Summer Health and Wellness Tips for Your Pets
Life is better with pets. That’s especially true in the summer. A trip to the lake is more fun with Rover splashing in the water or chasing a Frisbee. And a lazy afternoon on the deck is cozier with Tiger curled up in your lap. But hot weather can pose hidden dangers for pets. To protect your pooch or kitty, take a few precautions:
- Get a heartworm check. Strange but true. Heartworm, which can cause heart failure, is more common in warmer weather. It’s more common in dogs, but cats can get it, too. If your pet is not on year-round heartworm protection medicine, schedule a test.
- Provide shade and clean water. Replenish water often, as animals drink more when it’s hot.
- Know the signs of heat stroke. These include excessive panting, increased heartrate, drooling, weakness, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, collapse, and seizures. Animals with flat faces, such as Pugs or Persian cats, are more susceptible because they can’t pant as well. (Their genetic cuteness is also their heat downfall.)
- Never leave a cat or a dog in a parked car. Like ever. It can get very hot, very fast in there. On an 85-degree day, the temperature in a car with the windows cracked can get up to 102 degrees in 10 minutes and up to 120 degrees in a half hour.
- Avoid hot asphalt. It can burn your dog’s paw pads.
- Don’t shave your dog or cat. A trim is okay on long-haired dog breeds or if needed to remove matted fur on a new rescue, but dogs’ fur protects them from sunburn and, surprisingly, overheating, so never shave down to the skin. Cats don’t need a summer shave either. They’re stylin’ enough as it is.
- Check for fleas and ticks daily. Fleas and ticks can cause anemia and carry parasites and Lyme disease. Yikes!
- Be aware of poisons. Lawns or gardens may be treated with pesticides or herbicides. Don’t walk your dog on grass with a sign indicating it’s been sprayed. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, call the ASPCA poison hotline at (888) 426-4435.
- Be careful of food at picnics and barbeques. Don’t let your pet sample the buffet. Raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate, and products with the sweetener xylitol are dangerous for pets.
- Don’t take your dog to the fireworks. Many dogs find them frightening. Cats can get scared by loud noises too. Your best bet is to keep all your fur babies inside before you go out to enjoy the show.
- Practice water safety. Many dogs enjoy the water but not all of them can swim. Never leave your dog unattended around water. Also, be sure to wash off the chlorine or salt water after a swim.
To keep your furry friend healthy and happy all year, Flora offers three products from BiologicVET™:
BioVITES, a holistic nutritional supplement that provides vitamins, minerals, enzymes, prebiotics, fiber, lignans, protein, amino acids, and antioxidants that will help your cat or dog stay in peak condition. BioVITES supports:
- Physical and mental well-being
- Metabolism
- Healthy digestion
- Skin and coat health
- Healthy immune, pancreatic, and hormone function
BioDIGEST is a special formula for pet gut health. Containing both probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (the fibre probiotics like to eat), BioDIGEST supports:
- Healthy appetite
- Good digestion
- Bowel regularity
BioSKIN&COAT, a natural bioflavonoid-based antihistamine, promotes skin and coat health by fostering normal immune response to allergens. BioSKIN&COAT:
- Is for dogs and cats of any age with food intolerances
- Soothes skin-related issues caused by seasonal allergies
- Helps promote a normal inflammation response
- Supports skin and coat health
All BiologicVETTM pet products have high concentrations of nutrients and active ingredients and are free of toxins, GMOs, and artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives.
Plus they come in a powder that’s easier to give to pets than pills. (Ever tried giving a pill to a cat? Yeah, that’s not an experience you want to repeat.) Just mix into your pet’s normal food.
Now that your pets are well nourished and cared for, they should be all ready for summer adventures (or another nap in the A/C).
Right now, use the code BIOVET15 for 15% off all our BiologicVET products at florahealth.com now though 7.18.22.
References
Canine summer safety tips. American Kennel Club. 2022. https://www.akc.org/public-education/resources/general-tips-information/summer/
Fries WC, Flowers A. Should you shave your pet for summer? WebMD. 2016 Jul 28. https://pets.webmd.com/features/shaving-dog-or-cat-during-summer
Hot weather safety tips. ASPCA. 2022. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips
Keep pets safe in the heat. Humane Society of the United States. 2022.
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat
Summer pet safety tips. North Shore Animal League America. 2022. https://www.animalleague.org/blog/tips/pet-health-and-wellness/summer-pet-safety-tips/
