Bordetella, commonly known as "Kennel Cough," is a highly contagious upper respiratory illness in dogs that spreads quickly through direct contact or airborne particles. Vaccination is essential for dogs that frequently interact with other dogs in places like neighborhoods, boarding facilities, daycare centers, dog parks, or grooming salons.

Puppies, young dogs, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk and may develop more severe symptoms if left unvaccinated.

Common symptoms include:

Canine Influenza, a highly contagious viral infection that emerged from a mutated strain in 2012, can easily spread to dogs who have not been previously exposed. A vaccine is available to protect dogs and can be requested. Fortunately, this virus cannot be transmitted to humans.

Symptoms:

Distemper is a very contagious viral illness that impacts dogs, cats, ferrets, and some wildlife. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease at the moment, as it can spread through direct and indirect contact.

Common symptoms of distemper include:

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is a viral infection that spreads among cats through saliva, feces, and lactation. Nursing kittens, feral or outdoor cats, and those living in multi-cat households are at a higher risk of infection. Unfortunately, there is no cure for FeLV.

At our hospital, a blood test can be performed to determine if a cat is infected with FeLV.

Common Symptoms:

Choosing the Right Flea and Tick Preventative

With so many flea and tick prevention options available, selecting the best one for your pet can feel overwhelming. Important factors to consider include your pet's lifestyle, age, breed, health status, and current medications. Since flea and tick preventatives are medications, it is essential to consult your veterinarian before starting a new product.

Types of Flea & Tick Prevention

• Topical Medications ("Spot-On" Treatments): Applied to the base of the neck or between the shoulder blades, these products kill fleas and ticks but may require careful handling.
• Oral Medications: A convenient alternative to topicals, though they do not have a repellent effect and may cause stomach upset or skin reactions.
• Collars: Long-lasting and easy to use, but some pets may experience skin irritation or dislike the odor.
• Sprays: Effective when applied evenly, though pets must remain dry for the product to work properly.
• Powders & Shampoos: Provide temporary relief but are not long-term solutions and may have side effects.
• Flea Dips: Concentrated treatments that can eliminate fleas and ticks but should be administered by a professional, particularly for young, pregnant, or nursing pets.

When selecting a flea and tick preventative, consider your pet’s specific needs and lifestyle. Always consult your veterinarian to ensure the safest and most effective choice.

Understanding Heartworm Testing for Pets

Heartworm tests are blood tests used to detect heartworm infection in pets. These tests can be conducted in-house or sent to a reference laboratory. When performed in-house, results are typically available within 10 minutes.

Heartworm Testing in Dogs

For dogs, heartworm tests detect antigens in the blood that are produced by female heartworms. A small blood sample is mixed with a test solution and applied to a tester containing antibodies. If heartworm antigens are present, the antibodies bind to them, causing a colored dot to appear—indicating infection. These tests are highly accurate because infected dogs usually carry large numbers of heartworms. However, since heartworms take about six months to mature, very early infections may not be detected.

Heartworm Testing in Cats

Two types of heartworm tests are available for cats:

• Antigen Test: Similar to the test used for dogs, this detects antigens from three or more adult female heartworms. However, because most infected cats carry only a few worms (typically 1-7), and some may have only male worms, a negative test result does not always rule out infection.
• Antibody Test: This detects heartworm-specific antibodies in the bloodstream, which are produced when heartworm larvae reach the L4 stage. However, these antibodies only last a few months. A positive antibody test indicates recent exposure to heartworms but does not confirm the presence of adult worms.

Because no single test is 100% reliable for detecting heartworms in cats, veterinarians often recommend performing both antigen and antibody tests. Even with combined testing, some infections may still go undetected.

Hookworms, named for their hook-like teeth, are among the most dangerous intestinal parasites affecting dogs and cats due to their blood-feeding behavior. These parasites use their sharp teeth to attach to the intestinal lining, where they consume significant amounts of blood. In young animals, a severe hookworm infestation can lead to life-threatening anemia.

As hookworms move through the intestine, they leave behind bleeding ulcers at each attachment site, further compromising an infected pet’s health.

Hookworms are common in both dogs and cats. The subspecies *Ancylostoma caninum* can be transmitted to puppies through their mother’s milk, while kittens typically contract the infection through contact with contaminated environments. Given their prevalence, all puppies and kittens should undergo routine deworming early in life. Because hookworms are microscopic, laboratory testing is necessary for accurate diagnosis.

Pets can become infected with hookworms in multiple ways. Puppies frequently acquire the parasite while nursing, as larvae pass from the mother’s mammary tissue into the milk. Additionally, dogs and cats of all ages can ingest hookworm larvae from contaminated soil or environments. The larvae, which hatch from eggs in the stool of infected animals, can either be ingested directly or penetrate the skin of pets (or humans) that come into contact with contaminated areas. Once inside, the larvae migrate to the intestine, where they mature. Dogs and cats may also become infected by consuming an infected animal. Even indoor pets are at risk, as insects such as cockroaches can carry hookworm larvae, which may be accidentally ingested.

Hookworms are zoonotic, meaning they can also infect humans. Transmission typically occurs when larvae come into contact with exposed skin, often through activities like walking barefoot or digging in contaminated soil. Although humans are not natural hosts for hookworms, the migrating larvae can cause severe skin irritation. Fortunately, they cannot complete their life cycle in humans and die within a few weeks. This condition, known as Cutaneous Larva Migrans, can be treated by a physician to relieve symptoms. Preventative measures, such as wearing shoes and maintaining good hygiene, can help minimize the risk of transmission.

The hookworm life cycle takes approximately three to four weeks to complete.

Understanding Leptospirosis in Pets

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected wildlife. It is commonly transmitted via contaminated water sources, such as puddles, retention ponds, and slow-moving creeks. Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s lifestyle and potential exposure risks to determine if vaccination against Leptospirosis is recommended.

Often referred to as “Lepto,” this disease can cause severe kidney and liver damage. Additionally, because Leptospirosis is zoonotic, it can be transmitted from animals to humans, posing a potential health risk to pet owners.

Symptoms of Leptospirosis

Lyme Disease in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Lyme disease is a common tick-borne infection that affects both humans and dogs, particularly in the Northern Virginia area. Depending on your pet’s lifestyle and exposure risk, your veterinarian may recommend vaccination for added protection.

Ticks acquire the Lyme-causing bacteria from wildlife and transmit it to your pet during feeding. For transmission to occur, the tick must remain attached for at least 48 hours. However, because Lyme-carrying ticks are often small and difficult to detect, consistent tick prevention and vaccination are crucial to safeguarding your pet’s health.

Unlike humans, dogs do not typically develop the characteristic "bull's-eye" rash. Many may not show immediate symptoms—or any symptoms at all—making Lyme disease challenging to detect. Even in the absence of noticeable signs, the infection can still be present and impact your pet’s well-being.

If a pet tests positive for Lyme disease, antibiotics can help reduce the bacterial load in the body. However, completely eradicating the bacteria can be difficult, and a low-level infection may persist even after treatment.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness affecting both dogs and humans in the United States. Caused by the bacterium *Borrelia burgdorferi*, it is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. While many mammals can contract the disease, dogs and horses are the most likely to develop symptoms, whereas cats are naturally resistant. Lyme disease is most prevalent along the East Coast and Great Lakes regions but is also found in other areas of the U.S.

Among the various tick species capable of carrying *Borrelia burgdorferi*, only the black-legged tick (deer tick) and the Western black-legged tick are known to transmit the disease. Transmission occurs when an infected tick remains attached to its host for 24-48 hours, allowing bacteria in its saliva to enter the bloodstream.

Many dogs infected with Lyme disease do not show symptoms. However, those that do often experience fever, lameness, and general lethargy. In rare cases, the infection can impact the kidneys, leading to protein loss and potential kidney failure. Although extremely uncommon, Lyme disease can also cause complications affecting the heart or nervous system.

Treatment typically involves antibiotics and supportive care. While antibiotics can alleviate symptoms, small amounts of bacteria may persist in the body, resulting in long-term positive test results. Some dogs may experience recurring symptoms, especially during periods of stress or immune suppression, such as when undergoing cancer treatment.

The most effective way to protect against Lyme disease is through prevention. Year-round tick prevention significantly reduces a pet’s risk of exposure. Additionally, a Lyme vaccine is available for dogs, providing extra protection against infection if bitten by an infected tick. The vaccine is given annually after an initial two-dose booster series. In some cases, veterinarians may also recommend preventive antibiotic treatment after a tick bite.

At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, we advise annual Lyme disease testing using our in-house Heartworm/Lyme/Ehrlichia/Anaplasmosis test, the most accurate method for detecting Lyme infection. If a dog tests positive, further testing or antibiotic treatment may be recommended. For dogs with a history of Lyme infection, we use the Lyme C6 test to measure antibody levels, which helps determine the presence of *Borrelia burgdorferi* bacteria. If antibody levels are rising, additional treatment may be necessary.

While Lyme disease does not spread directly from animals to humans, people can still contract the disease through tick bites. Since no Lyme vaccine currently exists for humans, tick prevention remains the most effective means of protection.

For additional information on Lyme disease, refer to the resources below:

Rabies is a fatal viral infection primarily spread by wildlife and other mammals in our region. As a zoonotic disease, it can be transmitted from animals to humans, making it a serious health concern. The virus is most commonly transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via a bite.

To protect both pets and the community, Virginia law requires rabies vaccinations for all dogs and cats.

Symptoms