Each month brings with it new challenges for pet owners. Whether it’s dealing with the cold winter weather or getting ready for summer vacations, there are always new tasks to attend to. But when it comes to your pet’s health, staying consistent is key. That’s why we want to help you commit to a year-round routine that will ensure your pet stays healthy and happy all year long. Here are some tips for each month of the year.
January:
Start the year off right by scheduling your pet’s annual checkup. This is a great time to discuss any issues or concerns you have about your pet’s health, as well as get any necessary vaccinations updated. It’s also important to make sure that your pet is up-to-date on flea and tick prevention measures, especially if they will be spending more time outdoors in the coming months.
February:
February is a great time to revisit your dental care routine for your pet. Not only should you brush their teeth regularly, but regular dental cleanings can help keep their mouth healthy and free of bacteria and plaque buildup. If you haven’t had your pet checked out by a vet in a while, this is also a good opportunity to do so; many vets offer discounts during this month! Of course, good dental health should be a part of your focus every month. But use this month to rethink and assess if you’re paying close enough attention to your pet’s teeth.
March:
As the weather starts warming up, now is the perfect time to start exercising with your furry friend! Take them out for regular walks or hikes; this not only helps strengthen their muscles and joints but also helps reduce stress and anxiety levels (and yours too!). Make sure that they are wearing an ID tag just in case they wander off while exploring!
April:
August is Heartworm Awareness Month—all pets should be tested annually for heartworms in order to keep them safe from this potentially fatal disease (which affects both cats AND dogs). Make sure to talk with your veterinarian at South Hyland about testing options available; as well as get a jump start on your prevention plan for the upcoming months.
May:
May is Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month. Many pets experience allergies and asthma, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs that your pet might be having a reaction. Common symptoms include frequent sneezing, coughing, or wheezing, as well as skin rashes or irritations. If you suspect allergies or asthma in your pet, make sure to contact us right away to help mitigate their discomfort and get at the root cause behind their. “itch”.
June:
June is a fantastic time to see the world through your pet’s eyes. Summer booms, including storms and the upcoming 4th of July, can be especially scary for pets. Make sure to provide them with a safe and secure place to call home; whether that’s in their crate or on the couch next to you. Helping them stay calm during these noisy months will help keep their anxiety levels lower.
July:
Often one of our hottest months, keep in mind how heat can affect your pet. Make sure they have plenty of access to cool, fresh water and shade when they’re outside. Avoid going on long walks during the hottest part of the day (usually between 10 am-4 pm); instead, go earlier in the morning or in the evening when it’s cooler.
August:
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Did you know that vaccines can help protect your pet (and your family!) from a variety of illnesses? Make sure to talk to our South Hyland veterinarians about what vaccinations are recommended for your pet’s particular breed and lifestyle.
September:
As the weather begins to turn colder, new dangers emerge for pets. In particular, keep these items out of reach:
- Rodenticides
- Mushrooms growing in your yard
- Garden supplies
- Garden tools
- Cleaning products
October:
October brings us Halloween safety tips for pets—keep candy out of reach from curious noses and check costumes thoroughly before letting furry friends wear them (just like humans!). Also, remember never to leave lit candles unattended around animals as this could result in fire hazards due to curious tails wagging nearby!
November:
November brings colder temperatures which means it’s time for winterizing our homes – including our fur babies’ homes! Inspect shelters regularly looking for drafts around windows/doors/floorboards and make sure adequate bedding material is provided inside shelters such as straw/hay/blankets etc.. Also bring pets indoors when temperatures drop below freezing as outdoor elements become too extreme, even for hardy breeds like huskies!
The holidays are also quite prevalent during this time of year so remember to keep extra holiday decorations as well as foods out of reach from paws and claws.
December:
Keep ornaments away from pets’ reach, lest curious noses find something interesting enough to chew on, resulting in damage or ingestion of nonedible items such as tinsel strands, holiday plants, or gift wrapping.
Also, make sure gifts containing food items such as chocolates/candies are kept away from inquisitive paws – these could cause serious harm due to toxicity levels found within these items which could result in severe medical conditions requiring immediate veterinary attention!!
Staying committed to helping our furry friends stay happy and healthy throughout the year can seem overwhelming at times – but following these simple tips each month will go a long way toward keeping our beloved companions safe & sound throughout every season. From understanding what type of preventative measures need to be taken monthly– to understanding what emergencies may arise around popular holidays – South Hyland Pet Hospital is ready & willing to assist pet owners every step along their & their pets’ journey!!
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