By Park East Animal Hospital

Leptospirosis is in the news today, with three people confirmed infected in the Bronx. "Lepto" is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can spread to humans, and it also poses a risk to dogs. In humans and pets, leptospirosis is contracted via contact with the urine of infected animals, especially rodents.

This contact most commonly occurs either by direct exposure to areas where rodents nest or in areas of standing water such as lakes, ponds, pools, or fountains. Once a pet is infected, its urine also becomes a vector for the disease. In a dense city environment, this makes the prompt recognition and treatment of leptospirosis extremely important.

Know how your dog normally behaves, and be alert to any of the following signs:

• Fever/Shivering
• Muscle Tenderness
• Increased Thirst or Urination
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Inappetance
• Lethargy

While leptospirosis is a potentially very serious illness, it is both treatable and preventable. Limit your and your pet's potential exposure by avoiding contact with standing water or areas where rodents congregate. If you feel that your lifestyle or environment predispose your pet to the risk of exposure, you can discuss vaccination with your veterinarian. If your pet displays any of the symptoms listed above, see your veterinarian right away. Depending on the physical exam findings and your history, further diagnostics may be indicated. If your pet is confirmed to have an active infection, treatment is available. If you are concerned about leptospirosis in yourself, consult your physician.

If your pet is exhibiting these symptoms, or if you feel that your pet's lifestyle might increase their risk of exposure, please contact us at Park East to speak with a veterinarian.

By Rachel Thornton, VMD

Show your pets that you love them by keeping them safe on Valentine’s Day! As with many holidays, Valentine’s Day brings its own risks for your furry loved ones at home.  Follow these tips to avoid any unanticipated pet emergencies:

1. Chocolate is everyone’s favorite Valentine’s Day gift, but can cause severe illness if ingested by your family pet.  Keep all chocolates locked in a safe spot, where even the craftiest of dogs and cats won’t be able to get access to them.
2. If you’re sending flowers to a feline-friendly household, make sure your arrangements do not include lilies.  Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, and can lead to fatal kidney disease.  If you’re unsure about the contents of your bouquet, refer to the ASPCA’s toxic and non-toxic plant library for a visual guide.  Be sure to check arrangements you may have received as well. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants.
3. Cats and dogs love to play with ribbons, cellophane, and various styles of wrapping tapes.  Please make sure to dispose of the wrapping properly after opening your presents, as these stringy materials can become lodged if swallowed, and lead to unwanted emergencies.
4. Although a candle-lit meal may sound romantic, don’t forget to blow out any candles and keep an eye on your alcoholic beverages if you’re leaving the room, as both of these can lead to injuries and illnesses if your pets become a bit too curious.

Park East is open 24/7, so if your dog or cat does have an emergency, please call us as soon as possible and talk to the doctor who will advise you regarding what treatment is recommended.

Help your pet enjoy a happy and safe Valentine’s Day with lots of hugs - and maybe an extra of his or her favorite treat - or two!

By Leah Jackson, VMD

The groundhog promised us six more weeks of winter, and it seems like we may get it all in one day! While we can all hope that spring is right around the corner, we know that temperatures in the city can drop even faster than the snow can pile up. The doctors and staff of Park East Animal Hospital would like to offer the following advice to help your pet stay safe, warm, and healthy this winter.

Be Aware Indoors
When it's cold outside, all too often it is also cold inside. A space heater or - if you're lucky - a fireplace is a great way to stay warm when temperatures plunge, but can also pose a risk for pets. Be sure not to leave fires or heaters unattended. If using a fireplace, be sure that the flue is open, allowing smoke to escape through the chimney. Clear out the charred remains after the fire has burnt out to prevent curious pets from ingesting ashes. And don't leave pets alone with any heat source, especially the elderly or those with impaired ambulation, to minimize the risk of burns.
 
Bundle Up!
Some dogs, especially larger breeds, find the cold air invigorating.  However, jackets and sweaters are advisable for short-haired or hairless breeds and smaller dogs who may not be fully equipped to deal with outdoor winter temperatures. The best dog sweaters cover the chest and end at the tail. Outerwear for dogs is available in a variety of materials, although wool and fleece are the most common. If you live in a snowy area, water-resistant materials, such as the ones used for human parkas, may be better, so research alternatives before deciding on the right type of sweater or coat for your dog.

Protect Pets’ Feet
Pets that move about on sidewalks, driveways or streets run the risk of picking up rock salt, ice and other chemicals in their foot pads. To prevent irritation to your dog’s feet, consider getting him a set of boots.  If you choose not to have your dog wear shoes, make certain to wash all four feet thoroughly after every walk. There is a tendency for dogs to lick the salt off their feet, which can cause an inflammation of the digestive tract.  An alternative to boots is called Musher’s Secret, which is a wax that was developed in Canada to protect the feet of sledding dogs. Musher's Secret is made of natural non-toxic materials and forms a breathable bond with your dog's paws to protect them from the elements.  It can also be used in the summer to protect feet from hot pavement.
 
Antifreeze
Antifreeze smells and tastes sweet and delicious to pets, but is very toxic.  Be sure to keep antifreeze in sealed containers out of reach of curious dogs and cats, and clean up any spills immediately.  Be careful when walking dogs on city streets as antifreeze may leak from parked cars and pool up along the curb or in driveways.  If your pet has ingested antifreeze, please call Park East Animal Hospital immediately.
 
Watch Out For Ice
Be particularly careful when escorting elderly or arthritic pets outside. They will become stiff and tender quickly in the cold air and may find it difficult to move about in the snow or ice. Keep them close to your side if your path is icy. A bad slip can cause a ruptured disc, broken leg or other major injury.

If your pet is showing signs of injury, toxic exposure, or hypothermia, please remember that the doctors at Park East Animal Hospital are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide the best possible care for you and your pets.