Pet Insurance Tips

March 2, 2020 By admin Leave a Comment

The pet insurance industry has become increasingly diverse and complicated over the past several years. The structure remains very different from what you are accustomed to with your own health insurance but at its’ premise it serves the same purpose which is to lessen the financial burden when unexpected illness and accidents happen. At Charleston Harbor Veterinarians we have seen an uptick in the number of our clients and patients who are covered by a pet insurance policy and have witnessed first hand the benefit it can provide. Most often, those who are covered by a policy are able to make decisions to provide the best possible care for their pet without hesitation as they’ve removed the financial consideration. We also see these pets sooner in the onset of illness or after injury compared to pets without an insurance policy which can absolutely deliver a better medical outcome than waiting for things to worsen before visiting the vet.

Tools to Select a Policy

So while for many pet owners pet insurance may be a great option, the question remains, which one should you choose. In truth, we see a multitude of different insurance companies with happy clients for each of them. The best company and policy is different for each pet and each person. Therefore, we like to recommend to our clients who ask about pet insurance that they use a free tool called Pawlicy Advisor that helps you evaluate your insurance options and find the best price. Visit their website at https://www.pawlicy.com/advice where you’ll enter info about your pet and quickly receive a recommendation on the best policy for you. Pawlicy Advisor collects no money from you and you pay no more for a policy than you would have without their recommendation. Often you’ll pay less than if you didn’t use their recommendation in fact.

For additional information about pet insurance, we also like Pawlicy Advisor’s blog on “What is Pet Insurance“.

While Pawlicy Advisor is actively growing their list of companies they can recommend from, not every option is currently included. You may also want to separately research options from Nationwide, HealthyPaws, Progressive and Embrace.

Other payment options

If pet insurance still isn’t right for you or the idea of making monthly premium payments or annual fees is not appealing, we wanted to mention two other options to help you pay for unexpected or large veterinary expenses.

CareCredit and Scratchpay both offer veterinary specific payment plan options featuring a variety of payment plans. You can choose from short term plans that allow you to just spread out payment over anywhere from 5 weeks to a few months and require no more than a soft credit check or more traditional longer term financing options. Charleston Harbor Veterinarians is an approved vet clinic for both of these options if you choose to go that route.

The FDA Alert on Nexgard, Bravecto, Simparica and Credelio: What You Need to Know

September 24, 2018 By admin Leave a Comment

On Thursday, September 20, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert concerning Isoxazoline flea and tick preventatives. These products include Nexgard, Bravecto, Simparica and Credelio. The alert is for potential neurologic side effects of these products.

Background:

The information that the FDA is providing is not necessarily new. Before releasing a pharmaceutical product to become available for animal use, rigorous safety studies must be completed to receive FDA approval. During the process of testing these flea and tick medications, rarely, neurologic side effects were noted, including muscle tremors, stumbling, and seizures. After 3 ½ years of prescribing these products we have had one patient experience seizures shortly after administration of an isoxazoline product and alerted the manufacturer. The patient has had no further seizures or other side effects since discontinuing the product. However, other rare side effects such as brief nausea or diarrhea were reported more often. These products are labeled as prescription and we require a physical examination of your pet prior to sending home the first dose due to these types of reasons.

After a medication is released by the FDA to be freely prescribed to the general population, the FDA continues to monitor the medication’s effectiveness and safety. This is general rule for all pharmaceuticals, and we think this is an important one. Once a pharmaceutical enters the general population, it is used by thousands and potentially millions more pet patients than could ever be tested through clinical trials. With the higher numbers of product use, sometimes side effects that were not known previously become evident. At that time, the FDA may elect to submit alerts to veterinarians and the general population, change the labeling of a product, or completely remove it from distribution.

Flea and tick concerns:

Veterinarians do know that diseases caused by fleas are exceptionally common in the South Carolina lowcountry. Fleas cause significant pathology/discomfort for our pets, can spread diseases to people and when severe, can be life threatening. It is not uncommon for our practice to see multiple appointments with our patients each day that involve skin infections and discomfort secondary to flea bites and flea infestations. We often use antibiotics and anti-inflammatory products to treat these conditions. Those products unfortunately can also have adverse side effects for the patient.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) is formed of a group of veterinarians dedicated to tracking the prevalence of parasites affecting our pets. CAPC has reported annual increases in tick borne diseases (including Lyme disease) and continue to recommend year-round flea and tick preventatives for all at risk dogs and cats. At Charleston Harbor Vets we have begun to test for tick borne diseases annually and have found that many dogs have been exposed to diseases such as Lyme disease indicating that our local population is at risk.

Summary:

Unfortunately we do not have a proven safe and 100% effective product for our pets to prevent flea and tick infestations. However we have found that neurologic side effects are much lower when using these products than the risk of disease if we chose not to use them. Currently, our team continues to recommend Nexgard and uses it consistently for prevention for our own dogs. However, if you have any questions or concerns please call, email, or make an appointment to meet with a doctor. We can discuss the risks and benefits and help you find the right products for you and your pet.

-Dr. Blackwood and Dr. Kahuda

Frustrated with Fleas?!

May 31, 2016 By admin Leave a Comment

Downtown Charleston has a problem…FLEAS! The low country is prime real estate for fleas, but downtown has more than its fair share! Many clients have come in seeking relief for their itchy, uncomfortable pets since we opened our doors. Ridding your environment of fleas can be a frustrating endeavor – especially when it is difficult to control the environment outside your home. Strays, squirrels, and the dog next door may constantly infest the area with fleas. There are a few tricks of the trade that can help you get control through!

The need to know info:

1. Adult fleas like to stay on the animal, therefore you MUST TREAT THE PET. ALL the pets!
First, you must prevent those fleas from biting, laying eggs, and surviving on your pet. Fleas will constantly jump on your pet in the yard, during walks, and at the dog park. There are many oral and topical products available. Talk to your vet about the safest and best option for your lifestyle and for your pet. Some pets have an allergy to the flea saliva so even one flea bite can lead to intense itching. Consistent and appropriate flea prevention will help to reduce the discomfort! And if you only treat your dog but your roommate has a cat…your flea problem will continue. Everyone needs safe flea prevention. (Remember – not all over the counter flea prevention is safe for cats – read the label, and NEVER apply a dog product on a cat!)

2. Flea eggs are laid by those adult fleas on your pet and then quickly fall off. They land wherever the pet spends the most time (cushions, bedding, carpets), therefore you MUST TREAT THE ENVIRONMENT. 90% of the flea population is around the home, not on the pet!

a.Remove all toys, clothing, and storage from floors, under beds, and in closets to allow the areas to be treated.
b. Remove pets, pet food, bowls, fish or snake tanks from the area to be treated.
c. Wash and dry all pet bedding, throw rugs, and blankets.
d. Vacuum the environment daily for several days after the home is treated. The goal is to remove as many flea eggs and larvae as possible to prevent them from hatching into adults down the road. Remember to vacuum under cushions, in corners of the room, and under all furniture. Flea eggs and larvae like dark, warm areas! Be sure to empty the bag/canister after each vacuuming session.
e. Apply a safe insecticide to the indoor and outdoor environments. Discuss options with your veterinarian or your exterminator. People and pets should remain away from treated areas until the product is dry. Remember to address those areas where your pet hides or sleeps such as under the bed! Areas of the yard where the pet plays and sleeps as well as areas under porches will need to be treated too.

3. Those eggs that do survive will hatch into larvae which transform into pupae in protective cocoons. The cocoons protect the pupae from insecticides for up to 4 weeks or longer – therefore treatment MUST BE CONSISTENT and on-going. Even after treating the pet and the environment you may see a few fleas as they emerge from the cocoon and hop a ride on your pet! Don’t worry, they won’t last long! Make sure to repeat the environment cleaning in 2 to 4 weeks to capture each and every cycle of the fleas.

-Dr. Kahuda

What does your dog like to do?

March 8, 2016 By admin Leave a Comment

By: Janette Blackwood, DVM Janette Blackwood, DVM with pup

My first couple of years out of veterinary school, I worked out in a military town in Georgia. One day, I had a client come in with a new adult shetland sheepdog rescued from the shelter. Even though it was about a decade ago, I still remember reading the paperwork filled out by the original owner at the time the dog was surrendered to the shelter. The paperwork had a list of the standard questions you would see on these forms, such as “Is this dog on heartworm and flea prevention?” or “Is he good with small children?” But, there was one question and answer that really stuck out to me, because it really made me think about the bonds (or lack of bonds) that we form with our pets:

Question: “What does he/she enjoy doing?”
Answer provided by owner surrendering pet: “I don’t know.”

The relationship (or lack thereof) between an animal and a pet can be so valuable, that it actually has a medical term taught in veterinary colleges and recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): “the human-animal bond”. The AVMA’s website defines the human-animal bond as “a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well being of both.” The definition further goes on to state that a veterinarian should work to maximize the potential of this bond between their clients and pets. As a new graduate, my mind was constantly in a whirl to make sure that I was keeping my animal patients’ bodies physically healthy. Were all my dog and cat patients on parasite prevention monthly and properly vaccinated to keep them safe from infectious diseases? Were my senior pets comfortable in managing their arthritis? And, were my senior sets treated appropriately for their periodontal disease, so that they would continue to eat without pain? But, reading that question from that shelter’s paperwork really got me thinking about wondering if I was doing enough to make sure that my pets were also happy in their daily lives, thereby building that human-animal bond.

At the time that I was meeting that newly adopted Sheltie, my own little white, fluffy mutt Radar was a young guy full of tremendous energy. And, even though we had only had him for a few months, I knew for sure how to answer the question: “What does he enjoy doing?” He has always loved the game of chase with anyone throwing a squeaky toy. He loves long walks in any new area; bonus points if there are random tuffs of grass for him to mark as his own. The end to a perfect day full of activity would consist of a quiet evening with a Greenie chew and maybe a little tomato for dessert after eating his dry kibble. And, if you were sitting on the floor, he can always find a way to position himself directly in front of you in the perfect location for a gaining a back rub.

As Radar and I both grow older and life finds me and my family somehow busier than ever, I do have to make myself stop and reassess: Am I still providing Radar what he needs to be happy? He is so quiet; he rarely complains. At these times, I usually stop what I am doing and grab his harness and leash. Then, we head outside for a walk through the neighborhood, making sure to walk a little more slowly in the areas with tall tufts of grass.

If you feel inclined, comment below on what you feels gives your pets meaning and happiness in life. It might give others ideas of activities to do with their pets, especially as the nice weather is starting to return.

Janette Blackwood, DVM

Website to the AVMA description of The Human-Animal Bond.
https://www.avma.org/kb/resources/reference/humananimalbond/pages/humananimalbonda vma.aspx

Tips for Pets and Fireworks

July 3, 2015 By admin Leave a Comment

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fireworks

Summer is full of celebrations involving fireworks, none bigger than our Independence Day on the 4th. Dogs and cats react to fireworks as individuals. Some aren’t upset by the explosions, and others get hurt by panicking and jumping through closed windows or bolting through doors to get away from the terrifying noise and lights.

American pet advocacy groups point out that the number of escapees is so high that Independence Day is the busiest day of the year in shelters — and that many pets get lost, injured, or killed. Charleston is fortunate to have great emergency hospitals that will be open 24 hours in case your pet is injured. Check our resources page to find their contact info. Community websites and Facebook pages are also a great tool to help lost pets get reunited with their owners.

Your pets will do better if they’re not left home alone during fireworks events. That’s not always feasible, so think ahead before leaving them alone.

Signs of anxiety can include pacing, trembling, panting, drooling, attention-seeking (vocalizing, pawing, nuzzling, and climbing on people), hiding, and bolting. Escape attempts tend to involve hiding behind furniture, and staying in a basement or bathroom. Because the source of the noise is confusing, inside dogs may want to escape to the outside, and outside dogs may be frantic to get inside.

Nervous pets tend to drink more water, so keep more available than usual. (And remember, these summer events usually mean hotter weather, and the likelihood of power problems, so extra water is already a good idea.) Bring outside pets inside, so they can’t bolt. Keep your cats securely inside, and if your dog needs a potty break during the fireworks, take him outside on a leash, even in a fenced yard. Make sure all your pets are wearing an ID tag or a collar that contains your phone number. Tags and collars can be lost, so a microchip is even more useful in helping you find your lost pet.

Drug-Free Remedies

What can you do to keep your frightened pet safe and calm? For many frightened pets, just staying in a crate (as long as they are used to one) or in a “safe” room with a closed door is all that’s needed.

Synthetic pheromone sprays such as Feliway for cats and Adaptil (formerly called D.A.P.) for dogs are available at pet stores. These sprays imitate the properties of the natural pheromones of the lactating female that gives kittens or puppies a sense of well-being.

An herbal relaxant called Composure comes in chews or liquid for dogs; the feline version is in chews.
Some pets respond to pressure wraps, such as Thundershirts or Anxiety Wraps. The pressure on the body may have a calming effect.

Ear muffs to muffle sound are also available.

Calming caps cover a dog’s eyes to reduce visual stimulation.

If you can plan ahead for these summer events, veterinary behaviorists often recommend behavior modification, classical counter conditioning, and teaching a desirable coping response.

In behavior modification, controlling the intensity of the fireworks is necessary and often the most challenging part. While it often isn’t possible to expose a fearful dog to only “little fireworks,” controlling other factors can help. Distance from the fireworks can be less intimidating, as would be keeping the dog indoors. Music may disguise the bursts of noise; consider loud music with a regular beat.

Classical counter conditioning can create a positive association with fireworks if the anxiety isn’t extreme. Give high-value food rewards (canned food or peanut butter), offer your pet his favorite toys or food puzzle toys, or have your pet practice his tricks with you. The goal is for him to learn that fireworks result in highly pleasant rewards.
You can teach a desirable coping response. The appropriate response for a dog facing something frightening is to retreat to a safe place until the frightening thing ends. Providing a safe retreat, such as a crate or a closet, will give security and confidence, although selecting the location is up to the pet. Blankets to muffle the sound and a pheromone diffuser will provide natural motivation for the dog to seek this location. Being able to cope when the world becomes overwhelming is a life skill essential for both people and dogs! Hiding is not a sign of a problem, if the pet quickly returns to a normal behavior when the fireworks are over.

Medication

It’s easier to prevent a fearful reaction than it is to reverse one. If your pet is nervous around loud, unexpected noises, a short-term sedative before the fireworks start may be just the ticket. Talk to your veterinarian ahead of time, so you can have something on hand to give your pet before the fireworks start. Some medications often used for fireworks or thunderstorm phobias in dogs are Xanax and Valium.
Some severely anxious pets may benefit from drugs like clomipramine or fluoxetine that increase the level of serotonin. However, these drugs can take several weeks, if not more, to build up to an effective level, so this is not spur-of-the-moment fix.

You have many choices of how to help your pet cope with fireworks stress. Talk to us about what is best for your pet. Hopefully, everyone in the family will then be able enjoy the holiday!

Adapted from an article by: Becky Lundgren, DVM