Q&A with MAH: Fleas

Q&A with MAH: Fleas

Q. What are fleas?

A.  Fleas are pesky little insects that feed off the blood of mammals and birds.  They can even attack us humans!  Fleas are parasites that like to live on our furry friends, especially cats, while causing them the discomfort of itchy skin.  Not only do their bites cause discomfort, but they can also carry a number of diseases and played a role in the outbreak of the bubonic plague.   These insects can't fly, but can jump as high as 7 inches and as far as 1 foot!  They can easily travel from one animal to another.

Q. What can I do to protect my pet from fleas?

A.  There are a number of things you can do to treat a pet with fleas but the best thing you can do for your pet is to use flea prevention to keep them from getting fleas in the first place.  Some pet parents think that their pets don't need flea prevention because their pet only goes outside once in a while.  However, if your pet has any contact with other animals, they are at risk of getting fleas.  Fleas on your pet means fleas in your house and one flea can quickly turn into thousands, making them a pain to get rid of.  The best thing for your pet's well-being, as well as yours, is to keep your pet on a preventative.  Many preventatives are broad-spectrum and can also protect against ticks, mosquitoes, and flies.  They last as long as a month and are administered simply with a dose on the skin.

Come visit us at Manhasset Animal Hospital for any questions or concerns you may have about your pet and fleas!

~Your friends at MAH

Ask Dr. Bob: Laser therapy

Ask Dr. Bob: Laser Therapy

Q. What is laser therapy? 

A. Laser therapy is a new non-invasive treatment used to help our pets' well-being and comfort.  It is a great option for pets who may be non-responsive to pain medication or other therapies.  

Some of the effects of laser therapy include:

• Alleviation of chronic and acute pain
• Reduction of inflammation and edema
• Activation of immune and anti-inflammatory processes
• Accelerated wound healing
• Increased cellular metabolic activity
• Increased blood flow to region of treatment

Q: How does laser therapy work?

A:  A high power laser light beam is aimed at the affected area and is absorbed by cellular structures that send a message to increase the production of cellular energy in the form of ATP.  ATP fuels the cells in the body and provides them with the tools they need to repair themselves.  With the increase of ATP there is more transport of nutrients into the cells, more excretion of waste from the cells, and quicker regeneration of the cells.  This allows for a rapid recovery process and alleviates the pain and inflammation your pet experiences. 

The light energy of the laser also initiates many other biological processes.  These include serotonin and endorphin release to help relieve pain, lymphatic vessel dilation to reduce swelling, and blood vessel dilation to increase blood flow and rejuvenate the cells.  Laser treatment also stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts, leukocytes, and macrophages to help accelerate wound healing. 

Laser treatment can help alleviate pets with the following conditions:

• Osteoarthritis
• Hip Dysplasia
• Muscle or Soft Tissue Injuries
• Lick Granulomas
• Skin Infections
• Nerve Pain
• Acute Trauma
• Abdominal Pain
• Post-operative Incisions and Swelling

Laser treatment is a powerful new therapy and we've seen great results with many of our patients! If you think your pet would benefit from laser treatment, call (516) 627-0057 to schedule an appointment with us!

-Dr. Bob Henrickson

Ask Dr. Bob: Pet food

Ask Dr. Bob: Pet food

Q. What should type of food should I feed my pet?

A. For cats and dogs, it is important to feed them food that is appropriate for their age.  For example, a kitten should eat kitten food because it needs higher amounts of protein in its diet than would an adult or senior cat.  Similarly, an older cat should be eating food with less amounts of protein than a younger cat.  Some pet food brands even distinguish between mature adult food for cats of over about 6 years of age, and senior food for cats of over about 10 years of age.  In terms of brands, what you pay is what you get.  In general, more expensive foods are higher quality foods.  You should stick with big national brands that are approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) rather than local or store-owned brands.  AAFCO approved brands will have performed more research on their food and will therefore be safer for your pet.  By keeping these things in mind when choosing your pet's food, you are helping to keep your pet happy and healthy.

-Dr. Bob Henrickson