MAY

May is External Parasite Month-Fleas, Ticks and Desert Awareness (Snakes, Toads, Etc):

Even if you have never noticed any ticks on your dog the potential exists for various tick borne diseases and ticks are abundant in Arizona.  Ridding your dog’s environment of ticks is the most effective means of prevention.  Due to our enjoyable, year round weather there is no such thing as a tick season in Arizona.  Keeping your pet on a preventative year round is your best protection.  Prevention is always easier and less expensive than treatment.  We recommend topical protection as the best way to prevent fleas and ticks on your pets.  We carry several different topical flea and tick preventatives, such as Frontline and Vectra.  Over-the-counter flea and tick shampoos can cause a variety of harmful reactions with your dog’s and cat’s skin and coat.  Flea and ticks collars can be very harmful to your cat or dog and we do not recommend using them to prevent fleas and ticks.

There are several poisonous desert toads that are common to Southern Arizona.  The most common is the Colorado River Toad, which is typically a gray to olive green color.  During the monsoon season, the river toads become extremely numerous and can be found throughout the valley.  They particularly love damp, wet areas, such as freshly watered plants, near pools, and any other outdoor water features.  Dogs that have been in contact with a toad tend to drool excessively, stumble, and their gums turn bright red.  In more serious cases they can seizure.  The most important first aid is to rinse the mouth thoroughly with water for 10-15 minutes, always being careful not to get any water into the lungs.  If your dog comes into contact with a toad, please call immediately for further instructions. 

Snakes are very prolific in deserts of Arizona.  The most dangerous is any variety of the rattlesnake.  Snakes blend into their environment and enjoy shadier and cooler times of the day such as early morning and evening.  They are most commonly found in the washes, hidden enclosures, sheds, pool closets, under bushes, and any other hidden spot they can find.  The best way to keep your pet from snakebite is to attend a snake aversion class.  You can ask at the front desk and we can refer you to the location where the classes are now held.  If a snake bites your pet, the immediate area of the bite will begin to swell and become very painful.  If you suspect that a snake has bitten your pet, please call our office immediately.  For the best possible outcome anti-venin must be given as soon as possible.  Snakebite treatment is very expensive and can require several days of hospitalization, so we strongly urge you to ask about snake aversion class and always be on the lookout in your yard and on walks.