Pause For Our Pets
Dealing With Fleas & Ticks
by Dr. Mindy Cohan
Despite the accurate prediction by a famous local groundhog, spring will eventually arrive. However, fleas, ticks, and heartworms will replace the nuisance of shoveling snow and freezing temperatures. These parasites plague pets and their owners.Â
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Fleas pose the danger of anemia (a low red blood cell count), infectious diseases, and severe itchiness. Flea control must involve treating both the home and pet.
Ticks can transmit serious diseases to both people and pets. Lyme disease is the most common illness carried by ticks. The symptoms seen in dogs affected by Lyme disease include lethargy, decreased appetite, fever, and swollen, sore joints. Although Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, some infections lead to permanent and irreversible kidney damage.
Mosquitoes transmit heartworm disease. Infected dogs and cats will develop worms in the heart and vessels leading to the lungs. Although heartworm disease is more common in dogs, cats are also at risk.       Â
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There are several effective products used to prevent infection and infestation from heartworms, fleas and ticks. It is best to consult your veterinarian to learn which product best suits your pet.
Click to listen to Dr. Mindy talk about fleas and ticks!
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Dr. Mindy Cohan made the decision to become a veterinarian at the age of three. She attended Penn State for her 
undergraduate studies and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. Since completing an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, Mindy has been a small animal practitioner. She currently works at the Fort Washington Veterinary Hospital.
Besides working with animals, Mindy's interests include music, theatre, cycling, and scrap booking. Mindy shares her home with her partner, a physician, and her cat, Bridget.
The song used within our Pause For Our Pets month report is "Doctor Mindy", performed by Steve Pullara and his Cool Beans Band and can be found on his Zooboogie disc. To purchase the CD, just click the cover!