MANILA, Philippines – Canine health hazards may lurk in pools of standing water following heavy rainfall. Be in the know and prevent illnesses and dangers that may befall your dog. The Bow & Wow Times, an online newsletter of Bow & Wow offers useful tips on pet preparedness, especially during rainy days or season. Here are some rainy season dangers that you may not be conscious of:
Leptospirosis: A bacteria-like spirochete, is carried naturally by wildlife. In high rainfall situations, it is prevalent in the environment. More often, the leptospira are washed by rains into standing water. Then pets wading, swimming or drinking the contaminated water develop the disease. In dogs that have exposure to water sources contaminated by wildlife urine (puddles, streams, ponds, etc.), transmission can occur.
Mosquitoes: Mosquito bites can be life-threatening to your dog. Mosquitoes can carry Dirofilaria, which transmits heartworm infection to a dog. Use year-round control to prevent problems arising from mosquitoes. If your dog has thin fur/skin and is more predisposed to getting bitten, use Skin So Soft or a topical insect repellent that repels mosquitoes. Talk to your veterinarian to be safe before applying anything.
Food and water contamination: Contaminated food and water may lead to health problems like digestive disorders and gastroenteritis. Always ensure clean and constant source of fresh drinking water, provide food and water in separate metal bowls as metal vessels are easy to clean, ensure food is freshly prepared, avoid giving kitchen waste and non-veg left-over food, give less food with frequent intervals to avoid indigestion and giving warm food or milk is advisable, but remember that for any specialized treatment you must contact your vet.
Bow & Wow branches are located at level 6 of Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City; at the lower ground floor of Greenbelt 5, Makati City; at the 2nd floor, Al Fresco, Robinsons Magnolia in New Manila, Quezon City; at the ground floor of Excelsior in Eastwood City, Libis, Q.C.; and at Level 3 of Ayala Center, Cebu.
For information, visit http://www.bowandwow.com.ph/blog or www.bowandwow.com.ph.