Seek Help for Your Pet’s Itching

June 12, 2013 By
Seek Help for Your Pet's Itching

Image courtesy of anankkml. Freedigitalphotos.net

The itchy back dance, the face that simply must be rubbed on your pants or sofa.… Pet itching problems are particularly common this time of year, but identifying the cause can be more complicated than you suspect. Many pets suffer from more than one dermatological problem at a time, making it harder than ever for your vet’s ability to diagnose and treat the problem. In fact, veterinarians urge patience in identifying the cause of the problem.

According to PetMD, “there are six main categories of dermatitis…to consider whenever a cat or dog skin problem—or “skin case”—is presented. Most skin and coat abnormalities can be defined by or placed in one of these categories: environmental, nutritional, parasitic, allergic, neurogenic, or infectious.”

Many people assume that pet itching is a sign of fleas, but it could be a fungus, a skin infection, an allergic reaction to something other than fleas, or mites. Don’t treat your pet with flea shampoos or other treatments until you’re sure it is fleas. Those treatments can aggravate your pet’s already irritated skin.

As frustrating as it can be for you and your vet to figure out how to help your pet, imagine what it’s like for your pet. The constant itching, scratching, biting, and licking can make your pet downright miserable.

WebMD has an informative slideshow, Skin Problems in Dogs, and PetWave presents a good breakdown of symptoms to look for in your cat.

The good news is that most skin problems respond well to treatment. See your veterinarian if your dog is scratching, chewing, or licking excessively, or if you notice any changes in your pet’s coat or skin, including scaling, redness, discoloration, or bald patches.

As you and your vet work to identify the cause of your pet’s itching, remember, we’re here to help any way we can. Give us a call or stop by the store.

Barbara, Stacey, and Your Friends at The Neighborhood Pharmacy

Filed Under: Neighborhood Pharmacy Blog Tagged With: , , ,

Insect Invasion: Treating Bites and Stings

May 27, 2013 By

Insect Bites and StingsWhether you stir up a nest of yellow jackets mowing the lawn, sit on an anthill while having a picnic, or become a feast for mosquitos while sitting out on your patio, bug bites and stings are a fact of life, especially in the summertime. Knowing what kind of insect bit you, whether you’re allergic to it, and how to treat it can help you deal safely with these inevitable assaults.

The signs and symptoms of bug bites and stings result from the injection of venom or other substances into your skin, according to The Mayo Clinic. How severe a reaction you have depends on your sensitivity to the substance and whether you’ve been stung or bitten more than once.

eMedicineHealth.com categorizes symptoms as follows:

Hives are the most common systemic symptom. They appear as irregular, raised, red blotchy areas on the skin and are very itchy. If hives are the only systemic symptom present, they are often treated at home with an antihistamine.

If the bite appears infected (redness with or without pus, warmth, fever, or a red streak that spreads toward the body), see a doctor.

If you don’t know what bit you, it is important to keep watching the area closely to be sure it does not become infected. Call your doctor if there is an open wound, which may suggest a poisonous spider bite.

To help you identify bugs and their bites, check out WebMD’s Bad Bug slideshow. We also wrote a post recently about ticks and Lyme Disease.

Mild Reactions to Bites and Stings

The Mayo Clinic advises the following first aid treatment when you experience a mild reaction to an insect bite or sting:

  • Move to a safe area to avoid more stings.
  • Remove the stinger, especially if it’s stuck in your skin. This will prevent the release of more venom. Wash the area with soap and water.
  • Apply a cold pack or cloth filled with ice to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Try a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), to ease pain from bites or stings.
  • Apply a topical cream to ease pain and provide itch relief. Creams containing ingredients such as hydrocortisone, lidocaine or pramoxine may help control pain. Other creams, such as calamine lotion or those containing colloidal oatmeal or baking soda, can help soothe itchy skin.
  • Take an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) or chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton, others).

Severe Reactions to Bites and Stings

If you have a history of severe reactions, you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for treatment if you experience any symptoms following a bite or sting. If you’ve never experienced a severe reaction (anaphylaxis), but develop any of the following symptoms, you should also seek emergency care:

  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Sensation of the throat closing or difficulty speaking or swallowing
  • Dizziness, faintness or weakness
  • Nausea, cramps, and vomiting
  • Swelling of the lips or throat
  • Rapid heartbeat

It’s important to note that severe reaction can progress quite rapidly and affect more than just the site of the insect bite or sting. Anaphylaxis left untreated can be fatal.

If you have a history of severe reactions, your doctor may prescribe an autoinjector of epinephrine (for example, EpiPen or Twinject). Familiarize yourself with the instructions and have your family members read them also.

Summer weather and outdoor activities often leads to increased encounters with insects, so be prepared to treat bug bites and stings the right way. Remember, if we can answer any questions, please let us know. We’re happy to help any way we can.

Stacey, Barbara, and Your Friends at The Neighborhood Pharmacy

Filed Under: Neighborhood Pharmacy Blog Tagged With: , ,

Keeping Your Pets Cool: How to Avoid Overheating

May 18, 2013 By

Overheating PetsRemember: They can’t sweat!

As the thermometer reaches steadily into the 80s, 90s, and beyond this summer, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to make sure that your pets do not become overheated. Dogs and cats cannot cool themselves through perspiring like people can, so overheating is a real danger.

The ASPCA offers many great Hot Weather Tips, including:

Dehydration: Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.

No Parking: Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. “On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time-even with the windows open—which could lead to fatal heat stroke,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. Also, leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states.

Make a Safe Splash: Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset

Street Smarts: When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

Groom Wisely: Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog: The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.

Fireworks Aren’t Very Pet-riotic: Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma to curious pets, and even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Many types of fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic and other heavy metals.

Signs of Overheating

Symptoms of  overheating in pets include:

  • excessive panting or difficulty breathing
  • increased heart and respiratory rate
  • drooling
  • mild weakness
  • stupor or collapse
  • seizures
  • bloody diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • elevated body temperature of more than 104 degrees

Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

If you suspect your pet is suffering from overheating, get them into the shade or A/C, use a cool (NOT cold) cloth on face and paws, or to wet the coat a little, and seek help from your veterinarian immediately. The consequences of overheating can be extremely severe.

Enjoy outdoor fun with your pets this summer, but take precautions to keep them safe. If we can answer any questions, please let us know. If you are walking with your pet in Del Ray, step out of the heat and into the pharmacy we have noticed how much they like to lay on the cool floor, and we can always find some cool water if they need a pit stop. Visits from our furry friends make our day!

Barbara, Stacey, and Your Friends at The Neighborhood Pharmacy

Filed Under: Neighborhood Pharmacy Blog Tagged With: , , , , ,

Be Sunscreen Savvy This Summer

May 15, 2013 By
Be Sunscreen Savvy This Summer

Copyright Ongap; Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

I think every single one of my neighbors was out working in their yard this past weekend. The weather was perfect for doing all sorts of outdoor home and garden projects, but as I looked around, I wondered how many folks applied sunscreen before heading outdoors. I recently read that applying sunscreen regularly can reduce the risk of melanoma by half. Not to mention cutting down on those early season sunburns that happen when we under estimate the time we will be spending outside.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a decade-long University of Queensland, Australia study found that those who applied a sun protection factor (SPF) 16 sunscreen to the head, neck, arms, and hands reduced melanoma incidence by half. The study also recommended other sensible measures, such as wearing protective clothing and avoiding the midday sun.

“The trial’s findings are the first to provide strong direct evidence for a reduction in the incidence of invasive melanoma after regular application of broad-spectrum sunscreen in adults.”  This is significant, considering the rates of melanoma have been rising for at least 30 years, with better screening accounting for only part of the increase. About 76,690 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, and nearly 9,500 people are expected to die of this highly preventable disease, according to the American Cancer Society.

Here is a crazy statistic! According to the results of the 2010 National Health Interview Survey, 1 in 4 melanoma survivors report that they never wear sunscreen. Despite the considerable odds of recurrence and considerable educational campaigns about the positive benefits of sunscreen, many still indulge in risky behaviors, leaving doctors to wonder what else they can do to effect positive change in people’s behaviors.

So now we know why we need sunscreen, but it’s also important to choose the right sunscreen based on skin type and outdoor activity. The Skin Cancer Foundation offers a great guide, Sunscreen Explained, with useful information on SPFs, common myths, and how to properly apply sunscreen.

Sunscreen Basics

Here are some of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s top tips for keeping sunburn free this summer:

  • Apply 1 oz. (a shot glass full) of sunscreen per application. Most people do not apply enough sunscreen to be completely effective.
  • Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin.
  • Reapplication of sunscreen is just as important as putting it on in the first place, so reapply the same amount every two hours. Sunscreens should also be reapplied immediately after swimming, toweling off, or sweating a great deal.
  • Buy a high-quality product with an SPF of 15 or higher. Check its ingredients to make sure it offers broad-spectrum protection; and decide whether it works better for everyday incidental use or extended outdoor use.
  • Look for The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, which guarantees that a sunscreen product meets the highest standards for safety and effectiveness.
  • Once you choose the right sunscreen, use it the right way.
  • Do not rely on sunscreen alone to protect your skin against UV rays; it is just one vital part of a complete sun protection program.

So soak up the rays and enjoy the warm, summer days, but be safe. If you have any questions or we can help in any way, let us know. We’re here to help any way we can.

Stacey, Barbara, and Your Friends at The Neighborhood Pharmacy

Filed Under: Neighborhood Pharmacy Blog Tagged With: , ,

May is National Pet Month

May 3, 2013 By

National Pet MonthHaving a pet can be one of the healthiest lifestyle decisions you make. Those of us with pets already know the joy they bring to our lives, but May is designated at National Pet Month so others may come to know that same measure of happiness. Spreading the word can help many deserving animals become pets to loving families.

Joy isn’t the only thing we get from pets. It’s hard to even put into words the powerful effect their unconditional love can have. Pets even contribute to our improved health. About.com offers specifics on The Health Benefits of Pet Ownership.

Goals of National Pet Month

National Pet Month started in the UK 20 years ago, and it has evolved to include five major goals:

  • Promote the benefits of pet ownership
  • Support pet adoption
  • Increase public awareness of services available from professionals who work with animals
  • Raise awareness of the role, value and contribution to society of service animals
  • Promote responsible pet ownership

Here at The Neighborhood Pharmacy, we love our pets, and we really enjoy visits from our pet friends in Del Ray. They are our favorite part of our Pinterest board. Over the past several months, we’ve blogged on a variety of pet topics, including:

We’ll continue to post on pet topics, but if there’s anything specific you would like more information on, please send us a note at info@delraypharmacy.com. We’ll be happy to do a little research and share what we find.

Join the celebration of National Pet Month: show your pets a little extra love, talk to friends about the joys of pet ownership and what pet ownership has meant to you, share any pet adoption opportunities with your community, thank your vet, and if you have the chance, bring them by the pharmacy. They really brighten our day!

Barbara, Stacey, and Your Friends at The Neighborhood Pharmacy

Filed Under: Neighborhood Pharmacy Blog Tagged With: , ,

Thank You, Del Ray!

April 30, 2013 By
Drug Take-Back Day

Deputy Sheriff Valarie Wright and SAPCA vice-chair, Shelly Morgan, were on site to collect medications at Saturday’s Drug Take-Back Day event.

Saturday’s Drug Take-Back Day was a big success, and we want to thank the Del Ray community for participating so enthusiastically. Deputy Sheriff Valarie Wright of the Alexandria Sheriff’s Department was on site for the event. “This is the best turnout we’ve had,” she shared. “People were waiting to drop off their medications when we arrived this morning.”

This was the sixth drug take-back day in Alexandria, and the effort resulted in the collection of 196 pounds of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction. The DEA safely disposes of all collected drugs through a controlled burn of the substances.

Drug Take-Back Day


PIO Commander Jody Donaldson and Deputy Sheriff Valerie Wright collect unused and unwanted prescriptions outside the Del Ray Pharmacy.

 

Wright works closely with Jody Donaldson of the Alexandria Police Department, who coordinates with the DEA, to make these drop-off points possible. Another partner in this effort is the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA). Vice-chair Shelly Morgan was on site for the event. SAPCA is an alliance of parents, youth, schools, city health and recreation agencies, media, nonprofits, businesses, policymakers and law enforcement whose mission is to engage diverse sectors of the community in collaborative, cross-cultural and comprehensive substance abuse prevention efforts that result in a reduction of underage substance use and abuse in the City of Alexandria. Learn more at www.preventitalexandria.org.

 Spreading the Word about Drug Take-Back Day

We also want to thank the folks who helped spread the word about the event:

  • Del Ray Business Association (@visitdelrayVA)
  • Alexandria VAMom (@AlexandriaVAMom)
  • Derek Zeller (@Derdiver)
  • DIY DelRay (@DIYDelRay)
  • Sherry.K.Delaney (@sherrykdelaney)
  • Maria Lima (@themarialima)

We appreciate the Tweets!

Drug Take-Back Day

196 pounds of unused medications were collected for safe disposal in this Drug Take-Back Day effort.

 

If you missed this event, don’t worry, another is planned for this fall. We’ll post details in advance, so you can properly dispose of any unused medications. Thanks again, Del Ray, for your participation in this worthwhile effort.

Stacey, Barbara, and Your Friends at The Neighborhood Pharmacy

Filed Under: Neighborhood Pharmacy Blog Tagged With: , , , , ,

Drug Take-Back Day in Del Ray

April 22, 2013 By

Drug Take-Back Day

“Saving the Planet one Pill Bottle at a Time.”  As a service to our community, Neighborhood Pharmacy takes back non-controlled prescriptions every day.

This Saturday, April 27, we are a site for the Drug Enforcement Agency’s  (DEA’s) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. In the previous five Take-Back events, the DEA in conjunction with state and local enforcement partners have collected more than 2 million pounds (1.018 tons) of prescription medications and removed them from circulation. The“Take-Back” initiative is to prevent pill abuse and theft and is one of a few days each year that people can return narcotics and controlled substances. The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.

 

Why Drug Take-Back Day Matters

Unwanted drugs can be a source of supply for illegal use and an unacceptable risk to public health and safety.   This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to theft, misuse and abuse. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. Many of us do not know how to dispose of unused medicines, and often flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash – both are potential environmental safety and health hazards.

This program also supports the goals of the Eco-City Alexandria initiative to promote a place where people can live healthier and economically productive lives while reducing their impact on the environment.   According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products as Pollutants (PPCPs) website, studies have shown that pharmaceuticals (including prescription and over-the-counter therapeutic drugs) are present in our nation’s waterbodies, and further research suggests that certain drugs may cause ecological harm. Proper disposal of prescription and over-the-counter therapeutic drugs can help reduce the impact to aquatic and ecological life.

Take this opportunity to clean out the medicine cabinet and get rid of those meds.  If you have any questions, please give us a call or stop by.

Stacey, Barbara, and Your Friends at The Neighborhood Pharmacy

Filed Under: Neighborhood Pharmacy Blog Tagged With: , , , ,

Ah, Spring! Achoo! Allergy Season is Here

April 17, 2013 By

Ah, Spring! Achoo! Allergy Season is Here‘Tis the season to be sneezin’! Everything seems to have bloomed at once, and many people have the itching eyes, runny noses, sinus headaches, and sneezing fits to prove it. Seasonal allergies may be treated with over-the-counter or prescription antihistimines, nasal steroid sprays, and decongestants. Avoiding your exposure to what you’re allergic to, if possible, also helps (good luck there!).

Seeking Relief for Your Allergy Symptoms

If you come into the pharmacy to get something to relieve your allergy symptoms, one of the pharmacists will ask you some questions and offer the following bits of advice:

  • If you have a chance to take action before you’re experiencing active allergy symptoms, Claritin is a great preventative, but it does take a day to begin working.
  • If you are already experiencing active allergy symptoms, Stacey will probably ask  you if you need a non-drowsy treatment. If you do, neither Allegra or Zyrtec makes you sleepy and do a great job relieving allergy symptoms.
  • If drowsiness isn’t an issue, a “go to” favorite recommendation is Chlor-Trimetron.

In an earlier blog post, we discussed how to tell the difference between a cold and allergies.  Remember, colds generally do not last longer than two weeks. If you have symptoms lasting longer than that, you need to see your doctor. These may be allergies.

We hope we’ll soon be able to wish you a sneeze-free Happy Spring, but if you are suffering from allergies, remember we’re here to help any way we can.

Stacey, Barbara, and Your Friends at The Neighborhood Pharmacy

Filed Under: Neighborhood Pharmacy Blog Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Ticks and Your Pets

April 8, 2013 By

Ticks and Your PetsFinally have time for a cuddle at the end of a long day and nestled in that soft, silky fur, you discover a nasty tick firmly attached to your pet’s skin. Ugh!

As the weather warms up, you need to be on the lookout for ticks. Earlier, we covered how to protect yourself from these unwanted hitchhikers, but your pets need help too. It’s important to learn how to prevent ticks from biting your pets, how to remove them, and when you should seek treatment for your pet if they’ve been bitten.

Treating Your Pet for Ticks

The ASCPA provides great step-by-step instructions for removing a tick from your pet. Even though you’ll be highly motivated to remove the tick as quickly as possible (or to talk someone else into doing it!), it’s a good idea to take the time to prepare and do it properly. Drs. Foster and Smith show how it’s done in this useful video.

The main points to remember are wear gloves, save the tick in case you need to show it to the vet (have a container or baggie ready), try to remove the entire tick, don’t twist while removing, clean the affected area thoroughly, and contact your vet if the area becomes red or inflamed.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers these tips for preventing ticks from getting on your pet in the first place:

  • Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors.
  • If you find a tick on your dog, remove it right away.
  • Ask your veterinarian to conduct a tick check at each exam.
  • Talk to your veterinarian about tickborne diseases in your area.
  • Reduce tick habitat in your yard.
  • Talk with your veterinarian about using tick preventives on your pet.

Special Note: Cats are very sensitive to many chemicals. Do not use any insect repellants without checking with your vet first. The decision over what type of product to use for your pet is an important one. The CDC covers the pros and cons.

WebMD’s slideshow What You Need to Know about Fleas and Ticks not only explains the dangers, but also shows you what to look for.

After this seemingly endless winter, you and your pet are undoubtedly looking forward to spending more time outside. Using these tips, we hope you and your pet will be able to avoid tick bites, but if you encounter any trouble, we’re here to help any way we can.

Barbara, Stacey, and Your Friends at The Neighborhood Pharmacy

Filed Under: Neighborhood Pharmacy Blog Tagged With: , ,

Ticked Off! On the Lookout for Lyme Disease

April 1, 2013 By
Ticked Off! On the Lookout for Lyme Disease

CDC/Anna Perez

As spring kicks into high gear, it’s important to remember that April to September is considered prime time for ticks, so we need to be on the lookout for them on ourselves and our pets. Ticks need a warm blooded host to feed off of, so people are prime targets.

Certain ticks, specifically deer ticks or blacklegged ticks, spread Lyme disease. Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vectorborne illness in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), in 2011, 96% of Lyme disease cases were reported by only 13 states. Virginia is one of those states. Lyme disease is concentrated heavily in the northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper midwest.

Ticks and Lyme Disease

If you engage in outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, or working in the yard, it’s important to check for ticks right away. Ticks transmit disease toward the end of their feeding, so if you can find and remove ticks before they attach themselves to feed, you can reduce your risk of infection. Remember, ticks can attach themselves to any part of the human body, but are often found in hard-to-see areas, such as the groin, armpits, and scalp.

If you do find an attached tick, remove it properly. Many of the “methods” from our childhood, such as going after it with a lit match or smothering it in Vaseline, are actually not recommended. If the head is not properly removed from the skin, then the site can become infected.

WebMD offers these instructions for tick removal:

Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick. If you don’t have tweezers, put on gloves or cover your hands with tissue paper, then use your fingers. Do not handle the tick with bare hands.

  • Grab the tick as close to its mouth (the part that is stuck in your skin) as you can. The body of the tick will be above your skin.
  • Do not grab the tick around its swollen belly. You could push infected fluid from the tick into your body if you squeeze it.
  • Gently pull the tick straight out until its mouth lets go of your skin. Do not twist the tick. This may break off the tick’s body and leave the head in your skin.
  • Put the tick in a dry jar or ziplock bag and save it in the freezer for later identification if necessary.

It’s possible for you to have been bitten by a tick and never see it. It can detach itself and leave your body without you noticing it. If you observe any of these symptoms, according to eMedicine Health, however, you may have been infected, so seek a doctor’s advice:

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Fever
  • Numbness
  • Rash (these vary according to the pathogen transmitted by the tick)
  • Confusion
  • Weakness
  • Pain and swelling in the joints
  • Palpitations
  • Paralysis
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea and vomiting

You may also experience a large, expanding skin rash around the area of the tick bits, sometimes called a bull’s eye rash.

Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated with a few weeks of antibiotics, but left untreated, Lyme disease can have serious health implications.

In our next blog post, we’ll deal with ticks and our pets.

Filed Under: Neighborhood Pharmacy Blog Tagged With: , , ,
«Older Posts