You can expect more visits to your veterinarian during summertime, especially if you do not take the necessary precautions to protect your pets.
Summer can be fun for you and your pet, but there are certain risks involved when you do not pay heed to protect your pet during the summer months which can be life-threatening for them. So if you happen to live in Virginia Beach, make sure to memorize the location of the nearest Virginia Beach veterinary hospital for that extra precaution in case you need it.
Avoid direct sunlight
Summer is notorious for sweltering heat. Unlike humans who can take off their shirts and let the wind blow on their skin, pets such as dogs just cannot shed their fur off to cool down. So make a wise choice of always avoiding the sun when you have your pet around to avoid heatstroke.
Signs of heat stroke are heavy panting with too much salivating, disorientation or excessive water consumption. When you see these signs, head off to the nearest pet hospital.
Prevent your pets from getting bitten by insects
While it is safe to say that using repellants on your pets is a smart choice, using the right ones is critical to the safety of your pet. Citronella oil may be effective in shooing mosquitoes away, its powerful aroma can affect your dog’s keen sense of smell and do more harm than good.
Make sure to find the right formula suitable for dogs or pets, ask your veterinarian for suggestions.
Avoid hot surfaces
A hot pavement can easily burn your pet’s footpads, so make sure to avoid making contact with the hot pavement when walking your pet. Allow your pets to walk on the grass, which is cooler and softer for their paws.
Keep ticks away
Lyme disease can be deadly to your pet dog, so make sure to remove ticks when you see it. Black-legged ticks are major culprits for carrying the disease. Avoid staying long in areas with tall grasses, leaf cover or brush where these ticks are often found.
Remember to always be mindful of your pets during the summer months. Prevention comes in the form of regular affordable vet care, rather than having them treated for a problem where you can end up spending more, or worse, risk losing your pet succumbing to disease.