| |
Christmas Donation Reminder
Bark 10-4
Fleas? In December?
H3N8 Update
H1N1 in Pets Update
Holiday Safety
Christmas Donation
In lieu of gifts for each other, the doctors and staff of East Hilliard Veterinary Services have chosen the Military Working Dog Cooling Vest Project again this year. (For more information on the project, please visit our November 2008 newsletter.) A donation box has been set up in our reception area and our clients have already donated over $350.00! Last year we donated a total of $825.00. We hope to be able to give even more this year. Our sincere thanks for all the donations so far. This truly is a worthy cause.
Help Your Local Fire Department Save Pet's Lives
Annually, an estimated 500,000 pets are affected by fires in the United States and more than 40,000 pets die each year due to smoke inhalation. With the right equipment, police, fire, and emergency medical service (EMS) rescuers can often save a pet's life. Losing a pet in a house fire can be a devastating experience for the family. Bark Buckle UP®, a nationally recognized leader in pet safety, has created a program called Bark 10-4™ to assist first responders and the public with pet emergency issues and needs.
 There are more than 30,000 fire departments nationwide and most have multiple vehicles. Funds to purchase Pet Oxygen Masks for these trucks aren't readily available Smiths Medical, the US manufacturer of the SurgiVet® brand of animal health products, has announced that it is teaming up with Bark Buckle UP® to launch the Bark 10-4™ campaign. During October, which was National Fire Safety Month, industry leaders and pet safety experts including Pet Safety Lady™, Christina Selter, joined Smiths Medical and fire departments nationwide to raise awareness of the need for Pet Oxygen Masks.
The Bark 10-4™ campaign was created with the goal of getting a Pet Oxygen Mask on board every fire truck in the country by encouraging the public to sponsor the purchase of Pet Oxygen Masks for their local fire departments. A $25 sponsorship ensures that one mask can be purchased for a fire department. A $65 sponsorship buys a mask set, which includes a small, medium, and large mask.
"Vets have used oxygen masks designed especially for animals for years," according to Regina McIntosh, Vice President of Marketing for Smiths Medical North America. ''These masks have found their way into the hands of first responders primarily through word of mouth and the generosity of compassionate pet owners. This program will go a long way toward raising awareness about a product that can save a lot of pets' lives."
Sponsorship can be completed at www.Bark10-4.com. The sponsor designates the specific fire department to receive the gift, which will be delivered with the shipping and handling costs paid by Smiths Medical.
"The mask only works if it is on the truck," states Jose M. Torres, Battalion Chief, 'A' Platoon, Santa Monica (California) Fire Department. "Together we can save pets' lives."
(Thanks to AAHA Marketlink Messenger – November 2009 for use of the article.)
Fleas? Still? It's Winter!
The wet October and warm November weather has allowed fleas to thrive this season. The most  favorable conditions for flea development occur in late summer and early fall in our part of the country. Then, when the fall weather stays warm this late in the year, the life cycle of the flea is able to fully complete the circle. We saw more fleas in November than any other month this entire year. According to Dr. Michael Dryden, internationally renowned veterinary parasitologist, "These are some of the worst flea problems I've seen in years. We hear (from clients) each fall that their flea control products have stopped working. But the truth of the matter is something else. They are seeing the end product of the flea development process that began back in August. It has nothing to do with resistance. It has everything to do with numbers."
Don't stop using your flea control medication yet. Use it this month, and depending on the weather, you may want to use it on through the winter. Remember, your nice warm house can provide a happy home for fleas all year.
Canine Influenze Virus Update
So far, the H3N8 (Canine Influenza) virus has not been seen much in Central Ohio. We will continue to monitor the situation and let you know if we feel your dog should be vaccinated against H3N8.
"Swine flu" (H1N1) Update
As noted in our last newsletter, ferrets are susceptible to H1N1. They can get it from humans, and recent research indicates that ferrets can pass the virus to humans. Continue to monitor your ferrets closely for any respiratory signs.
Now, H1N1 virus has been found in cats, in fact one cat in Oregon has died as a result of the virus. In every instance of cats with H1N1, there has been someone in the household with the flu prior to the cat showing signs. Although, at this time, no cats in Ohio have been diagnosed with H1N1, please monitor your cats for any respiratory symptoms especially if someone in the house has been ill.
Holiday Safety
 Plants and other items associated with the holiday season can be toxic to your pets. Here's a general list to help you and your pets have a safe holiday.
Low toxicity - poinsettia leaves and stems, balsam, pine, cedar, and fir, angel hair (spun glass), Christmas tree preservatives, snow sprays or flock, tree ornaments, super glue, styrofoam, icicles (tinsel), and some crayons and paints.
Moderate toxicity- fireplace salts (makes colors in the flame), plastic model cement, holly berries and leaves, bubbling lights (methylene chloride), snow scenes (may contain salmonella), aftershaves, perfumes, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate (dark chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate).
Highly toxic - mistletoe (especially berries), expoxy adhesives, and antifreeze.
There are so many hazards this time of year it is impossible to list them all. Please monitor your pets through the holidays. Try to keep their lives as normal as possible so every member of the family can have a great holiday season.
Visit the Newsletter Archive
|
