Pet Health in warmer month

Spending time outside with our four-legged friends is important, but pet parents should be aware of all the health risks the great outdoors can pose. Some common issues pet parents need to be aware of during the warmer months include parasites, high temperatures and possible risks associated with lawn and garden products. Pet owners can avoid many issues that arise during the warmer months if they take the proper precautions. Prevention is the key.

Parasites

It's the height of flea, tick and mosquito season for America's 140 million pet dogs and cats. These parasites are more than a nuisance to pets; they can pose serious health risks including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and flea allergy dermatitis, among other flea, tick and mosquito transmitted diseases.
It's especially important for dog owners to protect pets from ticks since the American Lyme Disease Foundation (ALDF) has analyzed surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and data supplied by entomologists from Fordham University and has found that Lyme disease cases have continued to increase over the past 10 years, a trend that indicates 2004 may be a record setting year for Lyme disease cases in both humans and pets. Further, according to the ALDF's best estimates, Lyme disease can occur at rates in dogs that are 50 to 100 times the rate of humans.
Dogs' exposure to Lyme disease can be significant because they spend more time outside and in grassy areas where ticks are prevalent. In fact, in areas where Lyme disease is endemic, the veterinary industry has recently seen an increase of cases.