In the News

Our recent winter is one we are looking forward to leaving behind! As you look forward to spring, the Gehrman Animal Hospital veterinary team encourages you to take a few minutes to consider seasonal hazards from your pet's perspective. By taking the time to pet-proof your home and yard, as well as being proactive with parasite prevention, you and your pet can fully enjoy the season together!

Fleas - An "Ick" to Avoid

As the weather gets warmer and you spend more time outdoors with your pet, keep in mind that the flea population increases with the warm weather. Since fleas require a living host for survival, your dog or cat is an easy target. Fleas tend to attach themselves to your pet's ears, underbelly, tail, and paws. Common indications of fleas include excessive itching, bleeding or oozing skin, biting, chewing, and licking at the skin. Additionally, you may notice "black pepper" appearing specks, which may be "flea dirt". It is essential to ensure your pet is protected from the misery of fleas and a possible severe allergic reaction to flea saliva.

It may not seem like it in the dark, snowy and cold days of winter, but warmer weather is approaching. With warmer weather, we want to discuss a common and concerning bacterial organism, called Leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is an organism that can spread to animals and people. The leptospirosis bacterium is spread via urine of infected animals, which can live in water and soil for months. Due to Minnesota’s highly water populated areas, this organism is a significant concern for our pets and owners.  Most commonly we see pets contract leptospirosis from drinking stagnant puddles, ponds, lakes and pools. Rodents and wild animals that urinate in this area contaminate the water and expose dogs and cats to this disease.