Spring is here and there are always some must do's to help prepare your pet for the new and warmer weather. With warmer weather, you can expect fleas and ticks- which we want to be sure you have the know it all on what you can do to help your pet from avoiding those little critters! Take a look at some reminders as we are getting into spring, and soon summer to be sure you and your pet are ready to take on a new season, safely.

1. Start your pet on Flea & Tick Medicine.

Now that its getting warmer out, your pet will likely be outside more. The ideal temperature for fleas and ticks is between 65-80 which. Not only will participating in prevention help you from these critters giving your pets disease and sickness, it will also help deter them from evading your home. We highly recommend that you consult with you vet on the best brands to use. There are different types of medications and treatments based on your dogs weight. If left untreated, dogs and cats with flea bits could cause lesions, hot spots and skin infections.

FRONTLINE Plus will help you protect your pet from irritating fleas and ticks. It is a simple-to-use topical treatment that is easy to apply and provides lasting protection for a full 30 days. This flea and tick protection contains two powerful ingredients to stop fleas and ticks in their tracks and help prevent future flea infestations.

Tough on Fleas and Ticks, Easy to Apply

Applying FRONTLINE Plus for Dogs and FRONTLINE Plus for Cats is simple and quick.Simply part your pet's hair between the shoulders, place the applicator tip just above the skin, and squeeze directly onto the skin. Avoid contact with the treated area until dry. Read the entire product label before each use. Once applied, FRONTLINE Plus will protect your pet from fleas and ticks for a full 30 days. Monthly application is simple so peace of mind comes easy month after month. As long as FRONTLINE Plus is fighting, you can forget about fleas and ticks.

2. Continue Heartworm Prevention

Unfortunately, as we all know, warmer weather also brings bugs. As mosquito season inches closer, make sure to put your pet on some type of heartworm preventative if you haven’t already. Heartworm defense is a good idea year-round, but mosquitos because most prevalent in warm weather, so now more than ever is the time to arm your pet.

3. Check Collars & Tags

Does your pet like to chew on things? Be sure to check your pets collar for any abnormal wear that would cause the collar to break and your pet to get lose. We also encourage you to check the tag information with the correct contact info- if you moved or changed your phone number, be sure to get a new tag printed.

If you have your pet micro-chipped, be sure to update your address and contact details on there also!

4. Keep an eye out for any allergies

Many dogs have allergies, and some even have "seasonal" allergies. Each year depending what is in bloom, there are new irritants that are being produced which could throw off your pets health. There are some warning signs when it comes to your pet having allergies- If you notice your pet itching their ears, and a dark brown discharge. 2. If you pet is itching its eyes and causing redness or swelling.

If you notice these symptoms, go to the vet. Untreated allergies could risk your pet getting an infection of the eyes and ears. Your vet may prescribe you a specially made allergy medicine to help your pet. Your vet will also work with you to help you figure out what kind of allergies and how to help your pet get through it.

5. Ease into Exercise.

Exercise is especially important with the COVID-19. We get it, you have probably been cooped up for the last few months, but exercise is just as important for you as it is for your pets. Our pets can feel when there is change and could start to get anxiety from the change. Just a short walk, could help their temperament and even help them sleep better at night.

6. Think about Pet Insurance.

Just like human children, pet children can also get sick at a moment’s notice. Common symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can happen often for small reasons or be signs of something more serious. Dogs and cats can also develop chronic illnesses such as allergies, diabetes, and cancer which can end up costing lots of money between the regular vet visits, surgeries, medications, and tests.

Not only that, dogs and cats get in accidents and have accidents. Have you ever thought about what could happen if your pet needed emergency surgery? Purchasing an insurance plan is a great way to ensure you can afford the best veterinary care as soon as your pet needs it, rather than a savings account which can take years to save enough to cover even just one large vet bill.

A couple different pet insurance companies if your interested to look into:

Pets Best

Nationwide

Embrace

Pet Plan

We hope you enjoyed reading these different ideas to help you and your pet get ready for the new seasons. Here at Darla's Paw Prints, we do our best to check your pets coat, skin ears and eyes for any red flags and will let you know if we notice an infection, hot spot or allergy but we do recommend you get your pet into the vet for a proper evaluation. We are so excited to be back open and serve you! Stay tuned next month for our next blog!