We Need Each Other, Please Stop!

"Much smoking kills live men and cures dead swine."
George Dennison Prentice

Humans never seem to be satisfied. They like variety, seek out thrills.... always want something bigger and better. Good is bad, bad is good. Simple moments ignored.... the smell of the neighbors barbecue, chasing the same ball for hours, eating the same food night after night, peeing on the same tree day after day, now this is good stuff. Us dogs, we like repetition. We are satisfied by a "good boy", long walks, chasing squirrels.......

Many humans like to bring fire to their face.... what the heck!? The smoke rolls in and out without a cough, while we (your dog and cat) are over here with red eyes, coughing and sneezing..... is the place burning down?

Well believe it or not your harming us as much as yourselves. Secondhand smoke can cause cancer in your pets but that isn't the only risk!! Many people are now trying the electric cigarettes, nicotine patches and gum. All of these products are concentrated nicotine, a little goes a long way, right to the emergency clinic. Even the butts your squishing out on the driveway, poison dude, poison.

Let's look at the facts:

1. We don't live very long compared to a humans life expectancy. Hard to swallow I know and we cherish every moment we have with you! The average life expectancy of a dog is 10-12 years, the cat is a little longer, 12-19 years. Secondhand smoke can cause lung and nasal cancer in dogs, and repeated exposure of smoke to a cat doubles their chance of developing Lymphoma, as well as asthma and bronchitis.

2. Quit smoking. Did you know on the average a person who smokes a pack a day spends approximately $1000 a year on cigarettes? But let us also talk about your veterinary bill. Quit now and you will save money on your vet bill (or at least smoke outside).

3. E-cigarettes can be fatal to your pet! It takes only 5 milligrams of nicotine to cause problems for your pet. A regular cigarette has approximately 15-20 milligrams of nicotine, e-cigarette refill cartridges can have anywhere from 6 to 24 milligrams, then take into account that a package can have five to one hundred cartridges. According to the Pet Poison Hotline, the number of calls about nicotine poisoning from these new products has doubled. One cartridge could cause toxic signs in a 50 pound dog, but in a ten pound dog it could be fatal. Yikes!! And their flavoring them!!! Banana Cream Pie anyone???!!!

4. Nicotine poisoning happens rapidly in pets, typically within 15-60 minutes after ingestion.

5. Signs in dogs and cats: vomiting, diarrhea, irritation, increased heart and breathing rates, depression, tremors, seizures, coma, and cardiac arrest.

6. React quickly, because of the rapid onset every moment counts. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect nicotine poisoning.

I've heard how hard it is to stop sucking in all that smoke (my human mom was hooked and quit "cold turkey" when she fell in love with my dad). If you really love your pets you should think twice about lighting, vaping, whatever you want to call it. Quit today, we want you around as much as you want us around. If you can't do it (we know you can), then please take it outside (and don't drop that butt, it's lethal).

Tata for now
Oli

for more information check out these links:
Secondhand smoke harmful to pets as people: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/secondhand-smoke-as-harmful-to-pets-as-people/
E-Cigarettes and Pets Do Not Mix: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/uncategorized/e-cigarettes-pets-mix/

BANG!

Has your best friend become afraid of loud noises? Do you dread the weather report predicting thunderstorms? Is July 4th on your blacklist? Is your pet destructive and you just don't understand why suddenly this is occurring?

Well the first huge problem is we can't tell you how or why we are feeling a certain way! Your only option is to become a detective, guessing and second guessing our every move. 

Noise phobia is a serious medical condition. Fear is a normal reaction, it keeps animals safe, "fight or flight" in response to a threat. Anxiety on the other hand is anticipation of a scary event, the worrying that something might happen. Noise aversion is both an anxiety as well as a fear induced condition. As it grows it becomes a phobia, extreme and irrational. This fear slowly becomes pathologic and starts to infringe on normal daily life. These pets start feeling like they are always in danger. every minute of the day. Anyone that has a pet with phobia issues like this knows what I'm talking about! These conditions should be treated quickly when it first appears, ultimately it will worsen over time. Can you imagine being frightened every hour of every day?

 Ways to tell if your pet is suffering from noise aversion? When a loud noise occurs do they howl, cry, shake, bark, destroy your house, urinate inappropriately, or try to escape? These could be telltale signs that your dog is over the top stressed out! It may be something as simple as the garbage man bangs the cans on the driveway, or kids yelling. Maybe your pet jumped off the couch the first time he heard the garbage man drop your can on the driveway and he tweeked his back. The pain associated with the bang makes him apprehensive, so overtime each time he hears the garbage truck coming he gets anxious, soon its any vehicle coming. Slowly this will grow into a very debilitating condition.

It is important to understand that this is a serious medical condition and your pet is crying out for help. We all know how stress affects our health, well same with your pet! Longterm stress on a body weakens the immune system, strains the brain and vital organs. and our relationship with our pet.

Talk to your veterinarian about these behaviors. He or she will probably recommend some general lab tests to rule out common diseases (hypothyroidism for one) that may also cause these symptoms. Your pet's doctor will develop a plan which may include visiting with a behavioralist, making changes in your pet's environment, or even medications. 

The main focus on treatment is altering the dogs response to the event that causes the anxiety. The key to this is not rewarding the anxious or fearful response. "OK" is a word that most dogs associate with a reward. Telling them during an anxious event that it is "OK" is rewarding a negative behavior. In turn the dog will now become more anxious. Petting can also be a reward, but during a stressful episode it is a reward for their anxiety. 

Gentle continuos pressure has been shown to be comforting, hugging is a great start. There are many products on the market with this idea in mind. Calming wraps such as the Thundershirt we carry at SAC has helped many pets including our own. Calming caps limit the dogs peripheral vision while also applying  mild pressure to the head and face. The Storm Defender Cape wraps around the pets body and decreases static electricity associated with storms (stormdefender.com).

Eye shields that prevent or limit light may help. Tinted Doggles or the mesh variety may ease the anxiety (Doggles.com). Blocking sound may also be an aid for your pet, Muttmuffs (Muttmuffs.com) have a product that may help.

We carry many different homeopathic calming medications that many clients have found helpful during an episode.  A new medication just recently launched could be the answer to get your dog back on track. Sileo, latin for "be silent", may help alleviate signs of noise aversion. The drug is administered by the owner between the lip and gum. It has a calming effect, not sedation so he or she will remain fully functioning and work through the episode. SAC has just started using this on some of our patients with severe noise aversion issues so stay tuned. 

Some important things to remember. 

Are you adding a puppy to a household where you already have a noise phobia dog?

This can be a learned response. If you have a dog with anxiety issues and plan on adding a new puppy to your household talk to your veterinarian about ways to prevent the new addition from "inheriting" these behaviors. Veterinary Behavioralists recommend conditioning a puppy to loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms by making it a game. Grab a ball or your puppies favorite toy and play through the storm. Who knows, maybe the old-timer will join in also!

There are certain noise phobia traits that are inherited, especially in herding breeds. Ask the breeder if the parents have exhibited noise anxiety. Caught early we can prevent the issues from snowballing.

What is causing my pets anxiety? Check out this informative video More then storms and fireworks

Eat Your Vegetables

Vegetables and fruit can be a great way to reward your dog! Instead of reaching for the high fat treats, think fresh.  There are so many different low-fat food items that we all enjoy everyday that are just as appealing to our four-legged friends. But please remember, not all fruits and vegetables are safe for them, in fact some can even seriously harm them.
Below is a great list of safe fresh treats to let your pet sample. Remember to wash the items to remove any pesticides, and go slow, one is great but overdoing any item could cause dietary issues such as diarrhea.

Safe Fruits for Dogs:
Apples: remove the seeds and core (small traces of cyanide in pit so do avoid) can be gassy
Bananas: high sugar so limit amount
Watermelon: remove the rind and seeds to prevent blockages
Strawberries: high in sugar so limit amount
Oranges: peel removed along with seeds
Blueberries: super food rich in antioxidants
Pineapple: a few chunks but sweet, remove prickly outside
Pear: remove seeds and core (small traces of cyanide in pit so do avoid)
Peaches: remove pit (small traces of cyanide in pit so do avoid)
Mango: remove the pit (small traces of cyanide in pit so do avoid)

Safe Vegetables for Dogs:
Carrots: and great for teeth
Beans: right out of the garden!
Broccoli: only the stems
Cucumbers: low fat and boost energy levels
Celery: healthy heart and might even fight cancer
Potatoes: boiled and cubed
Sweet Potato: high fiber and vitamins washed, cooked and cubed

Avoid at all Cost:
Avocado
Grapes and Raisins
Tomato
Onions
Cherries

Just remember, treats in moderation! Some every now and then. Make sure you have a good dental hygiene regime already in place for your pets teeth. Brushing or rinsing once a day can help keep those chompers healthy, shiny and bright!

Tata for now
Oli

SACNH has a New Hospital!

Wow it has been a long time! Apologize for the hiatus……so many changes to life recently. Hard to keep track.
My mom and dad merged SAVES (24hr ER/Critical Care hospital) with Intown Veterinary Group(IVG). Why might you ask? Well the hospital has grown up over the last 5 years and mom and dad wanted to give SAVES the very best chance to really become all it could be and more. IVG will provide that opportunity. Between staff education, increased services in specialty and greater access to state of the art diagnostics and highly trained professionals, SAVES will continue to provide our community with top notch care and many more treatment options!

Stonecliff Animal Clinic of N.H. (SACNH) has moved out of the 63 Evans Drive Building that is home to SAVES. With the incredible growth of both hospitals, and sharing of facility, it was time for SACNH to move into their own hospital. My parents wanted to provide an incredible experience for our clients and their pets and I think they have succeeded. SACNH is now located in a brand new hospital at 227 Mechanic Street, Lebanon, N.H. Just one exit up on I-89 (exit 19), SACNH has their mind set on providing the community with a general veterinary practice that stands apart from all the rest. They have created an atmosphere that is so nice to visit for pets and their owners. And best news ever, I AM THERE!

So stay tuned for Open House announcements in the very near future.
Tata for now
Oliver

ode to the river

Newbury Veterinary Hospital

This weekend we went and visited old friends. Newbury Veterinary Hospital in Vermont had their one year anniversary (happy anniversary Dr. Amy Cook). I got to dance with Jessica, pose with Dr. Cook and Carmelita and eat frozen yogurt!
Dr. Cook has turned the hospital (formerly River Valley Veterinary Hospital) into a warm and comfortable place for people and their pets. I was so glad she changed the name, I get so confused with all the "river" named hospitals in the Connecticut River Valley!
If you live up in that neck of the woods (or river) stop in and meet the staff of Newbury Vet. Hospital, and tell um' Oli sent ya!
Tata for now!

walking for our friends

So I hate to think about it but sometimes I wonder what would happen to me if I was my mom's only relative and she became sick, I mean really sick. The first thing I think about (because I'm a lab, forgive me) but what if she couldn't get out of bed to feed me in the morning? What if someone only came in every now and then to take care of her and didn't really care about me? I think you can understand why I try not to think about this stuff, it is so sad.










The Visiting Nurse and Hospice of New Hampshire and Vermont is an incredible group of people that support and care for dying patients. The unique program allows a terminally ill patient to stay home and out of the hospital setting.





Their Pet Piece of Mind Program provides volunteers and financial assistance so that patients can keep their pets with them throughout their final journey. All of us at Small Animal Veterinary Emergency Services in Lebanon, NH and Stonecliff Animal Clinic of NH. think this program is incredible! We already know how important the human-animal bond is, and when better then at the greatest time of need.

So last night we set out to show our support and raise money for this important program.

Petunia and I met old and new friends, ate some great food, and even took a quick dip in a little pool of water after the walk!

Alison from SACNH brought her little man Elvis. My brother gave Elvis a lift when he got tired(man he has little legs). I think Elvis liked him. Sometimes dogs think my brother is loud and moves way to fast, not Elvis.

If you want to make a difference in someone else's life, consider donating to this incredible program.

Tata for now

Stonecliff Announces.....

Wow, for those of you that see my dad or any of the other Docs at Stonecliff Animal Clinic of New Hampshire, they have big news!
They have added an online pharmacy to their hospital! If you go on their home page and scroll down you'll see the green and blue tab that says "Home Delivery". Click on that tab and you will be brought to the pharmacy!!!
The coolest thing about this addition is the prices are as good as any online pharmacy (i.e. Pet Med, Petsmart... etc.) and they have so many more items to choose from then the hospital itself can stock!! You can even get Hill's Prescription Diets, Hill's Science Diets, and Purina Prescription Diets delivered right to your door!!!
Tata for now

February-Battle Bad Breath

I traveled to Syracuse to drop my sister off at school. She had so much junk, I don't think I volunteered for this job. She sat comfortably all snuggled up with her cozy blanket, I was wedged  between her junk and more junk. Six hours I sat without room to breathe! Not really, mom made sure we stopped frequently to stretch my legs. She even once claimed I looked like I was ready to barf. My dad knows when it comes to barfing I can pretty much do it on command. When mom mentioned the barf word he obediently obliged her!
What a fiasco! Her apartment had not been cleaned since the last people moved out in the spring. I didn't mind, there was all sorts of crumbs and stuff to graze on! Mom was freaking out as usual about my scrounging around, afraid I might ingest something poisonous or something. Low and behold she was right (she usually really is....), she caught me sucking on an Advil pain tablet! This could have been really serious. Dad says as few as four or five tablets for a dog my size could cause my liver or kidney to shutdown! There was at least that in the shag carpet alone. What were these college students doing, playing fetch or something?

So the big news is February is National Pet Dental Month! Dental disease is a serious health risk for dogs and cats. Eighty percent of dogs and seventy percent of cats have the start of dental disease by the age of three. The bacteria associated with the buildup of tartar in your pet's mouth also gets into the bloodstream and can damage organs throughout their body. Your pet's heart, liver and kidneys are especially prone to damage from the underlying causes of dental disease.

 During the month of February, Stonecliff Animal Clinic of New Hampshire is offering free dental exams and $20.00 off on dental procedures. Stop in for your free oral exam!

exciting news

Exciting news for Stonecliff Animal Clinic of New Hampshire pets (and their owners of course)! Small Animal Veterinary Emergency Services is offering a discounted emergency fee.

I may not look excited but really I am! So what does this mean? It means that if you are a patient of Stonecliff Animal Clinic of New Hampshire and you are sick or have an emergency when their office is closed you will only be charged $55.00 for the emergency exam. That is amazing!

Well you may ask, "What was the old price", and I would reply "$85.00"!!! SAVES is also offering this new price to all networked veterinary hospitals!

So of course the next question must be what is networked? A networked hospital is one that sends all of their emergencies exclusively to SAVES. These hospitals trust SAVES to provide their patients with the very best care in the Upper Valley when they can't be there for them!

So day or night, rain, sleet, snow or.... sun. If your regular vet can't see you for what ever reason..... SAVES can! They will update your veterinarian on your pet's condition, give advice on aftercare, just like they always have! Give us a call to see if your regular veterinarian is networked!
Wow, that sure was a mouthful! I need a nap.
Tata for now

patience, bugs, and backyard dangers

School is out.... that means more time for swimming, chasing my ball, frisbee lessons (mom thinks I'm going to be the next champion frisbee dog..... I'm scared of it hitting me.....) long walks... bugs.
My skin is sensitive. I hate bugs. Mom is trying a new product that is all natural from Vetri-science a local Vermont company. Vetri-Repel is a all natural repellent for dogs, cats and even horses. It is a blend of natural oils, citronella, lemongrass oil, cinnamon oil, sesame oil, and castor oil, all stuff mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas aren't suppose to like. Mom says it really seems to work.Unfortunately you do need to apply it frequently but it comes in a really easy to use spray and wipes (my sister pretends to spray me all the time, spritz...spritz she says... no wonder mom calls me her neuroses boy). This company also makes the thunderstorm medication that Petunia takes called Composure!

I've been getting into trouble for my over-zealous swimming behavior. Sometimes I just get so excited I don't listen very well. In the water I treat everyone like their my conquest (my world full of sitting ducks). When my mom tries to push me away so I don't scratch her I try to bite her.... I thought she was trying to drown me and I firmly believe in survival of the fittest. I scratched my brother on the back and man did he throw a fit... guess I did draw some blood. Now when their in the water I have to stay away or sit on the edge of the pond and wait until their done..... not fair.
My mom says once I learn some patience I will be a little easier to be around in the water.... gosh I hope I hurry up and learn some.....

When were all hanging out my sister likes to bug me. She says she is teaching me patience. I'm glad she is in Paris right now..... but actually I really miss her doing foolish things with me. I can balance just about anything on my nose thanks to her (not sure why they think this is so important... whatever, if it makes them happy).

Next week is the Furry Scurry fundraiser for the Hospice program in Vermont and New Hampshire. Lots of people have come into SAVES and pledged money for me to walk. If you want to join us on the walk or donate to a great cause come to White River Junction, VT. on Thursday June 30th around 5:30pm for registration and the walk starts at 6:00pm. The Hospice Program helps care for the pets of patients in the program. Much needed food, medications and other stuff that their owner is to sick to be able to deal with. SAVES and Stonecliff Animal Clinic of New Hampshire both provide discounted or free care for these patients.

Just about every day I hear people talk about how they can't imagine eating some of the things that dogs and cats manage to swallow. Personally, I have watched my people eat some things that truly resemble many things we eat that they are so grossed out about (only difference is they put it on a plate). Seriously though, with the summer season comes some real serious threats to our less particular palates. In the last two weeks alone we have had 4 cases of suspected mushroom poisonings. The summer has been sooo wet, and mushrooms thrive in this type of weather. Check your backyard, they seem to be popping up everywhere.

Ninety-eight percent of the mushrooms are non-toxic, but we can't tell the difference. Many of them smell fishy to us....yummmm. If we eat a poisonous one it could cause liver damage and death. If you suspect your pet has eaten a mushroom get them to the vets immediately. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, twitching, drooling, wobbling, and seizures. Pets can also hallucinate from the toxin. Best safeguard, remove all mushrooms from your yard as they sprout up. Remember, if your pet has survived a mushroom poisoning, they don't learn to avoid them in the future (it's the fish man!). Time is of the essence! A couple other common plant poisonings for this time of year are tomato and rhubarb leaves, all lilies and Black Walnuts. If you have a Black Walnut tree the nuts, as they decompose, grow a mold that can cause serious sickness and seizures. Rake them up!

Well, hope to see you next week at the Furry Scurry....TaTa for now!

blackflies laser therapy and will

Now that we are all spending more time outside there sure are a lot of new rules. No going to the pond by myself, no digging in the vegetable garden (why does she get to), I'm always being told not to poop in the flower garden.... geeez.
The bugs are starting to get to me though. I guess all of us are being bugged! The blackflies are out in full force and Mom says we will start getting telephone calls from concerned dog and cat owners about circular red spots on their pet's belly. She was right about that and boy some of us are REALLY sensitive to their bite

This poor guy really got eaten. Blackflies seem to especially like light colored dogs with bare bellies. Dad gave him an injection to help stop the itch and irritation (steroid) and some antibiotics to help with the infection. There are some great products out there for people but us poor guys are a little harder to help since we LOVE to lick off any ointment or salve put on. West Lebanon Feed and Supply has some great products such as citronella repellents that are natural products and dogs don't like the taste of.

So my face is slowly healing from the tick bite. If your pet comes down with a skin condition that looks like this, the best course is to take him to your veterinarian for treatment.
Guess I have really sensitive skin. Judy Coates, the rehabilitation guru at S.A.V.E.S. has been giving me laser treatments to help it heal. Laser therapy helps tissues heal faster and decreases swelling. This type of therapy is also used for degenerative joint disease, back pain, anal gland inflammation, you name it! Judy does laser therapy on all of my dad's bone surgeries.
There are two types of lasers used for this. Continuous laser therapy acts fast on inflammation, and stimulates circulation in the area which helps healing. Pulsed laser therapy has an immediate effect on pain since it interferes with the transmission of the pain message to the brain. Laser therapy has been around for something like 25 years and has no side effects. If it takes the pain away I'm all for it.

S.A.V.E.S is hopping! I have met so many new friends lately. With Stonecliff Animal Clinic of New Hampshire joining us in the 63 Evans Drive building I will meet even more new friends. This little guy stopped in to meet me just the other day. Wow he was really cute but the barking in my ear and jumping up at me was fun for a while but I was  ready for a nap. I do need to clarify that Stonecliff Animal Clinic is the hospital of my parents that was at West Lebanon Feed and Supply not the one in Bradford, Vermont. With the move into the Evans Drive building in Lebanon my dad will be freed up to see more annual visits and is excepting old patients as well as new ones that are in need of wellness care and don't have a vet yet! The building that S.A.V.E.S. is in. across from Lebanon High School and right next door to Nissan-Miller car dealership is becoming a one-stop mecca of all things four-legged. Starting in July Affecionate Pet Salon from the Miracle Mile in Lebanon will open their doors in part of the Evans Road building. Mom says maybe I won't smell so bad if Eve takes care of my hygiene!

And on a more serious note, the Hartford Police brought in a small cat this weekend that we presume is a stray. The poor little friendly guy had a terrible accident that dismembered one of his hind legs. This little cat is such an inspiration and a miracle. He survived for days wandering the streets of Hartford Vermont like this. The staff at S.A.V.E.S. are doing everything in their power to save this little guy, he deserves a chance having come this far on his own. A human plastic surgeon even stopped by to give advise. We are so lucky to be surrounded by such a dedicated medical community. Between the huge hospital up the road called Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, to the doctors of dentistry that have volunteered their expertise to help us four-legged ones, I feel so grateful to be living here. Thanks everyone, we will keep you posted on this little fighter. TaTa for now.

creepy crawlies, hotspots, and lyme

Rainy, rainy days in May. The river has strayed from the path it usually takes, the fields are now lakes. The rain keeps coming. A common question I hear all day long, "Will it ever stop raining, will it ever get warm?". I say yes but they keep asking the question!

I have heard this guy scream, I can't believe these little birds are taunting him so!

We haven't been walking as much. Mom and dad work constantly! S.A.V.E.S. is so busy and so is Stonecliff. They have decided to move Stonecliff into the S.A.V.E.S. building. The space at West Leb. Feed and Supply has worked out really well but as the hospital grows it is becoming very small. It will be much easier for the staff to have everything in one place and the S.A.V.E.S. building is so new and beautiful that everyone will fit very well.

I love sticks!

So starting on May 16th the Stonecliff hospital will officially be at S.A.V.E.S. Everything for Stonecliff patients will remain the same except the location. We will have a new telephone number but the old one will work also. Stonecliff clients have the added benefit of being able to see their favorite doctors day and night. Any old clients that were not able to follow my dad (Dr. Kelly) to West Lebanon are welcome to see him now in Lebanon. I-89 exit 18 (just like going to DHMC) take your first left on Evans Drive and we are the next drive past the Nissan Miller Car dealership across from the Lebanon High School track and football field.

The Great Frog Hunter!

Check out the S.A.V.E.S. website for location information and more. I unfortunately have been under the weather. The tick season is in full swing and I have an infected tick bite on my face that has turned into a "hotspot" or skin infection. Dad shaved it yesterday (I hate that) and scrubbed it up with some smelly stuff and put me on antibiotics that mom shoves down my throat! Uggggg.

I actually think it is Petunia's fault, she is always biting me in the face whenever I try and get her to play with me! But on a more serious note the hospital has seen a HUGE rise in Lyme positive dogs in the past week. On Sunday alone 3 dogs came in unable to walk with fevers that tested positive for Lyme Disease.

Lyme Disease is here.... there is no denying it. Protect yourself and your favorite four-legged friends by vaccinating against the disease and applying a once a month medication that helps control ticks and fleas. It is important to understand this disease and how it is transmitted.

The primary carrier of Lyme disease is the deer tick (not pictured). Borreliosis, the actual bacteria that causes the disease. As a tick develops from a baby (larva) to a full grown tick it will go through many stages and hosts (a mammal that it will feed on and ultimately become infected from if the mammal is carrying the disease). Ticks are most active in spring and fall, they thrive and multiply with cold rainy days (like our whole spring has been). One very important bit of information is that the tick must be attached and feeding on it's host (you, your dog or cat) for at least 48 hours before it will transmit the Lyme Disease to you. Tick medication such as Frontline or Vectra kill the ticks sooner then 48 hours thus eliminating the threat of contracting the disease. We get calls all the time from people upset that their pets still have ticks crawling on them after being treated with these products. The ticks still will bite the pet but will die before they can transmit so your pet is safe. You on the other hand are not. Since there are not products like this for humans we need to take precautions also. Wear long pants that are tucked in on the bottom, citronella (a natural product) will supposedly repel ticks, spray some on your clothing.

Symptoms and timing of this disease are different for pets then humans. Dogs symptoms occur much later after the tick bite, usually 2-5 months after the initial bite. Cats are rarely infected, probably because they are much more efficient and persnickety groomers. Dogs typically have a fever (103-105'F) and shifting limb lameness, sore on one leg then switching to another leg. Swelling in the joints, lethargy and decrease in appetite are also common. We typically do not see the rash like in humans. Dogs infected with Lyme Disease and actively showing signs are treated with antibiotics and supportive therapy such as intravenous fluids and pain medications. Dogs can be infected with Lyme Disease and not show any signs. Long term health issues from the disease occur sometimes with kidney failure and heart and nervous system problems. If you suspect that your pet has contracted this disease, contact your veterinarian immediately. Make sure to use the preventative medications and vaccinate against the disease.
It is scary but I sure don't want to stop running through the woods every chance I get! Tata for now