Preventing Zoonotic Diseases

Here are some quick steps to best protect your family from zoonotic diseases (that is, disease that can be passed from pets/environment to you).

1.  Schedule annual or biannual veterinary visits for your pet, which should include fecal examinations.

2.  Keep your pet on year-round monthly parasite prevention, as recommended by your veterinarian.

3.  Keep pets indoors or supervised to discourage hunting, and do not feed pets raw or undercooked meats.

4.  Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling animals and working outdoors.  Be sure your children wash their hands after playing outside.

5.  Wash any wounds, even small nicks and cuts, promptly and thoroughly.

6.  Clean cats' litter boxes daily, wearing gloves, and always wash your hands immediately afterwards.  (though, if you're pregnant, you should avoid cleaning litter boxes altogether.  Have someone else do it for you.)

7.  Avoid approaching, touching, or handling stray animals.

8.  Cover children's sandboxes when they're not in use.

9.  Always wear gloves when gardening.

10.  Protect yourself from ticks by covering your body with a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat.  Check for ticks after hiking, playing, or working in tick-infested environments.  Also consider using repellents.


Source:  firstline magazine * DVM360.com * April 2011

Dog Park Etiquette

1. Always keep your eyes on your dog.  Mischief can happen quickly.
2. Never leave your dog unattended.
3. Be sure your dog is current on vaccines and has a valid license.
4. Always clean up after your dog.
5. Do not take more than three dogs to the park at one time.
6. Do not take puppies younger than four months of age.
7. Keep your dog on-leash until you get to the off-leash area.
8. If your dog becomes unruly or plays rough, leash the dog and leave immediately.
9. If you take children to the dog park, supervise them closely.
10. Always observe all of the rules posted at the dog park.
11. Make certain your pet has proper I.D.

These tips compliments of the Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center (WVRC)

Tips From A Dog On Living Your Life

I spent some time sorting old papers this morning.  I came across this snippet that we cut out of one of our professional journals back in 2005.  I thought it was quite good advise!

Tips From A Dog On Living Your Life

When loved ones come home, always run to great them.

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Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

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Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

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Take naps. Stretch before rising.

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Run, romp, and play daily.

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Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

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On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

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On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

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When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

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No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends.

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Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

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Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.  Stop when you've had enough.

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Be loyal.

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Never pretend to be something you're not.

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If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

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When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.