Question: How often should dogs


and cats be vaccinated? Answer: Dogs should be vaccinated


with a combination Distemper/Parvo/ Lepto and a rabies shot annually. Cats should have a Feline Distemper com- plex/Feline Leukemia and a rabies shot annually. There are other vaccines that may be necessary or appropriate in spe- cial circumstances. Puppies and kittens should have a series of vaccinated boosters monthly from 6-9 weeks until 4 months of age. Dogs and cats should be covered by monthly heartworm, intesti- nal parasite and flea and tick repellent. We have essentially every bacterial and viral disease that we vaccinate for in our local companion animals. Q: Why is it important to control


ticks and fleas? A: Ticks and fleas are not just nui-


sance pests, they also carry life-threat- ening diseases to our pets and us. In Baxter County, we have Ehrlichia,


Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Anaplasmosis and Bartonella in our dogs. Our cats have the deadly Cy- tauxzoon, as well as Tularemia and Hae- mobartnella. We diagnose a case of tick- borne disease daily at our clinics in Mountain Home. Humans get tick borne diseases also. There is now a return of Yersinia pestis — human plague in cats which is transmitted by flea bites. Flea and tick control is a battle on multiple fronts. Effective flea and tick repellents are a must for pets. Several also have the ability to sterilize the parasites or pre- vent them from completing their life cy- cles. Removing environmental contami- nants/habitat and treating the home or yard environment can be necessary. Call and check with your exterminator com- panies. Q: What should you do if your flea


and tick control method is no longer effective? A: If your flea and tick control is no


longer working, it may be time for a switch or you may have environmental infestation that requires premise spray- ing. Several new oral products such as NexGard or Bravecto are working very well. Ask your veterinarian and call your exterminator. Sometimes saving a cou- ple of dollars on the front end could cost big dollars and illness if you get a sick pet or an infestation. Remember, a flea’s entire life cycle takes less than three weeks, so exposure to chemicals over time can breed resistant fleas and ticks. Q: What are common concerns dur-


ing summer? A: In summertime it is important to


6 ❚ MAY/JUNE 2019 ❚ LIVING WELL


make some allowances for your pet. It is normal for their appetites to decrease in hot weather, but their water consump- tion increases. Remember, your pet can- not sweat; they have to pant to cool down. Special animals that are old, overweight, short-nosed (brachyce- phalic) or sick are especially at risk. Pro- vide plenty of shade and water, and walk them early morning and late evening. Thin-coated dogs are also prone to sun- burn. Q: What should you provide your


pet outside in the heat? A: Your pet should not be left unat-


tended for extended periods of time dur- ing the heat of summer. A pet’s mini- mum summer needs are shelter from the


Dr. Rob Conner holds a pair of baby squirrels at his office in Mountain Home.


sun, rain and wind. There should be am- ple amounts of fresh water available at all times. There should also be a shade and a breeze for hot days, but also shel- ter from sudden rains. Remember, hypo-


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