Five Tips for Keeping Pets Pest-Free

Naturally curious, many pets sniff and explore other animals and objects, unaware they may expose themselves to potentially harmful parasites and conditions. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, 1 in 100 dogs tested positive for heartworm in 2022, and more than 1 in 4 indoor cats were positive for heartworm infection.

External parasites - including fleas, ticks and mites found outdoors or on other animals - and internal parasites such as heartworms, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms can wreak havoc on your pet’s health and well-being. These parasites can feed on dogs and cats, causing health issues that range from minor skin irritation to severe organ damage and even death if left untreated. Some parasites can also be contracted by people, making diagnosis and prevention even more important.

Though prevention is the best approach, treatment is sometimes required. Intervention is most effective when started immediately after a parasite is detected. Work with your veterinarian to tailor a program specific to your dog or cat’s breed, age, behaviors and environmental factors, and consider these tips from the experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, which has more than 1,000 locations across North America that cared for more than 4 million pets last year, to help prevent parasites in your pets. Provide preventative medications. Based on their specific risk factors, dogs and cats should be on year-round parasite control programs that treat infections such as heartworms, intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks and more. Parasite prevention medication options range from topical to injectable and oral.

Visit the vet annually. Yearly visits allow your veterinarian to take note of changes in your pet’s health and alter his or her parasite control program as necessary. Your vet can tell you which parasites to watch for based on your location, how these parasites can be transmitted, and which preventative products are most appropriate. Additionally, newer, more accurate parasite tests can also identify parasite strains that may affect people and pets. Remember, dogs and cats age faster than humans, so annual exams with diagnostic testing are the equivalent of humans visiting the doctor every 4-5 years.

Watch for warning signs of parasites. Some pets infected with a parasite don’t show any signs of illness. However, common signs of infection include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite or blood in your pet’s stools. Coughing or difficulty breathing may also accompany heartworms. Also consult your veterinarian if your pet excessively scratches, chews or licks his or her coat or ears, or persistently shakes his or her head. Seeing your vet as soon as possible can get your pet treatment and help prevent spreading the parasite to other animals. Puppies and kittens are especially at risk for parasites since most contract them from their mothers while nursing and their small size puts them at greater risk for severe illness.

Groom regularly. To reduce the risk of coat contamination and increase the likelihood of catching fleas, ticks and coat abnormalities quickly, be sure to periodically groom your pet, or have him or her professionally groomed. It is particularly important to inspect your dog or cat after playing outside or with other pets.

Clean up after your pet. Since most intestinal parasites spread through contact with feces, it’s crucial to dispose of any waste in your yard or pet’s litter box within 24 hours to avoid exposure and reduce the risk of environmental parasite contamination. A contaminated yard can be a source of exposure for many months as parasites can live in the soil for extended periods of time. (Family Features & VCA Animal Hospitals)

The Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Lycoming County Historical Society cordially invites the public to attend a viewing of its summer exhibit, during First Friday, August 4, 2023, from 6-8 pm. “In the Wilds of Pennsylvania and Beyond” includes taxidermy-mounted specimens and artwork from the permanent collections of the museum, as well as the meticulous renderings of animals by well-known artist John Strawbridge. The exhibit includes animals familiar to residents of Pennsylvania including a racoon, a bear cub, a fawn, a turkey, and native birds. The mounted specimens were expertly preserved by Williamsport taxidermist Charles Eldon (1852-1930).

Eldon opened his shop in 1878 in Williamsport and continued his practice well into the Twentieth Century. The artwork from the permanent collection includes a mixture of prints and paintings.

Premiere among the offerings of the exhibit are the meticulous pencil renderings by John Strawbridge depicting exotic animals including the majestic American bison, an alligator, an African crowned crane, Brazilian jaguars, a herring gull, and more familiar animals like chickens, cats and dogs. The exhibit of Strawbridge’s work was made possible by Susan Strawbridge, Jerry and Janice Regan, Cindy and Craig Dunn and Clyde and Dianne Peeling. Previous to their exhibit at the Taber the artistic renderings were on display at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, Millersburg. Adding to the evening will be remarks at 7:00pm by long-time Strawbridge friend, Clyde

Peeling, founder and operator of Reptiland.

John Strawbridge (1946-2021) had a lifelong interest in the natural world. Born in Williamsport, he graduated from the Williamsport High School and attended Penn State, subsequently graduating with a degree in architectural drafting from what is now known as the Pennsylvania College of Technology. In addition to his drawings and paintings, he designed and created exhibits and interpretive signage for zoos, wildlife parks, historical sites and museums throughout East Africa, Central America, Florida and Pennsyl- vania. Early on, Strawbridge was associated with the Lycoming County Historical Society and later became Director of the Hershey Museum in the early 1970s. With Clyde Peeling, he designed and built ZooAmerica Wildlife Park in Hershey in the mid-1970s. The exhibit will continue through August 31, 2023.

Light refreshments will be served. The museum is located at 858 West Fourth Street, Williamsport. Ample parking may be found behind the museum or on the street. For further information, please call 570.326.3326 or visit our website at www.tabermuseum.org.

Wesley Adams, M.D. Ophthalmology, UPMC

How many times have you been told to not look directly at the sun? While this age-old advice should be common sense, the following eye information and protection tips may be new and helpful to you in time for summer.

One of the most common eye problems during the change of seasons is eye allergies. Pollen, pollutants, and other particles like these may cause your body to react with itchy, red, and teary eyes.

Dry eye is also frequent during the summer months due to higher temperatures that cause quicker evaporation of the tear film. If you already have had eye-related issues, you may be more likely to develop dry eye.

Working in the garden and yard, especially with power tools, increases the incidence of sight-threatening injuries. The warmer season also allow us to enjoy more outdoor activities and sports. Be sure to wear eye protection during any activity that threatens your eye health.

Bacteria thrives in warmer temperatures. Conjunctivitis, sometimes called “pink eye,” is when the white part of your eye becomes inflamed due to the spread of bacteria and viruses. In addition to a pink or red presence, you can experience itchiness, watering of the eye, or a sticky discharge if your eye becomes infected. Some eye infections can even be sight-threatening.

Many people increase contact lens wear while socializing and recreating. Fungal infections from wearing contact lenses are rare but, on the rise, and can be more common in warm and humid environments.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight are known to cause skin damage, but did you know that they can negatively affect your eyes as well? Over a long period of time, UV light has been linked to the development eyelid cancers, a disease called pinguecula or pterygium. Pterygium is also called “surfer’s eye” due to the sunny, sandy, and windy conditions that contribute to the formation of a growth on your cornea.

Your eyes are sensitive and it’s important to take care of them not only

ONLINE & LEFT BIDS ONLY interstateauctionservices.hibid.com

Bidding Begins 07/22/2023 at 12:01 A.M.

Bidding Ends 08/04/2023 at 6:00 P.M. 92 Industrial Park Rd., Muncy, PA

(Selling at our Gallery on the Farm, Look for the Windmill) interstateauctionservices.hibid.com

Auctioneers Note: This Collection encompasses 40 years of collecting over 1,500 pieces of the legendary artist, Charles Schulz Peanut characters & memorabila.

* Left Bids will be accepted during our Open House Inspection Times as noted below. Open House: July 29, 2023 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Saturday)

July 30, 2023 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. (Sunday) all year round, but especially when they are more susceptible to the previously mentioned conditions. The following suggestions can lessen your chances of dealing with these issues when you should be enjoying the sun.

Terms: Cash or good PA check. Credit cards (include lost 3% Discount). All verbal statements take precedence over previously written materials. 6% PA Sales Tax Applies. All items are sold “AS IS, WHERE IS & WITH ALL FAULTS” . No guaranties made by the seller.

Wear Eye Protection – If you are working outdoors with tools or power equipment, make sure you have the appropriate safety glasses, shields, or goggles, in addition to following any other relevant guidelines and instructions for safe operation. Sunglasses with UV blocking lenses not only shield your eyes from UV exposure, but they also help prevent the evaporation of the eyes’ tear film. In turn, this prevents dry eye and eye allergies. Another way to help avoid eye irritation is to wear goggles when swimming. Chemicals in pools are intense for your eyes; goggles may help protect against the harmful effects.

Wash Your Hands – Practicing hand hygiene protects the spread of germs and bacteria, especially those that can cause conjunctivitis. When you’re out and about at sports complexes, parks, and other fun outings, make an effort to wash your hands thoroughly. Ensure proper wear and care of contact lenses - Inappropriate cleaning or wear of contact lenses can lead to eye problems, and in some cases sight-threatening infections. Overnight wear of contact lenses or wearing lenses longer than recommended can increase the risk of these serious infections. Speak with your prescribing eye doctor about the appropriate wear and care of your contact lenses.

TOP5 installersof 2021,2022.

Use Eye Drops – A reputable brand of over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help with minor cases of irritation or dry eye. If symptoms persist, make sure to have your eyes examined so that the issues can be treated and to rule out any other more serious conditions.

Stay Hydrated – Drinking enough water and eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables gives your eyes the fuel they need to stay lubricated and healthy to avoid dehydration.

If you notice any changes or have any concerns regarding the health of your eyes, do not hesitate to see your primary care doctor or optometrist. Your provider may be able to treat the eye issue, or if further care is needed, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist for specialty treatment. If you develop a sight-threatening problem or injury dial 911 or immediately be taken to the emergency room.

Wesley Adams, M.D., is with UPMC Ophthalmology and sees patients at 1705 Warren Ave., Williamsport. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Adams, call 570-320-7850. For more information, visit UPMC.com/VisionNCPA.