Summer Pet Care Tips from Heritage Veterinary Hospital
The summer is a great time for both you and your pet, but higher temperatures and extra time outdoors can also create a number of unique health problems that are worth watching out for. Take a look at our guide to summer pet care to learn about a few of the season's most common issues and what you can do to protect your pet.
Fleas and Ticks
Summer's warmer weather makes it easier for your pets to pick up a common and unpleasant health problem: flea or tick infestation. Both of these external parasites thrive in higher temperatures and cause your pet to suffer from issues that can range from simple skin irritation to serious allergic reactions or hair loss. Also worrying is the fact that ticks and fleas are able to transmit numerous diseases with varying degrees of severity. Luckily, pet owners can take advantage of recent advances in parasite medications and help their pet through the administration of either over the counter preventative or treatment products.
Flies
Pets that spend time outside during the summer can also run into health complications related to flies. Like the external parasites discussed above, flies emerge in greater numbers due to the season's heat. Common ailments associated with flies include the development of sores on a pet's ears (caused by repeated fly bites to the area). There are a number of commercial fly ointments that are able to help ward off the pests. If your pet has already begun to show signs of having been bitten it is advised to gently clean sores and apply antibiotic ointment. Contact Heritage Veterinary Hospital if home treatment doesn't resolve the issue.
Heat Stroke
Just as it's possible for you to fall victim to heat stroke, so too can your pet. Hot weather (particularly when coupled with humidity) manifests in pets like dogs and cats in much the same way it does with humans. Signs to watch out for include shaking or trembling, excessive panting or open mouth breathing, elevated body temperature and seizures. Pet owners are encouraged to limit activity and provide pets with extra water, shade and a cool environment on hot days. If your pet is showing any signs of heat stroke it is important to contact a veterinarian immediately for professional treatment.
Hot Spots/Maggots
Hot spots are caused by skin irritation and are scabby, bloody or raw-looking lesions. They are caused by parasites, allergies and other forms of trauma and should be treated by cleaning, drying and disinfecting the wound (professional assistance is recommended due to the fact that hot spots are likely to reoccur or persist if inadequately or improperly treated). Hot spots often require antibiotic treatment and the administration of pain killers. If hot spots are not properly addressed, the warm summer weather can also lead to the attraction of maggots. Flies that lay eggs in moist skin, sores or open wounds create infestations that present serious health complications for your pet (weakness, dehydration, etc.) and can be life threatening.
Heritage Veterinary Hospital is always available to help you by providing you with more information on how to keep your pet healthy and happy throughout the summer months. Keep the above information in mind while enjoying the season or contact a Heritage veterinarian for consultation.