It's Springtime in Colorado!

It's time for spring cleaning, hiking and outdoor adventures.  While you're working through your spring checklist, keep in mind a few "To Do's" for your furry friends...

1.  Heartworm, heartworm, heartworm!
Here at BAH, this is our number one priority this time of year.  Heartworm disease is here and it is infecting our pets. At our clinic, we had several dogs test positive in the last couple of years; all had to undergo treatment for the infection.  Heartworm is a potentially fatal and always devastating parasite infection that is spread by mosquitoes. A dog can be infected by just one bug bite!  Heartworm is easy to prevent.  Call our office today to see what your dog needs to stay safe this season!


2.  Outdoor parasites - fleas and ticks
With the warm weather, the prairie dogs have returned.  With the return of the little critters, the fleas are back too.  It's important to have any of your cats or dogs who spend any time outside be on a flea and tick preventative.  We recommend Frontline Plus because it's safe and effective.  

The most important thing to remember about flea/tick preventatives are that many of the prescription AND over-the-counter types can be deadly to cats.  Cats aren't just small dogs, and their systems handle drugs very differently.  Always check the label carefully before applying any flea medication - we've seen a fair amount of bad drug reactions to over-the-counter flea/tick preventatives given to cats.  These reactions can be anything from a bad skin reaction to seizures and even death.  When in doubt, call us - we're always happy to help!

Also, always keep in mind that flea preventative is especially important in our area!  Fleas carry bubonic plague, which CAN be transmitted to humans.  We do see plague in our area.  The best way to protect yourself is to protect your pets!