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Is your pet dressing up for Halloween? We’d love to see! Come to our clinic on Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., to get a complimentary photo taken and pick up a treat.

 

It’s fall in Chicago, and the evening cicada blare slowly becomes quiet, the sweaters and hoodies come out for evening dog walks, and our collective thoughts turn to football, hockey, and basketball (and a once-a-millennium Cubs playoff run). As the annual and collective city preparations for the upcoming Midwestern freeze begins, it’s easy to start daydreaming about pumpkins, apple cider, going back to school, and how fast the Bears will disappoint. But as easy as it is to stray, we urge you not to lose focus on taking all the same protective measures you took for your animals during the summer months.

As nice as it would be, turning the calendar page to September doesn’t alert the fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes that it’s time to go home and leave our dogs alone. We commonly hear clients tell us that they stop their flea/tick and heartworm protection once it gets cold and, unfortunately, these are the most common times that our pets become susceptible. This September we’ve already seen the temperatures hit above 90°, and there’s no way to know if there’ll be more of this. Even if your city dog or cat goes out for just moments, she can be exposed to all the same dangers as in the middle of July.

And what are these dangers?

Fleas: All cats and dogs are susceptible to flea infestations. And even if you don’t see fleas on your pets RIGHT NOW, they may still be there waiting to hatch or latch. Fleas not only can cause severe allergic reactions in your animals, but also can just as easily jump onto and irritate human skin as well. All of this can be so easily taken care of by giving your pet monthly flea and tick protection. There are many available, but please check with us if you elect to search for this medication somewhere other than at a veterinary clinic.

Ticks: We hear all the time that owners don’t administer tick protection because they live in the city. We also see ticks all the time on dogs who have never left their block (or even their high-rise home). Ticks not only can cause severe skin issues, but can carry with them some horrible diseases, some of which (such as Lyme disease) can be transmitted to you and your human loved ones. Why take that chance when flea and tick preventative is so easy to give.

Mosquitoes: We primarily worry about mosquitoes carrying heartworm disease, and this one worry is enough reason to not ease up on your heartworm prevention. If a September or November mosquito lands on your dog, and transmits heartworm disease, the result can be expensive, painful, leave longstanding effects, and may be fatal. Cats are less susceptible to getting heartworm disease, but generally have a much greater fatality rate if infected.

The safest thing to do is to keep your pets on flea and tick/heartworm preventatives all year long. We wish it was as easy as saying that as soon as the temperature hits a certain degree, then you can stop, but the unfortunate thing is that we can’t predict whether it will get cold in late September or early November or warm in late February or early March. The chances of getting bit by a mosquito during a January ice storm are pretty low, but the weather’s up-and-down fluxes make predictability impossible.

It is so easy to enjoy fall with your cats and dogs in the city, but hopefully you can avoid having any 6- or 8-legged party crashers there to ruin the atmosphere.

Thank you,

Brett Grossman, DVM
Drew Sullivan, DVM
Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois

 

Summer in Chicago brings us outdoor festivals, barbeques in the backyard, crowded bike and jogging paths, lake picnics, movies in the park, beer gardens, and sidewalk restaurant eating. And what better way to accessorize our fun outdoor activities than to take along our beloved canine friends. In theory, bringing our dogs with us is a wonderful idea, but there are some dangers and cautions all pet owners should heed to avoid injuries and accidents.

1. The Hot Heat
   Dogs are not designed to take the heat, even for a short time. Bring a portable dog bowl and fresh water wherever you go. You can’t depend on communal dog bowls or kindly strangers. Be extra careful with larger, long-haired dogs. If they begin to show signs of lethargy, heavy panting, or do not seem themselves, leave immediately and get them to a cool place with water.
2. Chaos
   Even friendly, extroverted dogs may not make party animals. Know your dog’s fears and insecurities. Loud music, crowds, being cramped under a table, other dogs running around with and without leashes, strangers coming up to pet your dog…these scenarios can provoke unexpected responses. If your dog is not happy, give up the prime parking spot you nabbed, forfeit the ticket you just purchased, and leave immediately.
3. Dogs Everywhere
   If you thought of bringing your dog, everyone else probably did too. Make sure someone else’s fearful or aggressive dog doesn’t take its frustrations out on your well-behaved dog. Keep your dog away from others unless you get a verbal cue from the owner that it’s okay to mix, and even then, be careful. If you see signs of anxiety—some hackles raised, teeth bared under the smile—move on. Dog-fight wounds are one of the most common reasons we see animals on emergency.
4. Leftover Food and Drinks
   Milkshake cups, cheese fries, half-discarded sandwiches, cups of tossed-away beer and wine, cigarette butts, and other trash may tempt your dog. Take your eye off your dog for one second, and you may be bringing Bowser to the ER later with severe diarrhea and vomiting, and possibly pancreatitis. I cannot tell you how many marijuana toxicities via brownies we see at the clinic. Side note: Remember that secondhand smoke of any kind can be enough to severely affect your dog.
5. Leaving Your Dog Unattended (Just for a Second)
   Whether you have to run to the Porta-Potti, grab a hotdog at the concession stand, or quickly get some sunscreen at the drug store, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG UNATTENDED. Similarly: NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR. We’ve all seen videos online of people smashing car windows to rescue dogs with heat stroke. And it only takes one loud crack of thunder to set off your dog, one curious toddler to walk up and undo a leash, or one person to set down their beer for a disaster to happen.
6. Non-Dog-Lovers
   Some establishments and public places do not want you to bring your dog with you, either for legal reasons or because they want to respect non-dog people. In places where dogs are allowed, there are plenty of kids and adults who see a dog and veer away. Don’t allow your dog to wander, even if on leash, and make others feel uncomfortable.
7. Hotbeds of Disease
   We all depend on the dog community to vaccinate their dogs to avoid transmitting disease and infections. Some vaccinations, such as rabies, are legally mandated, and other help provide herd immunity for dogs in Chicago. We had breakouts of leptospirosis last year despite it being cheap to vaccinate against. Everyone remembers the canine influenza outbreak that swept through Chicago earlier this year, and although there isn’t a vaccine for the strain that affected the area, it’s still important to keep your dog away from others animals that may be sick.

I wish you a happy summer, and we will see you at your next wellness exam.

—Brett Grossman, DVM

In recent weeks there has been an increased surge of coughing dogs in Chicago. We had been free of suspected flu cases for well over a month here at Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois. But two weeks ago, we had one confirmed case followed immediately by six subsequent cases that were highly suspicious of the canine flu. All of these dogs have had a common history of frequenting day care, boarding facilities, or dog parks. We are still continuing to recommend using caution in these areas to help protect your dog, since there is not yet a vaccine that protects against the effecting H3N2 strain.

Most cases have started with either mild coughing or sneezing, which eventually has progressed to a loud, honking cough. Some pets have a decreased appetite, depression, and fever. If your pet is showing any of these signs, please have your pet examined as soon as possible for time is of the essence to prevent these cases from progressing to life-threatening pneumonia.

Dogs at highest risk of exposure include those that socialize with other dogs by attending day care, boarding or grooming, dog parks, and those that live in high-density enclosed areas, such as high-rise buildings. We recommend owners decrease the risks of exposure by trying to avoid these high-risk areas as much as possible. Canine Influenza Virus can survive 48 hours on hard surfaces and 24 hours on clothing, thus it is very important to also be cautious in elevators, hallways, and places where dogs congregate, like dog relief stations or community dog bowls.

Please call Medical District Veterinary Clinic with any questions at (312) 226-2588.

When summer thunderstorms roll in, some pets dive for cover. If your dog or cat is among those terrified by storms or other sudden, loud noises, such as fireworks, there are steps you can take to help reduce your pet’s anxiety.

According to Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a veterinary behaviorist, the reason pets are scared of thunderstorms isn’t always clear. One study found that a traumatic experience linked to noise was the likely origin of noise sensitivity in only about a third of pets with these phobias. Other factors that may contribute to noise sensitivities include chronic stress, genetics, neurochemical imbalances, and a change in hearing.

Dr. Ballantyne says it is perfectly normal for a pet to be scared by the loud noises and flashes the first time the pet experiences a thunderstorm or fireworks. A pet may react defensively to these high-decibel noises because they probably hurt the pet’s ears, they lack a regular pattern, and it’s difficult to figure out where they are coming from.

It isn’t normal, however, if the animal does not get used to storms, and each thunderstorm is as terrifying as the previous one. Unfortunately, thunderstorms are common, and these frequent stressors can reduce a pet’s quality of life. Addressing your pet’s fears is important for the sake of the pet—not to mention the household objects sometimes destroyed by frightened pets.

Dr. Ballantyne suggests several measures that may help noise-sensitive pets feel a little safer and less frightened during a thunderstorm.

First, try to make a safe place where your pet can go. An interior room with no windows is ideal because it is more sheltered from noise and the flashes of light. Avoid crating your pet unless the pet already feels that the crate is a safe place.

When pets are already hiding, don’t force them out: that can scare and stress them more. Playing music or increasing the white noise in the house can decrease the perceived amount of noise from the storm.

Your behavior around your pet also plays an important role in managing the pet’s anxiety during a storm. You should avoid either comforting or punishing the pet, and you should stay calm to avoid increasing the pet’s anxiety.

If your dog isn’t too scared, you can try to play with him. Interactive toys, such as a Kong filled with food, can help as well if he is willing to eat.

A pheromone spray for dogs called DAP helps reduce anxiety in some dogs. It can be sprayed on a bandana and tied around the pet’s neck during a storm.

Dr. Ballantyne acknowledges that noise sensitivities can be hard for owners to manage. Sometimes you can do everything right and your pet is still scared of the storms.

“Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for help,” advises Dr. Ballantyne. “If nothing else is working, your veterinarian can prescribe anti-anxiety medication to augment the behavior modification plan.”

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Brett Grossman, the newest clinician at the Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois!

Since he started in late May, Dr. Grossman has quickly become a favorite with our clients and patients, including the adorable–and reportedly very food motivated–Oscar Biscuit Wilde, who appears calm and symmetrical with Dr. Grossman in the photo at right.

His own pet family includes Emerson, a ridiculously mischievous terrier/whippet mix that was adopted from a nun in Arizona while the Grossmans were on vacation; Crocodile, a Russian Blue-mixed cat adopted off the streets of Greensboro, N.C., with an unusual proclivity for urinating in the toilet; and Bell, the family matriarch and a hyperthyroid tabby cat adopted from the South Side of Chicago.

“I am very excited to be practicing veterinary medicine in Chicago and helping the Medical District Veterinary Clinic grow,” says Dr. Grossman.

He is no stranger to Chicago. Before joining the Medical District Veterinary Clinic Dr. Grossman provided emergency veterinary care in the Chicago area for several years. And before embarking on a veterinary degree, he earned dual degrees in Analytical Philosophy and Neuroscience at the University of Illinois at Chicago and spent his time playing music and running record stores in the Chicago area.

He earned his veterinary degree from Western University of Health Sciences in California and completed a small animal internship in medicine and surgery at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in North Carolina.

To learn more about Dr. Grossman, see our “Meet Our Staff” page.

The recent canine influenza outbreak in Chicago is caused by a different strain of the virus than was earlier assumed. According to laboratory scientists at Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin, the outbreak is caused by a virus related to Asian strains of influenza A H3N2 viruses—not the H3N8 strain. Both strains can cause high fever, loss of appetite, coughing, nasal discharge, and lethargy. Symptoms may be more severe with the H3N2 virus. H3N2 has also caused infection and respiratory illness in cats.

Read more: http://mediarelations.cornell.edu/2015/04/12/midwest-canine-influenza-outbreak-caused-by-new-strain-of-virus/

In recent weeks we have seen a large number of coughing dogs here in Chicago. Most of the affected dogs have a history of frequenting day care, boarding facilities, and dog parks. At this time I recommend avoiding these facilities to help protect your dog, even if he/she has been vaccinated for “canine cough.”
Why isn’t vaccination sufficient protection? Let me explain a little about canine cough.

“Canine cough” (also called “kennel cough”) is a broad term to describe infectious tracheobronchitis. This highly contagious condition results in inflammation of the trachea and bronchus. Many viruses and bacteria can result in canine cough. Currently the intra-nasal vaccine recommended for dogs here at the Medical District Veterinary Clinic covers the three most common causes of canine cough: Bordetella (bacteria), Parainfluenza (virus), and Adenovirus (virus).

However, early test results from patients in this outbreak point to an underlying culprit of canine influenza (flu). There is a vaccine for canine influenza on the market, but it has not been widely used or recommended because of the low risk of canine influenza.

Most cases start with a mild cough, which eventually progresses to a loud, honking cough. Some pets have decreased appetite, depression, and fever. We have seen a number of dogs develop a secondary pneumonia. If your pet is showing any of these signs, please have your pet seen.

Due to the outbreak I recommend avoiding any direct dog-to-dog contact and vaccinating dogs at high risk, such as those that attend day care, boarding, grooming, or dog parks and dogs that live in high rises. Although the vaccine does not 100% prevent infection, it should reduce the number of affected dogs. The canine influenza virus can survive 48 hours on hard surfaces and 24 hours on clothing, thus it is very important to be cautious in elevators, hallways, and dog relief stations.

Dogs need a booster two to four weeks after the initial vaccination. Dogs are not considered protected until 14 days after the second vaccine. The vaccination lasts one year and must be given annually thereafter. We do not recommend vaccinating dogs that have been infected until at least four weeks after the infection has cleared. Not all dogs may need the vaccine.

Please see this recent article by Dr. Brendan McKiernan, a respiratory specialist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana.

Please call the Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois with any questions: 312-226-2588.

Due to popular demand,  we will continue to offer a 10% discount (and a 15% discount to all UIC students, faculty and staff) on ALL dental procedures that occur within the months of February AND MARCH! Call us to set up an appointment for your dog or cat today at 312-226-2588!

A healthy smile means a healthy pet.

We’re celebrating Pet Dental Health Month with a 10% discount on all dental services throughout the month of February.  Bonus: UIC students, faculty and staff (with current I-cards) will receive a 15% dental discount during this time.

Call for an appointment today.