Frequently Asked Questions…

Why do I have to keep my pet on heartworm prevent-ative year round? I do not see any mosquitoes in winter.

The heartworm medication works by killing any heartworm larvae that were transmitted to your pet the month before the medication was administered. For instance, if you gave your pet his/her last dose of heartworm preventative on December 1, it would kill any heartworms transmitted by mosquitoes throughout the month of November. In Michigan, our variable weather means that we occasionally have warm fall and winter days when mosquitoes may still remain active. It can also take a while for mosquitoes trapped inside the house to die off, so threats can remain both indoors and out. Due to the very serious nature of heartworm disease, it is safest for your pet to be protected year round against this deadly disease.

Also, the heartworm preventative kills intestinal parasites which can be acquired from exposure to wild animal droppings (rabbit, deer, etc.). These intestinal parasites are present all year and have the potential to be transmitted to humans. Therefore, we recommend year round heartworm preventative.

 What should I do if my pet gets into the Halloween candy?

Halloween candy can pose a health threat to pets in several different ways.  Numerous ingredients in those tasty goodies can be toxic to your pet, including chocolate and raisins.  Furthermore, larger candy pieces can be choking hazards and wrappers/plastic/cardboard might cause life-threatening intestinal blockage if swallowed whole.  Trick-or-treaters occasionally get pocket change and even this could cause problems – pennies can contain zinc (depending on the date they were minted) and if your pet accidentally swallows some while trying to get to other candy, problems ay arise.  Blockage of the intestines is one concern for small pets but another is zinc toxicity which results in the breakdown of red blood cells and can be serious.  Other hazards are also just waiting to happen, including almost certain stomach and intestinal upset.  Therefore, the most important thing you can do to protect your pet is to prevent problems before they start.  Keep Halloween candy in a protected area out of the reach of pets.  In the unfortunate event that your pet does get into it, please contact a veterinarian promptly to discuss the most appropriate treatment.

What does it really mean when a cat purrs?

Purring is classically associated with contentment in cats and the characteristic sound is widespread throughout the feline world.  Both domestic cats as well as some wild cats (including pumas and mountain lions) can purr, and they often do so as early as the first week of life.  Although commonly heard and studied thoroughly, the exact behavior and physiology of purring remains somewhat of a mystery.  It is important to note, however, that not all purring is associated with contentment or pleasure.  We periodically see sick or painful cats that purr, and sadly some cats purr at the time of death.  Some animal behaviorists believe that this may be the cat’s way of reassuring or comforting himself/herself, but other theories exist.  Hopefully future investigation will lead to a better understanding of this unique characteristic of our feline friends.

I am considering having my pet microchipped.  Does the Goodison Veterinary Center recommend this procedure?  What is involved in having a pet microchipped?

We do recommend microchipping for those who desire permanent identification for their pet.  This can be beneficial in reuniting you with your pet in the unfortunate event that he or she is lost or stolen and can also be used to prove positive ownership if it should ever come into question.  Some states even require microchipping of aggressive or dangerous animals.  Officials can then keep track of repeated negative incidents associated with a particular pet to better protect the public.  Microchipping is a safe and effective way of achieving all of these goals.  The microchip is a tiny metal object that can be easily implanted under the skin with a needle.  Most of the time this can be performed without the need for sedation and with minimal discomfort.  The metal in the chip is inert (inactive) and there are no anticipated side effects from chip placement.  Furthermore, the microchips we routinely use can be read by most scanners throughout the United States.  If travel abroad is anticipated, however, we may recommend ordering a different type of microchip for your pet which we would be pleased to discuss with you as well.  After the chip is implanted, we will then give you information on how you can register your personal information so that it is available should your pet ever require scanning.  Overall, microchipping can be extraordinarily beneficial – it not only provides good peace of mind, but may someday reunite you with your pet or even save his or her life.

What are some good ways to keep my pet active as we go into colder months?

Now that summer has officially come to an end, the colder days are upon us.  Many activities that helped keep pets busy and in good body condition, such as swimming, are simply no longer feasible.  To try to beat the winter doldrums and keep your pet active, consider establishing a regular exercise routine.  Bundling up and going for daily walks can have profound mental and physical benefits for your pet.  He or she may also be able to share in some of your favorite seasonal activities including hunting, hiking, and cross-country skiing.  Remember to keep your pet’s sensitivity to colder weather in mind and use common sense.  He or she may benefit from winter protective wear (sweaters and/or foot protection) or may even be cold intolerant.  If this is the case, consider indoor activities like play dates with other dogs, trips to doggy day care, or games at home.  For dogs with arthritis, the colder months can be even harder, but it is especially important that these pets continue to get exercise in moderation to keep good joint mobility and prevent muscle atrophy.  Consider consulting with a veterinarian if you feel your dog’s pain increases in colder weather.  Sometimes anti-inflammatory pain medications can make all the difference.  In addition, keeping extra weight off your pet (regardless of age or health) will also help to keep him or her active.  Most of all though, remember to have fun and be safe!

GVC Notes….

We hope this section of our web-site will keep you well informed on seasonal and/or weather related topics. If you have any questions you would like us to answer, please submit your questions to customerservice@goodisonvet.com and we will answer your question in a timely manner. We will post the most common five questions on a monthly basis- so be sure to check the web-site!!!

Thank you,
Goodison Veterinary Center Staff