As the weather warms, grass grows, plants start blossoming, and some pets start itching. Allergies can be year-round, and animals can react to many different things, just like people. Pet allergies are generally reflected in their skin, rather than causing sneezing and watery eyes. How to treat? That depends on the causative agent, to some extent. Your veterinarian can help walk you through the diagnostic and treatment process. Rinsing off tummies and paws after a pet has played in grassy areas may help reduce allergens that cause your pet to itch. In some cases, Benadryl may help to reduce itching, but check with your veterinarian first. Food allergies are a whole different “animal”, and require strict diets and monitoring to help control. In short, allergies present in varying degrees, length of duration, and stem from, and respond to varying treatments. Your veterinary staff can help.
Education
Let’s talk about annual check ups for your pet: what and why. Checkups for puppies and kittens are a no-brainer – checking for any physical issues like hernias, undescended testicles, and general conformation, as well as screening for intestinal parasites and getting those all-important vaccinations. As your pet grows up, there are other things to consider. Not only booster vaccinations, but also elective, but important, surgeries to prevent unwanted puppies and kittens, and yearly tests such as fecal exams and blood tests to rule out heart worm and tick-borne disease exposure. As your pet ages, other tests may be recommended, depending on their age and physical condition. REMEMBER, your pet is aging faster than you are. A yearly checkup for your pet equates to you visiting your doctor once every seven years! A yearly checkup, even if your pet seems healthy to you, can help you and your veterinarian keep your pet as a happy, healthy companion for you and your family.
Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer bring with them some special concerns for your pet. If your pet spends long days outside, be sure they have plenty of fresh drinking water, and access to a shady spot. Schedule your walks for early morning or evening when temperatures are lower. Better for both of you! NEVER leave your pet alone inside your car on a warm day! On a 75-degree day, the temperature in your car can reach 120 degrees in just 30 minutes! Be aware of the signs of heatstroke- heavy, rapid panting; excessive or thick, sticky drool; weakness; trouble walking; vomiting. Call your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog is in distress. Keep potentially hazardous toxins (weed killer, fertilizer, pool chemicals) safely secured away from your pet. Keep your pet well-groomed to help them stay cool and help prevent skin diseases. Be sure your pet is current on vaccinations, particularly if you visit a dog park. Use heartworm preventative and flea and tick control throughout the year to prevent parasites, rather than having to treat for them. Have fun in the summertime, safely!
Heartworm preventatives are important all year long, spring time brings an increase to the chances your pet will come into contact with the parasite. Heartworms are a parasite that are contracted through being bit by a mosquito. The parasite attacks the vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, and associate […]
Pets can be affected by allergies just like humans! Sneezing, scratching, and head shaking are some of the most common tell tale signs your pet might be feeling the effect of the spring time weather. Pets who spend time outdoors are more common than prominently indoor pets to show signs […]