Summer is in full swing in the Shoals! The doctors and staff and North Alabama Animal Hospital want you and your pet to enjoy the warm weather, all the while avoiding any medical problems that the warm weather can potentially bring. During the summer months, there are several veterinary-related recommendations to keep in mind for the well-being of your pets. Below are a few areas to stay on top of year-round but especially during the summer months.
Preventive care: Ensure that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, we can tailor their vaccines and prevention to best protect them from certain diseases that they may be more likely to encounter. Schedule your pet’s visit with one of our veterinarians to discuss what’s best for your pet!
Heat safety: Pets can easily overheat in hot weather, so take precautions to keep them cool. Provide access to shade and fresh water at all times. Avoid leaving pets in parked cars, even for a short duration, as temperatures can rise rapidly and lead to heatstroke. Exercise your pets during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Engage your pets in regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them physically and mentally active. Consider taking them for walks, playing games, or providing puzzle toys. However, be mindful of hot pavement or sand, which can burn their paws. Test the surface with your hand before taking them for a walk.
Water safety: If you have a pool, supervise your pets around water, as not all animals are natural swimmers. Provide them with an easy exit point to avoid accidents. When visiting lakes, rivers, or the beach, be cautious of strong currents and potential hazards. If your pet enjoys swimming, consider using a pet life jacket for added safety.
Parasite control: Warmer weather increases the risk of parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms (spread through mosquitos). Use appropriate parasite control measures as recommended by your veterinarian. Regularly check your pet for ticks and remove them promptly. Keep your yard free of standing water to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. Don’t forget to give heartworm prevention each month! To make it easy, we offer an injectable heartworm prevention (ProHeart12) that lasts for a year, so you don’t have to remember to give it!
Travel preparations: If you plan to travel with your pet, ensure they are properly restrained in a carrier or with a harness to keep them safe during car rides. Bring along their health records, identification tags, and any necessary medications. Research and plan pet-friendly accommodations, or make arrangements for a pet sitter if needed. Share your travel plans with us during your visit and we can help you plan for any potential issues or needs for your pets!
Allergies and seasonal hazards: Summer can bring allergies and specific hazards for pets. Keep an eye out for allergic reactions, such as excessive scratching, redness, or skin irritations. Let us know if you suspect an allergy. Be cautious of toxic plants, chemicals (e.g., insecticides), and certain foods that are more prevalent during summer, like burgers and hotdogs.
Summer can be a great time to spend time with your pet. Being outdoors with your pet can bring a lot of enjoyment to you and for them as well. Summer can bring a few areas of concern for your pet but these can be avoided with prior planning and preparation! We can customize your pet’s care to their specific needs and help them have as much summertime fun as possible! Give us a call at 256-383-2626 to schedule your pet’s appointment!
Doctors and Staff of North Alabama Animal Hospital
photo : Camille (@trill.mille) | Instagram
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