Fleas also love the warmer weather and it is important during the summer months to use flea control products, not only on the dogs and cats, but also on their bedding. Restricting access to dusty areas, such as under the house, may help prevent re-infestation. Your local veterinarian will be able to recommend a flea control program to suit your pet. The summer months are also the time of year when many families consider obtaining a new pet. It is important to consider ways to keep your new puppy or kitten safe and this may include fencing the family pool.
Many young puppies fall into inground swimming pools with tragic results.
Walking the dog is always very enjoyable on warm summer nights but allowing the dog to investigate long grass or scrub may expose it to the risk of snakebite. Cats also are at risk from snakebite. Immediate veterinary attention is required for suspected snakebite - taking all the same precautions as for human snakebite victims. Roadways and footpaths become very hot in the sun and walking on them during the heat of the day may burn the pads of the dogs feet. Dogs need daily or monthly heartworm preventative medication but it is essential that all dogs be tested to ensure they are not already infected with the heartworm microfilaria before commencing preventative medication.