Check out a great site for pet owners vetpartners.com.  It is a resource for information and more, and a whole lot of fun to browse!

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WHO ARE WE?

Kainer Veterinary Hospital is a full-service facility for the care of cats and dogs. Our Texas A&M University and Lousiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine graduate veterinarians and warm, compassionate staff are prepared to provide wellness care, surgeries, and emergency medicine for your furry friends.

What Every Pet Owner Should Know:

8 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR PETS IN WARM WEATHER!

1. Provide shelter. Natural and artificial shade from direct sunlight, proper ventilation, and a cool surface are important.2. Provide water. Pets must consume surprisingly large quantities of water to prevent dehydration. Make sure water is fresh and the need for refills are checked daily or more.3. Allow your pets to adjust to temperature changes. If your pet is used to staying indoors or does not exercise frequently, a gradual exposure to the elements and a slow increase in activity are safest.4. Know your pet's risk. Certain breeds, as well as very young and old pets are less able to regulate their own body temperature and must be protected from extremes.5. Never leave your pet in the car unattended. Temperatures can rise drastically and quickly in such a confined space.6. Remember, pets do not wear clothes! Hard surfaces exposed to sun get very hot, leading to burns on pet's feet. Poorly haired areas on your pet's skin is susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer just like humans.7. Get a summer haircut! Shaving pets with heavy coats, or even just their underside, may help cool certain pets.8. Know the signs of overheating in your pet. Heavy panting, sluggishness, very red gums, vomiting, wobbliness, collapse, and seizures may be seen. Death from heatstroke is not uncommon. If overheating is suspected, bring the pet into a sheltered area, offer water, consider a cool (not cold) water rinse, and seek veterinary attention immediately.

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PETS AND SNAKEBITES

Snakebites are common in our area, and the effects on your pet can be profound.

Typical signs include significant swelling of the bitten area, pain, and puncture wounds that may drain blood or a clear fluid. Animals having an allergic reaction to the snakebite may also show vomiting or diarrhea (especially dogs), trouble breathing (especially cats), and collapse.

Animals suspected of suffering snakebite should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Medications to address the swelling, allergic reaction, and pain may be given. Occasionally, antivenin is administered depending on the type of snake and the pet's reaction. Most pets receive antibiotics to counter infection, as snakes have some bad bacteria in their mouths!

Some pets may be hospitalized for continued monitoring. Rarely, some pets can suffer serious complications from snakebite, and some may even die.

Pet owners can prevent pet exposure to snakes by limiting potential habitats (piles of wood, hay, and junk, and crawl spaces are examples). Some believe that planting Citronella around the environment deters snakes. There are also specialized training classes that teach dogs to avoid snakes. Do not assume that a pet once bitten by a snake will avoid snakes in the future, as curiosity often overrides the bad memory of past bites.

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FLEAS, TICKS, AND MOSQUITOES OH MY!

Here in the piney woods in Texas, we have the good fortune to appreciate all of nature's insect life, especially as the temperatures and humidity rise. While bugs are largely a nuisance to us and our families, they can cause downright misery and disease for our pets.

How do I know if I have a problem? Pets with fleas most often scratch at their neck, back, and tail area, often causing a triangular area of hair loss and irritation above their tail. Ticks can be felt under the fur, in the ears, and between the toes of pets, and leave red, scabbed sores where they attached. Pets with mosquito allergy can have severe scabbing of the ears and nose. Additionally, mosquitoes can transmit heartworms to dogs and cats, ingested fleas can give those pets tapeworms, and ticks can transmit life-threatening infections.

What can we do to help? Here is an overview of some of the insect-control options.

Spot-on Adulticides are products meant to be applied topically to the animal's skin in one location, which kill fleas and, in some cases, ticks that are on the pet. Veterinary-sold products act only on invertebrate creatures, are safe for mammals when used as directed, are relatively waterproof, and typically last at least one month. These products have dramatically decreased the number of flea and tick-related diseases veterinarians must address, and if used properly, year-round, and with good environmental controls, could keep your pet totally flea and tick free. Frontline, Advantage, and Revolution are examples of this type of product.

Spot-On Adulticide/Repellents are similar to simple spot-on adulticides, but have improved repellent action so fewer insects actually come in contact with the pet's skin. Canine Advantix is such a product, and is labeled to help prevent mosquitoes.

Spray-On Adulticides must be applied in a spray fashion to the entire pet, and while they may last at least one month, they will wash off. Frontline Spray and Knockout Spray are examples.

Collars that are impregnated with pesticide are available, but generally are ineffective. One exception is the Preventick collar for tick prevention only. Care must be taken that the pet does not chew on or ingest the collar.

Oral Flea Control products include Program, also found in the heartworm preventative Sentinel. These products do not kill fleas, but they break the reproductive cycle of any flea that bites the pet. Note that the pet must be bitten by the flea in order for the product to work. This product alone is rarely an effective method of flea control, and requires stringent environmental pest control. Oral Capstar is another product which does kill the fleas, but which has no residual effect beyond about 24 hours.

Area or Environment Treatments are not applied to the pet, but rather to its environment, and can play an important role in pest control. Be aware that poisonings can result from a pet ingesting these products from their environment, or by drinking runoff water that contains chemicals. Also, some studies link certain pesticides applied frequently to a pet's environment to higher incidences of cancer. Consult a pest control expert for guidance with these products.

Over-the-counter spot-on products, sprays, collars, and dips abound. Many of these products contain packaging that mimics that of products available only through veterinarians in an attempt at deceptive advertising. Many of these products have very narrow margins of safety, have questionable efficacy, and fail to be effective for the advertised duration.

It is very important to only use insect control products as they have been labeled, and only on the species for which they are intended. Never use human or livestock products on dogs or cats, or dog products on cats. If a product appears not to be working, you should never apply more than is advised. Consider whether the pet's environment may be so infested that new parasites are continually contacting the pet.

If product failure is still suspected, contact your veterinarian. The products sold only through veterinarians are done so by demand of the manufacturer, so that we may provide guidance in their use. Our assistance helps you to use the products properly and with maximal success, limiting product failures and adverse reactions. Manufacturers will only honor guarantees, rebates, and bonus product promotions on product sold through veterinarians.

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SMOKERS TAKE NOTE!

Indoor cats that live with indoor smokers have been found to have an increased incidence of lymphoma, a type of cancer. These cats are exposed to more of the dangerous secondhand smoke since they never leave the house, and ingest smoke particles as they groom their fur. Secondhand smoke can also be a factor in pets with asthma, an allergic respiratory disease.

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WHAT ABOUT VACCINATIONS?

There are a whole host of other vaccinations available for dogs and cats, some of which are considered "core" (recommended for all animals), and some "non-core" (only recommended for animals with special risks of exposure). Our hospital has the following core vaccination protocol for adult animals:

DOGS

Rabies given every three years. Helps prevent an incurable, fatal neurologic disease that is transmissible to humans. Spread by the bite of infected, warm-blooded mammals.Distemper/Parainfluenza/Hepatitis-2 given every year. Distemper is a severe viral disease causing respiratory infection, diarrhea, and seizures which are often fatal. Hepatitis-2 and parainfluenza are serious viral infections which may also be fatal. Other dogs most often transmit these diseases.Parvovirus given every year. Parvovirus most often causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, occasionally respiratory disease and heart damage, and is often fatal. Parvovirus is closely related to feline panleukopenia virus and may cross-infect between species, but is usually transmitted by other dogs. The virus, shed in feces, may remain in the environment for years.Bordetella given every six months. Bordetella causes a severe cough ("kennel cough") and is highly contagious among dogs.Leptospirosis given every year for outdoor dogs. Leptospirosis is spread by rodents, raccoons, and other wildlife and causes kidney and liver failure in dogs, humans, and rarely cats.

CATS

Rabies given every three years.Rhinotracheitis/Calicivirus/Panleukopenia given every year. Helps prevent severe, often incurable or fatal diseases causing respiratory and many other problems.Leukemia given every year to outdoor cats. Feline leukemia virus causes leukemia, cancer, and AIDS-like syndromes, is fatal and incurable, and is spread by other cats.

Non-core vaccines such as those for Lyme disease, feline bordetella, feline chlamydiosis, giardiasis, dermatophytosis, and FIV are available, but are only recommended in special circumstances.

Animals over the age of three with minimal risk of exposure to certain diseases may be candidates for extended vaccination intervals. It is extremely important to discuss this with your veterinarian, who will perform a risk assessment and customize your pet's vaccination protocol. It is also important to realize that, with the exception of the rabies and bordetella vaccines, all other vaccines are labeled by the manufacturer for annual administration. If you choose an extended vaccination interval, you will be required to document your approval of an extralabel use of the vaccine.

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CHECK-UP EXAMS IMPORTANT!

With all the changes in vaccination protocol, it is crucial to remember that the veterinarian's physical examination of your pets may be the most important thing you can do to keep them healthy.

An animal's life span is compressed compared to ours, with every six months of their life translating roughly to three years for a human. Animals less than 8 years of age and with no major health concerns should be examined thoroughly at least annually. Older and less healthy pets should be examined at least every six months to catch new and changing conditions early.

Each time the veterinarian examines your pet, a complete "nose-to-tail" evaluation allows them to identify normal findings, new problems, and changes from previous visits, and allows the doctor to communicate with you.

The law requires the veterinarian to examine your pet to establish a valid doctor-patient-client relationship, before treatments can be prescribed or procedures performed. Our practice requires an examination within the past year to establish this doctor-patient-client relationship. In this way, we ensure open lines of communication and trust so that your pet receives the best care possible.

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SPAY AND NEUTER FOR THE HEALTH OF YOUR PET, AND THE HEALTH OF THE POPULATION

Many people are aware of the problems of pet overpopulation, but did you know that early spaying and neutering of pets may prevent life-threatening illness? Incidence of ovarian, uterine, and breast cancers in female dogs and testicular and prostate cancers in dogs increases the longer an animal is left "intact." In fact, spaying a female dog or cat before its first heat cycle may reduce the chance of breast cancer later in life by 30%. Also, the hormonal cycles of intact male and female animals often lead to infections of the reproductive systems, which are typically dangerous and expensive to treat. Finally, breeding animals with heritable faulty traits such as allergies, aggressive personality, collapsing trachea, and joint dysplasias, increases the number of unhealthy pets in the general population. Unless you are familiar with the breeding of animals, have a pet which is of sufficient quality to improve the breed, and are willing to commit the time and money breeding requires, please spay or neuter your pets!

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KEEPING MOMS HEALTHY AND PETS HAPPY

During pregnancy, women must be extra careful not to become exposed to diseases which may hurt their pregnancy.

One of the most important of these diseases is Toxoplasmosis, a parasite which can cause birth defects, abortion, and stillbirths in women. The domestic cat is the only known animal to shed Toxoplasma in its feces, so you could become exposed while handling the litterbox or working in the garden. Toxoplasma also exists in raw and undercooked meats. Some recommendations regarding Toxoplamosis to help keep pregnant mothers healthy are:

ò Wash and cook all meat, poultry, and homegrown vegetables thoroughly before eating.

ò Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meats, working in the garden, or changing cat litter. Even better, have someone else perform these tasks for you.

ò Change cat litter daily.

ò Feed cats only commercial cat food, avoid feeding raw meats, and prevent hunting of mice and birds.

There are other intestinal parasites of companion animals which may be transmitted to adults and children, such as hookworms and roundworms. These parasites are most often spread to people due to poor hygiene, or exposure to bare skin. Recommendations for preventing the spread of intestinal parasite from pets to humans include:

ò Having a veterinarian perform a fecal evaluation on each pet at least annually, to diagnose parasitism.

ò Keeping dogs and cats on heartworm preventative, most of which also prevent many intestinal parasites.

ò Picking up pet feces from the yard daily, to prevent contamination of the environment.

ò Always wearing shoes when walking outside, especially on dirt or in water.

ò Washing hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after cleaning litterboxes, working in the yard, or handing animal feces.

For your safety, consult with both your doctor and your veterinarian if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Pets and pregnancy are fine together, so long as you take some simple precautions.

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ALL IN THE FAMILY

The arrival of a new baby is a happy occasion, but don't forget the family pets may also require some special attention and understanding so that everyone can get along.

Pets should be allowed to investigate the baby's room beforehand, so they are not intimidated by the new smells and furniture. When the baby comes home, carefully allow the pets to see and smell the baby. Dogs may feel the need to express dominance over the new addition, and should be watched for signs of aggression. Cats are less likely to show dominance, but may become annoyed with the baby. All pets may become depressed, feel rejected, and stop eating. Signs of aggression should be corrected but not punished.

Make a point to spend special time with your pets, so that they do not feel abandoned or rejected. As your children get older, involve them by teaching appropriate interaction with the pets. They should be shown that pets feel pain and loneliness, as well as have normal responses to chase, jump, and defend themselves. Finally, remember that certain pets may never accept children, and be prepared for this possibility.

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PETS NEED DENTAL CARE TOO!

Dental disease and infection is one of the most common pet health issues. Pets develop many of the same problems as we do, and feel the same discomfort and pain. Dental disease may result in reluctance to eat, bad breath, loss of energy, and infection that may spread via the bloodstream to the liver, heart, kidneys, and lungs. You may recognize dental disease in your pets as yellow or brown matter on the teeth, red or inflamed gums, pus around teeth, and loose or missing teeth.

Daily brushing of your pet's teeth is as important for them as it is for you. Other helpful aids include feeding dry food, crunchy biscuits, and chews. Scraping matter from your pet's teeth at home is never recommended, as it can damage the tooth enamel leaving it more vulnerable to infection later. Home "scaling" also misses over 1/3 of the tooth that lies beneath the gumline, and can potentially injure the pet's mouth.

When your veterinarian recognizes dental disease in your pet, a brief anesthetic procedure will be scheduled to address the problem, and antibiotics may be prescribed. First, a tube is placed in the anesthetized pet's airway to prevent inhalation of bacteria and debris. Tartar and plaque are ultrasonically cleaned from the surface of the teeth and under the gum, and a thorough oral examination is performed. Special treatments may be performed on loose, damaged, or diseased teeth, and severely affected teeth may be removed. Appropriate pain medications and nerve blocks are performed. Finally, polishing smooths any defects in the tooth enamel, and a fluoride and sealant are applied.

Once your pet has a clean and healthy mouth, home care is much more effective and important. With the proper attention, your pet may only need to have its teeth professionally cleaned every few years, if at all!

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From the time you first hold your new puppy or kitten, your mind fills with thoughts of fun playtime, soft snuggles, and years of loyal companionship. Together we can help keep your pets healthy, by focusing on wellness and preventive care.

By anticipating what your pet needs as it goes through different stages of life, dangerous and costly illnesses can often be prevented. Preparing for your pet's needs, sometimes including options such as pet insurance, is an important part of responsible pet ownership.

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Keeping your dogs and cats at home not only keeps them safe, it's the law! Roaming cats and dogs are much more likely to be hit by a car, attacked by other animals, contract diseases from strays, bite people, and become poisoned. What can you do to secure your pet's environment?