Spring Clean Your Pet for a Healthy Happy Summer 
by: Candace Gregory As we spring clean, our pets need to be prepared for spring. They shed the long winter away and welcome spring just as we welcome the sun, new grass and buds on the trees. An early prevention for a healthy happy pet and all spring brings for them would be a visit to the veterinarian for a check up to ensure they have all the needed vaccinations including a rabies shot, de-worming and nail clippings. Your veterinarian can also let you know if your pet is over weight or not from the long winter while preparing them to be free from pesky ear mites and fleas to ensure our pets are ready for a healthy season. With spring also comes many potential hazards for our pets such as bats that can carry rabies. Do not approach a bat if seen in the daytime as they are nocturnal and more than likely sick with rabies. Mosquitos are carriers of heartworms for our pets. Fleas and ticks can cause our pets discomfort and infestations, thus washing their bedding regularly is a must. Poisonous plants , fertilizers and toxins that may be used on our gardens and lawns can cause our pets serious harm. Other animals such as raccoons, foxes and skunks are hunting for food and can run into our pets while they are outside so be aware of those potential dangers lurking. Allergies may be another source of danger for our pets. If your pet develops symptoms such as hot spots, more frequent itching, scratching or hair loss, your pet may have allergies and should visit your veterinarian.
Our pets will be spending more time outside. Do not let them roam freely as it is very dangerous for them not only because of other animals but traffic as well. Prepare the outside areas that your pets are in such as making sure your pet has adequate shelter from the sun, rain and wind, the lawn is free from nails, branches or other debris that may have accumulated during winter. Check all fences and make sure the winter hasn't done any damage to them. Your pet will also require more water in the warmer months as the temperatures go higher. Have a healthy happy spring and summer season. | 
