Warmer weather, blossoming plants, and buzzing insects mean springtime is finally here! While you and your pets are ready to head outside for some fresh air, there are some seasonal threats that bloom once spring rolls around. Below are some of the hazards your veterinarian with Complete Pet Care Animal Hospital Raleigh recommends to be aware of:
Heartworm
Heartworm is a severe disease that results in serious illnesses in pets, such as lung disease, heart failure, and other organ damage. It is caused by a parasitic worm that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it only takes 1! Dogs that are 7 months or older should be tested for heartworms, and then once annually to ensure your dog’s preventions are working. It is important to note that preventions cannot cure heartworm disease, which is a costly and time-consuming treatment. The most effective way of handling heartworms is preventing them from the start! Complete Pet Care offers a wide variety of heartworm preventatives, including monthly chewables and an annual injection. Speak with your Complete Pet Care veterinarian today to find the best flea, tick and heartworm prevention combination!
Fleas and Ticks
Ticks are sneaky critters that attach themselves to you or your pet, feasting until found. Ticks are more than just a nuisance– they can also spread a number of dangerous diseases to you and your pet. Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis are just a few of the more common diseases that can be transmitted to the host by a tick.
Fleas are also more common in warmer months; however, in North Carolina they can be found year-round. Like ticks, fleas host on your pets and quickly reproduce. If your pet ends up with fleas, it can cause an infestation in your home and be very frustrating. Fleas can also cause your pet to become anemic, infect your pet with tapeworms, and cause gastro-intestinal (GI) upset. The best way to protect your pet is with a preventative treatment. Complete Pet Care offers an array of flea and tick preventions and recommends an annual screening for some of these tick-born diseases.
Gardening Products
Gardening, a common spring hobby, keeps your yard beautiful for your pet to play in the sun Many of the fertilizers, soil additives, and pesticides used for gardening purposes, however, are potentially toxic to your furry friends. These chemicals typically have a scent that attracts pets, and when large amounts are ingested it can form a concretion in the stomach and potentially severe pancreatitis. Products that contain iron may result in iron poisoning. The best way to avoid a tragedy is to use non-toxic products! This ensures that your pets and the rest of your family will be safe from harmful substances.
Complete Pet Care Animal Hospital Raleigh
While there is a surplus of other seasonal dangers for pets, the three explained above are top threats to our loving animals that our veterinarian clinic sees frequently. It is suggested to bring a healthy pet into your local animal hospital Raleigh at least once annually. Complete Pet Care wants pet owners and their pets in Raleigh, Wake Forest, and the surrounding areas to have access to the best pet care possible. We have become one of the top animal hospitals in the region by being continually committed to our purpose: the best care for you and your pet. Contact Complete Pet Care for your pet’s care whenever you need it — day or night.
Below is the current campaign the Complete Pet Care is offering for year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Check it out!
