It’s National Pet Week, a great time to start preparing cats and dogs for the season ahead, so everyone has an enjoyable summer.
For help learning how to avoid pet summer bummers, PEOPLE spoke to Jenna Stregowski, a registered veterinary technician and pet health and behavior editor atDaily Paws.
Stregowski shared her tips on what pet owners need to know about ticks, fireworks, allergies, and more before summer starts — and what can be done to prepare pets for the best summer ever.
What should pet owners know about the 2022 tick season?
What are the best ways to protect your pet against ticks?
It’s also a good idea to check pets for ticks after they have spent time outdoors. Ticks often hide in tall grasses and brush, waiting for a host. They can attach to any part of a pet’s skin but are usually found near skin folds as well as in and around the ears. Ticks should be removed with tweezers or a tick removal tool, taking care not to squeeze the tick as this can release pathogens.
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What pests, besides ticks, should pet parents be aware of this summer?
Fleas are especially active in warmer months. While fleas may seem like a minor nuisance, a flea infestation can cause intense itching that may lead to skin problems or anemia. Intestinal parasites can be present in the environment all year long but are especially common in warm months.
The American Heartworm Society recommends all dogs receive year-round heartworm prevention Fortunately, many heartworm prevention products also protect dogs from common intestinal parasites. Some even include flea and/or tick control. There are also separate products for flea and tick control. Pet parents should talk to their vets about the best products for their dogs.
What are common outdoor plants that are dangerous to pets?
Azaleas, chrysanthemums, daffodils, English ivy, lilies, oleanders, sago palms, tulip/narcissus bulbs, and yew plants are all common plants, plentiful in the spring and summer, that are toxic to pets.
How can I prepare my pet for summer fireworks?
What pet allergies are common in the summer?
Animals can develop allergies to many substances in the environment, including pollen from trees, grasses, and other plants, mold, feathers, and even dander from wild animals. While allergens can be present any time of year, they are especially prevalent in spring and summer (particularly pollen). Many of these allergens cause pets to react with itchy, irritated skin that ranges from mild to severe. Talk to your vet about the best treatment plan, which may include antihistamines, anti-itch medications, shampoos, sprays, and more.
What are the signs of heat exhaustion in a pet? How can you protect your pet from the heat?
Heat exhaustion can develop suddenly and quickly advance to heatstroke, which is a veterinary emergency.
Signs of heat exhaustion include: elevated rectal temperature (103 to 103.9 is heat exhaustion; over 104 degrees is heatstroke and requires immediate action — go to the nearest open vet), heavy panting, extreme lethargy, dark or bright red gums, tacky-feeling gums, thick saliva.
If the pet collapses or loses consciousness, it might be heatstroke.
Keep cool, fresh water available to your pet at all times. Take frequent breaks for rest, shade, and water while out with your pet in the summer heat. At the very first signs of heat exhaustion, pets should be moved to a cool, shady location and observed closely. When in doubt, call your vet for advice.
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What are some other safety concerns specific to summer?
Summer means spending more time outdoors, but there are a number of hazards to keep in mind beyond heatstroke, parasites, and toxic plants. The presence of wildlife can kick your pet’s curiosity and prey drive into high gear. Try to prevent your pet from chasing wild animals. The venom from snakes and scorpions may cause toxicity. Insect and animal bites and stings can lead to infections or allergic reactions. Mammals like squirrels, skunks, and raccoons may carry rabies or parasites. Skunks can easily spray pets — it’s a nightmare to clean up, and the wild animal’s oily spray can irritate pets' eyes.
source: people.com
