Summer is upon us and so are those mosquitoes that transmit Heartworm Disease. Heartworm Disease can be spread to our dogs and cats through a simple mosquito bite, but can easily be prevented. If your pet is not on Heartworm prevention he/she is at risk.

HEARTWORM

If there is a current Heartworm test on file with us, your pet can begin prevention. If not, SRVH will honor $5.00 off your dog or cat's next Heartworm Test. SRVH routinely tests dogs with the 4DX Heartworm test. This test also detects three other tick-borne diseases:

• Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)
• Anaplasma phagocytophilum
• Ehrlichia canis

With a negative result, your pet can then begin Heartgard Plus for dogs or Heartgard for cats. Be sure to contact SRVH to check you pets' status and to schedule an appointment.

TICKS

Along with mosquitoes, summer brings out lots of ticks! Certain species of ticks carry and transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be transmitted to dogs and to humans. Thankfully, it can be prevented in dogs with the Lyme disease vaccination. This vaccine is first administered in a series of two, two to four weeks apart; then it is boosted once annually. Call or email SRVH with any questions or to find out if your dog is protected. We will also demonstrate how to properly remove a tick, once it is attached to your dog or cat. Always be sure to wear gloves when handling ticks to avoid human exposure.

LEPTOSPIROSIS

Lastly, SRVH would like to be sure everyone is protected against Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a deadly bacterial disease spread by wildlife and domestic animals. This is a zoonotic disease, meaning it too can be spread to people. Common carriers of this disease include raccoons, skunks, opossums, squirrels, rats and other dogs. It can survive for long periods in water (pot plates, fountains, etc.) and infection can occur when your dog wades through or drinks from contaminated water sources. The bacteria can enter through a cut in the skin or mucous membranes, such as the eye, nose or mouth. Luckily, Leptospirosis can also be prevented in dogs. SRVH will vaccinate your dog against Leptospirosis with LeptoVax 4 which is administered in a series of two, two to four weeks apart, then boosted annually.

Please call SRVH today with any questions, concerns or to schedule an appointment.

RATTLESNAKE VACCINATIONS

Venomous snakebites are very painful and can have serious consequences for your dog. Even if he/she survives the immediate effects of a rattlesnake bite, the damage can be permanent. Around here, rattlesnakes come out of hibernation in February, so if you and your best friend walk, hike, or travel through the local trails or parks, you'll want to protect your dog for the coming season.

Vaccinated dogs should experience less pain and a reduced risk of permanent injury from rattlesnake bite.The rattlesnake vaccine, developed and offered through Red Rock Biologics, creates an immunity that works right away to help neutralize toxins. This vaccine needs to be ordered specifically for your pet, so call in advance so that we can have it on hand for your appointment.

The first year your dog is vaccinated, he/she should receive two doses of vaccine spaced one month apart. Subsequent booster doses are recommended annually, or about a month before you take your dog into rattlesnake habitat.

Please call us for more information or to set up your appointment!

A snake bite is always an emergency! Even after your dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake venom, s/he should be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation and care as soon as possible following snakebite.