Special to the Star-Herald
Isn’t it nice to be able to be outside, now that the weather is getting warmer. But with the warm weather comes fleas! It is convenient to use topical flea treatments that are applied between the shoulders to ward off fleas, but beware! There are federal warnings being listed advising pet owners and veterinarians to follow instructions closely if they are using several of the popular flea treatments. These warnings recommend closely monitoring your animal after you have applied treatment. Some of the products that are being reviewed are Hartz, Sargeant’s and Frontline. The EPA reports that symptoms ranging from mild skin irritations, to seizures, to even death have been reported in connection with these products. Federal regulators are trying to determine if the complaints are due to pet owners misapplying the products or due to chemical formulation issues. The American Veterinary Medical Association, the nation’s leading organization for animal health professionals, states that it does not have enough information to suggest vets stop using the product, “but it is something we want them to be aware of, “ said spokesman Michael San Filippo.
Please be sure to read all the instructions on the labels of such products and monitor your pets if you choose to use them.
I didn’t realize until I started to get out to exercise, how very well my dogs wintered. Two of my older dogs are just plain FAT. So, we are starting out with small amounts of exercise, but I see that since they are much older dogs, they have slowed down a lot. It makes me sad to think that by being overweight, I could be shortening their lifespan. I call it “Loving them to death.” I won’t have it. I am determined to get them out at least once a day for a nice walk. It isn’t only good for them, but it is for me as well. All of those yummy snacks add up easily and 10 lbs on a 50-lb dog is a burden for them to carry, never mind on a dog that should weigh only 10-20 lbs. It is very important to discuss a diet and exercise program with your veterinarian. We are responsible for our pet’s health and nobody wants their beloved pet to die at a young age from something we could control and that is directly related to how we ourselves care for our pets. I know mine mean too much to me and I would be riddled with guilt if something preventable killed them. Something that I have control of.
Don’t forget our upcoming Paws for the Cause walk on June 6. It will be fun for everyone. For more information, give the shelter a call. You can also download information and a pledge sheet at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society or give us a call at 764-3441. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. Our web site is under construction but you can still check out our pets at www.petfinder.com.
