Top-Selling Flea & Tick Collar Linked To Several Pet Deaths, Illnesses

Because fleas and ticks prove more than a minor nuisance to our dogs, there are many products out there aimed at keeping them away. However, some flea and tick collars that release pesticides onto your pet can actually be dangerous themselves.

The pesticide used in Seresto collars is supposed to kill fleas, ticks, and other pests while being safe for dogs and cats to wear. They’re designed to work for eight months, releasing small amounts of pesticide at a time. Seresto collars may be a top-seller on Amazon, but there have been several injuries and even pet deaths linked to them.

To read more on this story, click here: Top-Selling Flea & Tick Collar Linked To Several Pet Deaths, Illnesses

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Bat Tick Found for the First Time in NJ; Could Pose Health Risks to Humans, Animals

A certain tick species linked to bats was found for the first time in New Jersey -- posing possible health risks to people, pets and livestock, according to a Rutgers-led study.

The study, which appeared in the Journal of Medical Entomology, identifies the tick species, known as Carios kelleyi (or C.kelleyi), as a "soft" tick. According to Rutgers, deer ticks, carriers of Lyme disease, are an example of “hard” ticks.

To read more on this story, click here: Bat Tick Found for the First Time in NJ; Could Pose Health Risks to Humans, Animals

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8 Scorpion Facts To Make Your Skin Crawl

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - Scorpions become more active in Arizona once the temperature rises above 70 degrees. So you'll see more scorpions from March through October in the Phoenix area.

Outside your home, or inside the house, these creepy-crawly creatures can be found anywhere.

Here are 8 terrifying and amazing facts about scorpions. Apologies in advance for any nightmares you might have. Ready?

To read more on this story, click here: 8 Scorpion Facts To Make Your Skin Crawl




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Lyme Disease in Dogs: What You Need To Know

You’ve probably heard of Lyme disease. You or someone you know may have even tested positive for it, but did you know that your furry friend is just as at-risk for exposure to this dangerous disease as you are, maybe even more so? Fortunately, cats are not at risk for acquiring Lyme disease, but as we now know, their canine counterparts certainly are.

Research indicates that in 2016 and 2017, 1 in 8 dogs in Roanoke County tested positive for Lyme disease. In 2018, 1 in 9 dogs in Roanoke County tested positive, an improvement from previous years. It may seem hopeful that perhaps the tick population in our area is now less than what it was in previous years, however we strongly believe fewer dogs have tested positive for Lyme disease because of increased efforts to prevent disease transmission, like vaccination and year-round flea/tick prevention. So what exactly is Lyme disease and how can you protect your dog? We’ll answer these questions and more in this blog post!

To read more on this story, click here: Lyme Disease in Dogs: What You Need To Know

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How to Remove a Tick from a Person

Most ticks do not carry diseases, and most tick bites do not cause serious health problems. But it is important to remove a tick as soon as you find it. Removing the tick completely may help you avoid diseases such as Lyme disease that the tick may pass on during feeding, or a skin infection where it bit you.

When you return home from areas where ticks might live, carefully examine your skin and scalp for ticks. Check your pets, too.


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Lyme Disease in Dogs- What You Need to Know!

Summer is approaching and the flea and tick season is rampant.  While you are with your dogs’ either walking, hiking, or at the beach, there is always a chance that they will get bitten by a flea or tick.  And ticks can carry a number of illnesses, including Lyme disease which can affect dogs and humans.  Lyme disease can cause tiredness, fever and joint pain in your dogs.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is an infection that causes arthritis and lameness and is transmitted to dogs (and some cats) through the bite of infected ticks. If it is untreated, Lyme disease in dogs can cause heart, kidney, and neurological problems. Lyme disease is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from animals to humans. Lyme disease can be transmitted if an infected tick from a dog bites a human.  Cats can get Lyme Disease but it is very rare and the symptoms are just like those in dogs.

Lyme disease is more common in certain areas of the United States, including the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

Some of the symptoms may not appear for several months after a dog is infected with Lyme disease. And some infected dogs don’t always show the symptoms.  The signs of infection can typically include the following:

Your dog is very tired and stops exercising, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, symptoms seem to get better and then re-appear later.

To read more on this story, click here: Lyme Disease in Dogs- What You Need to Know!

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The 10 Most Common Mistakes That Dog Owners Make

1. Not Reading Up on Different Dog Breeds 

The most common mistake future dog owners make, according to Gina Spadafori, pet columnist and executive editor of PetConnection.com, is not doing enough research before heading to the breeder or shelter. "People end up with a pet that is inappropriate for their home, their living situation and their lifestyle," says Spadafori.

"Dogs come in such a huge range of sizes, temperaments and exercise needs." Before you buy or adopt, consider your space, children, other pets and any allergies. If you have a particular breed in mind, pay attention to genetic traits. "Know what genetic diseases are possible in the breed or the mix of breeds you're getting," Spadafori says. "And do not get a dog from a breeder who did not do the genetic testing." To find out what tests each breed needs, visit CanineHealthInfo.org.


2. Assuming a Puppy Is Always Better Than a Dog

Puppies are extremely needy, requiring ample amounts of time, attention, training and more. "When people think about puppies, they don't think about how much time and money is involved in that first year," Spadafori says. "If your real goal is to get a good dog, then pick one that is 1 or 2 years old." A number of breeders train dogs for shows, and if those dogs don't make the cut for whatever reason, the breeder will be looking to place that dog, who is already trained and socialized in a good home.

Great dogs are also available at animal shelters. "It’s a mistake to think the older dog won't bond with you," Spadafori says. "The best dog I ever had I got at 2 years old. Rescue dogs know when they've found their forever home."


3. Not Making Exercise a Priority

Dogs are physical animals, and need daily exercise for optimal health, which means their owners need to make time for that as well. "Dogs had a working role in the past. They herded cattle, they guarded stuff, they retrieved stuff…now they're born retired," says Marty Becker, DVM, author of Your Dog: The Owner's Manual. He recommends brisk walks, playing fetch with tennis balls and, for larger breeds such as golden retrievers, a Chuckit Ball Launcher. "A basic rule of thumb is that all dogs should receive at least 45 to 60 total minutes per day of physical exercise and 15 minutes of behavioral training to be happy, well-adjusted canines," says Michael Landa, CEO of Natural Pet Food brand Nulo. "And this is really just a starting point. The actual amount can vary greatly depending on the dog's age, breed and health status."


4. Not Reading Pet Food Labels

While many people pick their dog food based on price, there are several other important factors to consider, particularly nutrition. "Pet food can have a huge effect on how your pet feels, which can translate into how your pet behaves," Landa says. The key is understanding the ingredient list. "The first two ingredients should be meat and meat meals.

Dogs are carnivores. They really need high-meat diets, and that's the only way to guarantee you'll have a high amount of protein," Landa says, recommending brands such as Nulo, Wellness and Castor & Pollux.


5. Doling Out Too Many Treats

Obesity is a huge problem with dogs, especially in the United States. In fact, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 55 percent of dogs are overweight or obese. "Everybody gives treats; veterinary nutritionists give their pets treats," Dr. Becker says. However, he cautions that treats have their place, and should be used sparingly. Instead of special snacks, Dr. Becker recommends taking their regular food and giving it to them away from the bowl, which turns it into a treat. Or just give your pet more words of encouragement or "emotional Milk-Bones," as Dr. Becker calls them, such as: "You're a good boy," "That's a good girl!" “They go crazy, their tails wag and there are no empty calories." Whatever approach you take, Dr. Becker advises that treats should never account for more than 10 percent of your dog's daily caloric intake.


6. Babying Your Dog Too Much

Dressing them up, talking baby talk and sleeping with your dog may sound like good ways to show love, but that’s not always the case. "It may be good for us, but it is not the best thing for your dog," Landa says. "People think it's really cute to have their dog sleep with them in bed, but dogs are pack animals, so if you're letting your dog into the bed without permission, your dog begins to think of itself as on par with the pack master." This makes it harder to enforce rules and control bad behavior. "You're telling him on the one hand that he's equal to you, and on the other that he's not, so it can create anxiety," he says.

Boundaries and rules make dogs happier because they know exactly where they fit in. If you do want to sleep with your dog, Landa recommends only letting him on the bed when you invite him, so that there is a clear division of authority.


7. Washing Your Dog Only When Dirty

Bathing your dog can be cumbersome, but it’s essential for his or her health. Veterinary dermatologists recommend bathing your dog once a week to get rid of spores, dust, dust mites and even MRSA, the highly resistant staph virus. "Most of the time humans give MRSA to pets, and pets act as a reservoir and ping-pong it back and forth.

A new study showed that bathing was more effective for getting rid of it than using antibiotic treatments," Dr. Becker says. Plus, a clean coat makes for an even more huggable dog.


8. Not Brushing Their Teeth

Sometimes you don't even want to brush your own teeth, let alone your dog's. But according to Dr. Becker, this is one of the biggest problems in canine health. "The number-one thing we diagnose is periodontal disease,” he says. “So if you do daily oral care, or even a few times weekly, you'll be saving yourself money in the end." Brushing every day is the gold standard. But if you can't, there are alternatives, such as a dental vaccine against periodontal disease, as well as oral health products, like the C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit and C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews. "Dog's teeth are not only used for chewing, they are their front hands, that's how they pick up something and carry it," says Dr. Becker.

More important, they need their teeth to regulate their body temperature. "If those teeth aren't in place, they can't pant, and if they can't pant, they can't regulate heat


9. Passing on Parasite Control

Parasite control isn’t a pleasant topic, but it’s a necessary one. Year-round coverage is essential; to prevent parasites, get a veterinary checkup every six to 12 months, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council's guidelines.

Ask your veterinarian what parasites your dog is at risk for, it will depend on your pet's lifestyle, location and anything that's going around the neighborhood. In addition, have a heartworm test performed annually, and a fecal examination at least twice a year to make sure your pet’s system is clear.


10. Being Unprepared for Serious Illness

Understanding your dog’s breed and its healthcare needs is important, but it’s especially important when it comes to recognizing the symptoms of serious illness. "Have a basic list of symptoms handy," recommends Spadafori. "Knowing what is and isn't an emergency will save your dog's life and save you a lot of money." And if your pet is sick, don’t waste time trying to help him yourself. "If you are worried your dog is critically ill, you need to get hold of a vet. You cannot go online and get a diagnosis or a cure," she says. "People think they're saving money by not going to the vet, but then you're going to end up with a very sick dog and spend a lot more money." Before an emergency arises, inform yourself by researching your dog at DoggedHealth.com or at Animal.Discovery.com.

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FDA Warns Common Flea and Tick Meds Linked to Neurological Problems in Dogs and Cats

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting pet owners and veterinarians that some flea and tick medications can cause adverse reactions in dogs and cats.

Some animals receiving drugs in the isooxazoline class have experienced adverse events such as muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures, according to the FDA.

The medicine includes Bravecto, Nexgard, and Simparica. Another product in this class is Credelio, which recently received FDA approval. The FDA says these products are approved for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, and the treatment and control of tick infestations.

To read more on this story, click here: FDA Warns Common Flea and Tick Meds Linked to Neurological Problems in Dogs and Cats


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A Quick-Moving and Potentially Fatal Virus from a Tick Has Been Found in the U.S. in the Northeast and Great Lakes area

A quick-moving and potentially fatal virus has been found in the U.S. in the Northeast and Great Lakes area.

Carried and transferred to people and pets by ticks, the Powassan virus can infect the central nervous system, causing similar symptoms to Lyme disease, but more severe and without any cure.

Once bitten by an infected tick, it only takes a matter of hours before symptoms begin to occur. The patients infected are likely to become susceptible to neurological damage due to inflammation of the brain, which can lead to both encephalitis and meningitis.

Currently, approximately ten percent of cases have led to death, with only 50 people affected in the U.S. each year (compared to the roughly 20,000 people who are affected by Lyme disease).

Although contracting the disease is quite rare, because of the possible fatality, doctors are urging people to do everything they can to prevent being infected. For people who work outdoors or camp in any of the affected areas, the chance of becoming infected is much higher.

Here are the main guidelines to follow to protect your family:

• Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass.
• Complete a full body check on yourself, children, and pets when spending time outdoors.
• Carry and use bug spray.

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Zoonotic Diseases: A Disease That Can Be Passed Between Animals and Humans

A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be passed between animals and humans. Zoonotic diseases can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. These diseases are very common. Scientists estimate that more than 6 out of every 10 infectious diseases in humans are spread from animals.

Many people interact with animals in their daily lives. We raise animals for food and keep them in our homes as pets. We might come into close contact with animals at a county fair or petting zoo or encounter wildlife when we clear wooded land for new construction.

Because of these interactions, it’s important to be aware of the different ways people can get zoonotic diseases. These can include:

• Coming into contact with the saliva, blood, urine, or feces of an infected animal
• Being bitten by a tick or mosquito (often called a “vector”)
• Eating or drinking something unsafe (such as unpasteurized milk, undercooked meat, or unwashed fruits and vegetables that are contaminated with feces from an infected animal)

Luckily, there are many ways you can protect yourself and your family from zoonotic diseases. You can:

• Always wash hands and follow proper hygiene
• Handle food safely
• Prevent bites from mosquitoes and ticks
• Know the simple things you can do to stay safe around your pets
• Be aware of zoonotic diseases both at home and when you travel

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Coolridge Animal Hospital: Our Raffle Has Begun - Purchase Your $1.00 Ticket Starting Today Until April 30th - Win One Year of Heartworm/Flea/Tick Prevention, for Your K-9 or Feline Fur Baby

Our Raffle has begun!  Purchase your $1.00 ticket starting today until April 30th. Winner will receive 1 year ( 12 months) of Heartworm/flea/tick prevention, for your K-9 or Feline fur baby, this is a $200.00 value.

All proceeds going towards our Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden.

Haven't heard about our Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden?

Please read: Coolridge Animal Hospital: We Are Building a Memorial Rainbow Bridge Rock Garden for All of Our Fur Babies Who Have Crossed Over - Come to Our Yard/Bake Sales for the Next Two Saturdays, April 25th and May 2nd

Coolridge Animal Hospital
6801 Old Branch Ave
Camp Springs, Maryland
(301) 449-1610

Website: Coolridge Animal Hospital

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Opossum, the American Marsupial That Dines on Ticks: Where Lyme Disease Goes to Die

They come out at night, they have scary teeth, they have a weird name with an extra vowel most people don't pronounce…and they are where Lyme disease goes to die.

Say hello to the opossum, the American marsupial with a pointy nose and prehensile tail that dines on ticks like a vacuum dines on dust.

Most people drop the first vowel when speaking of 'possums, but possums actually belong to a different species native to Australia.

Tiny adolescent ticks that carry Lyme disease bacteria are most active during the late spring months, typically May and even as early as April during warmer years.

But whereas these ticks can be found in large numbers on mice, shrews and chipmunks, they are eaten in large numbers by opossum.

Research led by scientists based at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook placed different species into cages, covered them with ticks and waited for the biting arachnids to jump off.

The scientists then counted how many survived.

Opossums can eat or remove as much as 96 percent of the ticks that land on them.

Research also suggests the immune system of opossums is fairly effective at fighting off the disease.

So even the ticks that do survive a visit to an opossum are less likely to acquire the disease.

Cary scientists are continuing to examine the correlation between the frequency of different types of mammals, and the infection rates of ticks found in the same area.

The initial thought? Where foxes thrive, Lyme doesn't.

That's because foxes are good hunters of the small mammals that serve as the most effective reservoirs of the Lyme pathogen.

Ongoing research is also looking at the role opossums play.

All of this points to why Lyme is a particularly inscrutable disease.

There are so many complex interactions that govern its prevalence — from human land-use development, to shifting climate patterns, to the abundance (or lack) of certain mammals.

And that doesn't even address how the disease behaves once it is in the body. The Lyme bacterium is apparently one of the only things on earth that doesn't need iron to survive.

Opossums are your friend in the fight against Lyme.

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Ticks and Fleas on Cats Q&A

With just a few exceptions in the United States, fleas and ticks are a common problem for us, and our cats. So we went to internationally known flea and tick expert Michael Dryden to find out how to fight the flea and eliminate the tick. Dryden has a doctorate in veterinary parasitology, is a founding member of the Companion Animal Parasite Council, and has conducted research on almost every major flea and tick product on the market.

To read more on this story, click here: Ticks and Fleas on Cats Q&A FOLLOW US!

There Are Some Dangerous Ingredients in Your Dog’s Flea and Tick Medications - Find Out Which Ones to Avoid

The advent of easy to use spot-on products has made flea and tick prevention convenient for many pet owners.  Certain ticks can carry dangerous diseases so we’ve all become extra careful with our prevention routine.

As a veterinarian, I’ve been taught that the majority of these products are harmless and safe, but evidence now shows that both the ‘active’ and some ‘inactive’ ingredients in the spot- on preparations have been linked to serious health effects both in laboratory animals and in pets.

To read more on this story, click here: There Are Some Dangerous Ingredients in Your Dog’s Flea and Tick Medications - Find Out Which Ones to Avoid FOLLOW US!

Coolridge Animal Hospital: Adult Deer Ticks Are Active Through Fall And Winter, Which Is Why It Is Important NOT To Stop Tick Prevention This Time of Year

Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) called ticks the "foulest and nastiest creatures that be" and no doubt he'd feel the same way today. The black-legged tick transmits several diseases, some just recently recognized. Dr. Susan Little, Oklahoma State University describes their interesting life cycle and their vector potential.

Adult deer ticks are active through fall & winter, which is why it is important NOT to stop tick prevention this time of year!


See video below for important details on this tick .



Coolridge Animal Hospital
6801 Old Branch Ave
Camp Springs, Maryland
(301) 449-1610

We have Frontline price buy 3 doses get 1 free. For cats Revolution buy 6 get 2 free

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It Could Cost as Much as $2,000 a Year to Have a Dog

A new report says many of the most popular breeds these days are also very expensive, and can cost you thousands of dollars a year, something many people don't realize at the time of adoption.

Dog lovers won't like a report in Daily Finance  that says the first year cost of a puppy in 2014 can exceed $2,000, for initial cost, vaccinations, spaying, and training.

And, depending on the dog, you could easily pay another $2,000 a year after that.

For the average grown dog, you'll pay:

$200 to $500 a year for food ($1 a day for an average dog, but it adds up)
$200 a year for boarding for your week's vacation (unless you have relatives willing to help)
$500 for grooming (small designer dogs can cost much more in grooming costs)
$200 for annual vet visits (which is actually a low figure)
$500 for flea, tick, and heartworm medicine
That does not include leashes, travel boxes, rawhide treats and other items that cost several hundred dollars over a year.

And it does not include the cost of installing the very popular invisible fencing around your yard, which can cost $1,000 or more.

High cost of emergency vet care, as pets these days get care as good as humans.

Consumer Reports Magazine says to avoid a surprise $5,000 bill, you may want to consider pet insurance, or put a little bit in a "pet emergency fund" every month.

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 at: www.whispersoftheworld.com

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Does Your Dog Have "Dog Shaking Head Syndrome"? It Typically Means One Thing, There is Something Affecting its Ears, Causing Him Discomfort and Possibly Pain

If your canine displays "dog shaking head syndrome," it typically means one thing: there is something affecting its ears, causing him discomfort and possibly pain. If you know what to look for, you can diagnose your dog's head shaking rather quickly--therefore, you are able to treat the problem fast.

Does your dog have any evidence of an ear infection?

Dog ear problems are easy to spot, but you must be able to differentiate between them to determine the best treatment. Floppy-eared dogs are more vulnerable to ear problems, but a dog ear problem can affect any dog.

The 7 most common reasons of a dog's ear problems are:

Allergies: The most common cause of dog ear problems is an allergic reaction of some sort. Allergies can be caused by food ingredients or environmental irritants such as pollen or dust. Itchy, inflamed ears and paws are symptoms of an allergy. Switch to a low-allergen food that does not contain wheat, soy or corn. Often, switching to a higher quality dog food reduces allergic reaction ear problems. Keep the environment as dust free and clean as possible.

Ear Infections: If you have a drop-eared dog, ear infection may be on ongoing problem. The warm, moist environment created by the fold in the ear flap is ideal for bacterial growth. Yeast and bacterial growth will cause odor in the ears. If the infection is confined to one ear, your dog may tilt her head in an attempt to equalize pressure. The ears may feel warm to the touch.

Debris in ears: Foxtails, plant awns and other debris can get inside a dog ear. Look inside your dog's ear with a flashlight; debris can wedge itself quite deeply. Do not insert anything inside your dog's ear-you may cause further damage.

Parasites: Ear pain and itching associated with parasites can cause ear problems in your dog; tick bites, mites and fleas can cause swelling, hair loss and crusty skin.

Trauma: An ear injury can cause swelling or a dog ear hematoma. An animal bite or other trauma can allow blood and fluid to accumulate between the cartilage and the skin of the ear flap. Even vigorous scratching or head shaking can cause this condition. The ear will become swollen and disfigured. An ear hematoma should be drained and surgically corrected. If untreated, the ear will be permanently disfigured.

Hormone Disorders: Certain hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism and adrenal malfunctions can cause ear problems. You may notice poor coat quality, behavioral changes and hair loss in addition to itchy, reddened skin around the ears.

Other Causes: In rare cases, ear problems are the result of a hereditary disorder such as dermatomyositis (a connective tissue disorder in Collies and Shelties) or seborrhea which causes hair loss and scaly skin. Cancerous condition such squamous cell carcinoma or malignant melanoma may also affect the ears; check for darkened or scaly patches of hairless skin.

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How to Remove a Tick from Your Pet

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, So, you’ve found a tick on your pet...how do you deal with it? While it’s important to get these little suckers off quickly, (ASPCA) veterinarians advise that you stay calm and don’t rush it. Moving too fast when removing a tick could potentially create more problems, both for your pet and for you.

There are some very good products on the market designed specifically for safe tick removal. If you live in a tick-heavy area or are taking your pets to a place where they are likely to get ticks, it’s a good idea to buy one of these tools and have it on hand. They generally work better than tweezers at getting out the whole tick, and are relatively inexpensive.




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