Pumpkin Ice Bites for Dogs

Want to give your dog a safe and delicious holiday treat? Check out our blog for this great recipe that's so easy to make!

PUMPKIN ICE BITES FOR DOGS

Want your dog to have a delicious and safe holiday treat? Here's a simple recipe you can make at home:

Blend 1 cup of canned pumpkin with 1 cup of plain non-fat yogurt and freeze in an ice tray. Dogs can be given these one cube at a time (outside, because they can be a little messy for carpet!). 

This mixture can also be stuffed into a Kong or rubber stuffable toy and frozen. That will allow hours of dog entertainment!

Car Engines and Cats

As the days start getting shorter and cooler, your outside cat, as well as other cats in the neighborhood, may be looking for warm places to spend the night. A common place for cats to go for warmth is under the hood of cars, because engines retain their warmth long after the car has been driven. If a car is started under these circumstances, great injury, or even death, can occur for the cat. Protect your outside cat, and your neighbors’ cats, by knocking on the hood every morning before you start your car. 

Holiday Safety Tips

‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink. Check out the following tips for a fulfilling holiday that your pets can enjoy, too. Although our Canadian Thanksgiving is now long past in USA it is just on the horizon. The tips listed below apply to all holiday events where normal routines are put aside for festivities and celebrations!

Talkin’ Turkey

If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.

Sage Advice

Sage can make your turkey stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.

No Bread Dough

Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.

Don't Let Them Eat Cake

If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.

Too Much of a Good Thing

A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis.

In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.

A Feast Fit for a Kong

While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.


Originally published by the ASPCA.

Are you and your loved ones at risk???

Several years ago I was presented with a bunny named "Sally" that had what looked like a huge growth on her inner thigh...it was larger than her head!!

When the following directive came across my desk I thought of her:

"Dear Doctor,

Recently, in the national news there has been information regarding mounting evidence that the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multi) may be spreading amongst coyote and fox populations in Canada. This has some researchers concerned about spill-over of this infection into dog and human populations where there is urban-wildlife interface.

Some types of E. multi infections can cause serious health problems in human and animal populations (e.g. cyst formation), however the risks for such an infection are low - only a handful of cases in humans have been diagnosed in North America.

Risks can be minimized by:

• Proper handling of dog and wildlife feces and proper handwashing
• Controlling rodents and preventing pets from catching and eating rodents
• Preventing dogs from eating wildlife feces
• Routine deworming should kill E. multilocularis and if a dog is at a particularly high risk, more regular testing and treatment may be indicated

This information is being distributed by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association for the benefit of all veterinarians in Canada."

"Sally" had not read that the risk was low...she was infected with E. multi.  Fortunately for her the huge, multi loculated cyst had formed under her skin and not in her abdomen, chest or brain! If it had developed in these tissues she would not have survived. We opened the cyst and removed the tapeworm. It was sent to a laboratory for identification and was confirmed to be E.multi. Once the offending metacestode and brood capsules (cyst) was removed the cyst resolved and "Sally" went on to live to old age.

How did "Sally" get the cyst? 

She lived in doors but on nice days would go about the garden under the watchful eye of her owner. She loved to nibble on grass and other naturally growing green treats. However, when "Sally" and her owner were not about the garden was also frequented by coyotes. It is assumed that the grass was contaminated with tapeworm eggs that were deposited with coyote feces.

Just the other day my husband mentioned that he had never seen so many coyotes on our property. He commented that they must like blackberries as the feces were riddled with blackberry seeds. It is a concern as even if you pick up the visible fecal matter the eggs are tiny and can cling to the vegetation or get into the soil. Our dogs chase off coyotes every day! They are at risk!

There are many different types of tapeworms that can cause serious health problems, including death, in man and animals. E.multi is one of the nastier ones.

The tapeworm life cycle involves a stage where it resides in the intestinal tract and a stage where it encysts in other tissues. With E. multi the problem isn't the worm living in the intestinal tract. The adult worms live in the intestinal tract of the "definitive host"which, in North America, are primarily foxes and coyotes and as now realized occasionally domestic dogs. Most of the time definitive hosts live in balance with the tapeworm parasite that resides in their intestines. The worms mature and produce huge numbers of tiny eggs that pass out of the host in the stool. Small animals, such as rodents (mice, voles etc) ...and the"Sallys"in our lives...may ingest the eggs either from nibbling on the feces or the vegetation contaminated by them. The parasite then develops into a cyst within the body of the "intermediate host". If the infected small animal is eaten by a fox, coyote or potentially a dog then the parasite continues its life cycle and becomes a new adult tapeworm in the intestinal tract of the "definitive host".

Rodents, dogs, rabbits, humans  etc as "intermediate hosts" with cysts

When it comes to humans, and some other domestic species (your pet), the health problem is what happens when tapeworm eggs are ingested. As in rodents (as a natural host they usually develop smaller cysts that do not kill them) the ingested eggs hatch and the immature parasites migrate through the intestinal wall. From here they can spread to virtually any place in the body!! They develop cysts which can be huge (as in "Sally's " case) and, unlike her , if they are situated in major organs the result can catastrophic if not deadly. Treatment is difficult, prolonged and expensive. Death rates are high!

The relationship between dogs and E. multi is quite interesting. The can act as "definitive hosts" passing eggs in the stool and they can act as "intermediate hosts" developing large tissue cysts which can be devastating.This has been seen and written up in both BC and Alberta. It is not someone else's concern...it is our concern.

The increase in urban coyote populations putting coyotes and dogs into close proximity increases the risk of pet dogs becoming infected as both "definitive hosts", where the shedding of eggs can impact other animals including humans, and "intermediate hosts" where the pet may become extremely compromised and die. Animals sick with cysts will not be shedding eggs as the cyst stage is not within the intestines.

Fecal egg counts (parasite exams) may detect definitive hosts that are shedding eggs but advanced imaging techniques will likely be require to positively identify an intermediate host with a tapeworm cyst.

To lower the risk for yourself and your pets:

1. use gloves and wash your hands after cleaning up fecal matter
2. don't eat poop! Watch that young children, and your pets, don't eat poop
3. avoid situations where you pet may eat a wild rodent
4. have routine parasite exams done on your pets feces
5. worm your pet for tapeworms on a regular basis
6. allow your veterinarian to do imaging studies if it felt advisable
7. don't encourage coyotes, rodents and other parasite harbouring animals onto your property

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Flea ,Tick and Heartworm products...some can kill if used incorrectly!

It is 8 PM on a lovely summer evening and a neighbour knocks on the door with a sick kitty in their arms. They thought their kitty had had a seizure in the afternoon. She continues to twitch and walks like she is intoxicated. On initial inspection it is noticed that she has a "greasy" area on the back of her neck. We ask the neighbour if she has applied a flea or tick product to this area. The answer is yes ...in the morning just before the kitty had the seizure!! When asked what product she used she was uncertain, however she knew she had used it before on her dogs and they were all fine.

This kitty was suffering from permethrin toxicity.

Permethrin is in many flea and tick products and it is highly toxic to cats. Without medical intervention they can die.

Permethrin products are labelled for use in dogs not cats. However people all to frequently do not read product labels.

At WBVC we try to avoid permethrin based products. Tick products with permethrins are sold only to households that do not have cats. Clients are warned that permethrins can kill cats.



Below is information about many parasite prevention products. Not all are approved for use in Canada.

FLEA PRODUCT CHARTS:

Confused about flea protection? The best advice is to consult with your veterinarian! Table 1: Flea killing ingredient; Flea sterilizing or additional ingredients; For dogs or cats; Youngest age or size approved for use; Waterproof or water resistant Table 2: Approved for pregnancy or lactation (nursing); How long until maximum effect against  fleas is reached; Other parasites killed, controlled or repelled; How often applied or administered Table 3: Oral or Topical, Prescription drug, non-prescription drug or insecticide; LD50 (lethal dose to 50% of the population) Table 4: Year first available in U.S.; Manufacturer, Manufacturer’s website; Additional cautions TABLE 1 Flea Killing Ingredient Flea Sterilizing or Additional Ingredients For Dogs or Cats Youngest Age or Size Approved For Use Waterproof or Water Resistant? Comfortis, AcuGuard* Spinosad none Dog 14 weeks; at least 5 lbs Waterproof Trifexis Spinosad Milbemycin (for add’l parasites) Dogs 8 weeks; at least 5 lbs Waterproof Assurity Spinetoram none Cats 8 weeks Water Resistant Vectra 3D, SimpleGuard 3*, FirstShield Trio* Dinotefuran & Permethrin Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer) Dog 7 weeks; at least 2.5 lbs Water Resistant Vectra for Cats, SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats* Dinotefuran Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer) Cats 8 weeks Water Resistant Revolution Selamectin none Dog or Cat 6 weeks puppies 8 weeks kittens Waterproof Advantage II Imidacloprid Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer) Dog or Cat 7 weeks puppies 8 weeks kittens Waterproof K9Advantix II Imidacloprid & Permethrin Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer) Dog 7 weeks Waterproof Advantage Multi also called Advocate Imidacloprid Moxidectin (for additional parasites) Dog or Cat 7 weeks puppies 9 weeks kittens Waterproof Frontline Fiproguard, PetArmor, EasySpot (cats) Parastar (dogs) Fipronil none Dog or Cat 8 weeks Waterproof Frontline Plus, Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus Fipronil Methoprene (flea sterilizer) Dog or Cat 8 weeks Waterproof Program none Lufenuron(flea sterilizer) Dog or Cat 4 weeks Waterproof Sentinel none Lufenuron (flea sterilizer) & Milbemycin (for add’l parasites) Dog 4 weeks; at least 2 lbs Waterproof Capstar Nitenpyram none Dog or Cat 4 weeks; at least 2 lbs Waterproof TABLE 2 Approved for Pregnancy and Lactation (nursing) How Long Until Maximum Effect Against Fleas Is Reached? Other Parasites Killed, Controlled or Repelled How Often Applied or Administered? Comfortis, AcuGuard* Manufacturer recommends against use but not specifically labeled against 100% Fleas Dead in 4 Hours none Monthly Trifexis Manufacturer recommends against use but not specifically labeled against 100% Fleas Dead in 4 Hours Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms, Heartworm Monthly Assurity Manufacturer recommends consulting with veterinarian first 98 - 100% Fleas Dead in 12 Hours none Monthly Vectra 3D, SimpleGuard 3*, FirstShield Trio* No 96% of Fleas Dead in 6 Hours Kills Ticks; Repels Flies and Mosquitos Monthly Vectra for Cats, SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats* No 98% of Fleas Dead in 6 Hours none Monthly Revolution Yes 42 Hours to Zero Fleas Dogs: Ticks (but is slow kill and disease transmission can still occur), Ear mites, Sarcoptic mange mites & Heartworm Larvae Cats: Round worms, Ear mites, Hookworm &Heartworm Larvae Monthly Advantage II Manufacturer recommends consulting with veterinarian first 98% of Pre-Existing Fleas Dead in 12 Hours; Then New Fleas in 2 Hours none Monthly K9Advantix II No 98% of Fleas Dead in 12 Hours Kills Ticks; Repels Flies and Mosquitos Monthly Advantage Multi also called Advocate No 98% of Fleas Dead in 12 Hours Dogs: Whipworms, Hookworms, Roundworms & Heartworm Cats: Roundworms,Ear mites, Hookworms & Heartworm Monthly Frontline, Fiproguard, PetArmor EasySpot (cats) Parastar (dogs) Topspot Yes; Spray No 24 Hrs to Translocate, then 4-18 Hours to Kill Fleas Kills Ticks & Lice Monthly Frontline Plus, Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus Yes 24 Hrs to Translocate, then 4-18 Hrs to Kill Fleas and 24-48 Hours to Kill Ticks Kills Ticks & Lice Monthly Program Yes Peak activity at 6 Hours none Monthly for oral; Every 6 Months for Injectable Sentinel Individual ingredients Yes, but combination not approved Peak activity at 6 Hours Hookworms,Roundworms,Whipworms &Heartworm Monthly Capstar Yes Maximum Effect in 4 Hours none As Needed or Daily (no lasting activity) TABLE 3 Oral or Topical? Prescription Drug, Non-Prescription Drug or Insectcide Lethal Dose to 50% of the Population (the higher the number, the safer the product) [What is LD50?] Comfortis, AcuGuard* Oral (Chewable) Prescription Drug >3,000 mg/kg in rats; >2.000 mg/kg in rabbits (translates to over 30 times recommended dose) Trifexis Oral (Chewable) Prescription Drug Spinosad: >3,000 mg/kg in rats; >2.000 mg/kg in rabbits Milbemycin LD50 information unavailable Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose Assurity Topical Insecticide Dermal and Oral LD50 in rats > 5,000 mg/kg Vectra 3D, SimpleGuard 3*, FirstShield Trio* Topical Insecticide >2,400 mg/kg in rats for Dinotefuran, >4,000 mg/kg in rats for topical Permethrin Vectra for Cats, SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats* Topical Insecticide >2,400 mg/kg in rats for Dinotefuran Revolution Applied Topically, but rapidly absorbed through skin Prescription Drug >1,600 mg/kg in rats Advantage II Topical Insecticide Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats K9Advantix II Topical Insecticide Imidacloprid Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Imidacloprid Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats >4,000 mg/kg in rats for Permethrin Advantage Multialso called Advocate Topical Prescription Drug Imidacloprid Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Imidacloprid Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats >2,000 mg/kg in rabbits for Moxidectin Frontline, Fiproguard, PetArmor EasySpot (cats) Parastar (dogs) Topical Topspot or Spray Insecticide Fipronil Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats Frontline Plus, Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus Topical Insecticide Fipronil Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats Methoprene Orally: >34,600 in rats (virtually non-toxic) Program Oral; or Injectable for Cats only Over the Counter Drug Orally: > 2,000 mg/kg in rats Sentinel Oral Prescription Drug Lufenuron Orally: > 2,000 mg/kg in rats Milbemycin LD50 information unavailable Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose Capstar Oral Over the Counter Drug Orally: 1,575 mg/kg in rats TABLE 4 Year First Made Available in U.S. Manufacturer Manufacturer Website Additional Cautions Comfortis, AcuGuard* 2007 Elanco www.comfortis4dogs.com (AcuGuard is a private label*) Should not be used in dogs with known seizure disorders Trifexis 2011 Elanco www.trifexis.com Puppies less than 14 weeks of age may experience a higher rate of vomiting Assurity 2011 Elanco www.assurity4cats.com none Vectra 3D, SimpleGuard 3*, FirstShield Trio* 2007 Summit www.summitvetpharm.com (SimpleGuard 3 and FirstShield Trio are private labels*) none Vectra for Cats, SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats* 2008 Summit www.summitvetpharm.com (SimpleGuard for Cats and FirstShield for Cats are private labels*) none Revolution 2000 Pfizer www.revolutionpet.com Pets should test negative for Heartworm before use Advantage II 1996 Bayer http://advantage.petparents.com none K9Advantix II 2003 Bayer http://k9advantix.petparents.com Do not use in cats (cats are sensitive to Permethrin) Advantage Multialso called Advocate 2007 Bayer http://advantagemulti.petparents.com Pets should test negative for Heartworm before use Frontline, Fiproguard, PetArmor EasySpot (cats) Parastar (dogs) 1996 (Frontline) 2011 (all others) Merial Sentry FidoPharm www.frontline.com www.sentrypetcare.com www.petarmor.com www.easyspotpet.com www.parastarpet.com none Frontline Plus, Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus 2000 Merial Sentry FidoPharm www.frontline.com www.sentrypetcare.com www.petarmor.com none Program 1994 Novartis www.program.novartis.us Give with food Sentinel 1997 Novartis www.sentinel.novartis.us Give with food; Pets should test negative for Heartworm before use Capstar 2000 Novartis www.capstar.novartis.us none As of spring 2011, Pfzir has discontinued the manufacture of Promeris (active ingredients: mitraz and metaflumizone) * VCA Animal Hospitals and Banfield Pet Hospitals market some products under their own hospital private label This chart compares many flea control products to assist you in determining which is right for your situation. These products are available at licensed veterinary hospitals. Over the counter products are not included in these charts. As there are 14 different products compared in 16 different categories, the information is divided between  4 separate tables. TICK PRODUCT CHARTS: American Dog Tick, Vector of: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Brown Dog Tick, Vector of: Ehrlichiosis Lone Star Tick (note the "star" on the belly), Vector of: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Deer Tick or Black-legged tick, Vector of: Lyme Disease, and Anaplasmosis  Confused about tick protection? The best advice is to consult your veterinarian! This chart compares the currently available tick control products to assist you in determining which is right for your situation. These are products made by reputable major pharmaceutical companies and most are available only through licensed veterinarians. Because there are 13 different products compared in 14 different categories, we have split up the information into 3 separate tables Table 1: Tick killing ingredient;  Format (topical, collar or spray); For dogs or cats; Approved against which ticks Youngest age or size approved for use; How long one application lasts Table 2: Waterproof or water resistant; Approved for pregnancy or lactation (nursing); How long until maximum effect against ticks is reached; Other parasites killed, controlled or repelled; Other active ingredients Table 3: Prescription drug or insecticide; LD50 (lethal dose to 50% of the population); Manufacturer and product website; Additional cautions TABLE 1 Tick Killing Ingredient Format For dogs or cats? Approved against which ticks Youngest Age Approved How long One Application Lasts K9Advantix Permethrin Topical Dogs only all shown above 7 weeks 1 month Revolution Selamectin Topical Feline product available but not labeled against ticks American Dog Tick only 6 weeks 1 month Scalibor Collar Deltamethrin Collar Dogs only Brown Dog Tick, American Dog Tick, and Deer Ticks 12 weeks 6 months Preventic Collar Amitraz Collar Dogs only all shown above 12 weeks up to 90 days Frontline, Fiproguard, PetArmor, EasySpot (cats), Parastar (dogs) Fipronil Topical or spray Dogs and Cats all shown above 8 weeks 1 month Vectra 3D, SimpleGuard 3*, FirstShield Trio* Permethrin Topical Dogs only (feline product does not include a tick ingredient) all shown above 7 weeks and 2.5 lbs 1 month Certifect Fipronil and Amitraz Topical Dogs only all shown above 8 weeks and 5 lbs 1 month TABLE 2 Waterproof or water resistant? Approved for Pregnancy and Lactation? Time to Reach Maximum Effect Other parasites controlled or repelled: Other active ingredients: K9Advantix water resistant No 98% dead within 48 hours fleas, flies, mosquitoes imidocloprid Revolution water proof Yes 48 hours ear mites, fleas, sarcoptic mange mites, heartworm none Scalibor Collar water resistant (remove collar for bathing) Not specifically labeled against, veterinary consultation recommended 2 - 3 weeks fleas killed, flies and mosquitoes repelled none Preventic Collar water resistant (remove collar for bathing) Not specifically labeled against, veterinary consultation recommended 100% dead in less than 24 hours none none Frontline, Fiproguard, PetArmor, EasySpot(cats), Parastar(dogs) water proof Yes for topspot, no for spray 24 - 48 hours fleas methoprene in Frontline Plus, Fiproguard Plus and PetArmor Plus Vectra 3DSimpleGuard 3*, FirstShield Trio* water resistant No 98% dead within 48 hours fleas, flies, mosquitoes dinotefuran, pyriproxifen (former kills fleas, latter sterilizes them until former product kills them) Certifect water resistant Yes 18 hours fleas methoprene TABLE 3 Prescription Drug or Insecticide? Toxicity/LD 50 (what is LD 50?) Manufacturer & product web site Additional Cautions K9Advantix insecticide Imidacloprid Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Imidacloprid Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats >4,000 mg/kg in rats for Permethrin Bayer Permethrin is toxic to cats, use feline product only for cats. Avoid cat/dog snuggling. Revolution prescription drug >1,600 mg/kg in rats Pfizer Dog should test negative for heartworm before using Scalibor Collar insecticide oral LD 50 for dogs is 300 mg/kg, the dermal LD 50 in the rat is greater than 2,940 mg/kg Merck Deltamethrin is toxic to cats. Avoid cat/dog snuggling. Preventic Collar insecticide > 2,000 mg/kg in rats for Amitraz Virbac Amitraz is associated with an assortment of drug interactions, check with your vet. Also, collar is toxic if swallowed. Frontline, Fiproguard,PetArmor, EasySpot(cats), Parastar (dogs) insecticide Fipronil Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats Methoprene Orally: >34,600 in rats (virtually non-toxic) MerialSentry FidopharmNovartisNovartis none Vectra 3DSimpleGuard 3*, FirstShield Trio* insecticide >2,400 mg/kg in rats for Dinotefuran, >4,000 mg/kg in rats for topical Permethrin Summit Permethrin is toxic to cats, use feline product only for cats. Avoid cat/dog snuggling. Certifect insecticide > 2,000 mg/kg in rats for Amitraz Fipronil Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats Merial Amitraz is associated with an assortment of drug interactions As of spring 2011, Pfizer has discontinued the manufacture of Promeris (active ingredients: amitraz and metaflumizone) * VCA Animal Hospitals and Banfield Pet Hospitals market some products under their own hospital private label HEARTWORM PREVENTION CHARTS: Confused about Heartworm prevention options? The best advice is to consult your veterinarian! These two charts compare current heartworm preventive products side by side to assist you in determining which is right for your situation. For Dogs or Cats Heartworm Preventing Ingredient Other Ingredients for Control of Other Parasites Other Parasites Controlled Mode of Application Youngest Age to Start Using Heartgard for Dogs Dogs Ivermectin None None oral 6 weeks Heartgard Plus Iverhart Plus Iverhart Max Triheart Plus Pet Trust Plus Dogs Ivermectin Pyrantel pamoate Iverhart Max also has Praziquantal Hookworms, Roundworms Iverhart Max also covers Tapeworms oral 6 weeks Heartgard for Cats Cats Ivermectin None Hookworms oral 6 weeks Interceptor Dogs and Cats Milbemycin Oxime None Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms oral 4 weeks for puppies 6 weeks for kittens Sentinel Sentinel Spectrum Dogs Milbemycin Oxime Lufenuron Sentinel Spectrum also has Praziquantal Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms, sterilizes Fleas Sentinel Spectrum also covers Tapeworms oral 4 weeks Revolution Dogs and Cats Selamectin None For Dogs: Fleas, Ticks, Ear mites, Sarcoptic mange mites For Cats:  Fleas, Ear mites, Hookworms, Roundworms. topical 6 weeks for puppies 8 weeks for kittens Advantage Multi Dogs and Cats Moxidectin Imidocloprid For Dogs: Fleas, Ear mites, Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms For Cats: Fleas, Ear mites, Roundworms, Hookworms topical 7 weeks for puppies 9 weeks for kittens Proheart6 Dogs Moxidectin None Hookworms injectable 6 months (and no older than 7 years) Trifexis Dogs Milbemycin Oxime Spinosad Fleas, Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms oral 8 weeks How Often Used Approved for Pregnancy and Lactation? Water-proof? Safe to Give to Heartworm Positive Animal? Manufacturer Website LD50 Heartgard for Dogs monthly yes yes yes Heartgard 10 mg/kg in rats orally according to MSDS sheet for Parade Equine Gel Heartgard Plus Iverhart Plus Triheart Plus Pet Trust Plus monthly yes yes yes Heartgard Plus Iverhart Plus Triheart Plus PetTrustPlus 10 mg/kg in rats orally for ivermectin; >690 mg/kg in dogs orally for Pyrantel Pamoate according to The Elephant Formulary by Mikota and Plumb Heartgard for Cats monthly yes yes yes Heartgard 10 mg/kg in rats orally Interceptor monthly yes yes In most cases yes but if microfilariae numbers are high then no Interceptor LD50 information unavailable Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose Sentinel Sentinel Spectrum monthly yes yes In most cases yes but if microfilariae numbers are high then no Sentinel LD50 information unavailable Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose Revolution monthly yes yes yes Revolution >1600 mg/kg in the rat orally Advantage Multi monthly no no yes Advantage Multi Moxidectin: 106 mg/kg orally; Imidocloprid: 450 mg/kg in the rat orally Proheart6 every 6 months yes yes No, in fact owner must agree to pre-treatment labwork including heartworm testing Proheart6 263 mg/kg in the rat when given by injection (the dose used therapeutically is 0.17mg/kg) Trifexis monthly Manufactuer cautions use, says to discuss with your veterinarian yes In most cases yes but if microfilariae numbers are high then no Trifexis Milbemycin Oxime: LD50 information unavailable  Spinosad: >3,000 mg/kg in rats; >2,000 mg/kg in rabbits (translates to over 30 times recommended dose) Novartis products are temporarily unavailable from the manufacturer. At this time WBVC most frequently dispenses Revolution as a broad spectrum parasite control product. It covers adult and immature fleas, lice, most mites and over time ticks plus heartworm, roundworms, whipworm and hookworm. For more rapid tick control Preventick collars or K9Advantix are alternative options. Advantage and Program (with or without Capstar) are suitable options for flea control. The information in these charts is subject to change. For all parasite control choices we advise you consult with your veterinarian. 6/2011

The Health Benefits of Having Pets in Your Family

According to the American Pet Products Association 2010 Industry Statistics and Trends, there are many health benefits to pet ownership. I believe that this list is just the beginning of a very long list. What other health benefits have you found from having pets in your family?

• Pets Help to Lower Blood Pressure A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not own a pet. (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo)
• Pets Help to Reduce Stress Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)
• Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
• Pets Help to Lower Health Care Costs People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
• Pets Help to Fight Depression Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)

Article originally published at Peternity.