subject: Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy this Spring and Summer [print this page] Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy this Spring and Summer
The warm summer months are welcomed by humans and animals alike. As the temperatures rise, so do our urges to get outside and do something active like going for a run, sitting in the sun, or anything else that makes us feel good. Our dogs are no different. They probably enjoy the warmer temperatures more than you and I. While the spring and summer months bring nicer weather, they also bring harmful and annoying pests like fleas and ticks.
Here are a few problems a dog owner should be aware of during the spring and summer:
The number one public enemy for a dog is a flea. No dog is immune to their annoying and itchy bites. Common signs of flea infestation range from biting and scratching on its lower back, tail, and abdomen to flaring up of dermatitis on the dog's skin. Fleas lay their eggs within the dog's hairs but they fall off to germinate in safer, more suitable environments. Once the conditions are just right, the eggs will hatch adult fleas to torment your dog even more.
In order to properly deal with fleas you'll need to address the dog and your home with an assortment of shampoos, sprays, dips, powders, oral medications and collars. A veterinarian will gladly recommend appropriate flea prevention products and programs you can follow to ensure they are gone for good. Also, be aware that fleas sometimes carry tapeworms. Ask your veterinarian to check your pet for intestinal parasites too.
Another common parasite for your dog during the warmer summer months is the tick. These horrible little creatures are not only a nuisance to your dog but they often are carriers of severe debilitating diseases. There are many flea & tick control products which help control problems with ticks.
Dogs can be susceptible to parasites such as heartworms. These are often transmitted by mosquitoes and are fatal to a dog. It is very important to have it tested for heart worms and ask about any heart worm preventatives you can use. In most instances, they are easy and inexpensive. Remember, mosquitoes are everywhere, and they don't take long in tracking down a warm body to bite on. So even if your dog isn't outside very long to do its business, it can still be at risk of getting bit by a mosquito.
Another issue is potentially toxic pesticides and lawn care products. Never give your dog unrestricted access to lawns and outside areas that were just treated with chemicals until the exposure danger passes.
