What does spring mean for your pets health?
With the greening of the grass, budding of trees, and the warming of the air, what does Spring hold for you and your pet? Hopefully it is a chance to be outdoors, enjoying fresh air and plenty of exercise in each other’s company. Unfortunately, with Spring comes increased risks of certain diseases and injuries; however, with a little care, many of these potential problems can be avoided.
Just like us, after a winter of inactivity, pets are vulnerable to musculoskeletal injuries. A dog that is a little out of shape and is suddenly exercised may have anything from simple muscle aches to a ruptured cruciate ligament. To help avoid these problems, start an exercise program gradually with short, frequent walks and work up to long walks and jogging. If retrieving is his favorite activity, throw short retrieves on level ground until the muscles build enough to protect the joints. Warm up time is important with animals just as it is with us before intensive exercise. Cardiovascular problems may become evident as well after a bout of exercise. Watch for symptoms such as shortness of breath, lethargy, excessive panting, and a longer than expected recovery period following exercise.
Heat stroke is also another very real possibility. Dogs do not sweat like we do to cool themselves. They rely on panting as their primary means of cooling. It is important to keep ample cool, fresh water as well as shade available to them as the temperature rises. The heat index is actually a more accurate means of measuring the stress to your pet since humidity lowers the effectiveness of the natural cooling mechanisms. If your pet appears to be having difficulty, take his temperature rectally. If it is elevated above 104 F, begin to apply rubbing alcohol to the belly and extremities and call your veterinarian immediately.
As well as physical dangers to your pet, infectious disease risks also rise. Part of this is due to exposure to other animals through trips to the park, spring mating and other increased contact with animals, but some is also due to exposure to vectors of disease such as mosquitoes, fleas and ticks. Intestinal parasites, heartworms, and other parasites are also much more common in the warmer months. These risks can be reduced by using the products your veterinarian recommends to prevent parasites such as Heartgard, Interceptor, Comfortis, Frontline and Advantage as well as performing regular checks for parasites that are not visible at home.
Vaccines can prevent many of the diseases that your pet will be exposed to during outdoor activity. These include such common things as Parvo, Kennel Cough, and Feline Leukemia, as well as less common but equally devastating diseases such as Leptospirosis, Distemper, and Hepatitis. A vaccine for rattlesnake bites is even available if your pet is at risk for bites in camping situations.
As the days warm and lengthen, animals begin to feel the urge to mate. Cats are coming into heat, dogs begin to wander, and the risks associated with this activity are greatly increased. Cat fight abscesses are common in the spring, as are dog fights over females in heat. Unwanted litters abound, and the shelters are crammed with pets that will be euthanized if a good home cannot be found. A simple solution is to spay and neuter. This will eliminate any future complications associated with breeding as well as reducing certain types of cancer and infection. If it is not possible to do the surgery, keep them confined in a fenced area where they will be safe and cannot be bred accidentally.
Enjoy the Spring weather, but as you do, keep a close watch on your furry friends. Do all you can to prevent problems, but should they arise; call your veterinarian right away. They will be happy to help in the event of an emergency, and even happier to have the opportunity to discuss prevention of problems with you.
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