We just spent an entire month making lists and crossing off our accomplishments (pat yourself on the back). But, now that we’re rounding the final corner toward the new year, it’s time for another list: pet owner resolutions.

For your pet, his or her resolutions could certainly include things like eating slower, staying off your favorite pieces of furniture, or letting go of questionable behaviors. However, for you, we offer some ideas geared toward pet total wellness in the new year. Let’s reflect and get inspired and motivated for 2017!

Sharing Is Caring

Pet owner resolutions are more attainable when you have support. That’s why we’re here! Please allow us to help you make the right changes for your pet. With that said, we recommend considering whether any of these healthful ideas may positively impact your pet.

• Nutrition – Many pet owner resolutions include some concerns about a pet’s weight. Addressing nutritional needs is a great place to start, but changing your pet’s diet should never be done overnight. Measured portions, fewer treats, and no table food can all go a long way toward trimming the silhouette.
• Activities – Of course, exercise is good for everyone and not just for an overweight pet. However, the fact remains that to lose weight your pet must get moving. Provided your pet is up for it, plan your days with at least 30 minutes of physical activity for him or her.
• Sink your teeth in – Pet dental health may seem like something you can ignore, but keeping up a weekly routine of brushing at home can actually save your pet from gum disease and systemic illness. Group this with grooming and your pet will eventually adapt to your efforts. Reward with a good snuggle or extra time at the park.
• Community – Pet owners represent a group of animal advocates like no other. Get involved (with or without your pet) to help animals in need. It will enable you to meet others who care deeply about pets in your community, which can even deepen the bond you have at home with your pet.
• New customs – It’s very common for pet owners to surrender yearly or biannual veterinary exams if there are no worrisome or obvious symptoms. Pet diseases can be very sneaky, though, becoming too difficult to treat if left alone. Also, it’s always important to update vaccinations, parasite prevention, and other facets of overall wellness.

Pet Owner Resolutions to Believe In

While it’s easy to make to-do lists, it can be challenging to stick to resolutions. Hopefully, our list of pet owner resolutions proves to be as uncomplicated and manageable as possible.

Please let us know if you have any questions or need help acquiring the best pet health in 2017. Cheers!

The post Move over 2016: Pet Owner Resolutions for a Healthy New Year appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Like much of the United States, we enjoy four distinct seasons here in Cleveland; rainy springs, warm summers, crisp autumns, and snowy winters. While we are fortunate to not experience a lot of the extreme weather dangers typically seen in other parts of the country, Cleveland residents (and their pets) must contend with a longer-than-average winter, typically November-April.

With a colder and snowier winter already forecasted for Northeast Ohio, it’s time to start making plans to keep you and your pet active and engaged during the coldest months. West Park Animal Hospital has put together a guide aimed at helping you and your pets not only survive but also thrive this winter in Cleveland.

 

1. Winter in Cleveland Can Be Fun!

It’s a rare dog who doesn’t love to play in the snow, so don’t be afraid to bundle up your pooch for a snowy walk around the lake or romp in the yard. Social dogs will be happy to learn that many of Cleveland’s dog parks remain open year-round. This means canine friends can still get together to play, even when the white fluffy stuff is on the ground!

2. Winter in Cleveland Can Be Cold!

Playing outside is fun and necessary, but keeping winter pet safety in mind is a must in our cold climate:

Know the signs of hypothermia, and keep pets protected with a coat or sweater while outdoors.

Your pet’s paws are especially vulnerable to winter wear and tear from snow, ice, and toxic road salt. Wash and dry your pet’s paws each time he or she comes indoors, and consider purchasing a set of booties for added protection.

Keeping your pet leashed when out and about will help keep him or her away from winter hazards, such as antifreeze and partially frozen lakes, ponds, and rivers.

3. Good News for Outdoor Pets

Cold weather brings with it an increase in animal neglect situations here in Cleveland, and many outdoor pets suffer needlessly each year. City ordinance 603.091, effective December 2014, clearly spells out the definitions of adequate shelter and provisions for outdoor pets. Pet owners in violation of the ordinance face hefty fines and even jail time.

Our tip: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets. Bring them inside when temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Indoor Activities for Cleveland Pets

Winter weight gain is a big concern for pets, but sometimes it’s simply too cold to go outside for exercise. Fortunately, Cleveland boasts numerous indoor dog facilities, such as Thank Dog Bootcamp, where your dog can exercise and play with you and other dogs.

Signing your dog up for a training or agility class is another great way to burn off steam indoors. North Coast Dogs and The Dog Class offer a variety of fun and challenging programs for dogs of all abilities.

5. Getting Out of Town

If you’re planning on traveling with your pet this season, make sure to pack with his or her winter safety needs in mind. Load up on extra blankets, fresh water, your dog’s sweater or coat, and a towel to wipe off paws after a romp in the snow. And, don’t forget your pet first aid kit!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health and safety this winter, or want to make sure he or she is up-to-date on vaccines and parasite preventatives, don’t hesitate to contact the team at West Park Animal Hospital.

The post 5 Things Pet Owners Should Know about Winter in Cleveland appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Who doesn’t want to save a few bucks? When it comes to do-it-yourself at home pet remedies, there is no shortage of suggestions. But, how do you separate the good advice from the mythical, or even downright dangerous?

Join us at West Park Animal Hospital as we put some ineffective DIY pet remedies to rest.

Taking on Pet Skin Woes

A common and often frustrating woe for many a pet parent, skin trouble is the focus of several DIY pet remedies. Many of these suggestions, however, are less than effective and a few may cause more harm than good. Take for example:

Changing your pet’s food – Dogs and cats can certainly have food allergies, although they are not as common as the pet-owning public might believe. For pets with food allergies, simply switching store brands is not a good idea for a few reasons. Over-the-counter diets are not manufactured in the same manner prescription diets are, leaving your food trial to be inconclusive. Also, exposing your pet to a variety of novel proteins, such as lamb, fish, or venison, can limit our options when conducting a true food trial.

Battling fleas with garlic – While garlic is touted all over the internet as a natural way to repel fleas, there simply isn’t any scientific evidence that this is true. In high doses garlic can also be toxic to pets. With the number of safe and effective options for flea preventatives available to us, there simply isn’t any reason to chance it.

At home concoctions for treating ear trouble – It may be tempting to use a homemade solution to clean your pet’s ears, but sometimes these are not all they are cracked up to be. In particular, the rubbing alcohol in many of these solutions can be drying and burn irritated ears. The bubbling action of hydrogen peroxide can startle may pets, making handling the ears more difficult down the road.

DIY Pet Remedies for Tummy Trouble

Pets also tend to experience their fair share of tummy troubles. Think twice before trying at home remedies for an upset stomach.

Offering milk – For some reason people like to think that offering a dish of milk is good for an upset stomach. Animals are lactose intolerant, though, and milk (other than that of their mothers) is liable to cause stomach issues rather than help them.

Inducing vomiting – There are times when administering hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting is recommended. It is important to always do so under the guidance of a veterinarian, however, as there are some objects and substances that should not be vomited. Hydrogen peroxide can also cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract and, depending on the situation, it is usually safer for the pet to come to the hospital to have vomiting induced in a safer manner.

Giving the pink stuff – Pepto Bismol used to be a go-to for pet owners with animals who had queasy stomachs. The formulation now contains salicylates, however, which are aspirin derivatives that may result in serious side-effects.

Trying to troubleshoot pet problems yourself may be tempting, but many times they just aren’t worth the trouble. DIY pet remedies rarely result in a fix, and often just delays your pet receiving the proper care.

In the case of some itchy skin, besides your pet needlessly being uncomfortable, there may be no harm done. In other situations, though, such as a foreign object being stuck in the digestive tract, trying to fix things at home wastes valuable time and may result in a poor prognosis.

We want your pet to be at his or her best and are always happy to help you achieve that goal. Give us a call if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s care and for advice about any DIY pet remedies you may be tempted to try.

The post DIY Pet Remedies: Separating the Fact from the Fiction appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Who can say no to a basketful of fluffy kittens? Not many of us. It can be overwhelming to take on a litter of new baby cats who need your help, but caring for stray kittens can be a rewarding experience. Keep reading to learn what it takes to get these little bundles of joy off to a good start.

It’s All in the Age

How much and what type of care is needed depends highly on how old your little wards are. Newborn kittens need a lot of help and rely on mom for everything, from food to helping them go to the bathroom.

Determining the age of your kittens can help you understand what they need from you. If mom isn’t around, you may need to bottle-feed the kittens. If at all possible, kittens should remain with their mother until around 5 to 6 weeks of age.

Caring for Stray Kittens

Stray kittens have a few basic needs that they will rely on you to provide. These include:

Warmth – Just like any baby, a kitten is not good at regulating body temperature. Keep your kitten(s) in a warm, dry place (around 90 F for the first week).

Veterinary care – We should examine your kitten(s) to be sure that they are not dehydrated or suffering from any other concerning health problems. It is also important for us to check for parasites and deworm them, even at an early age. Fleas can also severely debilitate or even kill a small kitten and must be treated with safe medications.

Food – If the mother cat is not present, your kitten(s) will rely on you to feed them until they can eat solids around 4-5 weeks of age. Most kittens can be bottle fed with kitten milk replacer (never give cow’s milk). They will need to eat every 3-4 hours around the clock.

Stimulation to eliminate – Young kittens often cannot urinate or defecate without stimulation. The mother cat licks the kitten’s abdomen in order to initiate elimination. You will need to help your kitten(s) by gently rubbing their bellies at each feeding for the first few weeks.

Of course, all kittens need lots of love and affection as well. Luckily, this is the easiest and most fun part of raising kittens.

When to Ask for Help

Helping to raise stray kittens can be rewarding, but sometimes it is a little more than the average pet owner can take on. If you are not able to provide the care required (bottle feeding a whole litter round the clock is demanding) or your kittens are not doing well, please ask for help.

Kittens are very susceptible to disease, particularly upper respiratory infections and diarrhea, both of which can be devastating if not treated appropriately. Please let us know right away if your kittens are not eating well or exhibiting symptoms of illness.

It is okay to ask animal control or a rescue group for help if you are not able to care for stray kittens. Rest assured that they will be in good hands, and much better off than if left to their own means.

Caring for stray kittens is often a wonderful experience, but can be challenging for even the most dedicated cat lover. Should you choose to take on this task, know that West Park Animal Hospital is here to help you with all of your questions and difficulties along the way.

The post The Cutest Endeavor Ever: Caring for Stray Kittens appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Just when you thought you pulled the wool over your pet’s eyes, he or she spits out the pill you oh-so-stealthily slipped into that deliciously creamy Havarti. It’s so aggravating when all your hard work is literally laying on the floor between you… Not to mention a tragic loss of cheese.

The echoes of “it’s for your own good” fall flat: your pet has got you in a corner. Luckily, we’ve got just what the doctor ordered. Our tips and tricks for sneaking medication to pets are coming right up!

A Big Pill To Swallow

Some of the most commonly prescribed pet medications are used to treat infections, pain, inflammation, kill parasites, reduce anxiety, and treat specific conditions like allergies, diabetes, or cancer.

Pets on a prolonged medication schedule tend to grow wise to the normally effective “stick it in some cheese” method, and the revolt is nothing less than frustrating.

Getting Clever

Fear not! Sneaking medication to pets doesn’t have to be tiresome; instead, think of the trial and error period as re-acquainting yourself to your individual pet’s quirks. In short, get clever and figure out what your pet will endure and accept.

Similarly, it’s important to scale back on your stress level. When your pet picks up on your anxiety, worry, or apprehension he or she will react in kind. Set a tone that is light-hearted and reassuring before administering the medicine. Never force the dose.

Sneaking Medication to Pets

Many medications now come flavored, and if it’s an option you could see if your pet will accept it. Alternatively, if your pet balks at a bitter tasting pill, slip the tablet into plain gelcaps. These slide down a bit easier and if you’re masking them in food, the bitterness remains well-hidden.

Taking Time

If you are struggling inside your home, take your pet outside where he or she is apt to become distracted by the all the smells and sights. Get those good feelings rolling and then offer the medication. Follow up with a game, exercise, or special treat to buoy all those earlier positive associations.

The Food Trick

Many medications cause stomach upset and should be taken without food. Otherwise, sneaking medication to pets can be done via regular meals or snacks. Please let us know if you are unsure how your pet’s medication should be given.

Our tips include:

• Cutting larger pills into smaller pieces and cover with wet food. Observe closely to ensure your pet ate all the medication.
• Cooked chicken, tuna, or small hot dog bites, cream cheese, banana, or peanut butter work very well to entice your pet. If your pet spits out the pill, try smaller bits.
• If the bits still aren’t getting eaten, you may grind up the pill and sprinkle over food or treats.
• Edible pill pockets are usually successful
• Become one with the pill dispenser. Sometimes food options fail to inspire pets, especially if they are sick, injured, or have been on medication for a length of time. Once you get into the groove, you and your pet will simply accept the task and move on afterwards (cue the ‘atta boy/girl and lots of back scratches, though).

Somebody’s Gotta Do It

Administering medication to your pet isn’t fun or easy, but it’s part of the job sometimes. Please contact our veterinarians and staff if you need help addressing the needs of your puppy or kitten, or your senior pet. We are always here to support the health of your pet!

The post Who’s The Boss? Tips and Tricks For Sneaking Medication To Pets appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Along with annual veterinary care, the wonderful things you do for your fur friend on a daily basis are also integral to good health and wellbeing. From diet to exercise, these are many daily pet care tips out there – the trick is knowing which ones you can rely on. That’s why West Park Animal Hospital has compiled the following list.

Optimal Daily Pet Care Tips: Beyond a Walk in the Park

1. Hydration hacks – Most of us know how much cats love running water. Just turn on the tap, and you’ll find your curious feline sipping from the drip. That’s why a water fountain type dispenser is a great way to keep your kitty hydrated. For finicky dogs who may not enjoy the temperature or taste of (bleh) tap water, try cool, filtered water instead. If that doesn’t work, add some sodium-free chicken broth or ice cubes.
2. The right sleeping spot – Believe it or not, pets are pretty particular about their resting areas. Cats, for example, may prefer to sleep somewhere that’s out of the way – perhaps in a closet or under the bed. Senior pets who suffer from arthritis need extra comfort and support, such as an orthopedic bed. Small pocket pets and exotic pets need their cage bedding cleaned regularly for health and comfort. Always consider your pet’s specific needs when selecting the right bed, bedding, or sleeping quarters.
3. Wash those bowls – Another daily pet care tip involves cleaning and sanitizing water and food bowls at least once a week. This ensures the removal of bacteria and biofilm (that slimy layer that develops on your pet’s food and water bowls). It also discourages flies and other pests.
4. More exercise, please – It’s easy to skip a day or two of dog walks or cut playtime short when life gets a little chaotic. However, exercise has a big impact on health, weight management, and behavioral problems. Try scheduling at least 20 minutes of exercise each day. Remember, indoor kitties can benefit from chasing that laser light.
5. Avoid trendy diets – Organic is always better? Cats should be on gluten-free diets? Pets can be vegan? There are a number of articles online and in print that promote these dietary trends among animals. However, this may result in sick pets. Unlike organic foods for people, these labels can be misleading for pet foods, which do not meet the same guidelines. Grains can also be swapped out for less nutritious tapioca or other fillers (surprisingly, few pets are actually allergic to grains). To get some insight into the best diet for your pet, ask us for nutritional recommendations that meet his or her unique needs.
6. Indoor pet parasite protection – Many pet guardians mistakenly believe that indoor cats and dogs are safe from illnesses transmitted by other animals and pests. Unfortunately, this is not the case. If you haven’t noticed, mosquitoes have a way of making their way indoors through small cracks and openings in your house. This means fleas, ticks, and other insects can also get inside. Screen doors, open windows, and visiting pets can also put an unvaccinated and unprotected pet at risk.

For more daily pet care tips, please ask the team at West Park Animal Hospital.

The post 6 Surprising Daily Pet Care Tips appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

The sheer number of activities during the summer is astounding. Your calendar is brimming with play dates, outdoor adventures, and BBQ’s. Chances are, your pet rushes into this busy schedule with delight, which is why our staff has compiled the following summer pet safety tips and tricks.

Some Basics

Before the heat and humidity hits our fair city, we recommend scheduling your pet’s wellness visit. This proactive approach ensures your pet’s parasite preventives and vaccinations are up to date. A routine check can also reveal problems, such as arthritis, that could become worse if your pet joins you outdoors this summer.

Other Fundamentals

When we go outside, we slather ourselves with liberal amounts of sunblock and insect repellent. It’s not a stretch to assume the same products are effective for pets. However, it’s critical to know which products are considered safe for use on animals. If you ever have any doubt, please contact us.  

A Priority for Summer Pet Safety

A pet left alone in a parked car on a hot summer day can quickly become an emergency situation. The dangers of heatstroke are very real, and keeping your pet cool at all times is a major tenet of summer pet safety.

A Word on Dangerous Plants

Frolicking may very well be your pet’s favorite summer pastime. While this is wonderful to witness and enjoy, exercising caution is another technique of summer pet safety.

Not only can shrubbery or tall grass harbor ticks, your pet could also brush past poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac while on a summer jaunt. This may not present any real danger to your pet, but urushiol oil from these plants could rub off your pet’s coat and onto your furniture or bedding. This leaves you and your family at risk of developing very itchy rashes.

Similarly, foxtails can be extremely dangerous to a curious pet. Mostly found in western states, these sharp, spiky grasses can become stuck in a pet’s nose, mouth, ears, or eyes. Foxtails can also burrow and move further into the body.

Before You Go

Once your pet receives a clean bill of health (and is properly protected against parasites), you may want to get busy with a serious exercise regimen. If your pet isn’t used to intense levels of exertion, we recommend gradually easing into a regular routine.

With these summer pet safety tips in mind, West Park Animal Hospital hopes you and your pet have a happy and healthy summer. As always,please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!

The post Fish are Jumpin’, Cotton is High: It’s Time for Summer Pet Safety appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Chances are good that if you’re reading this blog, you are a pet owner and animal lover who does not need advice on the proper way to show love and tenderness toward your precious pet. Unfortunately, many pets in the U.S. are not so fortunate. Animal abuse and neglect is a sad fact of life, and one that occurs in almost every community in the United States.

While it may seem like there is nothing you can do about animal abuse, this is not always the case. Being on the lookout for signs that animals you come across are being abused, and reporting that abuse, can make a significant impact in the fight against animal cruelty. Learn about the signs of abuse or neglect, and what you can do to stop it in your community.

Physical Signs Of Animal Abuse Or Neglect

The following bodily conditions are good indications that an animal is being treated badly and needs help:

• Too-tight collar that has caused a wound or become embedded in the skin
• Open wounds, multiple wounds, untreated illness or injury
• Untreated skin conditions, loss of hair, fleas, ticks, or other parasites
• Signs of poor grooming, such as extremely matted or dirty fur or overgrown nails
• Weakness, limping, or inability to stand or walk normally
• Emaciation or other signs of malnourishment
• Witnessing an owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal

Environmental Signs Of Animal Abuse or Neglect

While not all abused animals show outward signs of abuse or neglect, their living conditions can often give us a clue as to how they are being treated:

• Pets are chained or tied up outdoors for extended periods of time without adequate food or water
• Animals are kept outside in cold or inclement weather without access to proper shelter
• Pets’ living area is excessively dirty or dangerous, this may include a large buildup of feces, garbage, broken glass, or other dangerous and potentially harmful objects
• Animals are kept in cages or kennels, often together with other animals, that are too small to allow for any natural movements, including standing and turning around

How You Can Help An Abused Or Neglected Animal

If you suspect an animal is being abused or neglected, please call the Cleveland Animal Protective League at (216) 377-1630 as well as our local police department.

It’s important to gather as much information as possible before submitting an animal cruelty report. Try to have any or all of the following materials ready:

• Written statement of your observations, including dates and times if possible
• Photographs of the animal or animals in question and of their location and/or surroundings
• Names and contact information of anyone else who may have knowledge of the abuse situation if possible

When gathering your information, be very mindful to not put yourself in harm’s way, especially when attempting to take photographs. Don’t enter private property without permission and exercise extreme caution around unfamiliar animals.

At West Park Animal Hospital we are committed to battling animal abuse in Cleveland and throughout the United States. If you have any questions regarding the signs of animal cruelty, please give us a call.

The post Signs Of Animal Abuse Or Neglect And How You Can Help appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

It seems there are two types of pet owners: those who relish friendly pet kisses and those who cringe at the thought. Some animal lovers go so far as to kiss their pets on the mouth!

Whether you’re one of the affectionate types or not, there’s a lot of confusion about the safety and health risks associated with kissing a pet. So, is it disgusting or adorable?

Pet Kisses: Gross, Sweet, or Just Unsanitary?

First, let’s dismiss one of the biggest myths around – that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. All animal and human mouths contain a variety of bacteria, some of which can make us ill.

When it comes to canines, pasteurella is a common bacterium found in the oral cavity and on the face. Pasteurella from the saliva of a four-legged pal can enter a cut, scrape, or wound, leading to infection. Bartonella henselae is another type of bacteria that can be spread to people through the saliva of cats.

Other illnesses that can be transmitted to people (zoonotic diseases) include:

• Giardia
• Rabies (most states require rabies vaccination)
• Leptospirosis
• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Cryptosporidium

West Park Animal Hospital encourages owners to consider vaccinating against leptospirosis and giardia if exposure seems likely (for example, a lot of time spent outdoors).

While acquiring infections, parasites, and illnesses from smooching a pet is rare, children and those with compromised immune systems should avoid contact with animal saliva, feces, and urine. Please contact us for more information about protecting you and your pet.

The Good News About Pet Kisses

Fortunately, the occasional pet kiss doesn’t warrant a hazmat suit or a case of Lysol. However, be prudent when dealing with young children since they’re more susceptible to parasites and bacterial infections (and always have their fingers in their mouths).

On a positive note, some studies have revealed a link between early exposure to the germs and bacteria pets carry and a decreased risk of developing certain allergies and asthma. In addition, pet saliva is thought to contain histatins which promote wound healing.

Rather than fight the inevitable early morning pet kisses, one of the best ways to diminish your risk of zoonotic diseases is through regular preventive care and hygiene. This includes:

• Annual fecal exams
• Tailored vaccinations and parasite preventives (based on lifestyle, exposure risk, etc.)
• Deworming
• Good hygiene at home (for example, teach children to wash their hands thoroughly before meals and after playing with a pet)
• Keep the yard free of feces
• Discourage your pet from eating feces or drinking from puddles, ponds, lakes, and other areas where wildlife are present

Remember, there’s always a risk of getting sick when it comes to pet kisses. To stay on the safe side, make sure your pet is healthy, vaccinated, and parasite-free before the lick bandit puts you or your family at risk.

SMOOCH!

The post Pucker Up! The Truth About Pet Kisses and Health appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

 

The mounds of snow in the Midwest have mostly melted, and with any luck we are past the time of year for blizzards. While you may be rejoicing that spring is nearly here, don’t get too caught up in your garden plans and leisurely walks with your dog in the sunshine. You have an important task to accomplish.

Remember all that dog poop in your backyard that it was too cold to go retrieve? Well, it’s time.

Picking up your backyard should be an important part in your spring cleaning plans. Scooping poop is essential for responsible pet ownership and the health and well-being of your pet and those around you. Need some more motivation? Read on to discover the virtues of hygiene and pet feces.

Pet Feces Annoyances

Let’s face it, poop is gross. Having a yard littered with pet feces is not attractive and won’t win you any neighbor of year awards. Responsible pet owners should always be picking up after their pets when nature calls in a public place, and should be regularly scooping poop in their own yards. A few common sense reasons to bust out the pooper scooper include:

• No one likes to step in a squishy surprise
• The odor is not attractive
• Attentive scooping helps to be sure that more places will allow dogs to frequent them
• No one wants pet waste washed into our waterways
• Feces attract flies, which are not as fun to watch as birds
• Your dog is less likely to pick up a taste for the finer things in life if there is no poop to sample

Don’t delay for too long… once those April showers start your job may not be as easy as when things are still a little more frozen.

Do It for the Animals

Feces contain bacteria and other organisms that can be a threat to your pet’s health. Even if your pet isn’t a poop-eater, he or she probably plays with a ball that has hit the dirt or occasionally licks his or her paws. If your soil is contaminated with pet feces, your pet could be at risk.

Some common pathogens transmitted in the feces include:

• Roundworms
• Whipworms
• Hookworms
• Tapeworms
• Coccidia
• Giardia
• Parvovirus
• Campylobacter
• Salmonella
• E. coli

Even if your dog is on a good parasite prevention, 1 gram of his or her feces (about the size of a dice) can still contain up to 23 million bacteria!

Picking up after your pet promptly can help to ensure that these nasty bugs don’t leach into the soil, contaminating our water supply with these things. It also decreases the odds that your pet (or another) will become sick as a result of exposure.

The “Z” Word

Unfortunately, zoonoses are a real thing. A zoonotic disease is one that is transmissible between animals and people. Many pet parasites and bacteria can infect humans as well, making pet feces a potentially hazardous source of disease. Protect your family and those around you by practicing good hygiene with your pet’s poop.

Hopefully you are inspired to go grab a bag or two and get started on that yard. Pet feces are no joke, and picking up after your pet is an important part of good pet ownership.

The post Scoop That Poop: Hygiene and Pet Feces appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.