Spring is here. It's time to start getting ready for the warm weather. If you have a dog, now's the perfect time to schedule an appointment with the veterinarian, as well. This is particularly true if you're going to be spending time at the doggy park, or heading out of the country on vacation. If you're not sure how those relate to springtime visits to the veterinarian, take a look at the list below. Here are four important reasons why warm weather and veterinarians go hand-in-hand.
1. Vaccine Updates
If your dog is going to be heading to the doggy park to enjoy the warm weather, you need to make sure that their vaccinations are up-to-date. You never know when an unprotected dog is going to be at the doggy park. The last thing you want is for your pet to fall ill because it came in contact with an infected dog. Not only that, but you don't want your dog to be the reason that someone else's pet falls ill. If you're going to be heading out on hikes, you should also make sure that your dog receives its vaccination for Lyme disease.
2. Allergy Treatment
You might not know this, but your dog can suffer from seasonal allergies too. Now that the flowers are in bloom, and pollen is in high production, it's time to take your dog to the vet for allergy treatments. Not only will the veterinarian be able to provide you with proper treatment for your dog's seasonal allergies, but they'll also be able to check for signs of skin allergies caused by fleas, mold, and dust mites.
3. Grooming Services
If your dog spends a lot of time outside during the warm weather, they're going to need routine grooming services. Long nails can get caught up in the grass and the weeds, leading to some serious foot injuries. Not only that, but desert sticker burrs can get caught in your dog's fur, which can result in pain. Now that the weather is warming up make sure your dog is groomed at least once a month.
4. Doggy Passports
If you're going to be traveling out of the country this summer, and you're taking your dog with you, it's time to visit the veterinarian. Your dog is going to need a passport, especially if you want to avoid quarantine. Without the appropriate paperwork, your dog may be required to remain in quarantine for several weeks while they ensure that there are no health concerns. However, if you have your veterinarian give your dog a clean bill-of-health prior to travel, you won't have to worry about delays.
For more information, contact a vet office like Cats Only Veterinary Hospital.
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