- About Us
- Volunteer
- Ways to Give
- Services
- Animal Resources
- Education
- Info
San Antonio Humane Society
4804 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78229communication@SAhumane.org
210-226-7461
Open: Every day: 12pm - 7pm
Directions
Ways to Donate
September 2018 - KSAT12, Kissing Bug on the rise
What is Chagas Disease and why should you care?
Chagas Disease is carried by a parasite known as Trypanosoma Cruzi which can be transferred by the Triatomine Bug or “Kissing Bug.” Concerning our dogs, Chagas Disease can cause cardiac abnormalities or arrhythmias and ultimately lead to heart failure. While the “Kissing Bug” can infect dogs (and people) by biting them and then defecating in the bite, most instances in the area are caused by eating the bug.
Image source http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/
Chagas Disease is more common in South America, but is making its way north. The San Antonio Humane Society found three presumed cases of Chagas Disease in 2013. The shelter took action to reduce the exposure of “Kissing Bugs” to the dogs.
Image: A composite risk map for Chagas disease in Texas. Source: University of Texas in Austin
Below are some symptoms you can look for in your dog. If any of these symptoms are observed, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian immediately:
• The dog is not eating
• The dog is lethargic
• The dog has a swollen abdomen
• The dog appears weak
• The dog appears confused
• The dog lacks coordination
The disease is difficult to treat, and is often fatal. Below are some tips to help prevent exposure:
• “Kissing Bugs” are nocturnal, so allow your pets to sleep indoors at night
• If your pet is sleeping outside, make sure the dog house is elevated (off the ground)
• Eliminate excess brush and shrubbery
• If you see a “Kissing Bug” contact your local pesticide expert to spray
Image: Incidence map from the CDC - http://www.cdc.gov
To learn more about the bug and disease, visit http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/chagas/
Bark! Bark! Bark!
Canine Rivalry
Children and Dogs: Important Information for Parents
Crate Training Your Dog
Dealing with Normal Puppy Behavior Nipping and Rough Play
Dealing with Normal Puppy Chewing
Destructive Chewing
Developmental Stages Of Puppy Behavior
Dog Bite Prevention and Treatment
Dog Toys And How To Use Them
Dominance in Dogs
Heartworm Information
Housetraining Your Puppy
How to Solve the Digging Problem
How to Use a Head Halter
Helping Your Dog Overcome the Fear of Startling Noises
Inside or Out Making Your Dog Part of the Family
Introducing Your New Dog To Your Resident Dog
Keeping Your Dog Confined To Your Property
New Puppy Dog Supplies
Newborn Puppies - How to take care of them
Nothing in Life is Free
Puppy & Dog Care
Re-Housetraining Your Adult Dog
Sample Aversives for Dogs
Separation Anxiety
Submissive and Excitement Urination
The Canine Escape Artist
The Educated Dog
The Fearful Dog
Understanding Aggressive Behavior In Dogs
Why Dogs Bite - A Guideline For Children
Aversives For Cats
Cat Toys And How To Use Them
Choosing a Kitten
Destructive Scratching in Cats
Developmental Stages Of Kitten Behavior
Discouraging Roaming Cats
Feline Social Behavior and Aggression Between Family Cats
Indoors is Best
Introducing Your New Cat To Your Other Pets
Managing Your Kitten's Rough Play
Newborn Kittens - How to take care of them
Allergies in Pets!
Moving With Your Pet
Pet Theft Prevention
Preparing Your Pet For Baby's Arrival
Successful Cleaning to Remove Pet Odors and Stains
To Spay or Neuter
Travel Tips
Territorial Marking Behavior In Dogs And Cats
Unusual Eating Habits In Dogs And Cats
Vaccination Guidelines
Quality of Life to the End of Life (By Alice E. Villalobos, D.V.M., DPNAP)
All Pet Care Tips (PDF files only unless otherwise indicated) are Copyright 2000, to Denver Dumb Friends League and Humane Society of the United States. All rights reserved.
Important information!