Our clients are calling daily with questions and concerns about ticks - we are here to help! Here are answers to the four top ticks questions local pet owners are asking our medical team.
What Kind of Ticks Are in Our Area?
There are three main types of ticks in the Concord, Massachusetts area:

1. Deer Ticks, an estimated 50-70% of whom carry Lyme disease-causing bacteria!
2. Dog Ticks
3. Lone Star Ticks

All three types of ticks carry diseases such as Lyme, Anasplasmosis and Powassan. All three diseases can make people and our canine companions very sick.
While people follow precautions for keeping themselves safe from ticks such as using bug spray and wearing long pants and socks, it’s important to do the same for our four-legged friends, too.

How Can I Keep My Dog Safe from Tick-Borne Diseases? 
Our veterinarians at Concord Animal Hospital strongly recommend using tick preventatives such as Bravecto or Simparica/Simparica Trio. While these chewable tablets are very effective at preventing tick-borne illnesses, they do not repel ticks. Instead they kill ticks several hours AFTER the tick bites your pet. For this reason, some clients double-up with a repellent collar in addition to a chewable tick preventative.
​Talk to one of our veterinarians to determine the best product for your pet given their health history, potential exposure to ticks and lifestyle. 

Should I use a tick preventative year-round?
Yes, yes, and double yes! Frost and freezing temps DO NOT kill ticks. Ticks are dormant but come back to life in only 40 degrees - a high often achieved even in the coldest months. Our veterinarians see plenty of dogs with tick-borne illnesses throughout the winter.
Our vets also suggest taking added precautions such keeping your dogs out of long grass or and away from undergrowth.  These areas are where dogs like to sniff and explore, but they are also prime hangouts for ticks.
After a walk, the American Kennel Association recommends checking some spots you might forget to look, such as inside ears and between toes, to make sure your pet didn’t bring any ticks home  with them.

What Do I Do If I Find a Tick on My Dog?  
If you find a tick on your dog, remove it as soon as possible! If it hasn’t attached itself yet, there is no risk of tick-borne illness for your pet. If it has attached, grasp the tick with a pair of tweezers as close to the site of attachment as you can and pull straight back.
If you have found an attached tick, particularly one that is engorged, the MSPCA advises noting the date and time to discuss with your veterinarian.
Watching for the following symptoms, but be aware that symptoms may not appear until several weeks or even months after exposure:

• New joint pain, which may manifest as reluctance to stand or lie down
• Crying painfully
• Walking gingerly or limping, especially on more than one limb or on a different limb from one day to the next
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite

If you observe any of these symptoms following a tick bite, contact us immediately to make an appointment. Typically tick borne-illnesses respond well to a course of antibiotics, so don’t delay in contacting us!

​Vaccines are an important piece of your pet’s preventative health care. A vaccine exposes your dog or cat’s immune system to an inactive or incomplete disease-causing agents to train the immune system to quickly and effectively respond when exposed to the real disease. It’s a safe way to protect your pet from some scary, often life-threatening diseases such as distemper and rabies.
The benefits of vaccines typically far outweigh the risks of a vaccine reaction. There are isolated cases of pets having allergic reactions to vaccines, but these reactions are rarely life threatening when treated appropriately.
At CAH, we want pet owners to know what a vaccine reaction looks like and when a reaction requires medical attention. “Seeing your pet have a vaccine reaction can be frightening,” says CAH veterinarian Dr. Bradford Hardie. “It’s important to understand what reactions are mild and short-lived and which are medical emergencies.”
​Here are the six things all pet owners should know about vaccines reactions:

• 1. How soon would a vaccine reaction happen? If your pet is going to react to their vaccine, the reaction typically begins anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after vaccination. That said, a reaction can occur up to 48 hours after vaccination. Reactions typically last for 12 to 24 hours.
• 2. What are common vaccine reactions? If you observe any of the following and the symptoms don’t resolve in a day, call us since additional treatments may be recommended:
  • Discomfort or soreness at the vaccination site.
  • Mild inflammation or swelling at the vaccination site.
  • Mild fever or lethargy: your pet not acting like their usual self and perhaps being a little more lazy than normal.
  • Decreased appetite.
  • One or two episodes of vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Some sneezing if your pet received an intranasal vaccine.
    

3. When should I call the vet about my pet’s vaccine reactions? Always call if you’re unsure! “You don’t need to decide on your own whether a vaccine reaction is serious. We’re more than happy to talk to you about the reactions that you’re observing,” says Dr. Hardie. “It is rare but some vaccine reactions are true medical emergencies.”  Call and return to our office or an emergency hospital immediately if you observe one of the following more severe reactions:

• Facial swelling, particularly swelling around the eyes and snout.
• Hives or bumps on the body.
• Severe itchiness.
• Nausea and drooling.
• Extended vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• Difficulty breathing or labored breathing.
• Collapse.

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• 4. How does CAH treat vaccine reactions? Treatment of severe vaccine reactions typically includes administration of antihistamines and/or corticosteroids. We may recommend hospitalization and additional therapy. Most pets admitted to CAH for vaccine reactions are released back to their owners to go home within an hour.
• 5. Can a pet that has a severe vaccine reaction receive vaccines in the future? Typically, a pet’s reaction will be to a single vaccine, not all vaccines. If it is possible to determine which vaccine cause the reaction, you and your veterinarian can discuss whether the benefits of that vaccine outweigh the vaccination risks for your pet or if there are alternative means of protecting them from the disease. “At future appointments, always tell your veterinarian that your pet has had vaccine reactions, no matter how mild them may have seemed,” cautions Dr. Hardie. “We can administer diphenhydramine hydrochloride, also known as Benadryl, before administering vaccines or consider spacing out vaccines over multiple appointments to reduce the risk of reactions.”
• Is it worth vaccinating my pet, knowing these risks? Yes! “The diseases that vaccinations help prevent are truly terrible, sometimes contagious, and often life-threatening. Vaccines save pets’ lives,” notes Dr. Hardie. “While vaccines may cause a small number of vaccine reactions, the benefit to your pet’s life and health is well-worth the risk.”

As always, we are here to discuss any questions or concerns you have about your pet’s health!

​It’s been a year since COVID hit and a year since CAH has allowed clients into the building for their pets’ appointments. As with other COVID-imposed limitations on our lifestyle, we’re all sort of over it. We know many of you are all wondering when you’ll be allowed into this lovely new building of ours. Here's the scoop!

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​​WHY HAVEN’T VETERINARY PRACTICES ALLOWED CLIENTS IN WITH THEIR PETS?
Over this past year you’ve been allowed into grocery stores, restaurants, and doctors offices. Why is the veterinarian different?
Veterinary medicine doesn’t allow for social distancing. For every pet's exam, two technicians assist a doctor in performing a physical exam, administering medications and vaccines, and performing blood draws. Allowing clients into every exam adds dozens of new exposure opportunities for our clients and our team every day, hundreds per week. 
While you are permitted into your doctor appointments, these appointments are not possible without you present. While not preferable, it has been possible to deliver healthcare to pets while their owners wait outside throughout this pandemic. Few veterinarians have chosen to allow clients into their buildings during this time. As a profession, most of us determined that the risk to our clients' and team's health and safety outweighed the benefits. Additionally, if CAH needed to close due to a COVID-19 outbreak, we would not be here to care for your pets.

WHEN WILL I BE ALLOWED IN?
Veterinarians and veterinary workers in Massachusetts are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting in mid-April. We plan to give our team a chance to be fully vaccinated and then begin welcoming one client in (likely still masked) with their pet in by July, hopefully sooner. Some transactions will still be done curbside, such as picking up food or prescriptions and grooming and technician appointments.
Many of us have know you for years (decades even!) and we really miss you - it will be good to have you back. Also, we are beyond excited to FINALLY show you all our new building! 

FINALLY, OUR THANKS TO YOU
It's hard to find the words to express our gratitude to you all for trusting us to bring your pets into the building without you. This year has been very hard for parents of nervous pets and very sick pets. We also know that it’s tough for our new pet parents who’ve never met us in person – we’re asking for trust we’ve had no chance to earn.  Thank you all for your trust and patience over the past year and for continuing to allow us to do the job we love,  caring for your pets. 

Proper Paws' Judy Bernard on Training Tips for Pandemic Puppy Owners (part 3 of 3)

​Katherine: How do you expect puppies to react as their owners begin to venture out of the house without them? In some cases, for the first time in these puppies’ lives?
Judy: Separation issues are bound to happen in a time where we are all working from home and our dogs have gotten used to us being here.  Let’s face it: we are all pack animals and having our pack around us all the time is very comforting.  That said, reality will return and our puppies and dogs will need to get used to us NOT being home 24/7.  The key to making sure they are as unaffected by this changes as possible is to start practicing now. 
 
Katherine: How should we practice leaving our puppies and dogs alone?
Judy: Here are some quick thoughts on how to make your dog’s transition back to ‘normalcy’ as uneventful as possible. Set up a regular routine where you leave the house without your dog. Try to do this as close to your expected normal time as possible and do it every day. Start with short trips away, like to check your mailbox, and extend the trips as your dog gains comfort and confidence.
Set your dog up for success as you train them to be alone. Make sure the dog’s physical and mental needs are taken care of before you leave. Feed and exercise the dog and make sure they have eliminated. When you leave, make sure your pet is in a puppy/dog proof environment. A crate is preferred for young puppies who may eliminate, chew things, or otherwise get into trouble. You may need to revisit crate training prior to starting this routine if your puppy/dog isn’t comfortable being in the crate. Give them a stuffed Kong or other safe high value treat to work on while you are gone.
Make leaving and coming as much of a non-event as possible and do it multiple times a day. The more practice the dog gets with short, happy absences the better.

Katherine: What can owners do if their dog doesn’t react well to being left along?
Judy: If the dog reacts poorly, stop and re-evaluate your plan. You may have to start with smaller steps, like leaving the room but not the house to begin with. It may help to use an automated food delivery device to associate your leaving with a steady flow of food. If your dog will not eat or engage with a high value treat (like a stuffed Kong) in your absence this is a sign of heightened stress and anxiety.
​In the case of extreme anxiety, fear, or stress you may need to consult with your veterinarian and/or a behavior professional for a behavior modification plan. Signs of extreme anxiety/stress include:

• Non-stop panting
• Excessive pacing
• Excessive drooling
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Destruction of crate or surroundings
• Excessive howling, barking, baying or loud, long vocalizations

Remember, the sooner you start getting your pet used to being alone, the easier it will be when they have to spend the day without you.  Go slowly to start, be sure to increase the time away ONLY after the dog gets used to the short absences.  Set your dog up for success and re-evaluate your plan if your pet shows signs of anxiety.  The idea is to have your dog notice that you are gone but not fret over it.  Finally, if your dog shows significant distress over even short absences, contact a professional for help.

​Part 2 in a 3 part series with Proper Paw's Judy Bernard on socializing puppies during COVID-19

Katherine: What are you recommending to new puppy owners to get their pups ready to see the vet without their owners?
Judy: I recommend spending time each day getting your pet used to the things they will see and experience while at the vet, AND associating those things with high value treats. This will help lessen the stress and anxiety they will experience when they do visit the vet.

Katherine: What are some of the activities you find work well?
Judy: Here are some things you can do to help your pet with future vet visits:

• Look for a vet that has been educated in fear free techniques or actively takes your dog’s mental state into account. Look for Veterinarians and Technicians that feeds lots of treats, take their time, and that ask you about your pets mental state. Don’t be put off by vets that will refuses to do certain procedures if your pet shows extreme fear, anxiety or stress – this is a GOOD thing – they are avoiding traumatizing your pet. Don’t be afraid if your vet suggests a sedative for their next visit. This is to prevent trauma in your dog!    

• Set your dog up to ‘practice’ the things they will experience at the vet. Try to get them used to the drive and veterinary hospital. Drive up to the vet every week. If you can, have the staff come out and bring your puppy in to be weighed and fed treats (call first). If that’s not available, just get the puppy out of the car, take a short walk and feed your puppy – make it a quick, fun experience.
• Play ‘pretend’ vet: get them used to the people and equipment. Play dress up!  Got a pair of scrubs?  Put them on! Don’t forget the mask too! Try recreating the veterinarian’s scale: set up a board (1-2” thick and big enough for your dog to stand on comfortably), have the dog practice stepping up onto the board and holding still then, getting fed and then getting off the board. Get creative to get them used to being “listened to”: a couple of old charging cords tied together with a spoon tied to the end can serve as a make-shift stethoscope. To get them ready for shots, practice approaching the dog with a pen, just like the Vet will. Do pretend shots into the shoulder and hip area. Feed as you approach, feed after the pretend shot. 
• Get them used to being handled. It's critical to get puppies used to being touched where they will be handled during their veterinary exams. Touch, lift, and look at their ears, teeth, feet, and rump (for temperature checks) and then feed! The feet are particularly important.  Don’t expect your vet to do something with toenails if you can’t touch your own dog’s feet!  Practice touching the dogs feet, then feeding.  Very young puppies’ toenails grow quickly but can usually be trimmed with a human toenail trimmer while they are asleep.  That gives you a change to get used to doing this, as you are getting your puppy pal used to having his feet and toes handled when he is awake.

 
Katherine: Any watch outs new owners should be aware of?
Judy: Remember these exercises should be a fun game for your dog, if at any point the dog begins to show signs of stress or anxiety (tail tucked, head lowered, growling, backing away), STOP, jolly things up, play tug or fetch (whatever your dog likes), and FEED those high value treats!  If the fear persists, call a dog training professional familiar with cooperative care training.
Vet visits should be fun, if we play pretend vet at home we get our puppy/dog familiar with all the things they will see while they are at the vet.  By associating all of those pretend vet actions with high value food reinforcers we are setting the puppy/dog up to have as stress free experience as possible.

A happy effect of the pandemic is what we in the biz are calling pandemic puppies. With the activities that take us humans away from home on hold – commutes, long work and school days, travel for work and fun, nights out – many of us have decided that this is a great time to bring home a new four-legged friend. We have more time to train them and lots of time to enjoy them.
For many families, a new pet is a bright spot, a way to make this complicated time special.
As much as this is a fabulous time to bring home a new pet, the pandemic-enforced isolation presents specific challenges for owners of new puppies, but we’re here to help!
Concord Animal Hospital’s Katherine Wilson spoke with Judy Bernard, owner of Proper Paws Dog Training right here in Concord, Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, and member Association of Professional Dog Trainers to get her thoughts on how new dog owners can face the challenges the pandemic presents. The result is a three part series for new puppy owners:

1. What is puppy socialization and how do I do it during a pandemic
2. Helping your dog with vet visits during a pandemic
3. Preventing separation distress during (and after) COVID

Katherine: For our new puppy owners, can you explain what is puppy socialization?
Judy: First let me tell you what puppy socialization IS NOT. Puppy socialization is not having your new puppy play with every dog in the neighborhood. It’s not making your dog walk up to noisy garbage trucks or school buses that frighten them. It’s also not having every person that walks by them on the sidewalk stop and pet them!  Even during a pandemic, we can socialize our dogs quite well while still maintaining appropriate social distancing. In some cases, it makes it EASIER!
Socialization is exposing your new puppy to as many new and novel experiences as you can in a way that is positive and enjoyable for the puppy.
Puppies go through a critical developmental period from about 3-12 weeks where they are most amenable to experiencing new things.  This period is called the Primary and Secondary Socialization period.  This period is tied to the development of social patterns and provides a foundation for many adult dog behaviors.1   In short, a dog that is not exposed to a variety of stimuli during this critical period is at risk of developing behavior problems later on. 

Katherine: How should new puppy owners socialize them?
Judy: It’s really important to carefully expose your 7-14 week old puppy to lots of novel stimuli.  This means taking the dog for rides in the car, walks on all different substrates, climbing in out and of boxes, eating out of different dishes, seeing different animals (cats, horses, chickens), and generally experiencing every possible place or thing you might expect your dog to go and see when they are grown. 
Keep your trips short and enjoyable!  Make sure you have plenty of yummy treats with you, if the puppy seems worried – feed them.  While puppy play dates with other puppies of similar age, size and temperament are a PART of socialization, socialization doesn’t begin and end with puppy playdates.    
Katherine: What else should new puppy owners know about socializing their dog?
Judy: Socialization also does not begin at 7 weeks or end at 12 weeks.  Breeders can do a lot to help a dog develop resilience in their adulthood with early handling, brief interludes of separation from the pack, taking the puppies on rides in the car, introducing them to crates, etc.2   Older puppies that are rescued can also benefit from CAREFUL exposure to novel stimuli.
Older puppies tend to be more fearful but this doesn’t mean we should stop socializing.  It does mean we need to be careful to make sure the experiences your dog is getting are positive.   Make sure you have an ample supply of yummy treats on hand and use them to help your dog associate the new things they are seeing with good treats.  Never force your dog to approach something it fears, no matter how silly it may seem.  Instead, let your dog choose the distance they want to keep and help them associate that very scary garbage can, vending machine or snowman with something good by feeding them every time they see that scary thing!

1. Steven R. Lindsay, Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training  ( Iowa State University Press, 2001), Vol 1, 47
2. Steven R. Lindsay, Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training  ( Iowa State University Press, 2001), Vol 1, 58-61

​Check back in February for part 2 in our Training Tips for Pandemic Puppy Owners: Helping your dog with vet visits during a pandemic.

How COVID-19 is impacting pet health
Pet obesity was already on the rise before the pandemic, with over half of all cats and dogs in the U.S. overweight or obese. This problem has intensified along with the pandemic according to a survey from Hill's Pet Nutrition, conducted in partnership with Kelton Global. One third of pet parents with an overweight pet say their pet became overweight since the start of the pandemic. Many of us are home all day, continually giving pets treats and exercising less. All of this comfort and indulgence can put your pet at risk for serious health issues.  According to CBS News, common obesity-related conditions for dogs and cats include arthritis, bladder and urinary tract disease, diabetes, as well as excess stress on the heart and joints.

​How can you tell if your pet is overweight?
As Dr. Wilson, a veterinarian at Concord Animal Hospital (CAH), explains, a good indicator of whether your pet might be packing some extra pounds is to take a close look at your cat or dog. “If you see their ribs, they are too skinny.  If you can’t see their ribs and you can’t feel them with your hands when you rub the side of their chest, your pet may be overweight.”

Wishing you all a very healthy and happy 2021!

Five years into ownership of Concord Animal Hospital and the Wilson’s are feeling grateful.
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A little over five years into ownership of the Concord Animal Hospital, and Dr. Wilson and I (Katherine Wilson) are reflecting on the journey we’ve taken with our team. With Thanksgiving approaching during a year like no other, here are five things we’re grateful for:

​During a challenging year we have a lot to be thankful for. We hope you are also able to find your silver linings during this Thanksgiving. From all of us at CAH, we wish you and your families (including the furry family members!) have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

You've all heard the jokes: COVID-19 keeping pet owners home-bound is a dog's dream come true, a cat's worst nightmare. While our canine and feline friends may disagree on whether having us home all day is a good thing, a quieter Halloween may be a silver lining of this pandemic that they can both enjoy!

If you do plan to answer the door with your dog, keep your pooch on a leash. This will prevent a nervous dog from becoming aggressive with a trick-or-treater or unexpectedly bolting out the door. If your pet does escape from the house, slip a leash, or somehow become lost, having an ID tag worn on their collar and a microchip dramatically increases the odds that you’ll be reunited with your pet. Make sure your pet’s ID tag has up-to-date contact information and that your microchip manufacturer has your current address and phone number. 

​Though the terrifying “ding dong” of Halloween might be missing for most pets this year, there are a few other dangers pet owners need to be aware of. Here are Concord Animal Hospital’s top three safety tips to keep your pet healthy & happy this Halloween.

• Halloween treats are for you, not your pet! Some Halloween treats can land your pet in a vet’s office or emergency room, which is not where you want to be on one of the most fun nights of the year. Most of us know that chocolate, even in small amounts, can be toxic to both dogs and cats, but did you know that nuts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and potentially pancreatitis? Macadamia nuts can be especially dangerous, sometimes leading to additional issues such as tremors and hypothermia. Raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs and xylitol, an artificial sweetener used to flavor some types of gum and sugar-free candy, can be lethal. This is a case where sharing is not caring. Agree as a family not to share your Halloween haul with your pets!

     Concord Animal Hospital (CAH) is thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Kaitlin Rondeau to our team of skilled and compassionate veterinarians! Dr. Rondeau joins Drs. Wilson, Carpenter, Hardie, Fritz, McCullough, and the rest of the CAH team to care for your beloved, furry family members. 
     Katherine and Dr. Stephen Wilson purchased CAH five years ago and the hospital has been growing since. However, an interesting effect of the pandemic has been lots of people adopting new dogs and cats. People are also home more often and noticing their pets' ailments that they might miss in normal life while off at work or school. The results is lots of new CAH patients and appointment requests for current patients. We always want to accommodate both new patients and our current patients when they need us the most, so we've been expanding our team or technicians, receptionists, and now doctors!
     Dr. Rondeau is the perfect addition to our team. She is warm and smart and brings the experiences of her ten year career to CAH. A graduate of Pine Manor College and the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Rondeau previously practiced at Middlesex County Animal Hospital and Hudson Animal Hospital. In her free time, she enjoys running and spending time with her family. Dr. Rondeau is a native of neighboring Chelmsford. She still lives there with her husband, two children, and their cat, Gracie.
For more information or to request an appointment with Dr. Rondeau or another CAH veterinarian, please visit concordanimalhospital.com. 

Paws up for beautiful kitties!
Cats will only be groomed on Mondays, a day when we don’t offer dog grooming. This will give cats a quiet, dog-free space. Cats in for grooming will be brushed & combed. Mats will be removed with a brush or clipper and kitties will be given a bath and blow dry. While we know that owners would often prefer an all-over trim, leaving the hair long, cats don’t tolerate that. Instead, long-haired cats can be clipped down or given a lion cut.
Charlene will also trim your cat’s nails and clean their ears while they are in for grooming. Prices range from approximately $75-100 depending on the cat’s condition and behavior.
Because cat grooming appointments are limited, we are only offering cat grooming to feline patients of the animal hospital.

According to the AVMA, a study of almost 8,000 stray pets at shelters showed that dogs with microchips were returned to their owners at twice the rate as those without microchips. The chances increase even more dramatically for cats: microchipped cats were returned to their owners almost 40% of the time compared to less than 2% of cats without microchips. When microchipped pets weren't returned to their owners, it was often due to missing or incorrect owner information in the microchip registry database – it's critical to keep your information updated for microchips to work.

​Does CAH recommend microchipping patients? Absolutely! A microchip is a safe and cost-effective way to dramatically increase the chances of recovering your pet. Most countries also require a microchip for jet-setting pets - check the USDA website and contact our office for questions about microchipping and other requirements for international pet travel.

How is a microchip implanted? A microchip is a small electronic chip about the size of a grain of rice that is implanted under the skin with a hypodermic needle. "Despite being given with a larger needle, chip implantation is similar to giving your pet a vaccine and can be done during a routine visit to your vet," says Dr. Stephen Wilson. No anesthesia or surgery is required, though implantation can be done while your pet is under anesthesia for a spay, neuter, dental or other procedure.

Is a microchip safe? Yes! Implantation is about as painful as a typical injection and adverse reactions to implanted microchips are extremely rare. A microchip can be implanted during a routine vet appointment.

How does a microchip work? ​Microchips are activated by a scanner's radio waves - there is no battery in the microchip. A veterinarian or shelter employee will scan your pet for a microchip. If a chip is found, the chip manufacturer is contacted with the chip ID number and they will reach out to you - your information is not provided to the person who found your pet! If your contact information is missing or incorrect, your chances of getting your pet take a nose dive, so make sure to keep your information current with your microchip manufacturer!

​What are the limitations of a microchip? A microchip should not replace an identification tag. Typically, lost pets are found within a few hours by a good Samaritan or local dog officer and an ID tag is a quick and easy way for someone to coordinate the return of your little wanderer. A microchip doesn't replace a rabies tag, which is necessary for your pet's safety and required by Uncle Sam. A microchip is also not a tracking device - the chip is only activated when a veterinarian or other professional scans your pet. 

​With the first case of an animal in the US testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, pet owners are understandably concerned. Two days ago a tiger in a zoo in New York City was confirmed to be infected with COVID-19. Outside of the US there have been a handful of reported SARS-CoV-2 positive pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) lists two dogs in Hong Kong, one cat in Hong Kong, and one cat in Belgium that have also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

COVID-19 in Dogs and Other Animals
Data continues to indicate that dogs aren’t really susceptible to the infection. The same goes for pigs, chickens, and ducks, all included in the study published in Nature. However Ferrets are highly susceptible to COVID-19.

Keeping pets safe
We urge an abundance of caution to protect pets. If you are ill with COVD-19, restrict contact with your pet and have another member of the household feed and care for your pet if possible. The US Center for Disease Control advises that if “you have a service animal or you must care for your pet, wear a facemask; don’t share food, kiss, or hug them; and wash your hands before and after any contact with them.” Don’t share bedding or any dishes, towels, drinking glasses with other people or pets in your home.

While we urge caution, there isn’t any reason a pet would need to leave a home where someone is infected with COVID-19 unless no one in the home will be able to care for the pet appropriately.

​It’s a good idea to have a two-weeks supply of your pet’s food and medicines in case you are diagnosed with COVID-19, are quarantined or are self-isolating and can’t leave your home.

Yesterday Governor Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). We understand and respect that many in our community are concerned about coronavirus exposure and we want to create a safe working environment for our clients and our team members.
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WHAT WE'RE DOING
At Concord Animal Hospital, we clean exam rooms after every visit, clean the hospital twice daily, and have professional cleaners deep clean the office weekly. We always adhere to these strict sterilization standards to keep our pet patients safe from communicable diseases like kennel cough, but it positions us well to prevent transition of illness between humans.
 
We are increasing our already rigid cleaning standards and reminding employees that they must stay home if they exhibit signs of illness. We ask clients who are ill to either reschedule their pet’s appointment for a future date or have someone else bring their pet to their veterinary visit.

What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a product of both the cannabis and hemp plants. It is only legal when it is derived from hemp – any product for sale containing CBD should not be derived from cannabis. CBD does not have psychoactive properties. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive component of cannabis, or marijuana.
​What research has been done on CBD and pets?
Not enough! “At this point there are very few published results that determine benefits of CBD for pets or how it interacts with other medications or supplements,” notes Dr. McCullough. “Not only have benefits not been confirmed by the research, but proper dosing and CBD toxicity levels have not been defined.”
​There is anecdotal evidence that CBD may have benefits for pets. These claimed benefits include reducing inflammation, stimulating appetite, reducing anxiety, and controlling seizures. There are studies underway and all in the veterinary community eagerly await the results. 

What is Concord Animal Hospital’s stance on CBD?
Our team of veterinarians suspects that there CBD does have health benefits for pets. However, there are significant knowledge gaps in the science, safety, and quality of CBD for pets. Until there are published studies on the safety and efficacy of CBD and standardized dosing, we do not recommend that our clients administer CBD products to their pets.

A cat is considered a senior once they’re 10 years old, but don’t fear senior status! Age isn’t a disease and your senior kitty could have many more years ahead of them. We have many healthy feline patients living into their 20’s. The oldest cat on record lived to be 38!
The needs of your cat change as they age but we’re here to help keep your cat happy and healthy. Follow these five tips and, as always, never be afraid to reach out with questions or concerns.

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​Regular veterinary care and great care at home can give your senior cat many more years with you and your family. As always, call 978-369-3503 or email us at contact@concordanimal.com. No question is silly or concern too small. We’re so proud to partner with you on the healthcare of your super senior!

​Americans are increasingly concerned with where their food comes from and achieving the right nutritional balance for a longer, happier and healthier life. And of course, that includes finding the best food for their furry family members!

​In an effort to improve their pets’ health, many pet moms and dads are turning to alternative diets such as grain-free pet food. And they're willing to spend big money to make sure their pet is getting the best! According to the New York Times, grain free diets accounted for nearly $2.8 billion in 2017, up from $1 billion in 2011. Owners are looking for the very best for their pets and many are replacing grains such as corn, rice and wheat traditionally found in dog food with alternatives such as chickpeas, lentils and sweet potatoes.

​Veterinarians Urge Caution
​In some cases, such as pets with a grain allergy, a grain-free diet is the right choice. But according to CAH veterinarian Dr. McCullough, “for the vast majority of dogs, grains are part of a balanced diet. Far more dogs are allergic to specific proteins than to grain, so very few dogs need to be on a grain-free diet. A veterinarian should be the one to diagnose a grain sensitivity or allergy and work with you on the right nutrition plan"

The veterinary community is beginning to see negative effects of grain-free diets among house pets. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issues several reports warning pet owners of reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils and other legume seeds or potatoes as main ingredients. DCM is a disease of a dog’s heart muscle that leads to an enlarged heart and can result in congestive heart failure. DCM, which can be severe and even fatal, used to mostly impact breeds genetically prone to the disease, such as Great Danes, Newfoundlands and Irish Wolfhounds.

Concerning to the veterinary community is that many recent cases reported to the FDA include breeds not typically at risk for DCM, including Golden and Labrador Retrievers, a Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzers, as well as mixed breeds. In many of these cases, dogs were fed diets that included potatoes or multiple legumes such as peas or lentils. It is not yet know whether the increase in these alternative ingredients is driving the new DCM cases or if it’s the absence of grain, but the FDA is looking into the cause and we have our ears pricked up.

​"This is heart-breaking for us, since we know pet owners are only trying to do what’s best for their pets,” says Dr. McCullough. "Many of these grain-free foods are quite expensive but a higher price doesn't guarantee higher quality. Unfortunately some companies are capitalizing are capitalizing on the grain-free trend. Pet food isn't regulated, so they're able to sell grain-free food with little to no research on benefits to or impact on your pet's health."

​Your pet’s health and happiness depend on proper nutrition
​​An undernourished pet is at risk for serious health issues.  Dr Lisa Freedman, veterinary nutritionist and a professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University note that “in the last few years I’ve seen more cases of nutritional deficiencies due to people feeding unconventional diets, such as unbalanced home-prepared diets, raw diets, vegetarian diets, and boutique commercial pet foods.”
​
You can dramatically improve your pet’s quality of life and life expectancy—not to mention, avoid additional veterinary bills—when you help your cat or dog achieve the right nutritional balance. So what can you do?

1. ​​Paws! Before you consider feeding your pet an alternative diet or if you already are, make a list of why you are considering a change and what you hope to achieve with a change in nutrition. Then..
2. Get to your vet! Make sure your pet has had their physical and dental exam to identify any underlying health issues before making any changes to Fido or Fluffy’s diet. Then review your list of concerns and goals with your vet. During your vet visit you can ask about food choices, such as optimal ingredients and the number of calories your pet needs based on their age, breed, health and activity level. Your vet will recommend a diet that is optimal for your particular pet, one that will meet all of his or her nutritional needs and support a healthy and happy pet.
3. Know what to watch for. If you have been feeding your pet a grain-free or other alternative diet, Dr Freedman tells owners to “watch for signs of heart disease – weakness, slowing down, less able to exercise, short of breath, coughing, or fainting." Contact us if you observe any of these symptoms.  We will  listen for a heart murmur or abnormal heart rhythm and may do additional tests to determine the best treatment plan for your pet.

We love that pet owners are willing to go the extra mile for their pets. You want what’s best for your pet and so do we. We look forward to partnering with you to channel your love and dedication into foods and care that will support a happy and healthy life for your pet!

With a rainy spring behind us, we’re pumped for warm weather!  At Concord Animal Hospital, we know that means it’s time to prepare our clients with pet health and safety advice apropos to the coming hazy, hot, and humid season.
What Is the Biggest Warm Weather Danger for Pets?
As the thermometer starts to climb, the biggest danger posed by the warm weather for pets is hyperthermia, or heat stroke.   
Activities you might normally do at other times of year--an exuberant session at the dog park with an active pup, taking a longer walk than usual with an older or overweight pet, or leaving your four-legged friend in your car while you do a few quick errands--can put them at serious risk for heat stroke. ​

​What Are the Risks of Heat Stroke for Your Pet?
Damage from heat stroke can range from impacted eyes or GI tract, to brain damage and death.
Dogs considered at higher risk for heat stroke include:

1. Older dogs
2. Breeds with heavy coats
3. Breeds with short snouts (brachycephalic dogs like Pugs or Bulldogs)
4. Dogs with heart or respiratory disease
5. Overweight or obese dogs

Both cats and dogs can suffer from heat stroke, but cats are less inclined to run themselves ragged in the heat or sit in a hot location for too long.  Though cats are frequently indoor only, owners still need to ensure there's a cool place where they can relax.  The same cautions apply when traveling with cats in your car as well.

​How Can You Help a Pet with Heat Stroke?
With the risk of heat stroke especially in dogs on the rise, Concord Animal Hospital’s Katherine Wilson sat down with Dr. Caleb Murphy, Emergency Clinician at BluePearl Specialty Hospital in Waltham to get his suggestions for first aid steps you can take to save your dog’s life.
BluePearl is a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital and one of the emergency hospitals we suggest to our patients for urgent medical assistance when our office is closed.

Katherine: Can you describe what happens to a pet suffering from heat stroke? 
Dr. Murphy: Heat stroke, also called hyperthermia, is a failure to regulate the body’s temperature. A pet suffering from heat stroke is having an inflammatory response which leads to multi-organ dysfunction.
This overheating can be a result of the pet’s own activity or metabolism or heat gained from the environment, such as on a hot day or in a warm car.

Katherine: How does hyperthermia effect a dog?
Dr. Murphy: Dogs lose 70% of their body heat through the skin. But when the air temperature is higher than their body temperature, dogs also lose heat through evaporation from their respiratory tract via panting.
If they are suffering from hyperthermia, your dog will begin panting excessively to maximize heat loss. Internally, blood will increasingly circulate to the skin at the cost of blood flow to the internal organs, which has the potential to cause long term damage.

Special thanks to Dr. Murphy and BluePearl for contributing to our efforts to keep our patients happy and healthy!
*Heat Stroke in Dogs, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. Journal of Internal Veterinary Medicine. 2006.

What Kind of Ticks Are in Our Area?
There are three main types of ticks in the Concord, Massachusetts area:

1. Deer Ticks, an estimated 50-70% of whom carry Lyme disease causing bacteria!
2. Dog Ticks
3. Lone Star Ticks

How Can I Keep My Dog Safe from Tick-Borne Diseases? 
Our veterinarians at Concord Animal Hospital strongly recommend using tick preventatives such as Bravecto or Simparica.  Some clients double-up with a chewable preventative and a repellent collar. Talk to one of our veterinarians to determine the best product for your pet given their health history, potential exposure to ticks and lifestyle. Use your preventative all year long!

Please use a tick preventative year-round!
Frost and freezing temps DO NOT kill ticks. Ticks are dormant but come back to life in only 40 degrees - a high often achieved even in the coldest months. Our veterinarians see plenty of dogs with tick-borne illnesses throughout the winter.
Our vets also suggest taking added precautions such keeping your dogs out of long grass or and away from undergrowth.  These areas are where dogs like to sniff and explore, but they are also prime hangouts for ticks.

After a walk, the American Kennel Association recommends checking some spot you might forget to look, such as inside ears and between toes, just to make sure your pet didn’t bring any ticks home  with them.

What Do I Do If I Find a Tick on My Dog?  
If you find a tick on your dog, remove it as soon as possible! If it hasn’t attached itself yet, there is no risk of tick-borne illness for your pet. If it has attached, grasp the tick with a pair of tweezers as close to the site of attachment as you can and pull straight back.
If you have found an attached tick, particularly one that is engorged, the MSPCA advises noting the date and time to discuss with your veterinarian.
Continue watching for the following symptoms*:

• New joint pain, which may manifest as reluctance to stand or lie down
• Crying painfully
• Walking gingerly or limping, especially on more than one limb or on a different limb from one day to the next
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite

*NOTE: Symptoms may not appear until several weeks or even months after exposure. If you observe any of these symptoms following a tick bite, contact us immediately to make an appointment. Typically tick borne-illnesses respond well to a course of antibiotics, so don’t delay in contacting us!

Concord Animal Hospital is here to help you determine if your pet needs immediate medical care
It's often hard to know when your pet really needs to be seen by a vet when there isn't a clear physical injury. When in doubt, always give us a call at 978-369-3503, WE'RE HERE TO HELP!​ 

I​n some situations, your pet needs immediate attention. Always call if you're concerned, but call (don't email) right away for the following situations:

• ​Your pet's gums are grey instead of nice and pink.
  
• ​Your pet has been vomiting or had diarrhea for more than 24 hours, sooner if it's severe or if you know or suspect your pet ate something they shouldn't have.
• There's blood in your pet's urine or stool or coming from their eyes, nose or mouth.
• Your pet is straining to urinate or defecate.
• Their behavior changes drastically.
• Their food or water intake changes significantly.
• Your pet is having trouble breathing.
• Your pet seems disoriented.
• You pet is limping or seems sore or sensitive to touch.

Not sure if you're pet needs to be seen? Call 978-369-3503 to discuss with our staff!