Summer  

• Heat-Related Concerns - Never leave your pet outside for extended periods of time in the heat, and always allow access to fresh, cool water when your pet is outside.  NEVER leave a pet in a parked car without air-conditioning.  Even if the outside temperature is only mildly warm, the temperature inside the car will be much, much more hot.  Click here to educate yourself about heat-related emergencies.
• Current Vaccinations – The incidence of infectious diseases, such as parvo virus, tend to be highest during the spring and summer months, when pets are out and about, although they are by no means restricted to these months.  So make sure your pet is up to date on all recommended vaccines. 
• Fleas – Check labels before applying any flea products.  Many chemicals in flea products are too strong for young animals and can result in convulsions, coma, and/or death.  Cats and kittens are particularly susceptible to these toxins.  Fortunately, there are many wonderful flea products available through your veterinarian.  So make sure you have a flea prevention program in place!  We strongly recommend purchasing flea products only from your veterinarian! 
• Tick Season – Spring is the beginning of TICK SEASON and it carries over into Summer.  Ask your veterinarian which product is best for guarding against ticks.  Protect any dogs with access to woods, water, or farmland with the Lyme Disease and the Leptospirosis vaccination. 
• Heartworms – Heartworms are spread by the bite of the mosquito.  With the heat of Summer, the mosquito population will increase, and so will your pet’s chance of contracting heartworms.  We recommend heartworm preventative medication year round.  We also will recommend yearly testing to ensure that your pet is staying parasite free! 
• Summertime Drives – As you enjoy the sunshine through your car window, do not permit your pet to put his/her entire head out the window while driving.  Debris blown up by passing cars can injure the eyes. 
• Summertime Walks – As you begin to exercise with your pet, make sure your pet is properly restrained with a leash and walks close to your side.  Also, check the fence in your yard for needed repairs to ensure that your pet does not get out.  Take walks in the morning hours or in the evening to lessen the likelihood of heatstroke.  Keep water and a small bowl with you during walks, and offer water break stops often.
• Lawn Care Concerns – Since pets tend to eat grass, keep pets off of lawns that have recently been treated with pesticides or fertilizers.  Chemicals can be poisonous to your pet, and some cause chemical burns to the feet. 
• Allergic Reactions - Allergic reactions can be caused by insect bites or stings, both of which are prevalent in the summertime.  Some reactions are minor, but others can be very severe leading to vomiting and diarrhea, seizures or even collapse.  Click here to learn more about an allergic reaction and what you can do if you think your pet may be suffering one.