What's "Bugging" Your Pet?!?!
As we enter the spring and summer months, pests on pets becomes a real concern!  Fleas and ticks are a common concern, as are heartworms and other parasites.  It is important, as a pet owner, to be able to make an informed decision to prevent pests from feasting on your beloved pet.

Many people believe that, because their pets are indoor animals, that there is no risk of parasitic infestation.   Even indoor animals can get fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites!  A common misconception is that heartworms are only a problem on the east coast or more southern states.  We have actually had confirmed cases of heartworm in the Black Hills region in animals that have never left the state.  Pets can pick up tapeworms, roundworms and other worms from animal carcasses, catching mice, eating deer and rabbit feces, as well as eating their own and other pets’ feces.
 
Products We Offer to Keep Pests from “Bugging” Your Pet!

Bravecto Flea & Tick Prevention and Treatment for Dogs: 

• Easy oral flavored treat!
  
• Starts killing fleas and ticks in 2 hours.
  
• Lasts for 12 weeks (3 months!)
  
• Fewer doses needed and easier to remember!
• Safe in puppies as young as 8 weeks.
• Safe for breeding, pregnant and lactating females.
  
• Safe for Collies!
  

Ovitrol Flea & Tick Prevention and Treatment for Dogs: 

• Topical application flea and tick medication.
  
• Lasts for 30 days.
  
• Starts killing fleas in 15 minutes.
• Repels mosquitos.

Frontline Flea & Tick Prevention and Treatment for Cats:

• Topical application flea and tick medication.
  
• Lasts for 30 days.
  
• More effective than collars.

Profender for Cats:

• Treats hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, & tapeworms
  
• An easy topical dewormer for cats and kittens.
  
• DO NOT reapply for 30 days.
  
• No second treatment needed.

Drontal PLUS for Dogs:

• Treats hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms
  
• An oral tablet dewormer for dogs and older puppies.
• If worms are known/suspected to be present a second dose IS recommended 3-4 weeks after the initial dose.

Drontal Feline for Cats:

• Treats hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms
  
• An oral tablet dewormer for cats and older kittens.
  
• If worms are known/suspected to be present a second dose IS recommended 3-4 weeks after the initial dose.
  

Pyrantel for Puppies & Kittens:

• Treats roundworms and hookworms
  
• An oral liquid dewormer.
  
• Safe for puppies and kittens.
  
• Three to four doses are recommended for puppies and kittens, 3-4 weeks apart.
  
• If worms are known/suspected to be present a second dose IS recommended 3-4 weeks after the initial dose.
  

Heartguard & TriHeart for Dogs:

• Treats roundworms, hookworms and heartworms
  
• An oral tablet dewormer.
• Is given monthly and provides monthly protection.
  

Hearthguard Plus for Cats:

• Treats roundworms, hookworms and heartworms.
  
• An oral tablet dewormer.
  
• Is given monthly and provides monthly protection.
  

Visit our blog to read more by clicking HERE.

Why is Rabies Such a Big Deal?!?!

A question we are frequently asked at the clinic is, "Why does my animal need rabies?"  Rabies vaccinations are required by law for domestic animals for public health reasons.  Rabies is transmissible to humans and is fatal, which is why Salt Creek Veterinary Clinic requires that our patients are vaccinated for the safety of our staff and other clients visiting the clinic.  Animals that are unvaccinated and have bitten someone (including veterinary staff) must be quarantined, and in some instances euthanized.  Humans who are bitten must undergo painful and expensive treatments when bitten, the cost of which is often put on the animal's owner. 

What is rabies?  Rabies is a neurological virus spread by saliva and blood that is fatal in all mammals, including humans.  Symptoms in humans can appear similar to the flu at first and include: Fever, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Agitation, Anxiety, Confusion, Hyperactivity, Difficulty swallowing, Excessive salivation, Fear of water (hydrophobia) because of the difficulty in swallowing, Hallucinations, Insomnia, Partial paralysis.

When a person is bitten by an unvaccinated animal, they must undergo treatment within 3-10 days of being bitten.  The treatment includes 3-4 painful and expensive shots that are designed to prevent the viral infection from taking hold.  These are usually effective in preventing the virus from spreading, but in some instances it is not effective and the patient still dies.  Rabies shots include:  A fast-acting shot (rabies immune globulin) to prevent the virus from infecting you. Part of this injection is given near the area where the animal bit you if possible, as soon as possible after the bite; and, a series of rabies vaccines to help your body learn to identify and fight the rabies virus. Rabies vaccines are given as injections in your arm. You receive four injections over 14 days.

If your unvaccinated animal does bite someone, you are liable for quarantine costs, emergency medical costs for injuries, and rabies treatment expenses.  The cost to quarantine your animal can be upwards of $200.  Euthanasia and a rabies test can cost over $150.  Treatments for humans start at $3500 in Weston County and that does not include wound care, emergency room fees or other charges.  Rabies vaccinating a dog for 16 years costs $105, which is significantly more cost effective than paying for quarantines and medical care.

Vaccinating your pet is required by law and it protects you from legal liability and it protects those around you and your pet.  It is significantly less expensive to keep your pet vaccinated than it is to risk an unvaccinated pet biting you or someone else.  Rabies can be transmitted by an animal that appears to be healthy and it is fatal to other animals and to humans.  If you have any questions about rabies vaccinations or suspected rabies, contact your veterinarian or veterinary clinic for more information.  To schedule your pet for a rabies vaccine with Salt Creek Veterinary Clinic, call 307-746-4995 today!

Visit our blog to read more by clicking HERE.

Spaying and Neutering: Keeping your pet healthy and lowering the risk of cancer!

Did you know that spaying and neutering your pet does more than just prevent unwanted pregnancies?

Females that are not spayed have a much higher risk of many types of cancer, such as mammary cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer.  Females who have not been spayed are also at a higher risk of serious vaginal and uterine infections, including pyometra which can be fatal.  Females in heat will bleed, which can be messy and inconvenient.

Males who are not neutered are at an increased risk of cancers like testicular and prostate cancer.  Males that are seeking a female in heat are more likely to run off which increases their chances of being hit by a vehicle.  Neutering also helps prevent males from marking (urinating to mark territory) and can help with many behavioral challenges like aggression, fighting, humping, dominance, escaping/running, and more!

Call today to schedule your spay or neuter!  307-746-4995

Visit our blog to read more by clicking HERE.

Vaccines:  Preventative Medicine.

Why Vaccinate?

Protect your cat or dog from infectious diseases by keeping vaccinations up to date.  Vaccinations stimulate your pet’s system to develop immunity.  Because they prevent disease but do not cure disease, they must be administered BEFORE your pet is exposed! 

Your animal’s vaccination schedule depends on several factors: the age and health of your pet and conditions in his/her environment.  We would be happy to help you plan a vaccination schedule so that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.

Visit our blog to read more by clicking HERE.

Obesity: #1 cause of illness & death in pets.

Did you know that an overweight pet has increased risk of heart disease, kidney failure, pancreatitis, cancer, dental disease, joint problems, back pain, and other illnesses?

Salt Creek Vet Clinic now offers a Weight Management Exam for $20!  It includes: a technician examination to evaluate the general health of your pet, a professional analysis of your pet’s current and ideal weight, a weight-loss plan customized to your pet’s individual needs, a discount on Hill’s Science Diet Foods purchased the same day, $10 off a dental cleaning scheduled the same day, and $10 off a follow-up appointment reserved the same day!  The value is up to $55.00!

Visit our blog to read more by clicking HERE.