Angel is our 5-year-old Australian Shepard who spends most of her time in our yard.  We are very diligent about applying Frontline on her to control fleas.  Do we need to continue treating her seeing that the weather has changed so dramatically in the past weeks? 

– Angel in despair

That is a great question, and one I hear so very often.  The flea lifecycle goes through various distinct stages, each of which is dramatically influenced by factors like ambient temperature and humidity.  As a general rule, I suggest that my pet owners continue monthly treatments until we experience about three to four days of continuous frost.  Having said that, you must understand that your inside environment has to be addressed separately to be sure the fleas’ lifecycle can be interrupted inside your home, thereby preventing recurring re-infestation, regardless of the outside conditions.  Sub-adult and adult fleas live principally on the host pet in order to accomplish their blood feedings.  Once eggs are laid, they fall off your Angel and continue to cycle through various immature larval stages until they once more become mature enough to resume blood feedings.  Actions you might consider include regular grooming and bathing of your pet; consistent vacuuming of furniture and any floor surfaces frequented by your Angel; and, again, the continued re-application of whatever flea control product your veterinarian might suggest.  In some cases, it is necessary to incorporate other products that are applied in the home to assist in removing the recurring source of flea contact with your pet.  Finally, a good preventative control program, guided by Angel’s vet, is the best solution to flea control in and outside your home. 

Good Luck and Happy New Year.

Dear Dr. Doug,

– Concerned Mom

First of all, I applaud and thank you for rescuing a pet needing a good home.  That is a great start for our New Year.   The issue surrounding appropriate immunizations for pets is as controversial as is the concern for vaccine schedules applied to children.  Standards presented by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association), offer guidelines that most veterinarians adhere to for guidance.  The intent of a vaccine is to protect your pet through the time when mother’s nursing is no longer available, usually by six-to-eight weeks of life, until the young pet is old enough to rely on its own immune system to protect against the many diseases that exist in and around our growing pet.  That latter age of immune competency is generally considered to occur by 16 to 17 weeks of age.  In your case, a 12-week-old kitten would need vaccine boosters now and again in three to four weeks, in order to provide that necessary protection.  The types and numbers of vaccines needed is again, somewhat arbitrary.  Again, the AVMA would suggest that all young animals receive ‘Core,’ or most essential vaccines to protect against the most concerning and most prevalent disease types your kitten may encounter.  I encourage you to make a relationship with a veterinarian who will create a proper health care program for your beloved new kitten.  Aside from vaccines, he/she may suggest regular poop examinations, a schedule for neutering or spaying your cat, if not already accomplished by the rescue group, and discuss proper diet management as well. 

Enjoy your new kitten and thanks again for adopting.

Dear Dr. Doug,

– Holding Our Noses

The accumulation of food debris and other materials covering the teeth create concretions we call ‘tartar.’   This material also attracts bacteria.  As in human dental care, veterinarians are always concerned about the deleterious impact bacteria showering the bloodstream from infected gums and teeth, can have on your pet’s heart and other organs.   Dental disease and tartar accumulation appears to be a major problem in smaller breeds, but of course, any sized dog or cat, can be afflicted.  Genetics, diet, and preventative dental care all play a role in the dental health of your pet Burton.   Many people assume that their groomer can adequately cleanse teeth, but in most cases, intermittent dental exams and formal cleansings are essential to proper and preventative care for him.  The frequency of need for a formal dental with your vet, is variable, again, dependent on some of those factors listed herein.  And, once more, I defer to your own veterinarian in determining the most appropriate cleansing schedule for Burton.  Meanwhile, there are many protocols and products that can allow you to care for his dental health at home, in order to minimize the number of formal dentals required in the vet’s office.  An ounce of prevention is certainly the rule here!

I Wish You All A Happy & Healthy New Year!  Enjoy the nachas that pets bring to you and yours.

Dr. Doug Pernikoff, a local veterinarian who has practiced for more than 30 years, is based in Chesterfield at the Clarkson-Wilson Veterinary Clinic. He can be heard with Frank O’pinion on KTRS radio each Wednesday afternoon.