Greencross Vets
Mosquitoes thrive and reproduce in wet areas. This includes puddles, rivers and dams. The risk of Heartworm disease will also increase with the mosquito problem. Mosquitoes carry heartworm and can transfer them to your pet when they feed. Be sure your pets are on a yearly heartworm treatment or monthly heartworm preventative.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is shed in the urine of rodents, and urine-contaminated water is ideal for Leptospirosis survival. Rodents are the main shedders of this disease, but many mammals can become susceptible, including humans. Dogs with leptospirosis have kidney and liver issues and these organs often fail, resulting in death. An extra vaccine can be added to your dog’s vaccination program to prevent this disease.
Pyotraumatic Dermatitis (Hot-spots) gets its name from lesions that are warm to the touch. This acute, rapidly-developing, surface bacterial skin infection occurs as a result of self-inflicted trauma. Hot spots are common in hot, humid weather after increased rainfall. Fleas are also a common stimulus but hot, wet weather, long thick coats, allergies, and anything that causes scratching can result in hot spots. Veterinary attention to reduce the spread of infection is important.
Ringworm, a fungal infection, also increases with the hot, humid weather. Fungal infections are soil-born but require rougher surfaces to attach. Bruising, scratches or hot spots can give fungal infections that foothold on skin. Cats are especially susceptible to ringworm.
Giardia is a one-celled, moisture-loving parasite that lives in the small intestine of infected animals. These animals shed Giardia in their faeces, and flooding moves contaminated water to different areas. Other pets can become ill from drinking contaminated water, so maintaining a clean, well-drained environment is essential. Symptoms of giardia may include mucus diarrhea and stomach cramps.
