May Newsletter
- PMCOD
- May 8
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
May the Fourth be with you 🖖
Important Dates
As of May 10th, we are OPEN on Saturdays from 9AM to 1PM!
We will be CLOSED Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day.
Happy birthday to our receptionist/technician April, and kennel tech Daissy (not to be confused with Daisy the receptionist)!
May 2nd marks Kyndale’s THIRTEEN YEAR anniversary of working at the clinic!!
Monthly Topic
Flea & Tick Prevention
We all know warm weather can hang around long after summer is over. While that can be convenient for outdoor activities, it also creates the perfect environment for fleas and ticks to thrive year-round. These tiny vampires aren't just an itchy nuisance - they also pose a myriad of health risks to both you and your pets.
Last month’s trivia question was “How many eggs can a female flea lay in her lifetime?”
The answer:
A flea’s lifespan is only 100 days (about three months), but females can lay up to fifty eggs a day - meaning the answer is a whopping 5,000.
That’s a lot of uninvited houseguests! Fleas on your pets can lead to intense itching, allergic reactions, hair loss, hotspots, and even anemia in severe cases. They can also carry potentially zoonotic (meaning it can be passed from animals to humans) intestinal parasites and bacteria, like tapeworms - and plague! [link] Ticks serve as a similar vector for diseases such as Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and Rock Mountain Spotted Fever.
How do preventative medications work?
Flea and tick preventatives for cats and dogs work by killing and/or repelling parasites, while leaving the host (your pet) unharmed. This is achieved by taking advantage of key biological differences between insects and animals such as body mass, nerve cell structure, and hormone reactivity. There are many topical and oral medications available, utilizing a variety of active ingredients.
Common misconceptions
“I don’t see any bugs, so my pets are definitely itching for another reason.”
Fleas and ticks are quite tiny and hard to spot, especially when buried in fur. If you’re able to easily spot them on your pet, you may already have an infestation.
“None of my pets have ever had fleas, I don’t know how they got in my house!”
Have you been hiking recently? Did you visit a dog park? Fleas and ticks can easily hitch a ride on you, your clothes, or visiting pets, and be carried unknowingly into your home.
“I heard Collies and other dog breeds will die if they get flea medication!”
Some dogs (primarily herding breeds) have a mutated MDR1 gene, which causes increased sensitivity to specific drugs. Genetic testing is available to determine if your dog carries the gene, and thanks to the wide variety of products available, your vet can help you select the best medication for your pet’s unique needs.
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn't Read):
Fleas and ticks pose health risks to all members of your household, not just those with four legs. Monthly prevention is crucial to provide year-round protection. Always consult with your vet to make sure your pet is getting the correct medication for their weight, breed, and species.
Employee Pet Spotlight
Name: Willow
Nickname(s): Lillow
Employee parent: CC
Breed: Shorthair tabby
Age: 3
Likes: Sunbathing, Churru treats (chicken flavored), toys
Dislikes: Being disturbed, overstimulation, raised voices
Background: Three years ago, Cece visited her parents’ ranch in Oklahoma. A barn cat had recently given birth, and one of the babies made a beeline straight for Cece. It was love at first sight, and since then, they’ve never been apart! Even as a kitten, Willow was unusually attuned to Cece’s mental state. She seemed to know Cece was going through an extremely difficult period in her life, and faithfully slept on Cece’s chest to purr the bad dreams away.
Willow is an officially registered Emotional Support Animal. If a conversation gets too heated, she interjects herself into the conversation and swats the participants until they lower their voices. She loves to play with her canine siblings, and is slowly warming up to the idea of another cat in the house. Cece and her husband have built a “Catio” enclosure attached to their house so Willow can enjoy the outdoors while remaining safe from predators.
Trivia Corner
Fun Fact
Turns out the quickest draw may be in the ocean, not the wild West. The claws of a mantis shrimp can accelerate as quickly as a .22 caliber bullet—so fast, it creates a shockwave capable of breaking glass! [link]
Pop Quiz
Chronic stress can lead to cats developing overactive nervous systems, which may cause abnormal inflammation in various organs.
June's trivia question: What character from Greek mythology gives this syndrome its name?
(Hint: she is a human!)
Stay tuned for the answer in June’s newsletter!
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