Page 18 - Boca Club News - May '21

Page 18, Boca Club News

Nature & Pets

The Environmental Enthusiast: A Pickle and an Olive

By Tina K. VaLant. Remember Dr. at TinaValant.com or (561) lifestyles would best suit them.
Doolittle, the man who was able to 945-6363. One was a mellow, smart, four-year-old pek-a-poo. Amiable
converse with all the animals? Boca No doctor appointment with cats and dogs, she prefe rred the company of people.
Raton’s Tina VaLant, who was named was scheduled, no test Reveling in her naps and alone time, she would clearly be fine
Palm Beach County “Animal Friend results were pending; yet as an “only.” While driving back from a socialization trip we
of the Year,” doesn’t claim that ability, there was an incoming call took her on, I thought, “She just might be perfect for Phyllis.”
but she does relate remarkably well from my doctor’s office. Right size, age, temperament; just needed to lose a few pounds.
to flora and fauna. An avid rescuer I took a deep breath and I left Phyllis a message, “I have someone for you to meet.”
(known for her beloved Australian answered. My doctor was She called the next morning. We went for a meet and greet/
shepherds), she serves as a foster home to surrendered pets, “in a pickle.” home visit. Not only do we both share Dr. Jon as our physician,
volunteers with numerous organizations and assists wildlife. Dr. Jon Berger had a we live very close to each other. An active octogenarian, Phyllis
She raises/releases ten species of native butterflies, for over patient wanting to adopt rises before the sun, does stairs at 5 a.m., and walks 3+ miles
20 years. Recently she garnered worldwide attention with an a dog. Due to COVID/ Phyllis was in a pickle, and now daily. Frankly, she is in better shape than most of us.
unexpected animal adventure: reCRABilitation of HERbert, a quarantine, she was has an Olive! The fluffy white pooch sniffed around the elegantly decorated
limbless blue land crab. For over four decades, Tina’s award- spending more time home, apartment, checking out the screened-terrace view laden with
winning company, Extraordinary Photography, captures alone. The local shelter wouldn’t even allow her in to the trees and birdsong. She wanted to jump on the sofa, but Phyllis
portraits, pets, weddings, and events. She will answer questions kennels to see what was available. She had a feeling it was due said that was the one rule she would have. I said, “Your home,
to her “maturity level.” Dr. Jon asked if he could pass along my your rules. It just may require a little training.” We talked about
number, and wondered if I knew of any (non-puppy) dogs in the adoption procedure, care, my recommended vet and having
You and Your Pet: need of a great home. Of course, give her my number! a written/agreed-to plan for the dog (should she no longer be
able to care for her). Phyllis’s references were stellar, paperwork

A couple of days later, Phyllis called. We enjoyed a very
Flea and Tick delightful long conversation. She had been a dog owner, but not was completed. Days later, I brought Olive the dog, her food,
for a couple of decades. Back in New Jersey, expecting their
treats and belongings to her new home.
These “golden girls” are doing great. “The no-sofa rule
Prevention first child, her husband had surprised her with something from lasted about three minutes,” Phyllis confided. “Having a dog
the pickle place, where he worked. “Pickle” was a loveable
mutt, a reliable watchdog, and good with their three children.
now is so different. While we loved our other dog, it is nothing
Renowned for his neighborhood adventures, he lived to the like this pampered princess. She gets a minimum of two daily
By Dr. Bridget Dermott, DVM, , Calusa Veterinary Center, Boca ripe old age of 14. Their children grew up and flew the nest. walks, gourmet food, grooming and a place on my bed. My
Raton, FL 33487 (561) 999-3000. www.CVCBoca. Phyllis escaped the cold, relocating to south Florida in 1996. little roommate is cuddly, a great listener and walking partner.
Fleas are small pests that are parasitic; they feed on blood Now, she knew what she wanted: a friendly, small dog, three She is always happy to see me, whether I’m away five minutes
from animals and/or people. Ticks are a type of arachnid (like to five years old, low maintenance, to join her on walks and share to the mailbox or out on an errand for a couple of hours. She
spiders and mites) that are also parasitic. Fleas and ticks can her life. Sex, color and breed were irrelevant. The weight could has made lots of friends, slimmed down, and taken up squirrel
be found worldwide. Fleas can live in many climate zones, but not exceed 20 pounds (condo rules). At the moment, I didn’t hunting,” shares Phyllis.
they prefer humid and shady areas, such as under a leaf. They know of any pooches fitting her requirements. But working in Phyllis may have been disappointed with her initial search
have incredible jumping ability and can easily jump onto you her favor: Phyllis was willing to be patient for the right match. for a canine companion. By confiding in her doctor, being
or your pet as you walk by. Ticks can also live in many climate Weeks went by. A friend was facing a lifestyle change patient and open to possibilities, she started out in a pickle—but
zones, and prefer humid and shady environments, especially and needed to rehome her beloved dogs. Two small dogs she ended up with a luscious Olive! An added bonus: We have
areas with woods, shrubs, weeds, and tall grasses. joined my foster pack. We vetted and got to know them, become friends and often walk dogs together.
Fleas and ticks can cause two specific problems. One, they learning their personalities to determine what kind of homes/ Photo by TinaValant.com
can cause discomfort and skin irritation through their bites, and
in some cases can cause severe allergic reactions in both pets
and people. Two, they both can carry diseases and can cause
illness both in pets and people. Prevention is key to avoid these
problems. The most common flea of North America can transmit
murine typhus, flea-borne spotted fever, cat-scratch disease
(bartonellosis), and flea tapeworms.
Examination by your veterinarian is the most useful method
to identify signs of fleas or ticks. Using a flea comb can help
identify the presence of adult fleas or flea dirt. Flea dirt (flea
feces) looks like brownish-black granular “dirt” that will dissolve
and turn red when placed on a wet paper towel. Fleas prefer the
head and neck area of cats, and the rump and tail area of dogs.
Ticks, depending on the life cycle and feeding stage, can
vary in size. They can be as small as a pin head or as big as
a pencil eraser. Ticks can attach anywhere on the body, but
prefer dark and hidden areas like the ears, armpits, groin, tail,
and between the toes.
Sometimes the only sign of fleas and ticks is skin irritation,
and in these cases flea and tick prevention is used as a
treatment trial.
Both fleas and ticks can live inside your home and on
your pet. Many veterinary professionals agree that year-round
prevention is recommended. Successful flea control involves
both eliminating fleas from your dog and controlling fleas in your
dog’s environment. Dogs and cats share the same fleas, and fleas
can travel from one animal to another. Therefore, it is important
that all pets in your home are on a flea preventive program.
There are four stages to the flea life cycle: egg, larva, pupa,
and adult. All four life stages can live on your pet and within your
household. Successful flea treatment includes treating both your
pet(s) and the environment. Professional home extermination is
commonly recommended for effective treatment of fleas.
There are very effective products designed for monthly
administration, or even administration every three months,
that are available through your veterinary clinic. Some of
these products are conveniently combined with medications
to prevent heartworm and intestinal worms. Be sure to consult
your veterinarian to choose the most effective and safe flea and
tick control products for your home and pet(s).
Topical flea products: Activyl, Advantage II, Cheristin;
Oral flea products: Capstar, Comfortis, Sentinel (growth
regulator only);
Topical tick products: Preventic (dogs only);
Topical combination products: Frontline, K9 Advantixx II
(dogs only), Bravecto, Revolution, Seresto (collar), Vectra 3D
(dogs only);
Oral combination products (dogs only): Bravecto, NexGard,
Trifexis, Simparica.