Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes.  Left untreated, this disease is a potentially fatal illness.  Even dogs and cats that are 100% indoors need to be on preventive care.  

At South Des Moines Veterinary Center, we offer three different products that protect against Heartworm Disease  

1) Heartgard Plus:  a monthly Real-Beef Chew

Heartgard Plus is a monthly real-beef chew that prevents heartworm disease, treats and controls roundworm and hookworm infections.  

2) Revolution: a monthly topical preventive

Revolution is a monthly topical (liquid between the shoulder blades) medication that prevents heartworm disease.  In cats, it also prevents ear mites, fleas, roundworms, and hookworms.  In dogs, it also treats fleas.   

3) Trifexis: a monthly chewable tablet

Trifexis is a monthly chewable tablet for dogs that prevents heartworm disease.  It also potects against fleas, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.

These products all prevent heartworm disease.  Your pets health and lifestyle will help us determine which product will suit your pets needs.  If you have more questions about these products or Heartworm Disease please call the vet center at 515-285-5523.   We are currently offering several specials and rebates on these products at SDMVC. Don't let your pet lose to a mosquito!

Are You Financially Prepared?

CareCredit

Family medical emergencies can hit the family budget hard, and our pets emergencies are no different, but there is a simple solution to make payment easier.  






Care Credit is a payment option that is quick and easy to use and give you six months interest free to repay those unexpected veterinary bills.

Care Credit makes it easy to apply, just go to Care Credit, click on the "apply" tab, follow the instructions for the application, wait for your approval and start using CareCredit today.

Puppy Playtime

Seven Steps to Proper Play 

For Your New Puppy

1.Provide plenty of exercise: Give them productive ways to expend their energy (i.e., walks, playing)

2. Provide mental stimulation: Interactive puzzle toys, Kongs, Busy Buddy toys

3. Play with your pup: Playing fetch or throwing a soccer ball for your pet to push around will sap some of your pup's energy

4. Teach and review basic obedience commands: A well-trained dog is more likely to follow orders when behaving inappropriately

  

5. Conduct leadership exercises: Ask your puppy to respond to a command such as "sit" before he receives anything he wants or needs.  

6. Don't sit on the floor with your pup: This tends to get puppies excited, puts family members in a vulnerable position, and makes it more difficult to control the puppy

7. Promote socialization: Puppies must have frequent, positive social experiences with all types of animals and people during the first few months of their life to prevent asocial behavior, fear, and biting.  Doggy Daycare at South Des Moines Veterinary Center is a great way to promote socialization and to provide positive experiences at the veterinary.     

References:  Information provided by Wayne L Hunthausen, DVM, Animal Behavior Consultations, 4820 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS 66205. 

Should My Pet Be Eating That?

Foods Your Pet Should Avoid

Chocolate/Coffee:  Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, high heart rate, tremors, seizures and even  death

Alcohol:  Can cause vomiting, drunkenness, coma and death

Avocado:  Can be fatal to birds and rabbits.  Can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs

 Macadamia Nuts:  Can cause temporary hind leg weakness, paralysis and tremors in dogs

Grapes/Raisins:  Can cause kidney failure

Xylitol:  Can cause seizures and liver failure.  (Xylitol is used 

as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, 

baked goods and toothpaste)

Onions/Garlic:  Can cause vomiting and red blood cell damage


Raw Yeast Bread Dough: Can cause bloat and drunkenness

"What should I do if I think my pet has eaten something poisonous?"    

-Stay calm and contact your veterinarian for advice   

Or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center-  888-423-4435

For more information visit the ASPCA Poison Control Center. 

References:  www.aspca.org/apcc  2012

Why Spay and Neuter?

Why Spay And Neuter?  

Benefits of spaying your female pet (ovariohysterectomy)

• Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer
• Eliminated unwanted pregnancies
• If spayed before the first heat cycle, your pet has a less than 1% chance of developing breast cancer.  If spayed after one heat cycle, your pet has an 8% chance of developing breast cancer.  If spayed after two heat cycles, the risk increases to 26%.  After two years, no protective benefit exists. 
• Pets with diabetes or epilepsy should be spayed to prevent hormonal changes that may interfere with medication.  
• Eliminates unwanted litters 

 Neutering your male pet (castration)

• Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer.  Testicular cancer is the second most common tumor in male dogs
• Greatly reduces the risk of prostatitis and prostate cancer
• Reduces the risk of perianal tumors
• Reduces roaming and fighting
• Eliminates or reduces spraying or marking in males neutered before the age of 6 months 
• Eliminates the risk and spread of sexually transmitted diseases
• Eliminates unwanted litters

Common myths
Spaying or neutering your pet does not:

• Cause laziness or hyperactivity
• Reduce its instinct to protect your family and home
• Cause immature behaviors
• Postpone or delay normal behavior maturity
• Alter its personality in any manner

**More than 4 million pets are euthanized in U.S. animal shelters each year simply because they have no home.  Many puppies and kittens less than 6 months old.  Help stop this needless loss of life.  Take the pledge to spay or neuter your pet!  

Interested in helping out homeless pets?  Donate food/supplies or make a monetary donation to your local shelter or rescue group.  Thinking about adding another furry friend to your family?   Check out Petfinder to search for adoptable pets in your area.  Pets in shelters and rescues are already spayed/neutered and many times include microchips and initial vaccines.


Reference:  Firstline 2009

Ten Signs Your Cat May Be Sick

Ten Signs Your Cat May Be Sick 

Signs of illness may not be readily apparent in cats.  

Read about these ten signs that may indicate your cat is ill.  

                                                1. Inappropriate elimination

                                                2. Changes in interaction

                                                3. Changes in activity

                                                4. Changes in sleeping habits

                                                5. Changes in food and water consumption

                                                6. Unexplained weight loss or gain

                                                7. Changes in grooming habits

                                                8. Signs of stress

                                                9. Changes in vocalization

                                              10. Bad breath

If you have seen any of the sign in your cats,
call South Des Moines Veterinary Center at 515-285-5523.
We want your cats healthy and happy!