Summertime can be a fun time for you and your pet. Unfortunately, warm weather also increases the chances of certain health problems. Ask your veterinarian what you can do to reduce the risk of summer accidents and diseases.
Heat Stroke - Each summer, many pets die of heat stroke. Never leave your pet in the car. Even with the windows cracked, an automobile can heat up to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.
Insects, Snakes and Toads - Dogs and cats are naturally curious creatures, so they tend to provoke defensive attacks from insects, snakes and other outdoor pests. The best way to avoid problems is to supervise your pet's outdoor activities. However, if your pet is stung by an insect, give the area a gentle cleaning, remove the stinger and apply ice. DO NOT give your pet aspirin, Tylenol or any other pain killer intended for use by humans! A pet that is fed aspirin or Tylenol may suffer permanent liver damage, even death. To avoid snakes, stay away from swamps and rocky areas. If your pet is bitten, identify the snake if possible and see your veterinarian immediately. Toads release a poison that can make your pet ill. If your pet licks or bites a toad, wash out his mouth with large amounts of water.
Parasites - Warm weather brings with it an increased risk of internal and external parasites. To avoid hookworms, roundworms and whipworms, remove feces from you yard weekly or the litter box daily. Try to prevent your pet from eating small rodents and insects which may transmit worms. Bring a sample of your pet's stool to the veterinarian at least once a year. If your pet has a chronic problem with intestinal parasites, your veterinarian can prescribe preventative medicine. To help avoid fleas and ticks, keep the yard vegetation trimmed and mow the lawn often. By preventing exposure to fleas, you reduce the chance of tapeworms. Ask your veterinarian about a complete flea control program. Your veterinarian can recommend sprays, collars and dips that are toxic to fleas, but nontoxic to you, your family and your pet.
Trauma - Because pets tend to roam more in the summer, their chance of being involved in an accident of coming in contact with other animals, people or automobiles also increases. Many cats are killed or
injured each summer because windows are left open and screens are not secure.
Heat Stroke - Each summer, many pets die of heat stroke. Never leave your pet in the car. Even with the windows cracked, an automobile can heat up to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.
Insects, Snakes and Toads - Dogs and cats are naturally curious creatures, so they tend to provoke defensive attacks from insects, snakes and other outdoor pests. The best way to avoid problems is to supervise your pet's outdoor activities. However, if your pet is stung by an insect, give the area a gentle cleaning, remove the stinger and apply ice. DO NOT give your pet aspirin, Tylenol or any other pain killer intended for use by humans! A pet that is fed aspirin or Tylenol may suffer permanent liver damage, even death. To avoid snakes, stay away from swamps and rocky areas. If your pet is bitten, identify the snake if possible and see your veterinarian immediately. Toads release a poison that can make your pet ill. If your pet licks or bites a toad, wash out his mouth with large amounts of water.
Parasites - Warm weather brings with it an increased risk of internal and external parasites. To avoid hookworms, roundworms and whipworms, remove feces from you yard weekly or the litter box daily. Try to prevent your pet from eating small rodents and insects which may transmit worms. Bring a sample of your pet's stool to the veterinarian at least once a year. If your pet has a chronic problem with intestinal parasites, your veterinarian can prescribe preventative medicine. To help avoid fleas and ticks, keep the yard vegetation trimmed and mow the lawn often. By preventing exposure to fleas, you reduce the chance of tapeworms. Ask your veterinarian about a complete flea control program. Your veterinarian can recommend sprays, collars and dips that are toxic to fleas, but nontoxic to you, your family and your pet.
Trauma - Because pets tend to roam more in the summer, their chance of being involved in an accident of coming in contact with other animals, people or automobiles also increases. Many cats are killed or
injured each summer because windows are left open and screens are not secure.
Countryside Veterinary Clinic
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Copyright 2010 Countryside Veterinary Clinic. All rights reserved.
Serving Richmond's Pet Families Since 1992
(804) 750-1694