Q: We recently bought a "bat-house" for our back yard. It's like a bird-house, but it is for bats, to encourage them to nest in the yard and eat bugs. I like the idea of having bats eat bugs, but I've heard that bats carry rabies. Are bats really rabid?. A: While not all bats are rabid, a recent study indicated an increase of rabies in bats. In Texas between 1998 and 1999, the number of bats which tested positive for rabies increased from 3% to 4%. Logically, your concern is justified. To help reduce the risk of rabies which is fatal to man and animal, keep your pets vaccinated annually, and should you be bitten by a bat, seek medical attention immediately.

Q: I've just heard about health insurance for pets. I have a healthy new kitten, Bootsie. Would buying health insurance be a waste of money? A: Health insurance for a young pet is actually a very good idea. Insurance premiums are lower for young animals with no pre-existing medical problems, and some companies provide "well-pet" coverage that helps offset the cost of routine care, such as vaccinations, heartworm prevention, flea control and dental care. If you have more questions about pet health insurance, consult Bootsie's veterinarian.

Q: Could our six year-old son have gotten pinworms from "Chief," our German Shepherd? A: Dogs and cats are not a source of human pinworms. While pets can carry same parasites that affect people, the pinworms would have more likely come from another child.

"Ask Dr. Fling" Archives