Spring and Summer Pet Health Checklist

Picnics, butterflies, sun-filled hikes: there’s no better time to explore our Stillwater area with your pet than spring and summer. We want to help you make the most of these seasons and have as much fun as you can with your best friend. While you lace-up your shoes and leash-up your dog, make sure you have what you need to keep them healthy and safe.

Not sure what you need to do to protect your pet this spring and summer? We’ve come up with a checklist of precautions to keep your pet ready for the next adventure.

Keeping Your Dog or Cat Healthy and Safe Outdoors This Time of Year

Enjoy some spring and summer fun in the sun by taking a hike or going to the dog park. Even if you just relax with a cold glass of iced tea in your backyard as your cat watches the squirrels collect acorns, there are some ways you can keep your pet safe and healthy while enjoying the great outdoors.

 

Heartworm prevention: Don’t give heartworms the opportunity to slow your dog or cat down and cause more severe health issues later on. Heartworm disease is spread through infected mosquitoes when they bite your dog or cat. Protect your pets with heartworm prevention.

 

Flea and tick prevention: Fleas and ticks can turn your spring and summer into a vacation for themselves. Prevent your house from becoming a flea paradise and keep your dog or cat healthy with flea and tick prevention. Protecting your pet from these pests doesn’t just prevent itching, it also prevents the risk of tapeworms, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and other health complications.

 

Update Your Pet’s Microchip or Have Them Microchipped: The 4th of July is exciting for us. We celebrate this amazing country we live in and express our patriotism with breathtaking displays of fireworks. Unfortunately, this time of year is one of the most frightening for dogs and cats because of fireworks. From bottle rockets to sparklers, fireworks cause a great deal of stress and disorientation for pets.

 

During the days surrounding July 4th, there is a 30-60% increase in lost pets. In fact, July 5th is the busiest day of the year for our local shelters. Keep your pet safe and avoid the statistic of pets that don’t get returned by having your pet microchipped before the frenzy of booms and blasts.

 

Vaccinations Make Playtime Stress-Free: If you’re headed to the dog park or just on a puppy playdate, make sure your best friend is up to date on her vaccines. Rabies, canine flu, parvo, and leptospirosis, are just a few of the diseases that have the potential to cause serious illness in your pet.  By keeping your pet up-to-date on vaccinations, you can relax knowing that your pet is protected.

 

Healthy Nutrition: One of the biggest factors in keeping your pet active is a nutritious diet. Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy body, healthy mind, and a long life. Our online store options make the process of ordering your pet’s food, treats, and supplements easy.

 

 

Spring and Summer Pet Health Checklist At-a-Glance

  • Flea and tick prevention
  • Heartworm Prevention
  • Up-to-Date Microchip
  • Vaccinations
  • Healthy Nutrition

 

Whether you’re heading to Dale Road Dog Park or ready to walk one of the stunning riverside trails here in Stillwater, make sure your pet is prepared.

 

Enjoy this splendid time of the year in one of the most scenic regions of the U.S. with your pet. Explore what Stillwater has to offer and take plenty of pictures along the way!