Dear Friends,

Last night and today’s severe storms caused terrible flooding in Huron County and the surrounding area. We would like to express our deepest condolences for everyone affected by the flooding and storms. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Now is the time to be ever watchful of your pets. Be sure all outside pets are accounted for and their housing is free from flooded areas. Check containers with standing water, such as pool covers, wheelbarrows and buckets, be sure they are emptied to help reduce the risk of mosquito breeding and small animal drowning.

Dog owners: Your dog should not play in ditches, streams, creeks, drainage tiles, and detention basins because of the possibility of drowning or other injury. Keep out of flooded areas and make sure your pet does not drink the water. After the heavy rain the water has increased infectious diseases (leptospirosis-click for more information) and parasitic zoonosis. This increases your pet’s risk of contracting Giardiasis (click for more information) and Coccidia (click for more information). Giardiasis is an intestinal disease of people, dogs, cats and other animals. It is caused by a microorganism called Giardia, which is swallowed when the animal eats contaminated stool, food, or water. Giardia prevents proper absorption of nutrients, damages the delicate intestinal lining, and interferes with digestion.

Because of the standing water after the storm, make sure your dog is protected with Advantix (click for more information) and Sentinel (Click for more information). Advantix protects your dog against mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus and heartworms, and also fleas and ticks. Sentinel protects against hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, fleas and heartworm

For cat owners: Try to keep your cat inside and away from standing water or moving water where they could possibly drown. All cats should stay on Revolution (click for more information) to protect against fleas, roundworm, hookworm and heartworm.

If you notice any vomiting, diarrhea, stiffness, or lameness let us know immediately! Phone: 419 – 668 - 6524!

Best Wishes,

Dr. Hendrikson and Staff