Atlanta Veterinary Clinic
Walter E. Bungard, DVM
11979 County Road 487 Atlanta MI 49709
989-785-3521
Walter E. Bungard, DVM
11979 County Road 487 Atlanta MI 49709
989-785-3521
General Healthcare Guide
Flea Bite AllergiesFlea-bite allergies result from hypersensitivity to flea saliva. In an allergic dog, the bite of a single flea may cause a serious problem.
Extensive skin damage may result from the dog or cat’s biting, licking and scratching. Although flea-bite allergy can be treated, it often recurs because flea eggs may hatch up to one year after being deposited in the environment and most of the flea’s life cycle occurs off the pet. The pet’s environment may be contaminated with fleas and even an occasional flea bite can trigger the allergic reaction.
Flea allergies are most troublesome in the summer and fall in areas with cold winters and warm summers. In heated, flea-infested homes flea allergy may occur throughout the year.
The main signs of flea allergy are excessive hair loss and severe scratching and biting. Skin sores may develop primarily around the base of the tail, in the middle of the back and on the abdomen. Skin infections are common. Flea allergies usually worsen as animals age.
Treatment includes flea control on the pet and in the environment and suppression of the allergic reaction.
Treat your pet:
1. Bathe your pet and use a topical insecticide (be sure to follow all label directions carefully). We have the once per month medications for fleas called Frontline Plusâ.
Treat the Environment:
1. Thoroughly vacuum all carpets, chairs, sofas, baseboards and under all furniture. Discard the vacuum bag. Wash floors with soap and water and replace your pet’s bedding or wash in hot water.
2. Use a house spray that contains a growth inhibitor for treatment of your home including your pet’s bedding and hard-to-reach areas like under sofas and beds.
3. You may also need to treat your yard at least once
Although pupae (cocoons) account for only 10% of the total flea population, they can account for 100% of the flea problem after the initial treatment of your home and pet! That’s because adult fleas continue to emerge from the pupae for 2-4 weeks, sometimes longer.
Your initial treatment of your home and pet will kill these newly emerged adult fleas. However, since these adults continue to hatch over a 2-4week period (sometimes longer), you will need to re-treat every three weeks for a total of three treatments.
Your pet may pick up adult fleas outdoors at any time. Check your pet for adult fleas and re-treat as needed. Since adult fleas will jump off your pet after feeding and live in your house, an easy way to check for infestation is to stand your pet on a white bed sheet and rub/scratch your pet vigorously. Small black specks that fall onto the bed sheet are flea manure.
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The Yearly Mosquito InvasionAmong other diseases, mosquitoes carry the microfilariae of the heartworm and our canine friends are vulnerable beginning with the first arrival of the "Michigan Air Force".
The warming climate has extended the heartworm season to include March through December and recommendations are that your pet be on preventive year round with a yearly screening to assure they remain microfilariae free.
The testing is done by taking a blood sample from your pet. Results take approximately 20 minutes and are completed in your veterinarians office while you wait. The heartworm test may be combined with other services such as yearly vaccines, boarding or grooming for your convenience.
Call today to set up your pet's appointment for a heartworm test.
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General Healthcare for Dogs:2-3 days of age: Dewclaws removed and tails docked
3-4 weeks of age: De-worm/heartworm preventative
6-8 weeks of age: DHPPCV vaccine
10-12 weeks of age: DHPPCV #2 and Bordatella vaccines
14-16 weeks of age: DHPPCV #3, Bordatella and Rabies vaccines. The first rabies vaccine is good for one year.
6 months of age: Neuter or spay
Annually: Heartworm check in the spring, stool check, DHLPPCV vaccine, Bordatella vaccine, Lyme vaccine optional in the spring of each year.
Dental exam, clean and polish every 2-3 years or more often as recommended by your veterinarian
Rabies vaccine given every three years after the initial dose at one year of age.
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General Healthcare for Cats:
9-11 weeks of age: Feline leukemia test, Dis/Tri and FeLV vaccine, de-claw, de-worm, FIP vaccines optional but recommended
14-16 weeks of age: FeLV and Dis/Tri boosters, Rabies vaccine (first one good for one year) FIP vaccine optional but recommended
5-6 months of age: spay or neuter
Yearly: Dis/Tri and FeLV boosters, fecal test, FIP booster
Rabies vaccine given every three years after the intitial Rabies vaccination at one year of age
Dental exam, clean and polish every 2-3 years, more often as recommended by your veterinarian
General Healthcare for Cats:9-11 weeks of age: Feline leukemia test, Dis/Tri and FeLV vaccine, de-claw, de-worm, FIP vaccines optional but recommended
14-16 weeks of age: FeLV and Dis/Tri boosters, Rabies vaccine (first one good for one year) FIP vaccine optional but recommended
5-6 months of age: spay or neuter
Yearly: Dis/Tri and FeLV boosters, fecal test, FIP booster
Rabies vaccine given every three years after the intitial Rabies vaccination at one year of age
Dental exam, clean and polish every 2-3 years, more often as recommended by your veterinarian
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Home Care of Splints, Casts and Bandages
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Your Pet's Dental Health:
If you have any questions please feel free to call us at 989-785-3521. Our staff will be happy to assist you. Home Care of Splints, Casts and Bandages General Information:
Splints, casts and bandages are designed to protect and/or immobilize injured body parts. A splint or cast actually bears the animal’s weight. These devices also prevent self-mutilation from licking or chewing.
Your pet cannot understand the function of a splint, cast or bandage and therefore may want only to get the device off in any manner possible. It may shake, bite, pull and push on the splint in an effort to remove it. Fortunately, most pets accept such appliances eventually.
Important Points on Care of Splints, Casts and Bandages:
1. KEEP THE DEVICE DRY. If your pet goes outside in wet weather, place a plastic bag over the cast or splint to keep it dry. DO NOT allow the bag to remain on for long periods. As a rule of thumb, remove the bag after one hour or less.
2. Inform the doctor of any loosening or loss of the splint, cast or bandage.
3. Discourage the pet from licking and chewing the device. Consult the doctor if the animal persists in these activities.
4. Consult the doctor if you see signs of pain or increased swelling.
Your pet’s splint, cast or bandage will need to be removed or changed according to your veterinarians instructions. Always keep follow-up appointments.
Splints, casts and bandages are designed to protect and/or immobilize injured body parts. A splint or cast actually bears the animal’s weight. These devices also prevent self-mutilation from licking or chewing.
Your pet cannot understand the function of a splint, cast or bandage and therefore may want only to get the device off in any manner possible. It may shake, bite, pull and push on the splint in an effort to remove it. Fortunately, most pets accept such appliances eventually.
Important Points on Care of Splints, Casts and Bandages:
1. KEEP THE DEVICE DRY. If your pet goes outside in wet weather, place a plastic bag over the cast or splint to keep it dry. DO NOT allow the bag to remain on for long periods. As a rule of thumb, remove the bag after one hour or less.
2. Inform the doctor of any loosening or loss of the splint, cast or bandage.
3. Discourage the pet from licking and chewing the device. Consult the doctor if the animal persists in these activities.
4. Consult the doctor if you see signs of pain or increased swelling.
Your pet’s splint, cast or bandage will need to be removed or changed according to your veterinarians instructions. Always keep follow-up appointments.
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Your Pet's Dental Health:Many do not realize that your pet requires a regular dental health regime just as humans do.
A thorough dental cleaning is needed every 2-3 years or as prescribed by your veterinarian depending on your pet's needs. At the time of the cleaning a thorough exam of the mouth and teeth is done. Because sedation is needed during this procedure, your pet will need to fast 12 hours prior to its cleaning, plain water is permitted. Your pet will need to be dropped off on the morning of your appointment and picked up later in the day, usually in the afternoon.
Teeth left uncared for will cause periodontal disease leading to tooth loss and infection. If left untreated the bacteria can enter the bloodstream causing numerous complications. Prevention is much less expensive than treating the results of neglected oral hygiene.
Call today to schedule your pet's dental visit.
A thorough dental cleaning is needed every 2-3 years or as prescribed by your veterinarian depending on your pet's needs. At the time of the cleaning a thorough exam of the mouth and teeth is done. Because sedation is needed during this procedure, your pet will need to fast 12 hours prior to its cleaning, plain water is permitted. Your pet will need to be dropped off on the morning of your appointment and picked up later in the day, usually in the afternoon.
Teeth left uncared for will cause periodontal disease leading to tooth loss and infection. If left untreated the bacteria can enter the bloodstream causing numerous complications. Prevention is much less expensive than treating the results of neglected oral hygiene.
Call today to schedule your pet's dental visit.
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all information compiled and submitted by Luanne Bungard
all information compiled and submitted by Luanne Bungard
