  Football season is here, and let’s remember that the best offense is a good defense. The best defense we have for our pet’s health and wellbeing is routine vet visits and vaccinations. Pets are very good at hiding weakness or pain that may only be apparent to a veterinarian. Early detection of medical issues can give our pets a better chance for positive recovery, and may mean less expensive vet bills for us!
The most common vaccinations given to dogs and cats are DAPP and FVRCP, respectively and of course Rabies, which is required by law because it can be fatal to humans. Just last week it was reported that more than 60 dogs died in Michigan from a virus called Canine Parvovirus (Parvo). Parvo is a preventable disease included in the DAPP vaccine commonly administered by your veterinarian. The dogs that died were not vaccinated or fully vaccinated, showing us how important these vaccinations are to protect our pets.
Talk to your veterinarian about what vaccinations are recommended for your pets. If your dog goes to a boarding facility or groomer, a Bordetella vaccine can protect them from kennel cough. If your dog spends time out in nature, especially in wet areas, your veterinarian may recommend a vaccine for Leptospirosis (Lepto), a disease carried by wildlife. A Feline Leukemia vaccine may be recommended if your cat comes in contact with other cats.
Not all illnesses have approved vaccinations for our pets. You may have seen concerns in the news regarding pets getting Monkeypox, and luckily this is very rare. If you’ve tested positive for Monkeypox, avoid close contact with your pets to keep them safe. Keep pets away from contaminated articles like clothing or bedding and wash your hands before touching your animals. Cover any rashes with long sleeves or bandages before interacting with your pets. Monitor your pets for signs of Monkeypox such as a rash, cough, fever, pink eye, and decreased appetite. Contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.
Celebrate Pet Pain Prevention Month this month by scheduling a vet visit for your furry family members!
 Dr. Barbara Hanek,
Veterinarian Administrator
Because our pets are so good at hiding pain, they can be living with a terrible injury in secret like Rigatoni. This sweet, sociable girl came to us with a broken leg that has healed badly. We don't know how the break happened, but rabbits are known for resisting improper handling. It's possible someone picked her up or carried her in a way that caused the injury. While this injury would have been painful, like most animals, Rigatoni would have tried to carry on like normal, not drawing attention to herself.
Luckily, she is now pain free and can still get around, not letting her special leg hold her back. We’re looking for an amazing home to see past Rigatoni’s disability and give her the love and attention she deserves. Click her picture to see Rigatoni enjoying some banana peel noms and fall in love today!
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Here at DCAS, we believe in the use of positive reinforcement training for pets because we've seen that it works! We've also seen how "quick fixes" like prong or shock collars can cause a lot of harm. This equipment may temporarily change a pet's behavior, but it doesn't change the pet's thought process or emotion causing the behavior. For example: an invisible fence shock collar causes discomfort if your dog tries to cross the boundary. That discomfort may keep your dog in the yard on a regular day but it hasn't taught them to stay in the yard and won't prevent your dog from chasing something it really wants, like a squirrel. The reward of chasing becomes more important than the discomfort.
While these tools are meant to only cause discomfort, they can also cause pain and injury to the dogs. Recently, we had a dog come in with a burn on its neck due to a shock collar. The dog's thick fur may have hidden the injury. Prong collars can cause irritation and inflammation as seen in the photo of a dog who recently came in to DCAS. We've seen punctures from prong collars creating a risk of infection and abscess. Collars that cause discomfort or pain may also make you pet's behavior worse because they will associate the discomfort with people or situations and become fearful.
Instead of these negative tools, we recommend easy-walk or freedom harnesses and martingale collars to teach polite leash walking. They provide the same benefits, without the risk of pain or injury. Click on the picture to learn more about alternative equipment for dog training.
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 $100 per participant.
Follow the links below to register. Slots are available first come, first served.
This course teaches first aid techniques to address the most common emergencies that can occur with small and large dogs as well as cats. This course will train you to notice abnormalities and detect early warning signs in pets. You will also learn essential pre-vet care and life saving techniques for those times when immediate action can make all the difference.
October 1, 2022 9am-3pm
https://forms.gle/pRHbp5LED5ze6PsA8
November 5, 2022 9am-3pm
https://forms.gle/ctX72gPmNPmoGG5S9
Join us at 7pm select Thursday nights all year long! Follow the links provided to register.
Feathered Friends – September 15, 2022 7pm-8pm
From tiny hummingbirds to enormous eagles, learn all about Chicagoland’s native birds and how we can live peacefully with these wonderful animals.
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3wBwupJ
Kitty Concerns: Common Behavior Issues and What to Do – October 6, 2022 7pm-8pm
We love cats, but sometimes we don’t understand them! Learn about common cat behaviors and the natural instincts behind them. Get some tips on how to work with your feline friend to make everyone comfortable and content.
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3QV5Kc2
Canine Concerns – October 20, 2022 7pm-8pm
They’re our best friends, but there’s a lot we don’t understand about dogs. Learn about common dog behaviors, the natural instincts behind them, and how to manage those behaviors that aren’t so fun to live with.
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3w9HzyD
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