Dr. Fiona is a veterinarian pet health guest blogger for dog insurance and cat insurance provider, Pets Best Insurance.
The sun is peeking through the clouds, temperatures are rising and the flowers are starting to show their heads; spring has finally sprung! For you, this means dusting off the sunscreen and sandals, but springtime can also be a good time to go through a "Spring Pet Health Check". Here are some things to be mindful of in order to keep your dog and cat fit and happy this season:
1. Start heartworm preventives
If your pet isn't on heartworm preventatives year round, it's time to start up again! Heartworm disease is a potentially devastating disease that can cause heart failure and potentially death if left untreated. Treatment is costly and can be difficult. Prevention is the key in heartworm disease. If you have never had your pet on a preventative before, your veterinarian will likely want to run a quick blood test to ensure your pet is heartworm negative prior to prescribing any medications.
2. Start a flea and tick preventive
Some areas of the nation require year round prevention of external parasites, but if you stop during the cold winter months, now is the time to start back up. Ticks can carry many diseases, some of which can be dangerous, such as Lyme Disease. Flea infestations in your home can be very costly to treat and often require an exterminator. Some pet insurance companies will even help to cover a portion of flea, tick and heartworm prevention with their routine care plans. By preventing fleas and ticks, your pet and your home will be healthier.
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Sign Up Now! 3. A trip to the groomer Warmer temperatures can translate to shedding! Dogs and cats naturally like to be clean, but sometimes they need a little help. Grooming can be done at home, or with a professional groomer. In the winter you may have had less outside time with your dog, which can mean their nails didn't wear down like they do in the summer. Be sure to keep nails trimmed in order to prevent splitting and breaking. 4. Update vaccines There is a good chance warmer weather will mean more excursions to places where dogs are welcome. If you and your furry best friend frequent the dog park or other public places, be sure they are up to date on all required vaccinations and deworming. 5. Limit exposure to spring toxins Spring is a common time to fertilize your lawn. Be sure to use pet safe products, and still keep your pet off the grass for the entire time recommended. Spring blooms can be pretty, but some plants and flowers are toxic to pets. Easter often brings lily flowers; these are EXTREMELY toxic to cats, less so to dogs, but exposure should still be avoided. Because accidents and illness can happen at any time, even with the most careful of pet owners, it's a good idea to consider pet insurance for our pets. Pet health insurance may help pet owners afford the best level of care in otherwise-dire situations. 6. Ease into activity If you and your pet have been inactive all winter, ease slowly into activity. Start with leashed walks, and shorter play sessions and gradually work up to maximum activity. Starting all at once can lead to injuries and sore muscles. By having a small check list of spring dog health and cat health reminders, you can help keep your pet happier and healthier for the many more warm months to come!Check out these pet insurance reviews to learn why clients love Pets Best!