Icky Tickies!!!

Unfortunately, this unseasonally nice weather we've been having is sure to bring with it some unwanted parasitic guests in the form of....yes...we all know them...TICKS!!  I have put together the following fact sheet to provide you with the basics about ticks and tick protection...hope it helps!!   Feel free to give us a call anytime if you have questions or concerns...we are here to help!!

                                                         PETS, TICKS and DISEASE                      

Did you know that a recent study by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) showed 70% of owners sleep with their pet in bed?   As such, as you can imagine, good tick control means healthier pets and happier owners.

There are numerous species of ticks recognized in Manitoba and several stages that infest dogs.  Different ticks are active at different times of the year.  All ticks are difficult to kill.  In general, the number and distribution of ticks is increasing and, as a result, the number of cases and diversity of tick-borne diseases is also increasing. Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis are the 2 most commonly recognized tick-borne diseases in Manitoba.  By understanding tick biology and behaviour we can better and more successfully control the spread of these diseases.

To reduce the threat of tick-borne disease:

-Keep pets in low-tick areas to limit exposure.  Keep dogs behind a fence in a well-designed, tick-safe area with short grass and little forestation.  Cats should stay indoors. Check your pet frequently for ticks. 

-Limit tick habitat:  Remove leaf litter, burn debris, and keep a barrier between wooded area and yard.

-Exclude/discourage wildlife and remove debris close to home where rodents may nest.

-Vaccinate for Lyme disease in dogs that are at higher risk of tick infestation.  Ask us for more details

-Use tick-preventive products and apply according to the calendar not just when ticks are seen.  If we are seeing ticks on the dog, it may already be too late.

-For humans, wear light colored, secure clothing to prevent attachment. Use a repellant with permethrin or DEET.

The 2 most effective compounds for dogs effective against a broad spectrum of ticks in Manitoba are:

AMITRAZ:  This is available in a tick-specific collar called PREVENTIC

PYRETHROIDS: This is available in Canada as a product called ADVANTIX.

**NOTE: Neither of these products is intended for use on cats**

If there is a cat present in the household, either product should be safe provided the cat does not groom the dog on a regular basis.  It is recommended that the Advantix be applied in the evening and then the cat and dog be separated overnight.  The Preventic collar can be attached inside the regular nylon dog collar to prevent chewing.

Hope you all have a Wonderful Spring!!

Don't forget to keep those Easter chocolates away from Fido!

See you soon to pick up your season's heartworm prevention!

Heartworm reminders are in the mail!!

Spring is in the Air!

Hi Everybody!
Hope everyone is enjoying the lovely warm weather that has come our way!  With the new spring weather we are starting to see more and more new puppies and kittens!  Owning a new puppy or kitten is a lot of fun but also a lot of responsibility.  It is both a time and financial commitment.  Check out  our section on puppies and kittens.  We have included a look at what the cost associated with owning a new puppy or kitten is. Click on the Link for Fido, Fifi and Finances!
http://www.winrosevet.com/FifiFidoandFinances.php

We have great WAY TO GROW Puppy and Kitten programs here at Winrose. We offer a series of three visits at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age which include information on vaccines, diet, deworming, teeth brushing, house training and much more! Pretty much anything you need to know about your first year with your new puppy or kitten.

Big or small we love them all!!! We look forward to meeting you and your new family member!

February is Pet Dental Health Month

Hi Everybody!
February is Pet Dental Health Month!  Did you know that 85% of dogs and cats over 1 year of age are affected by Dental disease.  Dental health care is key in preventing medical problems associated with periodontal disease such as Foul smelling breath, swollen gums, pain, drooling and difficulty eating.

You may be asking yourself what you can do to prevent such problems.  Brushing is always the Gold standard. We recommend  brushing your pet's teeth once per day.  Always use a pet safe toothpaste such as C.E.T enzymatic Toothpaste.  Not able to brush once a day?  We recommend switching your pet to a dental formula food such as Medical Dental formula.  Medical Dental diet combines a specific kibble design and the addition of tartar reducing ingredients to provide double action dental care against the formation of dental plaque and tartar.  For our canine friends we also recommend Medi-Chews which are exceptionally palatable, specially formulated chews clinically proven to promote dental health in dogs over the age of 6 months. 

Are you finding trouble accepting your pet's kisses due to bad breath or tartar buildup? Call us at 254-3150 to book a dental consult with one of our dental technicians.  We will assess your pets overall dental health and provide you with an estimate for a dental cleaning.

Shannon Campbell
Animal Health Technologist



Happy Valentine's Day...

Hope everyone has been enjoying our mild winter...don't forget though that all that salt and sand can be irritating to little paws so keep them clean and as dry as possible!!

I just wanted to stop by and wish everyone a 'Happy Valentine's Day' coming up soon!  It is nice to be back at work one day a week but Drs. Torevell, Malboeuf and Atkinson have been doing a fabulous job in my absence so I have been continuing to enjoy 'maternity leave' with little Grace who keeps me  busy!

Don't forget that candy, chocolate and sweets are not for pets...not for babies either really though Grace thought this was the best photo prop EVER!

I hope you are all enjoying the last of a wonderful winter and we look forward to hopefully an early and mild Spring as well!   Maybe not the mosquitoes and ticks that go along with that though!  Won't be long and we'll be putting heartworm reminders in the mail!

Have a pawsitively wonderful Valentine's day from all of us at Winrose...

Dr. Eichkorn and the fabulous Winrose Team

Valentines day is approaching

When you celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved ones this year, remember to include your pets because they think you are pawsitively great.

These are some hints for you to remember with Valentine's Day upon us

Hide the Chocolate.  All types of chocolate are toxic for dogs and cats.  Have a heart and keep your chocolate sweet treats well out of your pets reach.

Xylitol is an artifical sweetener used in sugarless gums and baked goods.  It is not harmful to humans, but even small amounts can be extremely toxic for your dog.

Make sure to give water:  Animals kept outdoors need a steady supply of fresh water.  Snow isn't a substitute.  Check your outdoor pets' water bowls daily.

Happy Holidays!

Just popping in to send out a big THANK YOU to everyone who helped support our "Pet Photos with Santa" event last month!  With the clinic contribution we will be making a $1000.00 donation to the Lions Foundation Dog Guides!  Yayy!  What a great cause!

...Also wanted to send some warm wishes from everyone at the hospital as well as a special 'hello' to all from my family to yours.  Many blessings for a safe and happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Winrose!

Dr.  Carolyn, Cary and baby Grace...and the doggies Sierra and Beans too of course!!

Hope everyone had a safe and happy halloween.  

Once again we are having our Annual Pet Photos with Santa on Sunday, November 20, 2011 (12:00 -3:00 PM).   The proceeds go to Lions Foundation Dog Guides.  All welcome - so come out and join us for some fun and refreshments. 

As the cold weather is approaching, there are some things you should watch for as the upcoming weather changes. 

- If you have a dog, you may want to consider purchasing a coat to help keep the chill out of their bones.  Many pet stores have a variety of coats for your pets as well as booties, etc.  This may help when you are trying to get your pet to go outside to do their business, especially in the case of smaller breeds with no natural undercoat.  It can also help decrease the chance of frostbite.

Be sure to check the underside of your dogs' paws for ice build up as it can cause irritation between the toes. 

If you have an outdoor dog, make sure there is enough bedding in the dog house for warmth and that the water in the dish is not frozen.  If the temperatures drop really low, ensure you have the capabilities of keeping your dog somewhere indoors if needed.

Remember, NEVER to leave your pet unattended for long periods of time in your vehicle during the winter months as hypothermia can still set in even though they are in an enclosed space.  Some signs to watch for are:  Shivering, lethargy, weakness, difficulty breathing.  Frostbite is another thing that can happen if your pet is in the cold for too long.  It usually affects the paws, ears and tail of the pets.  Signs to watch for are:  Cold to the touch, swelling of the affected area, pain of the affected area, discoloration of the affected area. 

If you are not sure if your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, make sure to contact your regular veterinarian to have your pet assessed and treated as necessary.