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Border Collie Corner
Look Out for These Summer Health Conditions!
Hi, newsletter friends! It’s Sam, and I’m having an absolute blast playing with my humans, sunbathing, and spending time outdoors. However, while the summer season is all about having fun in the sun, you want to be mindful of a few health conditions that canines and felines can experience during this time. Fleas and Ticks When you or your furry friends go outside, you risk getting fleas or ticks — especially around tall grass and heavily wooded areas. I also want to note for my indoor dog and cat friends that you can still get fleas and ticks if your humans venture outside or tend to keep the windows open for you; these tiny critters can still come inside and attach to us! Therefore, putting your pets on a flea and tick preventive is vital. Allergies and Ear Infections Like humans, your four-legged friends can also experience allergies during the warmer months! You can tell we have allergies if we continuously lick ourselves, shake our heads, or scratch the same spot on our bodies. You may also notice patches of hair missing due to our licks and scratches and redness due to irritation. If this happens, please get in touch with your vet. Ear infections are also common during the summer — especially in animals that spend lots of time in or around the water. If your pets shake and scratch their heads or notice an odor coming from their ears, they may have an infection! Furthermore, the inside of our ears should be clean. Overheating Your pets can get dehydrated and overheat, too! Because of this, please ensure your furry friends have water they can drink while outside and a cool, shady area where they can relax. If your pet is panting a lot, salivating, acting restless, or lying flat out on their sides, please call your vet immediately for assistance. Oh! And while I’m at it, please be mindful when you take your pets on walks — pavement and blacktop can burn the pads of our feet. So, try to take them out during the coolest parts of the day. If you have any concerns regarding your pet’s behavior or notice any unusual symptoms, call Petersen Pet Hospital! You can also use their Pet Health Checker if their office isn’t open. Please go to PetersenPetHospital.com/client-resources/ pet-health-checker for more information.
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At his follow-up appointment two weeks later, he was substantially
less itchy, and the green discharge on his skin has resolved. He was still sensitive on his ear exam with a small amount of debris
present. The medicated baths were reduced to twice weekly, his oral antifungal was decreased in dosing, and his Apoquel was continued for long-term allergy control. When Carlos returned one month later, he was a completely different dog! His hair had all returned, he was barely itchy with just his feet, and he was doing very well for his continued twice- weekly baths. His owners reported that he had spent one full month out of his cone, which was the longest in over a year. To prevent the return of his skin infections, his owners will continue twice weekly bathing or use of a medicated mousse, and he will continue on his oral allergy and antifungal medications with the plan to recheck in July at his normal senior examination. Allergy skin diseases make up a large portion of the cases we as veterinarians see every year. When our patients stop responding to their typical allergy medications, in most cases, it is due to a secondary skin infection. This was the case with Carlos. Once the infection is treated with either topical or systems medications, the itching dramatically decreases. Medicated shampoos, wipes, and mousses can also be used for long- term maintenance to prevent and control skin infections.
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www.PetersenPetHospital.com
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