When the weather is hot you probably spend more time outdoors, which means your dog does too. Keeping them up to date with the proper vaccines and parasite preventatives is a great way to keep the summertime blues away.

Creepy Crawlies

Different parasite preventatives protect against different creatures and it’s important to know what your dog is going to need. You probably are familiar with fleas and heartworms, but may not know that Sentinel can treat for both of these creatures as well as some other intestinal parasites. Has the possibility of ticks, mosquitos, and lice crossed your mind? If you are going to a camping ground that is known for mosquitos, applying Effitix to your dog will help keep them protected. Enjoy hiking off the beaten path? Your dog could pick up some tick or lice hitchhikers and having your pooch on a regimen of Simparica or Effitix is a great way to keep these bloodsuckers off of them.

Made A Friend

If by chance your dog does make friends with a creepy crawly this summer, having them vaccinated against summertime diseases is another great way to keep them safe. Lyme disease can be transmitted through tick bites. Lyme can cause fever, loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling and decreased activity. Dogs with Lyme disease may not show these symptoms for 2-5 months after being infected, so prevention is key.

Staying Hydrated

Keeping pets hydrated with fresh water is also a great way to keep them safe from parasites and diseases. Leptospirosis (Lepto) can be found in rivers, lakes or streams, infected water, and standing water and can also be transmitted via pets roaming on rural properties or ingesting items that have been urinated on by an infected animal. Signs of leptospirosis may include fever, shivering, muscle tenderness, reluctance to move, increased thirst, changes in the frequency or amount of urination, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes), or painful inflammation within the eyes. Leptospirosis is also a zoonotic disease, meaning it can affect humans too. Keeping your dog’s Leptospirosis vaccine up to date doesn’t just protect them, it protects the whole family!

Having fun in the sun is a great way to spend the summer days. Keeping your pets protected during this time ensures a fun for every member of the family.