THE NEWLY FAMOUS TAPEWORM.

Recently, the tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis has taken the media by a storm. Here is what you need to know about this famous worm and how to protect your family.

The basics:

Echinococcus multilocularis, a small tapeworm normally found in the intestinal tract of wild canids (e.g. coyotes, foxes) and sometimes dogs. This tapeworm is found in 1 in 4 coyotes and foxes in Southern Ontario.
Dogs that eat rodents or that often come into contact with the feces of wild canids (such as coyotes) are at risk of picking up the tapeworm. Infected dogs can shed eggs in their feces that could infect people.
The main concern (and the reason for its newfound fame) is when something (or someone) ingests tapeworm eggs that are passed in feces of canids (coyotes, foxes, dogs). This can result in a condition called alveolar echinococcosis (AE), in which tumour-like parasitic cysts can develop in other parts of the body, particularly in the liver.
Human cases in Canada are rare but are being found and may be under diagnosed. However because the potential disease is a very nasty disease, and very difficult to treat, public health professionals are inherently cautious.

What can you do to protect your family?

If your dog is always on leash and has no exposure to wildlife - your dog has minimal exposure. Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands. Pick up after your dog (and wash your hands after).

Dog owners with at risk dogs (dogs that are off leash or hunting dogs) should take precautions by washing hands after handling poop or after petting their fur, particularly near their rear ends where the eggs are shed. You can also greatly reduce your risk by not letting your dog into your bed because you can come into contact with eggs shed onto the bed.

There are two main approaches to prevention: decreasing the risk of exposure and prophylactic deworming. Ultimately, whether or not to treat a dog prophylactically is a case-by-case decision.

For more information visit
https://news.uoguelph.ca/2019/04/potentially-dangerous-tapeworm-more-widespread-in-ontario-than-thought-u-of-g-research-finds/
https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2019/04/articles/animals/dogs/echinococcus-multilocularis-back-in-the-news/?fbclid=IwAR0Wie4PkjxTZBO9rt7dXTp9ri1tuyezFUH-eIWw1ybMMHD1WrJS9E-d3ZU

Our Pet Health Plans include annual fecal exams and deworming treatment.
At Mac Animal Clinic we recommend annual Fecal Anitgen Testing which detects a substance (antigen) secreted by the worms in the faeces which allows for earlier detection of infection.
The frequency of deworming depends on each individual pet's lifestyle and exposure risk. The following flow chart provides a guide to assess your pet's risk profile. If you have further questions or concerns do not hesitate contact us at reception@macvets.com

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Itchy Pet Awareness Month

By CY Mac • 03 Aug, 2023

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month! This month was created to help unite pet owners and veterinarians in managing pets with skin conditions. We want to empower pet owners with the resources to identify signs of concern in their pets, and get the veterinary care they need to provide rapid and lasting itch relief. Did you know that allergic/atopic dermatitis (dry, itchy, inflamed skin) is the number one reason for veterinary visits? Even knowing this there are still an alarmingly large number of pets that go untreated by a veterinarian every year, often simply because owners are unaware of what to look for. Your pet’s itch could be caused by: Flea allergy Environmental indoor and outdoor allergens Food allergy Contact allergy Parasites such as fleas and mites Bacterial or yeast infections Remember, all pets will scratch, lick, bite, and rub. But if it is becoming more frequent or excessive, it may be a sign of an allergic itch. Signs of Itch Include: Excessive scratching. Biting, chewing, rubbing or scooting Frequent licking Recurrent ear problems Hair loss Body odor Skin changes Because the frequency at which something occurs is subjective and will vary depending on who you ask, we often refer to the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology Itch Scale . It is an incredibly helpful tool for us to be able to objectively measure the severity of itching. Early treatment is always preferred in these types of cases. Severe, prolonged scratching can damage the bond between pets and their owners by interfering with normal activities and increasing stress in pets themselves. It’s not uncommon that pet owners will experience stress, anxiety, and frustration about their pets itch. Especially when they know their pet is uncomfortable but aren’t sure how to help. Check out our Dermatology Page for more information and resources. If your pet is itching for help, don’t wait. Reach out to the M.A.C. team today at 905-208-9933 or at reception@macvets.com to see how to get help for your pet’s itch, fast.

Will My Pet Get Bored of Eating the Same Food?

By CY Mac • 20 Jul, 2023

Will My Pet Get Bored of Eating the Same Food?

Hot Weather Safety Tips

By CY Mac • 20 Jul, 2023

Many people love spending the long, warm days of summer outside with our canine companions, but being outside without the proper precautions in hot weather can be dangerous for our pets. Here are some of our top tips for keeping your pup cool in the heat: Adjust your walking routine Aim to go for walks either early in the morning, or later at night when it’s cooler. If you do choose to walk during the day, remember to check the temperature of the pavement. A good rule of thumb is that if it’s too hot for you to walk on it comfortably in bare feet, then it’s too hot for your puppy's paws! Provide lots of fresh, cool water Dogs can get dehydrated quickly, and it is therefore important to ensure there is always water easily accessible. Remember to take some on the go with you, even for just short walks. Provide cool surfaces to lie on A cool, damp towel is an inexpensive and easy solution. Reduce the amount of walking and exercise Even though it is tempting to keep our little ones' routine the same, their safety is more important. Providing activities indoors such as puzzle feeders or long lasting lick toys will help to keep them calm and occupied. Provide water playtime Try setting up a sprinkler or kiddie pool (preferably in the shade) to let them play in while supervised. Prevent sunburn Did you know that dogs can get sunburnt too? Those more prone are those with no hair, with white or thin coats, and dogs with light pigmented noses and eyelids. Applying a pet safe sunscreen or keeping them indoors is best.