It’s the best time of year to be out and about, enjoying all that the season has to offer.

Here are our top tips to ensure your furry companion stays safe and happy this summer:

Is your dog protected from parasites?

During the summer months, many different types of parasites are at their peak as the warm weather aids their growth. It is our role as dog lovers that we ensure our furry companions are protected.

Ticks

If you regularly walk through long grass, parks, meadows or woodland, it may only be a matter of time before your dog is exposed to ticks. Once attached to your dog’s skin, they engorge themselves on your pet’s blood and it’s during this time that ticks can transmit deadly diseases.

Fleas

Fleas love the hot summer weather. Preventing an infestation is much easier and much more effective than trying to treat one that already exists. Not only can fleas cling onto fur, fleas can hitchhike on your clothing!

Roundworms and tapeworms

Pets are easily at risk of attracting different worms such as roundworms, tapeworms and lungworms. They can pick them up in a number of ways – from other infected animals, from their mother if she is infected while pregnant, or from eating worm eggs in infected faeces, urine and grass.

Lungworm

The worm is known to favour warmer temperatures and is caught through eating slugs and snails. Although our dogs might not eat slugs or snails on purpose, they may do so by accident. We would always recommend adding treatment for lungworm into your regular worming routine as it can cause serious health problems in dogs and can even be fatal if left untreated.

Pet passport

Your pet must be microchipped, at least 15 weeks old, be up-to-date with all vaccinations (including rabies), treated for parasites such as tapeworm and be issued with a pet passport before you travel abroad.

Summer holiday check list:

• Annual vaccinations up-to-date.
• Kennel Cough vaccine up-to-date.
• Rabies vaccination administered.
• Parasite control.
• Pet insurance up-to-date.
• Microchipping details up-to-date.
• Lead, collar and identity tags.
• Telephone number of vet saved in phone.
• Recent clinical history and known allergies.
• Supply of medication your pet is on.
• Travel sickness pills (if required).
• Supply of food, feed bowl and treats.
• Water bowl and plastic bottle full of water for long journeys.
• Shampoo, towels and brush.

If you have any questions or to book an appointment, please contact us.