Just like us, our clients consider their pets their furbabies! And we want our furbabies to stay happy and healthy. So, we thought it would be helpful for you to interview Dr. Julia over at Cats and Dogs Animal Hospital about the three most common pet visits she sees and what pet parents can do to prevent these things from happening at home.
Check out these super helpful tips straight from Dr. Julia herself so that you and your pets can have a happy and healthy rest of your summer!
1. Fleas
Fleas Fleas Fleas!!!!! Southern California is the perfect environment for fleas and their population has been exploding over the past few years. Fleas are everywhere in the outdoor environment (yes, even if you only have concrete) and can even sneak under the front door to access indoor-only pets. Fleas are problematic for several reasons, the most benign of which is that they make our pets ITCHY when they bite. They can also cause severe skin allergies in pets hypersensitive to fleas.
Importantly, fleas have also been known to spread diseases such as Typhus through their bites to humans. To help protect your pet from fleas, call your veterinarian to discuss a safe and effective flea medication. Keep in mind many over the counter products are no longer effective in our area and online medications have often been found to be counterfeit (Scary!).
2. Ear Infections
It is so fun to play with our dogs at the dog beach or in the sprinkler in the summer but it can increase their chances of developing ear infections. Water in the ear canal mixed with the hot weather creates the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow in the ear. To help minimize ear infections, purchase a good ear cleaner from a pet store or your veterinarian and flush out the ear canals after every swim, bath, or time spent around sprinklers. Use cotton balls or Kleenex to dry the excess ear cleaner after using the ear cleaner (do NOT use Q-tips as they may cause more damage).
3. Diarrhea
The summer brings about fun BBQ's, parades, and parties, all with delicious food! As vets, we often see pets for diarrhea after ingesting fatty foods such as hot dogs, burgers, ribs, and wings. Try to avoid sharing your delicious summer treats with your pets and be wary to make sure they don't jump up on the picnic table and help themselves! If they do have loose stool, you can try a diet of boiled chicken and rice for a few days. However, if it still continues for longer than a few days, you may want to see a vet.
We hope that these tips are helpful for you and your family as you soak up the last of the summer, especially as you go out and enjoy yourself this Labor Day weekend! If something feels off get your pet to your veterinarian.
Thank you so much, Dr. Julia!