Helpful Hints for Healthy Pets

Helpful hints for healthy pets

Dr. Christina Frick, DVM

  Summer is here and so are those pesky little pests that can cause many problems for our pets. These include fleas, ticks, flies, mosquitoes and internal parasites (worms). Here are some reminders to help prevent these problems this year.

 

1.         Keep your pet's vaccinations current to prevent diseases and maintain healthy animals.

2.         Keep pets on Heartworm Preventative year-round since mosquitoes spread heartworms. These products also de-worm you animal every month for intestinal worms. Ask which products are appropriate for your pets.  There are so many products on the market these days, it can be confusing, your veterinarian can help you with the best option.

3.         Use Flea and Tick preventatives on your pets starting April 1 or even before, if noticing a problem in your yard. Continue these products through October or longer if we do not get a good freeze by then.  Some people are even using these products year round because of the mild Kansas winters.  Ask Dr. Frick which product is the best and safest for your pet, their situations and environment. There are many pet and livestock products available including fly repellants, fly ointments, and premise sprays that are safe for animals.

4.         Dr. Frick will assess the disease risks for your pets and tailor an appropriate vaccination, wellness, and prevention program. Every animal's environment, exposure, travel, and behavior is different. Veterinary Exams will help your pet live a longer, healthier, and happier life.

5.         Remember pets can get skin cancer too.  We have products to protect light colored animals  from overexposure to the harmful effects of the sun and defend against skin cancer.

6.         There are many options available for pets that are scared of thunderstorms.  Call Dr. Frick to see what the best options are for your pet.

7.         The heat can be very dangerous for our pets.  Limit walks to cooler times of the day.  Keep clean, fresh water out at all times.  Provide shade for any pet or livestock.  Check any closed-up buildings for animals that may be lock inside and potentially die from heat stroke. 

8.         Summer shear your long haired pets to help keep them cooler and decrease the risk of skin infections and hot spots from matted hair areas.  Brush your pet to get the undercoat and winter hair shed off.  Call Dr. Frick for pet grooming, bathing and shears for your furry friends. 

9.         Monitor animals for signs of bites, swelling and abscesses.  Keep pets away from toxic plants, pesticides, drugs, medications, metals, cleaning products and poisonous substances.  Contact your veterinarian immediately, if you suspect your pet has gotten into a poison.           

10.       Summer is also mating season for our feline friends (cats). Schedule an appointment for a spay or neuter today to help control the pet population in the county. Don't forget your dogs also.

 

Some surprising facts:

 

  In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens.

  In six years, one female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies.

  For every person born, 15 dogs and 45 cats are born. Every day in the United States, thousands upon thousands of puppies and kittens are born because of the uncontrolled breeding of pets. Add to this the offspring of stray and abandoned companion animals, and the number, as evidenced by shelter euthanasia rates, is overwhelming and heart wrenching.

  Each year, U.S. shelters take in 6-8 million dogs and cats; of those 3-4 million are adopted and 3-4 million are euthanized.

  Only 1 in 9 cats and dogs born in the U.S. will find a home.

 

  Have a great Summer and remember prevention is the key to a healthy pet.

 

 

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