With the warmer months fast approaching, the staff at the B.V.G. would like to ensure that your pets are kept healthy and safe. Here are a few tips to help prevent summertime illness and injury.
Internal and external parasites become a huge problem with the warmer temperatures. Ticks and mosquitoes can carry potentially fatal diseases. Fleas and intestinal parasites are common ailments seen during the spring through the fall and can be very difficult to treat. Make sure that your animals are covered by an adequate flea and tick preventative as well as heartworm preventative. We recommend that dogs are tested annually for heartworm disease as stated by the Heartworm Association of America. B.V.G. recommends Frontline® and Heartgard® products.
Always walk pets on a leash to prevent contact from unknown animals or other injury. Make sure pets are fitted with updated identification in case they are accidentally lost.
Dehydration can occur rapidly in warmer temperatures. Ensure that your pets have access to fresh water at all times. Bring water especially for your pets on outings as well.
NEVER leave an animal in a car unattended!! Even with the windows open the temperature of a car can reach 120 to 140 degrees within minutes. Temperatures of that degree are lethal!!
Avoid strenuous activity with your pet in extreme temperatures. You should be especially cautious if your pet is geriatric, overweight, or suffers from collapsing trachea or other diseases. Increased activity may lead to heat stoke or respiratory distress which are considered medical emergencies. Symptoms of heat stroke include excessive panting, collapse, warm to the touch and reluctance to move. If you notice any of these symptoms seek medical attention at once. Heat stroke can be fatal if left untreated.
Avoid walking pets on lawns or gardens treated with fertilizers or pesticides. Chemicals used in these treatments may result in irreversible neurologic disease.
Insect bite reactions are common in animals. If your pet is bitten by an insect watch the area closely for increased swelling. If noted contact your veterinarian at once. Also if your pet receives multiple bites bring them to your vet at once.
Always spay and neuter your pets!! Not only does this prevent many serious health conditions it also reduces the risk of pets running away and aggressive encounters with other animals.
Make sure that your pets are up to date on all necessary vaccinations before going out to prevent exposure to life threatening diseases. ** New York State requires by law that all animals are vaccinated for Rabies.**
For more information please contact the Brooklyn Veterinary Group at any time! Have a safe and healthy summer with your Pet!!!