Tips Of The Week…Protecting Your Cat From Heartworm Disease, Preparing Your Children For Spring, and The Cutest Spring Accessories!

Alison’s Tip

With the spring months approaching, we are seeing more and more mosquitoes outdoors.  We all know that mosquitoes transmit heartworm disease to dogs, but did you know that cats can become infected with heartworm disease. Cats are an atypical host for this parasite and as a result, heartworm disease in cats is a very different disease than in dogs. Most of the parasites in a cat do not survive to the adult stages, so they may be infected with one to three worms vs the dog that can be infected with several hundred worms. However, cats can endure severe damage from the immature worms, and develop heartworm associated respiratory disease (HARD) similar to dogs. Unlike in the dogs, the medication used to treat heartworm cannot be used in cats, so prevention is the only way to protect your cat from heartworm disease.  I prescribe Revolution, as a monthly topical heartworm and flea prevention for cats.

Katie’s Tip-

I hope everyone was able to check out my segment on Mom Talk Radio Last Night! An important topic that we touched on is allergy season and what we need to do to prepare. The reason for the spike in allergy flare-ups in spring is due to the blooming trees, plants and flowers. Pollen and other products of nature get carried by the wind and end up in our nose, eyes, and lungs. When this happens our immune system reacts to the foreign elements and releases histamine. Histamine causes swelling and mucus production in the nose, redness and tearing in the eyes, and itching.  More seriously, it can cause wheezing, excess mucus production, and swelling in the lungs. It is important that you prepare ahead of time.

1. Make an appointment with your Pediatrician now.  If your child suffers from seasonal allergies and asthma, make sure you have the prescriptions you need before your child starts to experience symptoms. As the snow begins to melt and the landscape begins to blossom, your child’s symptoms will begin to intensify. Speak to your doctor about a plan to fight against allergies before the season starts as it can be stressful for both you and your child.
2. Stock up on supplies. Make sure you have the tools you need to fight against allergies including antihistamines, decongestants, combination antihistamine/decongestants, and cromolyn nasal spray!
3. Get out the boogie wipes– Allergy season can wreak havoc on your child’s nose. Instead of using tissues, I suggest boogie wipes. Boogie Wipes are made with saline to dissolve boogies (mucus) caused by the common cold, allergies or otherwise booger-filled kid moments. They are extra soft and restore moisture back into the skin. This helps to prevent dryness and cracking of the skin around the nose. It is an important and effective alternative to a dry tissue.

Carrie’s Tip-

I love Spring for many reasons. One of my favorite things to shop for are earrings and shoes. Since during the day I dress very casually in t-shirt and jeans…I always lean on my accessories to pump up my look! If you’re looking to invest in a few things to start your Spring wardrobe I would definitely look for comfortable slide flats or light colored tie up sandals. I would definitely pick out a few pairs of earrings as well. Try to pick out one neutral pair as well as a couple bold and bright ones.

{nude slide flats, pink birkenstock’s, asos tie up sandals, pom pom earrings, gold chain earrings, black and ivory shell tassel earrings, multi colored tassel earrings, white/black/mint chandeliers}