Proper Frontline Application

By: Laura Rodriguez, LVT As we are out enjoying the beautiful weather, we can't forget about the critters that are also enjoying this weather and looking for their next host. Yes, we're talking about ticks again. Here are some tips on properly applying Frontline so you can spend your time outdoors enjoying yourself and not preoccupied with these pests. Always apply Frontline 48 hours before or after your pet has been wet (ie. bath, swimming, or out in heavy rain). It really makes a difference for the efficacy of the product. (Don't worry, unlike other products, once Frontline is applied it's waterproof). Apply Frontline between the shoulder blades, near the base of the neck. This will help prevent your pet from licking it off because they can't easily reach this area. Make sure you apply each application on time. The product is designed to be used once a month. If you miss an application, your pet is at greater risk until you apply the next dose. (Helpful hint: If you and your pet spend a lot of time in wooded areas or if you still see a large number of ticks on your pet -- you can apply Frontline at 3 weeks intervals instead of 4 week intervals until we're out of the heavy tick season). Keeping these tips in mind when applying Frontline will help to ensure its efficacy. Unfortunately, nothing is 100% effective, but knowing that you are applying it properly should help put your mind at ease. Helpful Home Hint: Apply Frontline to your pet at night right before bedtime. Your pets won't rub the Frontline all over your furniture and your children won't get it on their hands. Invisible (In-Ground) Fences By: Allyson Smith Spring and summer months host beautiful weather that coaxes both families and pets outdoors. When permitting your pet outdoors we strongly recommend that you check to be sure your pet is wearing identification. Whether you prefer an embroidered collar, a collar and tag, a microchip, or a combination of ID systems, identification is your primary means for a safe return of your pet should he or she wander away. Even pets who never leave your porch can sometimes be adventurous and take a stroll and pets who relax in fenced in yards can sometimes escape. Those of you with dogs, especially high energy dogs, may let your pet into the yard to run and jump while you continue with your activities. Some pets are released into fully fenced yards while other owners may choose an invisible fence (or in-ground fence). Invisible fences consist of a buried wire around the perimeter of your property, a transmitter, small flags or poles to mark where the wire is buried, and a collar for your dog. When your dog approaches the wire or attempts to cross this buried “fence,” a small shock is sent to the collar. The idea is that your dog will quickly learn to avoid approaching the perimeters of the property to avoid being shocked and will stay within the confines of your selected area. Most dogs respond relatively well to this. However, as with all training and obedience tools, invisible fences do not work for every dog. First, the collars are battery run and the batteries must be changed periodically to maintain the effectiveness of the collar. Second, some dogs will run through the fence and ignore the shock. Third, some dogs are smart enough to get just close enough to the fence that the collar batteries are activated but not close enough that the collar sends a shock to the dog. This causes the batteries to run down quickly and renders the collar ineffective. There are some breeds in particular that are prone to run through these invisible fences, like Beagles, Whippets, Greyhounds, Jack Russells, Shiba Inu's and others. Once a dog crosses the electric fence, they may be deterred from returning because each time they try to cross back onto the property they receive a shock as they approach the fence. Before relying on an invisible fence, be sure to assess the temperament of your dog. Is your dog the kind of dog that is likely to run through the fence in pursuit of a squirrel, cat, dog or for any other reason? Is your dog smart enough to run the batteries down? Is your dog a nervous dog who may respond negatively or fearfully to the small shock from the collar? Do you believe you will be able to maintain the fence and the collar in working order? If you are unsure whether an invisible fence is right for you and your dog, consult your veterinarian or trainer. Spring and Summer Advisory By: Dr. Sing Spring is a time of new growth and the beginning of the outdoor season. As we, and our pets, spend more time outdoors, there are numerous hazards to be aware of. Many pets have lost a bit of their athletic ability having spent the winter indoors. When you take your dog out for walks after spending all winter cooped up indoors he or she may get very tired or sustain an injury, such as a sprain or strain, or aggravate any underlying arthritis. When getting out there and beginning an exercise program, be sure to build your pet's time and distance gradually. This will help reduce the likelihood of an injury. You must also take into account that your pet may not be acclimated to warmer temperatures. Be sure to take plenty of breaks on your walks, hikes, rides or jogs and carry fresh water with you for your pet and yourself. Allergies and insect bites also accompany spring and summer. Many pets suffer from seasonal allergies that flare with seasonal changes and range from watery eyes to itchy skin conditions (see last months article on "Atopy"). If your pet is suffering from allergies, there are many different medications that can help him or her thru the season more comfortably. Pets are exposed to insects (wasps, bees, hornets, spiders and many others) when they are outdoors sniffing the ground and investigating bushes, etc. Symptoms may include hives, redness, pain, facial swelling, itching, head shaking, difficulty breathing, and more. If your pet is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, please contact us for an appointment or, if a problem occurs outside of our regular hours you may contact the Veterinary Emergency Group. Another peril of being outdoors is exposure to pesticides, herbicides and other gardening products such as plant foods, fertilizers and a relatively new product called cocoa bean mulch. Cocoa bean mulch is a newer product that is made from the byproduct of cocoa processing and contains toxins similar to those in chocolate. This mulch is particularly toxic because dogs are enticed by the appetizing smell and taste and will ingest large volumes. However, remember that exposure to any of the above products, including car maintenance and cleaning products, can be life threatening to your pet. Please contact us if your pet has ingested or come into contact with any of the products, or types of products, listed above. In addition to pesticides or mulches, pets are also more likely to ingest things outdoors such as grass, leaves, twigs, rocks, or deer / goose droppings that may cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting or diarrhea) or obstruction. Try to be as vigilant as possible when your pets are outside to prevent them from ingesting foreign materials. If your pet is experiencing vomiting and /or diarrhea please contact us for an appointment. During the spring and summer months your pets' feet are more susceptible to injury such as cuts and burns. After being indoors all winter their pads tend to soften. Be particularly careful when walking them on hot concrete/asphalt as they can experience burns to the pads which are extremely painful. And be sure to get your pet's toenails trimmed down because they are more likely to break when they are long and your pet is active outside. Last but not least, make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh, clean water and a shaded area for sunny or warm days.