Everyone enjoys seeing nature in our backyard. For the most part, birds, rabbits, squirrels, and the occasional deer are relatively harmless. However, there are some not often thought about threats present to our pets when wildlife is around. The most common issue we see in pets is parasites from wildlife. Things like fleas can be transmitted from squirrels and rabbits in the yard. Tapeworms are transmitted via fleas, so we may find tapeworms in our pets as well. Other intestinal parasites such as roundworm can be transmitted from ingesting wildlife. Raccoons carry a particularly bad form of roundworm that can be transmitted to our pets. Lastly, coccidia, a single cell parasite that dogs and cats can become infected with, is transmitted through feces from animals such as squirrels, geese, and deer. Other issues we can see with wildlife are less common but still may be of concern. Porcupine encounters will often result in a trip to the veterinarian, as quills that are not removed may migrate through the body and cause infection and other problems internally. Skunks may spray our pets, leaving us all with a rotten smell to deal with. Rabies and distemper viruses can both be carried and transmitted from wildlife to our pets. Leptospirosis is another disease carried by wildlife […]
Learn MoreAs spring (finally) rolls around, we start to think of bugs. In Minnesota, this includes the unofficial “state bird”, the mosquito. Mosquitoes carry and transmit deadly heartworm disease. To prevent this potentially fatal disease, we recommend monthly heartworm preventative medication. There are many heartworm preventatives on the market today, but do you know what you’re getting? Some medications contain substances which can be toxic to cats in the household. Others are cheaper but don’t protect as well. Some even have been proven to be ineffective against resistant strains of heartworm disease. For a variety of reasons, we recommend Sentinel Spectrum as our monthly heartworm preventative. Sentinel Spectrum is very similar to the Sentinel tablets we have been recommending for years. It prevents against heartworm disease, but also has deworming medication effective against roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. This is important because these intestinal parasites can cause disease in pets and some can even be transmitted to humans. Sentinel and Sentinel Spectrum also have an ingredient that is effective against fleas. Lastly, Sentinel Spectrum has an additional ingredient that works against tapeworms. Tapeworms are transmitted via fleas or from rodents or wildlife (squirrels, rabbits, etc.). Tapeworms are difficult for the veterinary community to find on routine stool sample checks, and when not found can continue […]
Learn MoreHeritage Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinarian clinic that provides examinations, diagnostic services, dental care, surgical services, medicine, grooming and boarding services in Maple Grove, Minnesota. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of pet care possible and facilitating an environment where client communication and education are at the forefront of our practice.
12624 Base Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sat: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.