Getting Fido Ready for Summer

Summer isn’t far off now! Many of us are looking forward to enjoying some fun in the sun. Our canine patients also love this time of year. Here, a Burlington, ON vet offers some tips on preparing Fido for warm weather.

Does your pooch need a haircut? This is the perfect time to take Fido to the salon. Many of our canine companions are much more comfortable in summer with a cute ‘do.

Man’s Best Friend loves checking out new hiking trails and visiting parks and beaches. Get a bag ready for these adventures, and keep it in your car so you always have it with you. You’ll want to include a spare leash, waste baggies, treats, collapsible dishes, a towel, pet wipes, paw balm, and a pet first aid kit. Try to keep at least a gallon of water in your car at all times. It’s also worth noting that dogs are much safer traveling in crates. It may be time to put Fido’s travel crate in the car!

Fleas, ticks, and other parasites will be coming out in droves over the next few months. Your four-legged buddy is also more likely to run into wild animals at this time of year. Make sure that Fido is current on his vaccines and parasite control products.

Proper ID is important all year round, but it’s especially crucial in summer, when pups are more interested in exploring. Make sure your pet is wearing current ID tags. Dogs should also be microchipped. If your furry pal hasn’t been chipped yet, we recommend getting this done immediately. If Fido has been chipped, make sure that your contact information is correct in the chipmaker’s records. Try using the AAHA Pet Microchip Lookup Tool here to check.

Does your pet have a yard to play in? Make sure that your fencing is secure. We also recommend getting a self-latching gate. Removing any debris, such as fallen branches, will help make your place less appealing to fleas, ticks, and other unwanted critters. If your pooch has a doghouse, give it a good cleaning, and make sure it’s still in decent shape. For extra tail wags, add a kiddie pool or sprinkler to your yard.

Please contact us, your Burlington, ON vet clinic, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!