Mijoy Yorkies and Mijoy Biewers

THIS ARTICLE IS A BIT PREMATURE ABOUT THE SUMMER - HOWEVER, WE HAVE SEEN REPEATED CASES OF BILLARY THIS ENTIRE WINTER, SO ONE THING IS FOR SURE, THE TICKS ARE STILL VERY MUCH AROUND........

 Summer is here …..

Summer has once again arrived and with it the possible onslaught of both ticks and fleas.  As I am sure you are aware, fleas not only are unpleasant for you and your dog, but put your dog at risk of tapeworm infestation.  This can sometimes (not always) be seen as rice like granules at your dogs rear end (butt). If you have fleas or see these granules ask your vet to deworm your dog/s as well as treating for fleas and ticks.. Not all dewormers cover tapeworm so mention this specifically when requesting a dewormer.

PREVENTION rather than cure.

Ticks can give your dog billiary.  This is the equivalent of Tick Bite Fever in the human (which is rather nasty) Billiary in dogs will cause death if untreated.  There is no inoculation for Billiary. The dog will become more lethargic as the disease progresses. The dog will become anemic. Your vet is the only one who can treat this condition.  Do not delay - dangerous, if left too long can be fatal. (Can kill in a very short period of time if left untreated (a day or two).  Dog may exhibit signs of very pale gums (but not necessarily in the beginning stages.) To control both ticks and fleas use Frontline / Pour on, or the likes (available from your vet).Tick and flea collar- I do not make use of, so I can not advise how successful they are in preventing problems and dipping is questionable,can work – provided meticulously carried out and repeated at weekly intervals or as directed. I only use Frontline. Frontline does not kill the ticks, but paralyzes the jaw, resulting in it not being able to feed (Suck the blood) so it starves. Extremely effective and very safe (use according to directions) Consult your vet on his/her recommendation for your specific needs.  Remember if you have cats they must also be treated and dewormed if necessary and obviously all dogs. 

Treatment of bedding and the environment (Home).

Your pets bedding can be washed and a flea powder dusted lightly over the bedding and in the base of the bed, also used as a preventative measure.  If you should have the odd flea in your carpets.  Room Foggers are excellent. (Available at your supermarket – follow directions carefully)  Obviously all livestock and foodstuffs must be removed. Fish cover and switch off pump.

Check for flea eggs (small and white in colour) between cushions etc on your coaches. Remember to spray your skirting boards with an aerosol flea Spray (supermarket) very good hiding and breeding environment for fleas.

BREEDERS  remember to protect both your bitches and their pups.  Pregnant bitches with biliary – the treatment needed for biliary will result in the bitch aborting her pups.

NEW  OWNERS remember to treat or continue treating the pup – pups may very well not survive billiary.

THE YORKIE – Love and be loved