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Children and cats can share a relationship that is mutually beneficial provided each is old enough to respect the other. The good-natured dog may put up with a child's playful tousling, but the dignified cat may be less tolerant. Teaching your child the appropriate way to handle and properly treat a cat helps him/her to respect animals at a young age.

From the start, the child should be taught how to properly hold the cat, providing support under the chest and under the back legs. Touching the sensitive stomach area will bring a natural reaction of "grab and bite" and the child should be made aware this. A cat does not feel comfortable with his / her stomach exposed. The child should also be taught some basic feline body language so that he/she knows to back off when the cat's ears flatten and the tail twitches. This important lesson helps to prevent some tears later on.

If you have children under 6 or 7 years of age, it is best not to adopt a kitten under four months of age. With a well-meaning hug, an overly affectionate toddler can injure a small kitten. A more mature kitten or cat can better withstand a young child's noise and quick movements, but even an adult cat may swat at a tail-pulling child. The key to harmonious interactions between young children and cats of any age is adult supervision.

Parents are always looking for ways to teach children responsibility and often try to give children cat care duties. This is usually not a good idea. Children can be forgetful and easily distracted. Eventually, it is the cat who suffers if a child forgets to put out fresh food or water or forgets to clean the litter box. Even if children are mindful of their chores, having to care for the cat can cause resentment due to constant parental reminders. Children can help when it comes to pet chores; however, It is best to make cat care a family responsibility with feedings and exercise a top priority but not the sole responsibility of the child.

While growing up with pets promotes commitment, compassion and healthy habits, it is important to remember that teaching your child to properly handle and care for cats is secondary to the actual health and well-being of the cat. A mutually loving relationship is the best possible outcome for both and can be achieved if the proper measures are taken.

Danger in the Dish: Pet Food Recalls

As a responsible pet owner, protecting your pet from harm is very important. You take care to provide your pet with love, exercise, a comfortable place to sleep, and—you hope—a healthy diet. However, pet food can become contaminated during manufacturing, putting your pet, you, and your family at risk of illness. For this reason, veterinarians know how important it is to stay up-to-date on pet food recalls.

An Unavoidable Reality

There have already been 19 separate pet food recalls reported by the FDA this year—more than double the number reported by this time last year. Pet food contamination can have widespread effects: manufacturers often issue recalls for products sold under numerous brand names and distributed nationwide.  In 2012, the FDA received reports from 900 veterinarians and pet owners about animals who suffered vomiting and diarrhea and in some cases kidney failure and death after eating products produced and packaged in China as chicken jerky strips, treats, and nuggets, and sold under three different brands in the US.

But contaminated pet food doesn’t just affect pets. Over a six-month period beginning in October 2011, 22 people in the US and Canada developed Salmonella after coming in contact with contaminated dry pet food manufactured at a Diamond Pet Foods’ plant in Gaston, SC. According to a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention conducted after the outbreak, people were most likely infected after handling their pet’s food. As a  preventive measure, the CDC recommends storing and handling dry pet food in an area away from where you and your family prepares or consumes food  and washing your hands right after handling pet food and treats and cleaning up after your pet.

When Pet Food is recalled

If your pet's food or treats are recalled, immediately stop feeding the product to your pet—even if your pet appears perfectly healthy. If you have questions about recalled food or treats or require additional information, like how to obtain a refund, contact the manufacturer. If you choose to throw away uneaten food rather than return to the store, place it in a secure area not accessible to animals.
If your pet has consumed a recalled product, please give us a call even if your pet does not appear to have any symptoms. Common Salmonella symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some animals will have decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain.

2013 Recalls

The following is a list of recalled pet food products since February 2013. Up-to-date information is available on the FDA’s Animal and Veterinary website for Recalls and Withdrawals http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/RecallsWithdrawals/default.htm and extends back t0 2008.

• 4/19/2013: Natura Pet Products, makers of California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Innova, and Karma brands, issued a recall for all dry dog and cat food treat varieties (all UPCs and all lot codes) with expiration dates prior to and on March 24, 2014. This is an expansion of a voluntary recall first issued on March 18, 2013. For more information, visit naturapet.com or call 800-224-6123.


• 4/18/2013: Merit Bird Company, LLC of Chatsworth, California recalled five Vitae brand lot codes (#2840090, #2840225, #2840234), #2840252, #2840279) shipped between May 2012 to February 2013, because they might be contaminated with Salmonella. If you have questions, please contact the company at 818-727-1655.


• 4/3/2013: Bravo! recalled three of its raw diet frozen foods for dogs and cats because they might be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information on the Bravo recall, please visit www.bravorawdiet.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222.


• 3/13/2013: Bravo! recalled its Chicken Blend Raw Frozen Food Diet for Dogs and Cats because it might be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information on the Bravo recall, please visit www.bravorawdiet.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222.


• 3/10/2013: Diamond Pet Foods recalled limited production codes of five cat food brands.  For more information, contact the Pet Food Information Center at ­888­-965­-6131, Sunday through Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST or visit www.petfoodinformationcenter.com.


• 3/7/2013: Diggin' Your Dog withdrew one lot of its Strippin' Chicks™ Pet Treats, lot code 250322, use by date 2-23-14. For questions or more information, contact Diggin' Your Dog at 775-742-7295.


• 3/7/2013: Steve's Real Food of Murray, Utah recalled 5 lb. bags of "Turducken Canine Diet – 8oz. Patties distributed from October 2012 to January 2013 due to potential contamination of Salmonella. For more information, contact the company at 801-540-8481 or gary@stevesrealfood.com.


• 3/6/2013: Jones Natural Chews Co of Rockford, IL recalled 245 boxes of Woofers (beef patties) because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information, contact the company at 877-481-2663.


• 3/5/2013: Cargill's animal nutrition business announced a voluntary recall of certain brands of its ruminant mineral products because they were deficient in vitamins A, D, and E. For more information, go to www.cargill.com/feed/news/mineral-recall/index.htm or call 866-420-5425.


• 2/27/2013: United Pet Group, Inc. voluntarily withdrew a limited quantity of bird food products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information, contact 800-645- 5145.


• 2/22/2013: Hy-Vee, Inc. issued a voluntary recall of certain bags of Hy-Vee dog food due to elevated levels of a chemical contaminant commonly found in corn. To learn more, visit the company's Web site at www.hy-vee.com.


• 2/21/2013: Kasel Associates Industries Inc. recalled all pet treats it manufactured from April 20 through Sept. 19, 2012 due to potential contamination with Salmonella. For more information, contact Kasel Associated Industries at 800-218-4417.


• 2/21/2013: The Honest Kitchen voluntarily recalled five lots of its Verve, Zeal, and Thrive pet food products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information, call 866-437-9729 or email info@thehonestkitchen.com.


• 2/20/2013: Nutri-Vet, LLC. voluntarily recalled its Nutri-Vet and NutriPet Chicken Jerky Products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. For more information contact Nutri-Vet at 877-729-8668.


• 2/19/2013: Kaytee Products recalled several bird treats and greens items due to possible contamination of Salmonella. For more information, call 800-Kaytee1 (800 529-8331) or visit www.kaytee.com.


• 2/19/2013: Kasel Associated Industries voluntarily recalled all products manufactured at its Denver, Co facility from April 20, 2012 – Sept. 19, 2012, due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recall included Boots & Barkley, BIXBI, Nature's Deli, Colorado Naturals, Petco, and Best Bully Stick items. For more information, contact Kasel Associated Industries at 800-218-4417.


• 2/15/2013: Nature's Variety issued a recall of one batch of Instinct® Raw Organic Chicken Formula with a "Best if Used By" date of 10/04/13 because pieces of clear plastic may be found in some bags and could cause a potential choking risk to pets. For more information, call 888-519-7387 or email cservice@naturesvariety.com.

This is Part I in a series of articles on caring for rabbits. Look for additional featured articles in upcoming issues of our newsletter.

Rabbits make intelligent, friendly and quiet house pets. The average life span for a bunny is 7 to 10 years, with records of up to 15 years of age being reported. The following information is designed to help you take the best care of your pet and enjoy a happy, healthy life with him or her.

Diet

Rabbit Pellets: A good quality rabbit pellet may be offered daily but in limited quantities. The uncontrolled feeding of a pelleted diet can lead to obesity, heart and liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and kidney disease which results from the high concentration of carbohydrates, low fiber and high calcium levels in the pellets. Make sure that you buy pellets high in fiber (18 percent or more), and that you buy small quantities. Oxbow Hay Company sells very reasonable, high fiber pellets. You can find them on the web. Keep the pellets refrigerated or cool and dry to prevent spoilage. Old, rancid pellets can cause a rabbit to stop eating.

The following chart shows daily amounts to be fed to your bunny. Do not refill the bowl even if the pellets are all eaten before the next day. Overfeeding of pellets is the number one cause of health problems we see. Keep your rabbit healthy by not overdoing it!

*Rabbits up to eight months of age can have access to pellets free choice, because they are still growing rapidly. However, after eight months of age, they should receive the following maintenance diet.

• 2-4 lb. of body weight—1/8 cup daily
• 5-7 lb. of body weight—1/4 cup daily
• 8-10 lb. of body weight—1/2 cup daily
• 11 - 15 lb of body weight—3/4 cup daily

*Please note that these food amounts are for the maintenance of the non-breeding, mature house rabbit. If you intend to breed your pet, then we suggest increasing the daily pellet amounts by 1/4 cup during the breeding season. For does that are nursing babies, the pellets should be increased over a 4 to 5 day period to free-choice until the babies are weaned. After the breeding period is over, resume feeding at the maintenance levels as listed above.

In some situations, your veterinarian may recommend that pellets should be removed totally from the diet. Do not become alarmed, because your pet will be able to receive all the nutrients necessary from the hay and fresh foods that you will be instructed to feed. This is commonly the treatment suggested by our hospital for very overweight bunnies that need to lose weight safely.

*Avoid pellets with dried vegetables and fruits. These are not healthy for bunnies.

Hay: Timothy, Orchard, or other grass hay(but not alfalfa) should be offered daily in limited amounts. It is important that hay be available at all times for your pet. In fact, 90 percent of your bunny's diet should consist of hay! Rabbits tend to eat small amounts of food frequently throughout the day and withholding hay for long periods of time can lead to intestinal upsets.

We prefer the loose, long strands of hay, as opposed to the pressed cubes or chopped hay. The fiber in the hay is extremely important in promoting normal digestion and for the prevention of hairballs. Hay also contains proteins and other nutrients essential to the good health of your pet. We no longer recommend the use of alfalfa hay, particularly if it is being used along with pellets (which are already high in alfalfa), because it may provide too much calcium and extra carbohydrates, which may lead to serious health problems and digestive upsets. If the rabbit is on a no pellet diet, then alfalfa hay may be used in unlimited amounts, but weight loss may be more difficult to achieve.

Check with your local pet stores for timothy hay or other types of grass hay. They can be purchased on the web at Oxbow Hay Company. Also check with local feed stores and horse barns, because many of these places will sell you a "flake" of hay off a bale at a very nominal cost. Hay should be stored in a cool, dry place with good air circulation (don't close it tightly in a plastic bag). Discard wet or damp hay, or any hay that does not have a "fresh" smell. The best way to offer the hay is to use a hayrack on the outside of the cage. Your pet can pull the hay into the cage through the bars, as he or she needs it. This keeps the hay clean and eliminates much of the waste.

At certain times of the year and in certain locations, it may be difficult to obtain grass hay. At these times it is okay to use hays mixed with alfalfa, or use strictly alfalfa hay for a short period of time. The most important thing is to always have hay available to the pet. Remember, we are restricting the pellets, and the hay is a major source of fiber and nutrients.

Fresh Foods: These foods should be given daily. Rabbits in the wild eat primarily tough, fibrous leaves, bark and other difficult to digest plants. Their digestive tract functions best when it has the most work to do in breaking down cellulose. If your pet is not used to getting any fresh foods, then start out gradually with the green leafy veggies and add a new food item from the list every 5 to 7 days. If the addition of any item leads to diarrhea or unformed stools in 24 to 48 hours, then remove it from the diet.

Young bunnies should also be introduced to new foods gradually. However, once your pet is eating these foods, try to give at least three types daily. We find that the addition of these fresh fibrous foods, along with the hay, helps in the prevention of hairballs and other digestive upsets. Plus, your bunny will love you for it!

The following are all foods that you can try on your pet. The total amount of fresh food that can be given daily, once your pet has been gradually introduced to it as described above, is about one heaping cup per 5 pounds of body weight.

Carrot tops, beet tops, dandelion greens and flowers (these are excellent, but no pesticides, please), kale, collard greens, escarole, romaine lettuce, (don't give light colored leaf lettuce or iceberg lettuce), parsley, clover, cabbage, broccoli (don't forget the leaves), carrot, green peppers, pea pods (the flat edible kind), brussels sprouts, basil, peppermint leaves, raspberry leaves, radicchio, bok choy and spinach.

Try to feed at least three different types of greens daily. Feeding just one type of green food only (especially broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts and spinach) may lead to nutrient imbalances.

Treat Foods: In a small amount, you can give one of these "treat" foods daily, (give about one level tablespoon per 5 lbs. of body weight) - strawberries, papaya, pineapple, apple, pear, melon, raspberries, peach, pear or dried whole grain bread.

One can alternately give one level teaspoon per 5 pounds body weight of banana or dried fruit.

*WE DO NOT RECOMMEND GIVING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING FOODS ROUTINELY BECAUSE OF THEIR POTENTIAL FOR CAUSING DIETARY UPSET AND OBESITY: Salty or sugary snacks, nuts, chocolate, breakfast cereals, and other grains (including oatmeal and corn). AVOID CRACKERS AND BREAD TYPE PRODUCTS.

Water: This should always be available and changed daily. A dirty water container can breed bacteria that can cause disease. The container can be either a water bottle or heavy bowl that is weighted or secured to the side of the cage so that it does not tip over. Do not use medications or vitamins in the water, because your pet may not drink if the taste or color is altered.

Vitamins: These are not felt to be necessary if the rabbit is getting pellets, hay and fresh foods in the diet. In fact, the indiscriminate use of vitamins may lead to over dosage and serious disease.

Salt or Mineral Block: Not necessary for the house pet on the described diet. You may want to have one available for those animals kept outdoors in warm climates and for breeding animals. (We do not recommend keeping pet rabbits outdoors.)

Night Droppings: It may seem strange to list this as a part of the diet, but these "special droppings" are an essential part of your pet's nutrition. During certain times of the day, usually in the evening, you may observe your pet licking the anal area and actually eating some of the droppings in the process.

These cecal (we are not confusing this with the word fecal) pellets are softer, greener, and have a stronger odor than the normal hard, dry round waste droppings. Your pet knows when these droppings are being produced and will take care of eating them himself. These cecal pellets come from the cecum, which is the part of the digestive system where fermentation of food takes place, and they are rich in vitamins and nutrients, which are needed by your pet to maintain good health. After eating these "vitamin pellets," he will redigest this material and extract all the necessary nutrients. This habit may appear distasteful to us, but it is normal and important for your pet.

Occasionally, a rabbit will drop these cecal pellets along with the waste pellets instead of eating them. They will be soft, brighter green, come in clumps and are misshapen, but formed and have an odor. This is not considered diarrhea, and, if it only occurs occasionally, is not considered a disease problem.

Cytauxzoonosis is making its way north and is being seen with increasing frequency. Unfortunately, the disease is being seen further north than ever before. For a number of years, it had been found in the southeast and south central part of the country. The number and frequency of cases is increasing dramatically, but whether this is due to better identification of the disease or the fact that it is more widespread than before is unclear.

Cytauxzoon felis (C. felis) is a tick-transmitted disease. Once a cat is infected, it carries a very high fatality rate without a known cure. The only method of control is tick prevention. A little protozoan parasite that lives in red blood cells, C. felis appears to be a natural parasite in wild cats like bobcats. The increasing incidence of the disease may have more to do with people choosing to live in more remote areas.

The disease was first described in Missouri in the 1970s. It has since moved into Arkansas, Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana. Kansas has also documented C. felis. In North America, distribution of the disease is thought to correspond with that of the only known tick vector, Dermacentor variabilis. Bobcats are considered a free-ranging, long-term, asymptomatic carrier of the organism. The tick feeds on the bobcat, then attaches itself to feed on a domestic cat, spreading the disease. C. felis is an extremely pathogenic organism in domestic cats.

In cats infected with C. felis, the parasite causes the cells to enlarge dramatically in size. This occurs in all blood vessels over a short period of time. With dramatically enlarged cells, the blood blocks the vessels, inhibiting the transport of oxygen. This causes asphyxiation or suffocation, which leads to death. Clinical signs such as anorexia, depression and high fever appear within 25 weeks after a tick infects a feline host. The infected cat will most likely succumb to the disease in four to six days once the illness begins.

C. felis is extremely difficult to diagnose. Unfortunately, even with a diagnosis, nothing can be done, since there is no vaccine or known treatment. Because of the rapid onset of the disease, a cat has limited time to develop an immune response. This has hampered research for either a diagnostic test or vaccine against C. felis.

The Mongolian desert mouse, or the gerbil, has been a popular indoor pet for more than 50 years. Though they look somewhat like hamsters, there are many differences between these animals. The gerbil is native to the steppe regions of Mongolia and is essentially a burrowing animal. Having a short body length and rather broad head, a gerbil is built for strength. Characteristics include a small active nose, big whiskers, over-sized flaps on the ears, and bright black eyes.

General Care

Unlike hamsters, gerbils are active both day and night. Gerbils gnaw on almost anything, so it's necessary to provide them with walnuts, pieces of twigs or wood. Being quite curious as well as active, they may chew on your fingers, jump, hop, burrow, dig, tunnel, and otherwise keep themselves very busy. As a gerbil owner, you must provide adequate room for such adventures. For bedding, Carefresh or recycled paper works well.

Choosing Your Gerbil

The gerbil is a relative of the kangaroo rat and lemming. There are many varieties available in pet shops. Some of the newer varieties available include black, cream, chocolate, blue and nutmeg colored gerbils. When choosing a gerbil, look for active, lively and curious animals. They do best when they live in pairs. But be careful: adults will fight when placed together for the first time.

Feeding

Gerbils should be fed a commercial rodent pellet diet. Limit access to seed and nut mixtures. Gerbils like to chew; therefore, it's important to provide them with branches, twigs or cardboard boxes. They should have access to water all the time.

You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for your attention. Or maybe it's a handsome, tail-wagging Labrador mix who couldn't be more friendly.

If you're like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day's work.

Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. Dogs and cats are living beings who require lots of time, money, and commitment - over 15 years' worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.

Things to Consider

The fact that you're thinking about adopting a pet from an animal Shelter, rescue league or humane society means you're a responsible and caring person. But before you make that final decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think about these questions:

Why do you want a pet?

It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because the kids have been asking for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you even after your children leave home.

Do you have time for a pet?

Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals have been given up because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to properly care for them.

Can you afford a pet?

The monetary costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

Are you prepared to deal with special problems that only a pet can cause?

Fleas, scratched-up furniture and accidents from animals who aren't yet housetrained are just a few of the inconveniences that you will face.

Can you have a pet where you live?

Many rental communities don't allow pets, others have restrictions. Make the necessary inquiries before you bring a pet home.

Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?

If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down may be a wise choice.

Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?

Adopting an energetic dog or a breed that is unsuitable to share your small apartment (a Border collie), for example, is not a good idea. Choose an animal who will be comfortable in your surroundings.

Who will care for your pet if you go on vacation?

You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors, or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.

Will you be a responsible pet owner?

Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible pet owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.

Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime?

When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.

Get an Animal for Life

Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through the animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt a pet is so important.

Please, think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love—for the life of the pet.

Much of the information for this article was contributed by the Humane Society of the US.

Stewie, a five year old Maine Coon Cat, was measured by Guinness World Records in Reno, Nevada recently. From the tip of his nose to the end of his tail, the fluffy gray feline is 48 and a half inches long. He is officially the world's longest domestic cat, beating a previously held record of 48 inches.

His owners, Robin Hendrickson and Erik Brandsness, say they've always known he was an exceptionally long cat by the comments they have received from visitors. "Everyone says, 'Wow what a long cat!'" said Hendrickson. "The wows and the comments have led us to take a look at this. I couldn't tell you how many times I have heard that he was the longest cat that anyone has ever seen."

Stewie may be a bruiser, but has a gentle and laid back personality, according to his owners. He gets along well with people and other animals. The average adult male cat measures just 28 inches from the nose to the end of the tail, making Stewie more than one and a half times the average length. Guiness World Records keeps tabs on the world's longest, heaviest and oldest cats.

Every dog has its day.

Initially celebrated in 1999, Pet Sitters International's Take Your Dog To Work Day® (TYDTWDay®) was created for two reasons: first, to celebrate dogs’ innate virtues of loyalty, love and dedication to their human companions, and second, to encourage canine adoption from rescue shelters, humane societies and breed rescue clubs. This year, the annual event occurs on Friday, June 21 and employers are encouraged to support TYDTWDay by opening their workplace to employees’ canine friends. Participation will create an immediate “feel good” workplace environment and allow your staff to meet each other's special family members.

Looking for additional ways to celebrate and support this popular day?

• Solicit photos and designate a bulletin board for a “Dog/Owner Look-Alike Contest”;
• Host a Pet Fair. Provide ASPCA or shelter materials and client educational materials regarding dog adoption, preventive care, training, diets, etc.;
• Award a “Top Dog” honor- which employee’s dog can do the best trick, has the cutest face or the most endearing personality?

So don’t let sleeping dogs lie. Win over your employees and your clients by participating in this fun annual event… and watch as wagging tails spread office joy.

Lyme Disease: Seven Myths You Should Know

It is important to understand the risks your pet faces when it comes to ticks. Common misconceptions can lead pet owners to avoid the right preventative measures needed to protect beloved pets from Lyme disease. Here are a few persistent myths dispelled:

Myth 1: I don't live in a wooded area, so my pet can't get ticks.

Even if your pet doesn’t play in wooded areas and places with high grass or brush where ticks are commonly found, ticks are actually able to live their entire life cycle within your home. Woodpiles near or inside your home provide the perfect environment for ticks to survive. Small rodents such as mice can also transport the ticks indoors. Even if ticks don't make their way into your home, they can still live in low grass and trees—such as the back yards of most suburban homes.

Myth 2: I haven't seen any ticks on my pets, so they aren't at risk.

Often ticks are only easily visible on your pets once they're engorged. However, the tick's life cycle includes the larva and nymph stages where they're not as easily noticed. Even when adult ticks have been removed, they may have already laid eggs on your pets, continuing the tick infestation.

Myth 3: I've only found a few ticks on my pet, so I'm sure he's fine.

You can be diligent about checking for and removing ticks, but it still only takes one tick bite for a pet to contract Lyme disease. When you find ticks on your pet, there's a good chance the pet has had other ticks that you have missed.

Myth 4: I apply a flea and tick preventive to my pet monthly, so I don't need to worry about Lyme disease.

No prevention medication is 100 percent effective. Talk to us about your pet's habits and environment, and we can discuss whether you need to take additional steps to prevent Lyme disease.

Myth 5: During the colder seasons, I don't need to worry about applying flea and tick prevention.

Because most insect populations decrease once cold weather sets in, you might assume ticks will follow suit. In reality, ticks are much hardier—and their population can increase during the fall season. Ticks can also survive through the entire winter even when frozen in the ground. For the best protection, continuously apply preventives throughout the year, including the colder months.

Myth 6: My pet was treated for Lyme disease, so now she's cured.

Once your pet is diagnosed with Lyme disease, an antibiotic is usually prescribed. Do not assume that once the antibiotic course is finished, the Lyme disease is cured and your pet is no longer at risk of experiencing Lyme disease symptoms. It can take multiple courses of an antibiotic to successfully treat Lyme disease. Any pet diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease should be routinely screened for tick-borne diseases every year.

Myth 7: My pet has already contracted Lyme disease, so he can't receive a Lyme disease vaccination.

Pets that have been treated for Lyme disease run the risk of reinfection, so it's important to continue applying preventives and check pets for ticks. Another preventive measure is to have your dog vaccinated against Lyme disease. Although there are more benefits to giving the vaccine before exposure occurs, the vaccination will help prevent reinfection.