The warm weather is the best part about the summer, but it can be a risky time of the year for your pet.
From the warm, sunny days spent reading your favorite book by the pool to the BBQs, ice cream and flip flops, there’s a lot to love about the summer. But, the warm weather that makes the summer so special also brings about a lot of dangers for your furry friend. If you haven’t already, check out our latest blog to learn about the first five summer dangers for your pet, and keep reading to learn more:
#6. Mosquitoes
There’s almost nothing more irritating than having an endlessly itchy mosquito bite. However, mosquitoes present a much bigger threat to pets than just their bite. Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm to dogs, which can be deadly. And to make matters worse, once your pet contracts heartworm, it is difficult and expensive to treat. There’s good news, however. Heartworm is incredibly easy to prevent. All you have to do is give your pet their monthly preventative medication, which you can get a prescription for from your veterinarian. Don’t get caught up in the misconception that because you live in the city or because your pet stays mostly inside that they don’t need a heartworm preventative. Mosquitoes can bite anywhere, and this preventative medication is much more affordable and effective than heartworm treatment.
#7. Allergies
When the warm weather arrives, many people deal with runny noses and itchy, watery eyes. Pets, just like people, can suffer from seasonal allergies in the summer. Signs of allergies in pets include sneezing, eyes that are red and watery, itchy paws, skin infections and ear infections. If you think your pet might be suffering from seasonal allergies, consult your veterinarian.
#8. Fleas
Just as mosquitoes, ticks and bees are more active during the warm summer months, so are fleas. Most people are aware of the fact that, when fleas bite, they make pets irritated and itchy, but did you know that fleas can carry diseases and parasites that can affect your pet and yourself? Believe it or not, fleas can carry the bubonic plague, and it can affect both cats and people. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms and hemobartonella, which is a blood parasite that can lead to severe anemia in pets. Luckily though, like mosquitoes, flea bites are incredibly easy to prevent with the right preventative medication, which you can get from your local veterinary clinic in Carroll Gardens.
#9. Dehydration
It’s important for your pet to have access to water all the time, regardless of the time of the year, but in the summer, it becomes even more essential. Pets can become severely dehydrated in the summer without their owners realizing it, and it’s essential that you learn to recognize the signs of dehydration in pets so that, if your pet does become dehydrated, you can get them the treatment they need right away. Signs of dehydration in pets include panting, loss of appetite, reduced energy levels, sunken-in eyes, dry gums and nose and loss of elasticity in skin. In cases of mild dehydration, getting your dog to drink water might be enough in the way of treatment, but if your dog is severely dehydrated, you need to take them to the veterinarian immediately.
#10. Water Dangers
Some of the best parts of summer happen in and around water, but any time you are around water with your dog, it’s imperative that you watch them closely. Many people think that all dogs are natural swimmers, but that’s simply not the case. Some dogs are not natural-born swimmers, and if your dog is one of them, there is a risk they could drown if you don’t watch them closely in the water. If you’re worried about the risks associated with your dog swimming, consider investing in a life vest for your dog.
Another water danger that it’s important to be aware of is stagnant water. When you’re walking or playing with your dog in the heat of the day, they’ll probably try to get water anywhere they can get it, including stagnant ponds and water in gutters. Never allow your dog to drink stagnant water, as it often contains bacteria that can make them sick.
Let us help you keep your pet safe all summer long.
As you can see, there are many things that can put your pet in harm’s way over the summer, but a little know-how and the right preventative steps go a long way toward keeping your pet safe and sound throughout the warmest months of the year. In our next blog, we’ll be going over summer-specific safety tips for your pet, so make sure that you stay tuned. And if, in the meantime, your pet needs to see a veterinarian for any reason this summer, schedule your appointment with our team at the Vet Set in Carroll Gardens.