It’s Playtime!
Summer is a great time of year to enjoy some fun in the sun with your spotted friend.
Here are some tips:
Take a first aid kit stocked with antihistamines, bandages, dog booties, and your vet’s emergency phone number.
Bring plenty of fresh water. Do not allow your dog to drink out of rivers, streams, ponds, puddles, or lakes. (That’s not always an easy thing to do!) These can contain parasites and contaminants which can be harmful.
Never leave your dog outside on extremely hot days. If it it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog. Dogs do not sweat, they cool off by panting and can become easily overheated. Avoid asphalt surfaces on hot days. They can burn your dog’s paws.
Fireworks and thunderstorms can be very stressful to pets. Some require medications to stay calm. Don’t leave your pet alone if they have anxiety. Consider a thundershirt.
Ticks cause multiple diseases that can be dangerous both to you and your pet. Proper prevention is essential. Lyme is a common tick born disease. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, lameness, loss of appetite, and, in some cases, kidney failure.
Fleas can be more than just a nuisance. They can cause infestations in your home, skin conditions, and can transfer tapeworms to your pets. Fleas can also cause blood borne disease.
Mosquitoes do more than just sting. They can transmit heartworm and other diseases such as West Nile.
Flea and tick medications and heartworm prevention are available from your vet. Make sure you have enough and add them to your first aid kit.