Spring Safety and Preparedness with Your Pets
The warm Spring/Summer weather has finally arrived, which means more time outdoors and family fun with our pets! As the seasons change and lifestyles adjust, it is important to remember a few essential safety and preparedness tips to keep our furry family members safe and protected.
Spring and summer heat can be both enjoyable and dangerous when it comes to our pets. Heat stroke can threaten any pet – and it is especially important to be prepared if you have a brachycephalic (or flat-faced) breed like Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, and the like. Monitoring your pets closely for heat intolerance is vital. Be sure to always have fresh water available, keep them out of direct sunlight and provide shady getaways on hot days, and monitor breathing and mentation closely. Do not leave pets outdoors on hot days. If you suspect your pet may be experiencing heat intolerance or heat stroke, seek veterinary care immediately.
Warmer weather also means more of those pesky bugs are out and about. Mosquitos, fleas, ticks, and more can spread dangerous diseases and wreak havoc on our pets if they are not protected. Year-round veterinary prescribed flea, tick, and heartworm medication is essential in protecting our beloved dogs and cats from preventable diseases. In addition, making sure we pay close attention to where bees, wasps, and other biting insects like spiders can frequent will prevent painful stings, allergic reactions, or worse. Being prepared with appropriate antihistamines and dosages for your specific pet, along with the nearest veterinary ER and primary vet information can help in case of an accident.
Wildlife can pose another dangerous and sometimes life-threatening concern for our fur babies. Sharing the environment with wildlife and leaving them undisturbed is important, but paying close attention to your surroundings and using appropriate pet-safe repellants and precautions is vital. This time of year, many wild animals have babies and will be on high alert and more aggressive protecting their young. In addition, they will be more active with the warmer weather and have a higher potential of spreading diseases like leptospirosis. It is important to keep all vaccinations up to date and keep pets at a safe distance to avoid conflict. Venomous snakes are in the area as well and they can hide easily in areas where our pets spend their time. If you feel or know your pet has been bitten by a venomous snake, please seek veterinary care immediately at Four Paws Animal Hospital or the nearest open veterinary ER.
It is always important to keep a watchful eye on our naturally curious pets. Whether it be water safety, poison prevention, or something else – being prepared and knowing what to watch for and how to react in times of need is essential. Call Four Paws Animal Hospital and Wellness Center today at 540-898-5388 if you are unsure about what your pet might need to stay protected this season, or what you should prepare for!