This time of year ticks can be a problem for our pets. We see animals with infestations of ticks that bother you and your pet!

 Ticks can cause a host of problems for our dogs. Many dogs will scratch and rub their skin since the ticks are irritating. This leads to skin inflammation and skin infections. Medications are then needed to treat the skin problem. A most serious problem we have in South Florida is that the ticks have their own parasite called Ehrlichia. When the ticks feed, the Ehrlichia enters the dog’s body from the tick. This parasite infects the blood cells and can cause serious and life threatening problems. The platelets or “clotting cells” are often infected and the dogs can get fevers and bleeding from this parasite. Also, nosebleeds, bruising, or bleeding from other areas of the body can be other symptoms to look for. Lethargy is often a primary sign. Once the Ehrlichia is diagnosed by a blood test, medication is given to try to clear the parasite. Another tick borne parasite we see here is Anaplasma, which behaves a lot like Ehrlichia.

Other problems the ticks can cause in puppies is anemia. Also, there is a form of paralysis of the hind limbs that can occur if a certain species of tick attaches onto a dog’s neck.

To avoid all these problems, strict tick control is important.

Please contact us at (954)458-3040 for all the latest and best products to help keep your pet healthy!

  Hurricane season is here!

Preparation is the key to a safe hurricane season in South Florida. At the Animal Hospital of Hallandale, we will board your pets in case of inclement weather. Please call for information and reservations. Other Guidelines include:

Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit:

Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you'll need essential supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.). Your pet disaster supplies kit should include: Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit. Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can't escape. Current photos of your pets in case they get lost. Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener, enough for 2 weeks. Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets. Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.

 

Know What To Do As a Disaster Approaches:

Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet. Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets. Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice. Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry. Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen. You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home. Have a properly sized pet carrier for each animal – carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around.
Plan your evacuation strategy and don’t forget your pet! The Animal Hospital of Hallandale, specialized pet shelters, friends and relatives out of harm’s way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster.
If you plan to shelter your pet, work it into your evacuation route planning.
Have a list of emergency phone numbers.

http://www.floridadisaster.org/petplan.htm

DO NOT TRANQULIZE YOUR PET EXCEPT UNDER THE ADVICE OF YOUR VET!!!

 

 

For our clients living in an evacuation zone: There are limited spaces in the county's designated Pet Friendly Shelter. The location of the shelter is:

Millennium Middle School
5803 N.W. 94th Avenue     Tamarac , Florida 33321

NOTE: You must live in the evacuation zone and pre-register. If you wish to pre-register for the pet friendly shelter, please bring the below items with you to the Humane Society when you pre-register:  

• Valid proof of residence in an evacuation zone such as an electric, water or cable bill.  A driver's license will not be sufficient proof.
• Valid proof of rabies vaccination and license tag for your pets.
• The name, address and phone number of your veterinarian.
• A current photo of the pets you are planning to bring to the shelter (photo's will not be returned as they will be attached to your registration).

Criteria to be allowed into the pet friendly shelter are:
• Pet owners must be able to provide proof that they live in an evacuation area (utility bill).
• Pets must be up-to-date on rabies vaccination and licensing.
• Pets must be crated and will be housed in the same area as other pets.
• Pet owners must stay at the emergency shelter and by appointment only; provide care for their animals (i.e., walking, feeding, cleaning up after).
• Pet owners will not be allowed to sleep or stay in the room where their animals are housed

The hurricane hotline number for the HS is:  954-266-6871

A good site for information is http://www.floridadisaster.org/petplan.htm

 

We wish for all our clients and pets to have a fun and safe summer. Please call us with any questions.

 

Summertime is flea time! Fleas are a year round problem in Florida due to our warm, moist climate but there can be an increase in flea related problems in the months that we have a lot of rain. Besides the uncomforatble effects of itchy skin. hairlioss and scabs our pets can get a tapeworm from the fleas.Continued flea infestion can lead to flea allergiic dermatitis. A good offense is a good defense! We are lucky to have a new flea product available for dogs called Comfortis. It is a chewable tablet that provides month-long flea protection.Comfortis begins to kill the fleas within 30 minutes and is safe for dogs 14 weeks and older. We have seen good results with Comfortis and owners have been very happy with it. For owners that prefer not to use a topical product, Comfortis is a great alternative. Please contact us with any questions.

Please click on comments beneath our posts to view current topics, questions and answers.  Thank you and enjoy!

Dr. Joe Barbosa

 

 

 

Hello all clients and future clients!

Welcome to our website and our blog! Enjoy reading our current client information on our blog! Watch for new topics in December! Please feel free to add comments about future topics you would  like me to address!  You can post your request for future topics on the blog or email us by clicking on "contact us" on the bottom of the page.  Please sign up with your email address to receive our free monthly Animal Hosptial of Hallandale newsletter!!

Thank you,

Dr. Barbosa & Dr Yvonne Provci