Keeping your Pet Healthy & Happy this Summer

Summer makes us all, including our pets, feel good but there are a number of things we can do to help keep them healthy.

1) Keep your pet cool and make sure they have plenty of fresh water to drink at all times. this is really important for cats and for pets with kidney problems.

2) Avoid taking your dog out for a walk on warm days except in the morning or evening when it is cooler- we do see a number of dogs each year suffering from heatstroke. This is especially important if your dog has breathing problems or a heart condition.

3) Make sure you treat your pet regularly for fleas, even if you don't see them. These bugs are a real pest in the summer and breed very quickly.

4) Put sun screen on your pet's white/pink bits, especially ear tips in cats which can get sunburnt and are more prone to skin cancers.

5) Do not leave your pet in a car, even if it is not sunny without ensuring the windows are open and they have water to drink.

6) Allergies are common in the summer- is your pet itchy or do they have watery eyes? If so they may have hayfever and benefit from treatment from your vet.

7) Remember vaccinations particularly if your pet is going into a kennel or cattery. Check they are up to date well in advance.

8) Keep barbecue skewers, chop bones, sweetcorn centres away from your pet- we see dogs that have eaten these things every year, often needing surgery to remove them.

9) Have you wormed your pet recently? We currently advise worming every 3 months for adult dogs and cats especially where there are young children in the house.

10) Rabbits are very prone to maggot infestations at this time of year. Keep the hutch clean and check your rabbit's bottom daily. We can supply you with a preparation to help prevent flystrike (caused by maggots) in your rabbit.