As the weather gets warmer, it's the perfect season for outings for both pets and their owners. Just like humans, pets are susceptible to seasonal and temperature changes. Here are some top tips for Irish pet owners from Robin Hargreaves, Head Veterinarian at Agria His Pet Insurance.
Access to water: Warm weather can make your pet thirstier than usual. Make sure your pet stays hydrated and has access to clean drinking water. If you venture out, don't forget your plastic bottle and bowl.
Outdoor precautions: Ireland's unpredictable weather can lead to fluctuating temperatures, so if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, be sure to provide adequate protection from the cold, rain, and wind. Check on your pet throughout the day to make sure it's doing well.
Vaccination and microchipping: Keep your dog up-to-date on vaccinations as recommended by your veterinarian. It's essential to update your pet's microchip and ensure that their contact information and address are prominently displayed on their collars and tags. With these simple steps, you can keep your pet safe throughout your summer adventures.
Sunscreen: “An often overlooked topic is sunscreen for dogs and cats. Dogs and cats are just as susceptible to burns and skin conditions as humans.” Robin Hargreaves, Head Veterinarian at Agria Pet Insurance says. Dogs with short, thin coats, white or light-colored fur are especially sensitive to sunlight. Similarly, lighter-skinned cats are more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer on their noses and ears. Unfortunately, you can't share sunscreen with your pet, so it's important to use a sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs and cats.
Tick: As the weather warms, ticks emerge from their winter hiding places and become active. Ticks can live for up to three years and feed on animals, making them a significant risk for transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. “The best way to prevent the transmission of tick-borne bacteria and diseases is to remove the tick from your pet's body as soon as possible. If a tick is left on your dog's body for more than 24 hours, there is a risk of disease transmission. Robin Hargreaves explains. Talk to your veterinarian about products that will repel ticks or allow him to kill ticks within 24 hours.
Spaying and neutering: Cats typically mate from spring to fall. Early neutering of females is recommended, especially before they reach sexual maturity. This is a preventive measure as well as preventing unplanned childbirth and risks associated with pregnancy. Neutering your female dog also greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors and uterine infections. On the other hand, neutering your male cat can reduce territorial conflicts and minimize injuries from encounters with other cats.
Just like humans, pets need to adapt to changing weather conditions. Pet owners can make their pets' lives more comfortable by following the tips above from Robyn Hargreaves, lead veterinarian at Agria Pet Insurance.
