These reminders are of a general nature and are not specific reminders for vaccinations or laboratory tests due. The vaccinations and lab test reminders will be sent by regular mail.
January/February
All species: Be sure outside water is available and protected from freezing and that additional calories are available to animals housed outside.
Canine/Feline: Be sure there are no antifreeze spills present on garage floors or driveways. Ingestion of small amounts of antifreeze can be fatal.
Bovine: Calves require up to ten percent more milk or milk replacer during the cold winter months especially if housed outside in hutches. Be sure teat dip is dry if turning cows out on cold or windy days to prevent frostbite. An emollient teat dip is preferred in cold weather to prevent chapping.
March
Bovine: Many pneumonia outbreaks occur during this month. Be sure all heifers new to the barn are immunized and clipped when they enter the barn to prevent sweating. Be sure the ventilation systems in the dairy and calf barns are operating properly.
April/May
Canine: Heartworm testing should be done annually, even if your dog is given preventative monthly, all year. Flea and tick prevention such as NexGard should be started. During these months we start to see an increase in pets hit by cars. A pet falling through thawing ice on lakes as well as lost pets are also concerns. If your pet goes outside make sure they have identification on them or they are micro-chipped in case they escape your yard.
Bovine: Leptospirosis vaccine and pinkeye vaccine can be given to the pastured animals at this time. Leptospirosis can be given to the milk cows.
Equine: West Nile vaccine and four (or more) way combination should be administered. Minimum should be tetanus, influenza, Eastern equine encephalitis and Western Equine encephalitis. Discuss deworming programs with your veterinarian.
May/June
Canine: Peak mosquito and tick season. Make certain your pets are protected with NexGard, Vectra 3D or other flea and tick preventatives. Lyme vaccination should be current and heartworm preventatives should be given year round.
Feline: Make sure outdoor cats have identification in case they are lost. Flea and tick preventative should be applied throughout the summer. We discourage having outdoor cats in this area due to the high number cats killed by fishers. The life expectancy of indoor cats is double or more than that of an outdoor cat.
Bovine: Those vaccinating for E. coli mastitis on a herd basis should be vaccinating now. Equine: Review fly control measures.
July/August
Canine: This is the peak season for hot spots and ear infections. Hot spots are usually caused by bacteria or yeast. For those dogs that swim keeping them dry after swimming and rinsing the ears with a desiccant will help prevent these two problems. Both bacteria and yeast thrive in a warm, moist environment.
Bovine: Heat and fly stress affect milk production and reproduction. Be sure to review your ventilation and shade requirements. Make sure fans and misters are clean and operating properly. Review your heat detection and reproduction strategies. Feeding a more energy dense ration can reverse a portion of the milk production loss but you should consult with your nutritionist to be certain that fiber levels are adequate . Fly control on pastured and confined animals is critical during these and the next few months.
September/October
Canine/Feline: Don’t lapse on the flea and tick control. As it gets colder the fleas start looking for a warm place to winterize and that spot may just be on your cat or dog. Porcupine and dog encounters peak during this time of year. Keeping your dog on a leash will prevent quill problems.
Bovine: Pneumonia boosters are due at this time. Remember that first calf heifers should be immunized and clipped when they come into the milking barn . Parasite control for grubs (Hypoderma larvae) should be administered before first frost (early September). Re-clean and service barn fans to be certain that ventilation will be adequate for the winter months.
Equine: Deworming for bot larvae should be done after the first frost. Be sure you use a product effective for bots (Eqvalan, Quest, Ivercide and Zimectrin are some of them).
November/December
Canine/Feline: When winterizing your vehicle be sure that antifreeze spills are cleaned up completely. Ingestion of just a small amount can be toxic to your pet. Be sure your pet does not have access to rodenticides. Most rodenticides affect the clotting system and if ingested require days or even weeks to cause sickness and death so when your pet becomes ill it may be difficult to diagnose based on history of ingestion. Ticks that carry Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis and other tick borne disease are still active this time of year. Make sure your pet is protected by a reliable flea/tick product.
Bovine/Equine: Make sure that outside water is protected from freezing. Animals housed outside require more energy and shelter from the elements.