Newsletter
Just a few tips for your pets as we enter the spring season.
Spring time is probably the best time of year. The weather gets warm, plants bloom and outdoor activities become are weekend fun. Unfortunately, with this great time of year also come some potential risks and irritations for our pets.
Allergies tend to start in the early spring and continue through the summer. Unlike us, out pets tend to become itchy when they are allergic to something. Excessive paw licking, head shaking and scratching is the most common signs of allergies in our pets. If you pet shows any of these signs contact your veterinarian to discuss allergies and potential treatment.
Insects are another nuisance that will show up with the wonderful weather. Fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are just a few insects that harass your pet and may infect them with serious pathogens. Heartworms, erlichia, lymes and rocky mounted spotted fever are just a few of the potential pathogens they can spread. Speak with your vet about which product is best for protecting your pet.
The last thing we would like to educate you about with the warm weather is heat stroke. Due to a thick hair coat, lower position to the ground and no sweat glands are 4 legged children are more susceptible to heat then we are. Excessive play, long walks or even exposure with out shade can put our pets at risk. Make sure your pet always has access to shade and cool fresh water. Walks and exercise should be shortened when it’s warm and ideally occur early in the mourning or later in the evening when the sun is low and temperatures are down. Our pets will not tell us when they are starting to overheat so it is very important for us to take preventative measures and limit them. If your pet is excessively panting, becomes weak/collapses, gums look pale or starts vomiting these may be signs of heat stroke. Take your pet immediately to your veterinarian if any of these signs occur or if heat exhaustion is a concern. Early treatment greatly increases the chance of survival.
We hope these tips will help you enjoy a great warm season with your pet.
