Summer’s back! After a long, cold, dreary winter, it’s time to go out and enjoy the bright sunshine, the warm weather, and cool summer breezes. While summer time is the best time for enjoying outdoor activities with your pets, it is important to be aware of some of summer’s hot buttons.
Water, Water We All Need Water – dogs and cats like humans need to stay properly hydrated. And there is no better source of hydration than good old H2O. Whether you are in the backyard, dog-park or taking a walk in the woods with your four-legged friend, it is a good idea to carry an extra water bottle for your pooch in case it gets thirsty. If you have outdoor cats, check their water bowl every day to make sure it’s clean and full of water. Also, keep the bowl under a shady area so that the water does not evaporate too quickly.
Pool is Cool – aside from drinking water, pets need to soak in the water to help them cool off their bodies. If you have a pool in your backyard, coax your pets in for a swim. Don’t worry most pets instinctively know how to swim. If you have a policy of no pets in the pool, consider purchasing a small kiddie pool so they can cool off anytime.
Throw a Little Shade – another way to help your pets cool off is by providing a shady area. Big leafy trees, plants, or patio umbrellas are great ways to help your pets beat the heat.
Flea & Tick Protection for Dogs: preventing fleas and ticks on your dogs is easier than treating a flea or tick infestation. Consistency is key. Exposure to external parasites puts your pet at greater risk of a tick borne disease. So be sure you treat your pet, yard and area now and continue monthly applications or oral routines throughout the summer and the rest of the year.
Flea & Tick Protection for Cats: a once-a month feline flea and tick treatment in chewable tablet or topical solution form may be the answer to keeping a cat free of these parasites. Cat flea and tick shampoos and sprays are also useful treatments. It is necessary to use these products continually in order to prevent fleas and ticks from coming back.
Ear Care for Dogs: being outdoors is fun, but it can create problems in the most unlikely of places like your dog’s ears. Two common problems are dog ear infections and canine ear mites. Proper dog ear care and treatment can lessen the itchiness and discomfort. Dog ear rinses, ear cleansers, and canine ocular flushes can help remove unwanted debris from the ear. The treatment of ear mites and ear infections may require the use of creams, ointments or drops.
Ear Care for Cats: Like dogs, cats can get ear mites and infections too. This is why a good routine ear care is very safe and consists of a weekly inspection and, if necessary, a cleaning. Some of the more common problems infecting cat ears include ear mites, bacterial infections, yeast infections, allergies, fungal infections on the ear tips.
Joint Care for Dogs: regardless of age, all dogs love to be outside. It’s in their nature. However, older dogs and dogs with injuries may develop serious canine joint problems. Overweight dogs may also suffer from joint pain and swelling. Dogs with painful joints may have trouble jumping around and climbing stairs. They can become stiff and resort to limping. Dog joint and arthritis medications such as supplements, anti-inflammatory and pain relievers can help dogs deal with the symptoms of joint inflammation.
Joint Care for Cats: the same thing that applies to the dog applies to the cat. They too can suffer from joint pains due to ageing and obesity. Managing a healthy feline weight is the first step in promoting good cat joint care. Extra weight on cats will put unnecessary stress on joints and could eventually lead to feline arthritis. Cat joint supplements can help maintain healthy joint tissue. Feline joint supplements come in powder form and are easily added to a cat’s diet. Cat joint disease or feline arthritis may require the use of cat joint medications which lessen the amount of pain and discomfort.
Skin & Allergy Treatments for Dogs: Playing in the sun and rolling on the grass can be loads of fun for a dog (or even a human), but it can be a catalyst for allergies. Dog skin and allergy conditions can cause excessive scratching and biting, hair loss and redness. The environment, poor nutrition, and parasites are some of the leading causes in skin allergies for dogs. Medications and supplements can help ease the discomfort associated with skin allergies. Medicated shampoos, creams and ointments help dogs achieve some relief from itchy skin.
Skin & Allergy Treatments for Cats: because most cats are kept indoors, no one thinks they can get allergies. Think again! Skin irritations and skin allergies can cause your cat to suffer greatly. Excessive scratching and biting, hair loss and redness are the more common signs your cat has a skin allergy. The environment, poor nutrition and parasites are some of the major contributors to skin allergies and irritations in cats. Medications and supplements can help ease the discomfort associated with skin allergies. Medicated shampoos, creams and ointments provide cats with some relief from itchy skin.
To sum it up, summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Just like humans, it is important not to let pets stay out in the hot sun for too long. When taking your pets outside in the summer, make sure to provide them with plenty of drinking water, shade, and if possible a kiddie pool to cool off in. Have some flea and tick medications handy to avoid an infestation of these pesky parasites. Avoid ear infections with periodic cleanings. Help fight skin allergies caused by being outside with medicated shampoos, creams and ointments. By taking these precautions, you and your pet will be able to have a sizzling summer.
How do you keep your pets cool and healthy in the summer?
Let us know in the comments section.
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