National Pet Hydration Month

July is National Pet Hydration Month! Throughout the summer months - there are so many fun activities to participate in with your pet. Whether you and your furry friend enjoy hiking, going for runs, biking, or fetching a ball in your back yard - it is important to keep safety in mind! The best way you can protect your pet from becoming hydrated is to bring water with you whenever you are spending a significant amount of time outdoors - especially on a hot day.

Even if your pet and you are not outside playing all day - they can still become dehydrated. Signs that your pet is becoming dehydrated include: a loss of appetite, dry mouth, diarrhea, excessive panting, sunken eyes, and being lethargic more often. If you begin to notice these signs in your pet - find a shady area to cool off in. Purchasing a cooling vest for your pet may also be a good idea. Cooling vests are designed to decrease your pet's body temperature by cooling the atmosphere immediately surrounding them.

Also important to remember is to never leave your pet in the car on a hot day. This environment can become very hot, very quickly and your dog could suffer permanent organ damage or worse if they are all alone in a closed car.

We hope that you have a safe and fun summer with your pets!!

Heartworm Awareness

Being aware of Heartworm is important. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) this potentially deadly parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes, which pick up larval heartworms - called microfilaria - that circulate the bloodstream of an infected animal. The AKC notes that while dogs with heartworm can be treated, the best approach to this parasite is prevention.

Preventive medication is a course of action many dog and cat-owners take to prevent the disease. The medication is typically taken once per month and will help prevent both internal and external parasites. Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about if this type of medication would be appropriate for your pet. Some medications that prevent heartworm also prevent parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, fleas, and tapeworms. Heartworm disease has the potential to cause lasting damage to your pet’s health and quality of life. We all want our pet to have a healthy and long life which means being aware of this dangerous disease is important.