Summer is a time for fun for humans and pets alike. With more time to spend outdoors in the warmer weather, it’s important to take extra steps to ensure your pet’s safety and wellbeing. One of the best ways to soak up the summer sun while avoiding emergency vet services, is to take proper precautions and watch out for things that could land you with some costly bills and unneeded stressful.
The most obvious way to avoid needing emergency vet services is by keeping up with preventative care. This includes regular checkups, timely vaccinations, administration of flea and tick prevention medicine, and deworming. Additionally, providing your pet with a healthy diet will help keep them happy and healthy. Avoiding overfeeding or any potentially toxic foods or treats is also paramount in keeping your pet safe during the summer months.
Another way to avoid emergency vet services and keep your pet healthy during the summer is by taking proper precautions when out in the sun. Dogs especially can be susceptible to skin ailments caused by too much sun exposure so it’s best to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors and limit their time in direct sunlight while outside. Allowing access to plenty of fresh water while outdoors is also important for keeping your furry friend hydrated on hot days.
1. If you're looking to avoid emergency vet services this summer, ensure that your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations and check-ups. Schedule an appointment with their vet each year for a full examination and make sure any medications and treatments prescribed are followed through on. Also, keep track of when their vaccinations are due to expire and be sure to get them re-administered in a timely manner.
2. Take extra caution when it comes to the heat. Since pets don’t have sweat glands like humans do, they become easily overheated in warmer temperatures which is a big reason many pets end up needing emergency vet services in the summer. Make sure they stay inside and have access to plenty of shade, or take them out for walks during cooler parts of the day. Additionally, provide them with plenty of water throughout the day so they stay hydrated.
3. If you plan on taking your pet out with you during summer activities, be sure they are wearing some kind of identification (such as a collar and ID tag) in case they get lost. Additionally, if you're going somewhere where there may be unfamiliar creatures or other hazards, it's a good idea to keep them on a leash at all times so that you can ensure their safety without interruption from potential dangers that could arise from them running off or away from people or animals that could cause harm to themselves or others around them. Tips like these can help you steer clear of emergency vet services.
4. Practice preventative measures when it comes to pests like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes by regularly using products such as flea collars, tick prevention medicines (for cats), topical solutions (for dogs) or natural insect repellents like citronella oil for areas where your pet spends most of its time outdoors. Keeping your pet away from stagnant water sources can also help to keep them from needing emergency vet services, as these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes which could lead to illnesses such as heartworm if not prevented properly beforehand.
5. Ensure that any food given to your pet is safe for consumption by checking expiration dates before feeding them anything new or unusual from what they typically eat regularly – this includes treats. If possible, avoid feeding your pets human food too often as this can be difficult for their digestive system which can lead to further complications down the road if consumed excessively over time. Many people don't realize that human food lands a lot of pets in emergency vet services.
Finally, it’s wise to check your yard (or walking paths) frequently for any unexpected hazards that may have cropped up after rainy days or storms. Poisonous plants and sharp objects can pose a serious risk to pets if not removed or avoided properly, so be sure to double-check before letting your pet roam around freely.
By following these simple steps you can help ensure that you and your pet have an enjoyable summer season free from an extra trip to the emergency vet services office.