Glenvale Veterinary Clinic
Autumn 2012 Newsletter
Fleas
Can one little flea cause a huge problem? The answer is yes!
Did you know that 10 female fleas can multiply to more than 25,000 fleas in only 30 days, turning "one little flea" into a full-blown infestation?
It takes about 3 weeks for a full life cycle, so once the eggs are laid it can take several weeks and in some cases months to get the infestation under control. To add to this fleas do not lay eggs on your pet, but rather in the carpet, on flooring and bedding. Only 5% of the flea population is adult fleas that you can see, the rest are in the environment!
Thankfully there are several great products that are able to control fleas on your dog and in their environment.
The best ones are fast acting and effective for the entire month. It is best to continue using a recommended flea treatment each month, to reduce the chance of an infestation in your house. In cases of heavy infestation other measures such as flea bombs, which also have an insect growth regulator to stop the eggs from hatching may be needed.
It has been an unusually bad flea season, perhaps due to the wet and humid summer. So if your pet has fleas or they are already on a recommended flea treatment that does not seem to be controlling the problem, please contact us for further advice on how to best deal with your situation. Fleas can be frustrating but with the right flea treatment and home plan they can be beaten.
Protecting our Wildlife
Ever seen an injured bird or possum and weren’t sure what you could do about it? There is a 24-hour hotline dedicated to reports of injured or lost wildlife.
Alternatively, you could take the injured or lost animal to the most local vet clinic and the vet will examine the animal for any physical injuries.
In some cases, if the animal has suffered physical trauma, we humanely euthanize them. In cases where there are no physical injuries, we can contact a wildlife carer who will look after the animal until they have been rehabilitated and are able to be released back into the wild.
So next time you see our wildlife in distress, you can help them out!
Skin Allergies
This year has been unseasonably warm and wet and with this change of weather comes skin allergies. We have seen a great amount of animals come into the clinic already suffering seasonal plant allergies this year. The Spring season is usually the time in which skin allergies will flare up due to pollens in the environment however it seems this climate has brought the seasonal allergies on early.
How do I know if my pet suffers from a skin allergy?
Skin allergies are uncomfortable and irritating so scratching/biting at the skin surface, scooting or head shaking are all indicators of some form of irritation to the skin. Changes on your pet’s skin, for example redness, scabs, crusts, fur loss or pustules, may indicate that your pet has a skin allergy. But never fear something can be done.
So where do allergies come from?
Allergies can arise due to substances absorbed through the skin, which are mainly house dust mites & plant pollens.
They are also caused by external parasites, such as fleas, and diet. Allergies are inherited especially in Labradors, Retrievers and West Highland Terriers.
What preventions are there?
Management involves avoidance of allergy triggers for example when walking your pet, avoid grasses and walk just on the foot paths. Get rid of creepers in your yard and bathing is also a useful way to dilute pollens on the skin. Also, monitoring diet strictly by excluding treats and foods that are known allergy triggers for your pet.
What can be done to treat it?
Malaseb shampoo & Pyohex lotion are products available over the counter that can help minimised secondary infection. Secondary infections can occur, which requires a trip to the vet. Antihistamines, cyclosporin and cortisone can be used to control the allergy. There are also hypo-allergenic foods that can be useful in managing this condition eg. Hydrolysed food like Hills Z/D or novel antigen food like Eukanuba Skin & Coat Plus.
Million Paws Walk
The 17th annual RSPCA Million Paws Walk will be held on Sunday 20th May 2012 at Albert Park Lake and 17 other regional locations.
Million Paws Walk is a terrific day out for all and an important fundraising event for the RSPCA. Funds raised through entry fees, online fundraising and the sale of merchandise help assist the RSPCA to operate its animal shelters, support its Inspectorate services and provide community education on animal welfare issues.
To register for the Million Paws Walk or to find out more info, check out www.millionpawswalk.com.au
Address
236 Springvale Road
Glen Waverley VIC 3150
(Opp. the Glen Shopping Centre)
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Clinic hours
Monday to Friday 7:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday 7:00am - 1:00pm
Sunday and public holidays 10:00am - 12:00pm (Emergencies Only)
Standard consultation fees apply during clinic hours
