Spring is a great time to go through a pet health &
safety check and take simple steps to keep your furry friends healthy and happy
as they get active outdoors again.
Flea & Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks begin their search for animals to feed off as the
weather warms up - leading to itching, allergies, and discomfort for your pets.
Ticks can carry dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease, while flea infestations
can lead to costly treatments and exterminator bills. Now is a great time to
start preventative treatment and curb any existing infestations before they get
out of control. Browse our flea and tick treatments for your cat
or dog!
Heartworm & Roundworm Prevention
Spring is also time to start worm prevention if you haven't done so already. Most cats and dogs get roundworms at some point in their lives.
Because of this, your pet will regularly need a round of dewormer every 3-6
months. Make sure to check the label for dosage and frequency. Roundworms live in the intestines of an infected animal and are easily
spread through feces, contaminated soil, and other animals your pet might catch
and eat outside. Your pet might not show signs of infection until the condition has
progressed significantly. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.
Heartworms are another type of worm that can affect your pet’s
health. These spaghetti-like parasites are spread from host to host by
mosquitos. Heartworm larvae mature into adult worms in their host animal and
continue to reproduce and feed off blood in the heart, lungs, and blood
vessels. If left untreated too long, heartworm disease can lead to heart
failure and death. Since treatment is costly and difficult, focusing on preventative
measures is key! Ask your vet about prescription heartworm preventative options
to keep your pets safe.
Shedding & Grooming
Just like us, our furry friends shed their winter coats as the
weather gets warmer. Help your cat or dog through the shedding process by
combing their fur anywhere from once a week to daily depending on their
needs. In addition, a shedding blade can help remove excess undercoat and reduce shedding throughout your home. Avoid expensive trips to the groomer by staying on top of their combing to
prevent matted fur and tangling!
Now is also a good time to check your pets nails if it has been awhile. The average dog needs their nails clipped every three to four weeks, but it should be done as often as needed to keep the nail from touching the ground when your dog is standing. This helps prevent splitting, breaking, or snagging during outdoor
play.
Vaccinations
Shipton's Big R and A Home Vet have partnered to provide convenient, low cost options for pet owners. Check our Pet Vaccination Clinic page for more information!
