Pontiac Pets

Our pets love summer just as much as we do and, for many, it’s the best time of year to be out and about enjoying all that the season has to offer.

Make sure your dog is protected from parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes that can make him miserable. An unprotected dog in a buggy environment can become very sick from these parasites. It’s true, a flea infestation left untreated can be fatal. Mosquitos carry heartworm and ticks carry Lyme Disease as well as Rocky Mountain Fever. Look for topical insect repellents at your local pet supply shop or purchased them online. Be sure to apply them once a month throughout the summer as directed. There are also specialty collars that are effective in protecting dogs from parasites. Some collars do contain chemicals that can harm your pet, so always talk to your veterinarian before you make any decisions about flea and tick control.

Keep your furry friends cool

It’s always so much fun to bring our pets along on picnics, hikes, swimming, or a trip to the lake, but keep in mind that the heat can pose challenges for our furry friends. Extreme heat, insects, and open water can turn a carefree summer day into a tragedy if we are not careful. Never leave your dog in a hot car. Most people don’t realize how hot it gets in parked cars. It can take only a few minutes for a pet to develop heat stroke and suffocate. Always take your dog with you when you are away from the car. On hot days, it’s always best to leave him at home where it is safe and cool. If you are travelling with your pup, be sure to bring water and a water dish. There’s no doubt that dogs love the outdoors, especially in the summertime. With an ounce of prevention and some planning ahead, we can make sure to keep our pooches safe and happy all season long. T Lots of Water Make sure your dog always has access to fresh drinking water and shade Dogs get much thirstier than we do when they get hot. Other than panting and drinking, they really have no way to cool themselves down. Keep your pet in the shade as often as possible and keep his water dish full of fresh, cool water. Don’t assume your dog can swim well Just because dogs instinctively know how to swim, doesn’t mean they’re good swimmers. If your dog jumps into a pool, he may not be able to get out without help. Watch your dog carefully around water and consider a life jacket for boat trips.