Outdoor Tips for Pets

Summertime equals enjoying time outside, and our pets enjoy the outdoors as much as we do!

 

We are lucky to have several dog parks and beaches available for our dogs’ enjoyment; however, there are several precautions to keep in mind when utilizing these areas.

Given the recent storms and heavy rains, contamination of the beachfront can occur, increasing the bacterial level in the water. Dogs should be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water following swimming.

Some dogs may benefit from bathing with shampoo; be sure to rinse any lather off completely. It is important that your dog’s coat dries thoroughly as residual moisture in the hair and on the skin can lead to skin infections.

Use a gentle ear cleanser, available at your veterinarian, to flush the ear canals after swimming to prevent yeast and bacterial infections of the ears.

And don’t forget about preventative medications for both dogs and cats that go outside. Their regular use prevents external parasites such as fleas and ticks as well as internal parasites such as gastrointestinal worms. Your veterinarian can determine which products are best for your pet and demonstrate their proper usage.

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