Summer Safety and Health Tips for Pets Darwin NT

5 Keys to Summer Safety and Health for Pets

Author: Brent Goodman

Increased exposure to the outdoors in warm weather introduces some risk for your pet. Prevent problems by investing in flea & tick and heartworm monthly preventives.

• 'Tis the season for fleas, ticks, and heartworm - get the protection your dog needs.
• Allergens abound in growing seasons; prepare your pet by feeding a premium dog food, supplement fatty acids in the months before spring, and promptly treat hot spots.
• Groom your pet frequently to remove burrs, thorns, etc.
• Bring a safe supply of water when outdoors - avoid allowing pets to drink out of lakes/streams to prevent parasitic infections.
• Pets can suffer UV damage, too - many owners use sunscreen, especially on pets with less pigmentation, like white cats. Any pet can benefit from sunscreen on sensitive areas like the nose and ear tips (baby formula sunscreen works best).
• If hiking on rocky terrain, check your pet's paw pads often to make sure they're not getting injured.

<b>2. Stay Cool</b>

 

If your dog spends more time in your yard in the summer, it's worth taking a good look around to make sure there aren't any hazards right in your backyard.

• Check all electrical cords for cracks or frays and make necessary repairs.
• Replace or repair jagged or torn landscape edging and rusting yard decorations.
• Keep pets off freshly-fertilized lawn for the duration specified on the packaging.
• Clean up yard and compost piles to prevent poisoning.
• Keep your dog out of your garden if you have poisonous bulbs or plants.

<b>5. On the Road</b>

Warm weather (and summer vacations) are perfect for road trips, and many owners travel with their pets. To ensure your pet's comfort and health, review and update your first aid kit and take it with you. Make sure your pet's vaccinations are updated. If your pet is confined to a crate in your vehicle, stop often to allow your pet to stretch and move around. Never leave your pet in your enclosed vehicle for any amount of time. Even with the windows cracked, your pet does not receive adequate ventilation.

About the Author:

Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.

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