Protecting Your Pet All Spring and Summer

May 11, 2025

By Dan Barner

Protecting Your Pet All Spring and Summer

Spring is in full swing and summer is around the corner. As we spend time playing outside, going on trips and taking extra-long walks, it’s important to consider potential hazards for your pet and ways to keep them safe.

Heartworm: Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, which we have plenty of here in the Capital Region. Heartworm preventives work by treating heartworms that have already infected the pet within the past month or longer. It is important that preventives are given on time and year-round to be effective. There are many types of heartworm preventives such as monthly chewable pills and topical medications, as well as an injectable medication that is administered every six or 12 months.

Fleas and ticks: Fleas and ticks reside in the grass and brush waiting to attach to a passing animal. Fleas cause discomfort and itching, can transmit diseases such as tapeworms and could lead to anemia. Ticks can put pets at risk due to the diseases they carry such as Lyme. It is very important to check your pet for fleas and ticks often. If you discover a tick on your pet, remove it quickly to minimize the chance of disease.

Lyme disease in pets can cause swollen joints, joint pain, lameness, lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes and more. Ticks also carry other illnesses such as ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and babesiosis. Having your pet on a flea and tick preventive is important if they go outdoors. There is a wide variety of collars, topical treatments and oral preventives available.

Overheating: One of the most common warm-weather dangers for pets is overheating. It doesn’t have to be a scorching day for your pet to overheat. Make sure they aren’t spending an excessive amount of time in the sun. Ensure that they have access to clean, fresh water. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. Signs of overheating include panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, drooling and weakness.

Water Safety: Summer means time spent by the pool, lake or ocean. Some pets enjoy the water, which is wonderful. However, it’s important to protect your pet from a water-related accident. First make sure the water temperature is not too cold in order to avoid hypothermia. Then, slowly introduce your pet to the water in a shallow spot. Never leave your pet unattended in or around water. You might also consider a life jacket for your pet. Have fresh water available so they do not drink pool, lake or ocean water.

The Animal Protective Foundation wishes you and your pets a safe spring and summer full of adventures and memories!