If you want to call this winter, whatever it is will be ending by March. Then we start seeing an increase of many diseases in the spring. The number one problem in dogs will be parvovirus diarrhea and vomiting. Pups under one year of age are at greatest risk.

This disease is completely preventable by a full set of vaccines. Puppies are never finished with their vaccines until over 3 months of age. Call for the specifics of our vaccination programs.

Kittens and cats will be getting frequent upper respiratory infections that make them get nasal discharge or inflamed eyes or both. The most common one is caused by our good old friend Herpes virus.

The cat virus is a cousin to the fever blister and genital herpes of humans. Many species have their own version of herpes virus. We have vaccine against the cat virus but it must be given before the pet is exposed to work best. Horses also get respiratory herpes that is like the flu and it can cause a pregnant mare to abort her fetus.

There is also a vaccine for horses. A mutated form of the virus can cause paralysis in horses and contact with these animals must be avoided. Where cats are concerned we never want to forget about their most deadly viruses the leukemia virus and the feline immunodeficiency virus.

FIV is a cousin to HIV in humans. Both of these disease causing viruses can be vaccinated against. We are seeing relatively more cases of FIV because owners vaccinate for Leukemia virus since it is well known and skip the FIV vaccine that is now available to prevent the infection in cats. Humans are still waiting for a safe proven vaccine. Call any of our offices to schedule vaccination to these preventable diseases.

Ohio health agencies and Ohio wildlife agencies have measured an increase in the “black legged” or also called “deer tick” populations in the state. This is the primary tick that spreads Lyme disease in humans and dogs.

We have Lyme disease vaccine for dogs at all our offices. There has been no increase in Lyme disease in humans measured yet in Ohio. That is a good thing. Ticks are mostly found in woods or tall grass and fields. Mowed lawns are not the usual place for dogs to get ticks. Fleas love the lawn! They are the greatest enemy. You need to decide what you want most since the best flea prevention for your pets may not be the best tick preventive.

There is no pill yet for tick prevention but some of the best flea medication is oral. Tell us your situation and we can make a recommendation. Be careful not to mix products and poison your pets trying to help them.

Lastly we are now in Coyote mating season. Late winter is when they breed and may be more active. Smaller pets especially must be protected. They are common in Licking County. Coyotes are very reclusive and are good at staying out of sight. One of our clients witnessed his Yorkie taken by a Coyote on a local soccer field with wooded areas nearby.