WEST NILE VIRUS: Are your pets in danger?
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Media headlines about potential dangers of West Nile Virus (WNV) for humans have some people concerned about their pets, too. The latest information we have from the Ontario Veterinary College is that there has not been any extreme response from WNV recognized in animals. This means that in studies with dogs, cats, and horses, where animals were inoculated with WNV live virus, only a low level of virus was recorded in the bloodstream. There are only two known cases of severe reaction in dogs from WNV, one in Botswana and one in the U.S., according to Dr. Ian Barker, a world-renowned pathologist at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Ontario. So at this point in time, we don’t think this is something to worry about. However, we are recommending using an anti-mosquito topical treatment, designed specifically for dogs. (You can find these products at your veterinarian’s office. Veterinarians are not allowed to publicly name actual products). DO NOT USE anti-mosquito ointments or sprays designed for humans, particularly anything containing DEET as this is very toxic to dogs and cats, or any products containing Tea Tree Oil for the same reason. Even so-called “natural” products that might contain lemon or citronella compounds may not be safe. “Natural” is not synonymous with “healthy” or “safe” or be appropriate for animals at all. Some can even kill. For more information about West Nile Virus and your pets, or to find out about products designed specifically to protect animals from mosquitoes, please contact your veterinarian. BUYING PET MEDS ONLINE? More concerns for pets While veterinarians are the only medical professionals who can prescribe drugs for animals, some people are being duped into believing aggressive ad campaigns that claim you can buy the same medications for your pets over the Internet at far less cost. However, when comparing ten common prescription drugs for dogs and cats, online prices vary from being about the same price, to more expensive once you add in shipping costs, to only a couple being somewhat less in price – though nowhere near the advertised range of 3o% to 50% in savings. But the dangers of ordering any drug online, whether for pets or humans, are considerable. Prescription medications left in a mailbox could be exposed to heat or cold that could affect the potency of a drug, and leaves it vulnerable to potential tampering. You may not receive the proper medication or in the proper strength, a particular concern for animals that are often given the same kind of medication as a human for certain diseases or conditions, but in very different strengths or dosage levels. Timeliness can be an issue, too, particularly if you have run out of a medication, whether your pet is ill, recuperating from surgery, being treated for a chronic condition like diabetes, or is taking annual preventative medications to prevent such things as heart-worm. Your veterinarian is the best person to dispense prescription medications for your pet, or to order medications from a pharmacy. Veterinarians are the only trained medical professionals who understand the potential side effects or even significant adverse reactions an animal could experience, and can give you proper counsel about this. They will also double-check medications before giving them to you, and can show you how to properly administer a drug to your pet. Veterinarians invest a lot of time, energy and money in continuing their education and professional training, and in sharing research and information amongst their colleagues world-wide, to be able to offer the most through information about animal health, and treatment or medication options for your pets, when needed. For more information on this issue, see Canadian Living magazine’s Pet Care Special section in the June 2003 issue.
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