Warm weather has arrived! During the spring and summer months, consider the following tips to keep your pet healthy and happy!
Fourth of July Coniderations:
Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it.While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.
Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.
Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home. Call your veterinarian in advance if you need sedatives for your pet.
Summertime Considerations:
Here come the summer critters! Fleas and ticks are among the most common parasites that can harm your pet.
Fleas are rarely seen but look for signs such as an itchy pet, loss of hair, and flea dirt on your pet's fur and in their sleeping area. Fleas can cause a variety of issues including open sores, skin infections, and in extreme cases, anemia.
Ticks can carry various diseases including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and can cause skin irritation and anemia in extreme cases.
With mosquitoes can come heartworms, worms that live in the heart blocking blood vessels, causing breathing problems, and potentially causing heart failure.
Each of these parasites can be prevented by contacting and visiting your veterinarian to discuss preventative medications that can keep your pet healthy and comfortable this summer.
Outdoor activities for your pet are a part of warm weather fun. Too much sunshine, exercise in the heat, and summer crowds can prove stressful for your pet.
Be sure to exercise during the cooler parts of the day with your pet and keep a close eye on older and/or overweight dogs, short-nosed dogs, and dogs with thick furry coats.
Your pet can sunburn, especially if they have light fur. Apply sunscreen to his or her nose and ear tips to prevent sunburn and skin cancer.
Make sure your pet is always wearing i.d. or is microchipped and be careful at summer events with large crowds. Heat, hot asphalt, and loud noises can be a real danger for your pet.
It's fun to take your pet with you on vacation. Consider a health exam and plan for pet travel issues before you go.
Your veterinarian can help you by addressing health issues, giving advice on vaccinations and medications you may need, and being a source of information on legal documents when you travel.
Remember, a car's temperature can quickly exceed 120 degrees even with the window cracked. Never leave a pet in the car as they can suffer from brain damage, heat stroke, and even death.
Make regular stops for your pet to eliminate and get exercise. Be sure they are leashed and have proper identification.
Your garden and lawn can be a hazard to your pet.
Slug and snail bait, rodenticides, and systemic insecticides, if ingested by your pet can be extremely dangerous. Vomiting, diarrhea, excess salivation, coma, and even death can occur. If you feel that your pet has been exposed to these garden treatments, seek help immediately by contacting Valley Veterinary Clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Be sure to have the container or package readily available for proper identification of ingredients. .
As always, we hope you have a very healthy and happy spring and summer! If you have any questions or concerns about your pet, please contact us.
