Ready for Summer?  5 Ways to Help Your Pet

Are you ready to enjoy warm summer days with your furry friend? With summer just around the corner, it’s essential to make sure you and your pets are prepared for some fun in the sun.

In this article, we’ll discuss five ways you can keep your pet healthy and safe this summer.

1. Preventatives

Preventatives are essential for keeping your pet healthy and happy all year long. During the summer months, many pets spend more time outdoors and are at greater risk of being exposed to mosquitos, fleas, and ticks. These insects can be a nuisance, but they can also carry disease and have a significant impact on your pet’s long-term health. Ensuring your pet is on the appropriate preventatives is an essential part of keeping your pet safe and reducing their risk of disease.

2. Pet ID and Microchips

While no pet owner wants to imagine their pet getting lost, pet identification can play a significant role in making sure your pet gets home safe.

One of the most common forms of identification is a name tag for your pet’s collar. When customizing your pet’s name tag, include contact information such as your phone number. This can be critical for helping people get ahold of you in an emergency.

If you are looking for a more permanent form of identification, microchips are a great option. Microchipping is a simple and pain-free procedure that can be performed during your pet’s routine wellness appointment. If your pet is lost, shelters and vet clinics can obtain your contact information from your pet’s microchip and help reunite you and your furry friend.

3. Prepare for “Booms”

From fireworks to summer storms, summer can mean more loud noises and sudden booms. For pets with noise phobias, it’s important to prepare for these events and provide your pet with some additional love and care.

If your pet has a noise phobia, pay close attention to your weather forecast and be mindful of holidays or other events where fireworks may be used. Some pets may also benefit from calming agents or medication to ease their fear and anxiety.

4. Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion

As the temperatures rise, your pet’s risk of heat exhaustion increases. Heat exhaustion is extremely dangerous in pets and can be fatal if not properly treated. While reducing your pet’s exposure to extreme temperatures is critical, it’s also important to know how to recognize heat exhaustion in your pet. Some of the signs to look for include:

• Excessive panting
• Weakness or incoordination
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Sudden collapse

If you notice any of these symptoms, please seek veterinary care immediately,

5. Lookout for Hot Spots

For many pets, warm weather can mean more hot spots. Hot spots are an inflammation of the skin and can turn into severe bacterial infections if not treated properly. If you notice your pet is excessively licking, examine the area for any redness or irritation. Getting your pet to stop licking is critical. However, you will also need to keep the area clean and dry. If the inflammation is severe or does not seem to be healing, please give us a call.

Final Thoughts

We hope this information will help keep your pets safe and prepare for blissful summer fun. If you have additional questions about preparing your pet for summer, please give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you keep your furry friends healthy and happy this summer.