Spring and summer bring warmer temperatures, increased outdoor activity, and more time spent with our furry friends. As a pet owner, taking extra precautions to ensure your pet’s health and establish parasite prevention is important. Here are some tips to help you keep your pets happy and healthy during the spring and summer months!
Keep Your Pets Hydrated
Dehydration can be a serious problem for pets during warm weather. Thus, ensure your pets always have access to fresh, clean water, especially outside. When taking your pets for walks, bring a water bottle and a collapsible bowl to keep them hydrated.
Increase Activity Levels Gradually
Gradually increase your pet’s activity levels to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Watch out for signs of overheating, including heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting. If you notice these symptoms, take your pet to a cool area and call your vet immediately. Also, consider taking your pet for a walk in the early morning or early evening when temperatures are cooler.
Prevent Parasites
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are not only annoying but also carry diseases that can harm your pet’s health. Ensure your pet receives year-round parasite prevention and annual heartworm testing. Keeping your pet parasite-free is easy with parasite prevention medications that often taste like a treat to your pet.
Never Leave Your Pets in a Parked Car
Even on mild days, the inside of a parked car can reach temperatures over 100 degrees, causing heatstroke and even death. Avoid leaving your pet in the car for any length of time, and consider leaving them at home instead.
Make Sure Pet ID is Up to Date
Spring is simply inviting us and our furry palls to wander around and admire the awakening of nature. In like manner, they may go out impulsively or wander off too far and expose themselves to the danger of getting lost.
So make sure your pet’s ID is up to date and includes their name and your current contact information. Consider getting a microchip for your pet to increase the chances of being reunited if they are ever lost.
Keep Vaccinations Current
Vaccinations help protect your pet against diseases that can be deadly, like heartworm. Keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date and talk to your veterinarian about which parasite prevention methods are right for your pet based on their lifestyle.
Don’t Skip the Vet Visit
Regular visits to the veterinarian can help avoid many health problems before they start. Take your pet to the vet at least once a year for a check-up visit and routine bloodwork, and make sure you update their parasite prevention methods regularly.
Be Prepared for a Medical Emergency
Have a pet first-aid kit on hand and know how to administer basic first-aid care for your pet. It’s also important to know where the nearest emergency veterinary clinic is located and have their phone number readily available.
We all agree that the spring and summer months can be a lot of fun for you and your furry friend. Thus we hope these tips will ensure your pet’s health and safety during warm weather. If you have any concerns about fleas, ticks, and heartworm, make sure to book a veterinarian appointment today.
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