[ PET OHANA ]
HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY
Program, Frontline and Revolution are among the new generation of products that can keep pets healthy and parasite-free.
Control pests that
threaten pet’s health
There's been a recent push to control mosquitoes that can carry dengue fever. Mosquitoes are already the carriers of a disease that threatens Hawaii's dogs and cats: heartworm. They are one of the top three pests that can harm pets, along with fleas and ticks.
There is no downtime for these pests in our climate -- they are always in season.
The good news is that since the late 1990s, veterinarians have been able to prescribe products that keep cats and dogs safe, and pet owners can actually have a pest-free pet and home. Perhaps the best news is that these products are easy to use and safe to use for pets and around people.
Heartworm disease
Though heartworm (dirofilariasis) is a serious and potentially fatal disease, it is easy to prevent. The disease is aptly named: Worms are found in the blood of the heart and large adjacent vessels of infected dogs. The female worm is 6 to 14 inches long and one-eighth of an inch wide; the male is about half that. One dog may have as many as 300 worms, which clog the blood vessels and interfere with valve action. Microfilariae in the blood spread the disease when a mosquito bites an infected animal and then bites a healthy pet. The microfilariae grow to become infective larvae, heartworms.Most Hawaii veterinarians perform an annual blood test to check for heartworms and prescribe a preventative. Dogs that are not treated with the simple monthly pills or topicals are at risk to develop the disease. Some new products such as Revolution and Program combine flea control with monthly heartworm preventive. Pets who test positive for heartworms can be cured using new treatments that are easier for the dog to tolerate. Prompt detection is recommended; prevention is best.
Though heartworm disease is rare in cats, it does occur, and some veterinarians might recommend a heartworm preventive for felines who spend time outdoors.
Pack up the flea circus
The fleas will flee from your pet (and die!) when you use the new generation of products. Drugs with active ingredients such as imidacloprid, fipronil, selamectin and lufenuron are better known by their brand names such as Frontline, Advantage, Program, Revolution and Sentinel. Available only through veterinarians, they are safe, easy to use and really work.Pills or topical spot applications are administered monthly or as recommended by your veterinarian.
Fleas are hardy pests that can transmit diseases to your pets and cause itching in both animals and their human family. Even when you've conquered the fleas at home, you can pick some up while walking in the neighborhood or at the beach. The new flea treatments will work on these newly acquired fleas, too, breaking their life cycle with regular monthly use.
Another creepy critter
Ticks can be an even bigger threat than fleas to your pet's health. Ticks are responsible for anemia, dermatosis, tick paralysis and serious tick-borne diseases such as ehrlichia. Some flea products such as Frontline also kill ticks. If you have seen ticks on your pet, your veterinarian might prescribe one product that kills both fleas and ticks.In addition to using a tick treatment on your animal, it's a good idea to vacuum the carpet regularly and keep your yard trimmed. Groom your pet frequently, paying special attention to "hidden" areas such as between the toes and inside the ears, checking for any ticks that have found their way onto your pet's skin. Ask your veterinarian to show you the best way to remove these creepy critters from your animal and household.
Start now
It was once much tougher to control the pesky parasites that threaten pets' health. No matter which brand name your veterinarian recommends, you will find these new products much easier and more effective than traditional flea collars, powders, dips, shampoos and room foggers. Get the dosage that is appropriate for the weight of your pet. When you follow the directions and keep up with regular treatments, you and your companion animals will be happier and healthier. Fleas, ticks and heartworms don't stand a chance against the outstanding products available today.
"Pet Ohana" runs the first and third Fridays of the month. The Hawaiian Humane Society is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals. It is located at 2700 Waialae Ave. Call 946-2187.
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