Now that spring is upon and the weather is warming up it's time to take a look at what steps you can take to help ensure you and your pet have a wonderful start to this beatiful time of year.
With warmer weather also come the BUGS. Ticks and fleas. Not only are these creatures a nusence they can also cause seriouse health problems. Ticks, for example, can cause a wide range of effects on your dog from skin irritation to paralysis. There are two types of ticks: The Brown Dog Tick typically causes skin irritation; the Paralysis tick as you may have already guessed, can cause paralysis to your pet. If you find a tick on your animal and are concerned the first person to call would be your vet. They can instruct you on the correct way to remove the tick and any other necessary steps you may need to take.
Fleas most commonly cause an annoying irrating itch on a dog. However, a bad flea outbreak can cause excessive itching, which as a result may cause your dog further skin problems. A female flea can lay up to 2000 eggs in her lifetime that spans just a couple months. If you notice fleas on your dog or in your house treat it fast before you have a serious out break on your hands.
Ways to keep cool in the heat
Just as we sweat when we get hot dogs pant. These two actions are our bodies natural way to protect us from over heating. When we get hot or are afraid of getting sunburnt we often cover up to seek protection from the suns heat and harmful rays. Well, dogs do this too... No, not by you putting cute little hats and sugnlasses on them, but with their fur. Many pet parents shave their dogs in the spring and summer to keep them from getting over heated. Shaving your pet may acutally cause more harm than good. Your pets fur acts as a shield from the hot raise of the sun, giving them their own personal shade tree if you will and keeps them cool. Taking that cooling mechanism away may actually cause them to over heat; not only that, but for many breeds, shaving their fur can cause skin diseases that result in loss of fur, skin irritations, and the fur usually grows in more bushy, course and often a different color! If you fear that your dog may be getting to hot, consult with your vet on actions you can take that will safely keep you pet cool. Some ideas might include, a kiddy pool for your pal to lay down in or play in, a wetted bandana, wetting down concrete, misters and many others.