

Prevention

• Firstly, vaccinating your pet is key in preventing the infection for your dog. See below link for more information on vaccines.
  • https://www.zimmvet.com/blog/canine-vaccine-overview/
• Second of all, the American Animal Hospital Associations guidelines recommend the vaccination for all dogs regardless of lifestyle!
• Unfortunately, there is no current vaccination for cats.
• The vaccination is often combined with the distemper which is considered a combination vaccine. The vaccine is administered yearly.

If your pet is diagnosed, make sure that you avoid contact with their urine. During this time, if your pet has an accident in the house ensure you wear gloves and clean well with disinfectant. Lastly, make sure you wash your hands!

In conclusion it is recommended that you vaccinate your pet; no matter what lifestyle you and your pet live! That way you can both continue to live a happy and healthy life.

CDC Fact Sheet: https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/pets/index.html

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.