Pet Microchipping

It is a terrible feeling to have a lost pet. That is why we believe Microchipping your pet is so important in locating the owners of pets that are found in the neighborhood or picked up by animal control. Also very important is registering your pet once they receive a microchip. If your pet has a microchip, but you have not registered yet, please visit Home Again’s website to do so. If you need assistance in doing this, please email us and we will be happy to register your pet for you.

If your pet does not have a microchip, the Vet Tech Club of Northern Virginia Community College Loudoun Campus is hosting a Dog Wash on Saturday, April 30th. In addition to dog baths, they are offering rabies shots and free microchipping. For more information, please visit their posting here.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is alive and growing in pets, children and adults! In fact, the number of adults and children that have been diagnosed with Lyme disease is now receiving the attention of Virginia’s Governor who has appointed a task force to help deal with the Lyme disease epidemic. During the task force hearing in Fairfax this week, Governor McDonnell has designated May as Lyme Awareness Month.

All of us, at Aldie Veterinary Hospital, are very concerned about the growing number of reported Lyme disease cases in dogs. The National Capital Lyme Disease Association sites that dogs are 50-100 times more likely to encounter disease-carrying ticks than people. These ticks then enter your home or come into contact with you or your children. Here is your best defense in protecting your pets and family from Lyme disease:

  • Vaccinate your dog this Spring with the Lyme vaccine.
  • Use a flea and tick control product, such as Frontline Plus on your pet YEAR ROUND.
  • Check your dogs, cats, children and yourself regularly for ticks. Make sure to examine your pet between toes, behind ears, under armpits and around tail and head as ticks like to hide in these areas.

A great resource for information about tick-borne disease in animals may be found at dogsandticks.com. In addition, we will be providing additional information regarding Lyme disease in your pet in our next issue of the Aldie Vet Pet Gazette.

Pet First Aid

The American Red Cross has deemed April as the National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. With the warmer months fast approaching, please be mindful of the dangers that your pet may face.

  • Heat Stroke
  • Plants & Flowers
  • Jumping or falling out open windows
  • Locked in vehicles reaching extreme heat

We encourage you to click on this link to learn more about keeping your pets safe and sound while still enjoying your summer.

Canine Influenza Virus

The following information is to inform you of a viral influenza that has been diagnosed in over 30 states, including Virginia. The virus, known as the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), was originally an equine virus; however, it has mutated and is now affecting our canine companions. This virus has no known risk to humans. We are sending this email simply to inform the community of the virus and ask for your help in preventing the spread of the virus within our local community, as well as Loudoun County.

This virus has the same symptoms as Kennel Cough. These symptoms include coughing, runny nose, fever, and lethargy. Because this is a new virus to the canine species, 100% of our canine family friends can be affected. Eighty percent of the dogs infected will show mild to moderate symptoms, while 20% of the infected will carry the virus, but not show ANY symptoms. Any dog diagnosed with the virus is HIGHLY contagious and should be kept away from any other dogs.

The virus is transmitted via direct contact with respiratory secretions. This includes coughing, sneezing, and contact with food/water bowls, toys, or bedding. We are also able to carry the virus on our clothing, hair, skin, and shoes. The virus lives in the environment for up to 12 hours.

Aldie Veterinary Hospital is taking all precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus. If your animal is exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, and you have an appointment with us, we ask that you help us by staying in your car with the air conditioning running until we are ready to see you and your pet.

There is a vaccine available for prevention of the serious complications associated with this virus. At this time, we we are reviewing information provided by the vaccine manufacturer as well as test results from suspected infected animals to determine which dogs we recommend receiving the vaccine.

We’re Blogging!

We are going to try something new and totally technical for us in medicine, we are going to blog! Why Aldie Vet blog? There are many beneficial reasons for us to blog, but the most important, in my opinion, is to keep connected with the community we serve. What better way to do that, besides email and old fashion phone calls, then to blog. Be careful, if this works out, I may include Twittering.