HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Veterinarians at Apple Lane Animal Hospital are urging pet owners to stay ahead of seasonal allergies, follow complete puppy vaccination schedules and use proven flea, tick and heartworm prevention as spring conditions bring added risks for pets.
Dr. Erica Miller said rabbit ownership still requires careful planning, even if Easter bunnies are less common gifts than in years past. She said owners should make sure they have proper housing, bedding, water and veterinary care lined up before bringing a rabbit home.
“There’s a lot of different things that go into their husbandry,” Dr. Logan Druecker said, noting owners should research proper environments and find a veterinarian familiar with rabbits and other small animals.
As warmer weather arrives, the veterinarians said allergy season is already affecting many pets, especially dogs.
Miller said yeast and bacterial skin infections are often mistaken as the root cause of itching, but they are usually secondary problems caused by allergies or other underlying issues.
“If your pet is starting now, and you’re noticing more scratching, ear flopping or licking, get a hold of your vet now,” Miller said. “Don’t wait until the skin is really bad and you’re playing catch-up.”
She said many cases begin with environmental allergies or food sensitivities that lead pets to scratch, damaging the skin barrier and allowing secondary infections to develop. Treating only the infection, she said, often leads to the problem returning if the underlying allergy is not addressed.
Druecker said dogs account for the majority of allergy cases seen at the clinic, though cats can also be affected. He said food allergies appear to be increasingly common, but can be difficult to diagnose because the best method remains an elimination diet trial over several months.
The veterinarians also warned pet owners not to assume expensive or heavily marketed pet foods are automatically better.
Miller said many owners bring in boutique or fresh-food brands they believe are premium choices, but said strong marketing can mislead consumers. She said veterinarians often see complications when pets are switched to high-fat fresh diets without first addressing an underlying appetite or health issue.
Druecker said some pets are moved to fresh diets after they begin eating less, but that change can worsen the situation if the pet already has an undiagnosed illness.
“That high fatty content can start to lead to inflammation of the pancreas,” Druecker said. “Instead of just not eating well for a bit, we’re now having vomiting, diarrhea and being lethargic.”
Miller said a sudden drop in appetite should prompt a veterinary visit rather than an immediate food switch.
“If they’ve been eating the same food for eight years and all of a sudden they don’t want it, the question is why,” Miller said.
The veterinarians also emphasized the importance of establishing care with a local veterinarian early, especially for new pet owners or families moving into town.
Miller said puppies should be brought in quickly after adoption so veterinarians can review records and make sure owners understand whether the animal is merely current for its age or truly finished with its vaccination series.
Druecker said core puppy vaccinations typically begin at 6 to 8 weeks of age, followed by boosters every three to four weeks until about 16 to 18 weeks. He said puppies should receive at least two boosters at or after 12 weeks of age, with rabies commonly given near the end of the series.
Miller said incomplete vaccination series can leave puppies vulnerable, especially to parvovirus.
She said the clinic had not yet seen parvo cases this spring, but warned that wet conditions can increase concern because the virus can survive in the environment for years. She advised owners not to take young puppies that have not completed their vaccines to dog parks or other public areas where they may encounter unvaccinated dogs.
The doctors also reminded cat owners that indoor pets still need vaccines.
Miller said many owners skip vaccines for indoor-only cats, but unexpected escapes can leave those pets unprotected.
With flea, tick and mosquito season already beginning, the veterinarians said prevention is critical.
Druecker said the clinic has already seen pets come in with ticks attached, and noted mosquitoes also bring heartworm risk.
“It’s much better to be on that prevention to protect against those mosquitoes that are carrying the heartworm larvae,” Druecker said.
Miller said the best flea, tick or heartworm product is the one owners will consistently use. She said there are now multiple options, including chewables, topicals, collars and long-lasting injections, but warned that many over-the-counter products are less effective because parasites have developed resistance or the products are outdated.
She said prescription preventives often provide more reliable protection and advised owners to work with their veterinarian to choose the right product for their pet and lifestyle.
Apple Lane Animal Hospital is located at 2909 Apple Lane in Hutchinson. The clinic can be reached at 620-662-0515.