There are simple steps to prevent the onset of parasite infestation:
i) Conduct a tick check every day to prevent the tick from transmitting the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
ii) Protect a dog from biting fleas, ticks and mosquitoes with products such as K9 Advantix.
iii) Keep dogs away from moist, shaded areas (the environments ticks favor) when participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping and hunting.
iv) Mow the lawn frequently and keep leaf litter in the yard to a minimum. Install bait boxes to trap tick-carrying rodents around the perimeter of the yard.
Pet Health-Hot Temperatures
It doesn't need to reach record breaking temperatures for an owner to ensure a pet's comfort and safety. Pets can run into the same warm weather irritations and dangers as humans -- from overheating to sunburn. These are hot tips for keeping a pet cool:
i) Pets can suffer heatstroke, so keep them hydrated and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest time of day.
ii)Keeping a pet well-groomed helps prevent skin problems. Cut heavy-coated dog's hair down to a one-inch length to help avoid overheating. Make sure not to shave a pet -- hair actually prevents sunburn and helps insulate them from the heat.
iii) Even though fur is protective, pets can still get sunburned. Rub a dab of waterproof sun block on unprotected areas like the tips of their ears, the skin around the lips, and the tip of the nose.
iv)Pets are sensitive to hot surfaces just like humans. If the heat from the ground is too hot for a pet owner's hand or foot, then it is too hot for a pet's footpads.
Pet Health-Lawn and Garden
Lawn maintenance and gardening are popular activities which often consist of spraying for weeds and bugs. Pet parents need to read and follow all safety instructions when working with lawn and garden products. They also need to exercise caution when their pet is romping around outside and avoid recently treated areas to keep pets from ingesting potentially harmful materials.
It's easy to see why so many pet owners enjoy being outside with their furry friends, but with the great outdoors come safety concerns. People need to use their best judgment when they are outside with their pets. If they are cognizant of their surroundings they should be able to keep their pets safe and happy during the warm season and have a good time.
