There is no time like spring, when life’s alive in everything. Both humans and canines are ready to see the sun shining, with grass on the ground instead of ice and snow! However, spring brings hazards for our four footed friends. Companion animals, restless from being cooped up, are eager to romp and roam to shake off the blahs of winter. There are new smells and new places to explore! Normally well behaved furbabies will suddenly become escape artists and climb or dig their way out of their safe yards to find themselves lost in new territory with no clue about getting home again.
Sadly, only a small percentage of missing dogs are ever reunited with their families. Please be sure that you have an I.D. tag on your dog. We also recommend micro-chipping your animal. Proper identification can help recover a lost pup! Tag up today!
If you have an intact pet in your family, he or she will really become restless as natural instincts triumph over training. The alarming statistics of animal overpopulation and unwanted offspring should convince you to spay or neuter, but it is also important to do it for the health and safety of your pet.
Another hazard for pets as the weather warms up is the threat of heartworm. We used to think that this mosquito-borne parasite was a problem only in the Southern states. Not true! Discuss this serious problem with your vet, and choose a preventative measure that protects your dog. It is true that heartworm can be treated if caught in the early stages, but it is a harsh treatment, and is also expensive. Controlling and eliminating an existing problem requires time, energy, and money. The best control is always prevention.
Spring into action with these tips:
- Get your dog tested for heartworm and on a preventative.
- Don’t wait until you see a flea to begin treatment…it’s too late by then. Again prevention is the key. There are many safe, effective flea treatments available, and it is so much easier to prevent the problem than to have to deal with the nasty little critters.
- If you use pesticides or herbicides on your lawn, be sure to restrict your pets from the treated areas for at least 24 hours. Those chemicals are toxic to your pet!
- NEVER leave pets unattended in a car. Even a cool breezy day can become dangerously hot in a very short time.
- Spring is a good time to schedule a wellness check. Hopefully the vet will give him a clean bill of health, but if something suspicious is found, perhaps it can be treated in the early stages. Most dogs have teeth problems by the time they are three years old, and since tooth and gum disease can lead to more serious problems, be sure to include a dental checkup for your canine!
- In spring, depending on your dog’s breed, you can expect more shedding as the coat changes. Daily brushing is encouraged. And remember: no outfit is complete without a few dog hairs!
- Daily walks with your canine are beneficial for the pooch and for you. Enjoy the warmer weather together
