By Dr. Jami Stromberg
Summertime is a fun time for pets and people alike. We want your pet to live life to its fullest, yet do it safely as possible. Last month Dr. Kisthart discussed fireworks, heat-related injuries, and BBQ food hazards. Today I will continue with other common summertime ailments for pets.
How to Prepare Your Pet for the Summer
Hiking, camping, dog parks, and cabins are summer staples for many of our canine friends. However, keep in mind that dogs use their nose and mouth to explore the world. This puts them at risk for picking up bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. So what is the best way you can protect your pet?
- Keep your dog up to date on all core vaccines, including the distemper/parvo combination, Leptospirosis, and rabies. Our vets can help administer these vaccines at their annual wellness exams.
- Consider the Lyme vaccine if your pet has exposure to ticks.
- Consider the Bordetella and influenza vaccines if your dog is routinely around other dogs.
- Make sure your dog is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. You can discuss parasite prevention options at your next appointment.
- Do not allow your dog to swim in or drink water that is tainted with algae. Some algae can be deadly.
Cats that spend time outside should also be up to date on the following:
- PRC (“distemper”), feline leukemia, and rabies vaccines
- Monthly heartworm and flea/tick preventative
Seasonal Allergies
One of the more common warm weather hazards is invisible – allergies. Dogs and cats are susceptible to allergies, which tend to be worse in the spring as plants bloom, and then August through the first hard freeze as ragweed pollen is released. Signs include itchy skin, rashes, ear infections, and licking paws. Although not curable, there are many treatments available to decrease the symptoms – ranging from over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl, prescription allergy medications, topical mousses and shampoos, and even allergy testing. Schedule an exam for your itchy pet and we can discuss options for relief!
What to Watch Out for This Summer
Physical hazards can injure your pet and are more common during the warmer months. Injuries that we have seen at BPPH include pets hit by cars, attacked by other animals, burned in the engines of cars, caught in steel jaw traps, and the “my pet went missing for a few days and is now sick/injured and we don’t know what happened”.
To prevent these injuries, never allow your pet off leash when not in an enclosure such as a yard. Even cats can be leash trained. I use a leash and harness for my cats, and I also invested in an enclosure that attaches to the top of our privacy fence to allow my cats safe access to our back yard.Below are photos of my cats enjoying the outdoors: Carl and I take the dogs for a hike, Felipe explores the beach, and Hazel is foiled by the fence top barrier as she plots her escape from the back yard.
Schedule Your Pet’s Summer Wellness Appointment!
Pay close attention to your pet to prevent them getting injured or running away when frightened by things like fireworks or other animals. If you are planning on traveling, ensure you are leaving your pets in trusted care or a professional boarding facility.
Our veterinary team wants your furry companion to have just as much fun this summer season as you. To ensure their health and happiness, stop on by for a comprehensive wellness exam. Call (612) 429-0552 or schedule an appointment to receive compassionate veterinary care in Brooklyn Park.