Duke Veterinary Services

12 Barrington Hills Road
Barrington, IL 60010

(224)456-9076

www.dukevet.com

        

Fall Newsletter


  

Fall Scene

 

Fall is here!!!

 

Has your pet become more cuddly lately? Do they come into the house dirtier than usual? Do they protest before going outside because it's raining? These are all signs that autumn is here. As a pet owner, every season brings unique challenges. Stay vigilant this fall as you watch your pet romp and play in the warmly colored leaves.   

TickA Reminder about Fleas and Ticks: Fleas and ticks are parasites that can attack or bite your pet at any time of the year but are more active in cooler weather,since they are looking for a warm host.  You never want your pet to be afflicted by these pests, so prevention is always the best policy. Please continue to use preventives year round. Should your pet need a refill just order through Chewy and we will approve promptly.  https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/gallery/index.html 

Puddles: More rain means more standing water on the ground. Your dog will probably think this is extra drinking water, especially if they encounter a puddle while they're exhausting themselves at a park. Unfortunately, standing water is a major hazard for your pet because it can contain the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. This disease is spread through the urine of infected animals, and it can cause kidney damage, liver failure, respiratory problems, and death. There is a leptospirosis vaccine, so talk to us about immunizing your pet.

Dangerous autumn plants: Allowing your pet to sniff flowers and trees is safe if they are on a leash, but watch them carefully if they have an affinity for eating foreign objects. Certain plants that bloom in the fall are toxic to pets. If you notice any signs of stomach upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, talk to us immediately, and try to find a sample of what they accidentally ate. If for some reason you cannot reach a veterinary professional, you can call the ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. There are fees for the services, but it's well worth it. Some poisons are more dangerous than others.

onionFoods that are common in the fall: The rule of thumb is to always check with a trusted source about whether to feed your pet anything from the table. Green beans and pumpkin are safe for dogs and cats to eat, but the hot dogs from your tailgate party likely aren't because they contain so many additives. Avoid foods like garlic and onion, which you might add to a hearty soup.  

Definitely don't let any Halloween candy reach the floor!  Xylitol is found in many sugar free candies and gum and is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, or even death in dogs.   

Have a question about pet health? Want to become the best possible pet parent? Find helpful tips, reminders, and insight to giving your furry friend the best possible care.  Learn more at https://dukevet.com/contact-us.pml