We've been hearing some concerns from clients about their flea prevention just not being effective this year. It bears the question, are fleas becoming resistant to the products we have available, or are we simply not being diligent about our protection program? We have a perfect climate for fleas- a warm, dark, humid environment.

It is difficult to control the flea life cycle. The adult flea that you see is only part of the problem. The environment (your carpet, the dog or cat's bed, the backyard ) contains microscopic flea eggs, larvae, and pupae (in addition to the adult flea); and this is the part of the flea cycle we may forget to combat.

It is best to treat EVERY cat and dog in the household EVERY month with a veterinary product that will protect against adult fleas and prevent eggs and larvae from maturing into the pupae. It is also very important to identify "point sources" of infestation: remove organic debris outdoors and vacuum carpets regularly. Consider a professional service to treat your home and outdoors or use of an approved insect growth regulator premise spray, and wash pet bedding to decrease the likelihood of the pupae hatching into adult fleas.

As owners, we are part of the solution to the flea problem. To make your home as comfortable and flea free as possible, please ask your veterinarian about the best plan of flea protection for your pet. Realize the answer is in prevention, and know that seeing a flea or two on your pet is not a tragedy, but an opportunity to discover where your prevention strategy might need a little enhancement.

Dr. Amy Baden, Veterinarian at The Village Vets of Lilburn/Stone Mountain.

In August, The Village Vets will begin offering client/community education seminars. This month, Drs. Amy Baden and Ashley Alford, the newest additions to our veterinary team, will discuss flea and tick control at our Lilburn-Stone Mountain and Decatur offices respectively. We would love for you to join us on:

Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 3-4 pm.

Refreshments will be provided, and there is no charge to attend. Adults and young adults are welcome. Clients, as well as community members are invited...so feel free to forward. These seminars are first come first serve, and space is limited- so please RSVP early at your office of choice, or email us at info@thevillagevets.com.

Future topics planned are:

• Osteoarthritis in Older Pets
• Heartworm Disease in Cats and Dogs
• Vaccination Protocols for Cats and Dogs

We are also working on support groups for clients who have diabetic pets, pets with cancer, and other chronic illnesses. If you have suggestions for another topic or support group, please let us know!

We were very sorry to learn of the passing of Dr. Robert "Bruce" Jackson on Friday, July 24, after a long and courageous battle against prostate cancer. He was the owner- and heart- of Dearborn Animal Hospital for almost 40 years. Many grew up with him and his practice.

Dr. Jackson joined Dearborn Animal Hospital in Decatur in 1970, and bought the practice from Dr. Charles Greenig in 1988. He was a true lover of animals whose dedication to animal welfare was genuine and revolutionary- even offering his facility to local rescue groups for shelter and care for homeless pets. His commitment to his clients and patients was such that he worked through his illness until he was unable to continue. Dr. Jackson leaves behind a fond and lasting legacy. He was an honor to our profession.

As our neighbor, he and his team never failed to provide help when needed- especially when we were just getting started. He was a true Decatur treasure that will be missed, but not forgotten.

(Photo Courtesy of Jackson Family and ajc.com)

We are proud to announce that one of our team members, Camillya Fanning, was recently accepted to Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine! A Clemson graduate and technician at our Lilburn-Stone Mountain office, she'll head down to Tuskegee, Alabama at the end of August to begin 4 years of studies. We are so proud!

The Village Vets of Lilburn-Stone Mountain will begin taking veterinary appointments on Sundays from 12 noon to 4 pm. This service is available to clients of both that office and the Decatur office. Appointments can be made from either office...and all records are available at both offices. We hope this adds another level of convenience for our wonderful clients and patients. In addition, YOUR veterinarians from both Decatur and Lilburn-Stone Mountain will be the vets on duty!

Since The Village Vets of Decatur shares its home with the Animal Emergency Center of Decatur, we will not offer veterinary appointments there- however, as stated above, Decatur clients are welcomed to visit the Lilburn-Stone Mountain office (about a 20-25 minute drive from Decatur).