Spring is here at last, and no one is happier than your pet. Longer days and warmer weather mean more time spent outside, enjoying the sunshine and nature. But the change in seasons also brings along some challenges for your pet’s health. The experienced veterinarians at Countryside Veterinary Service Middlefield help pet owners in northeastern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania keep their furry friends safe through all seasons, and here they offer a few tips for springtime pet health.

4 Tips to Ensure Your Pet’s Health This Spring

1. Visit Your Groomer

Think of it as spring cleaning for your pet’s coat: a trip to the groomer will help remove your dog or cat’s shedding winter fur, keeping your pet and home cleaner. Start the season with a comprehensive grooming session, but be sure to keep up with regular brushing, bathing, and nail trimming to avoid accumulation of dirt.

2. Protect Against Fleas & Ticks 

If you don’t use a flea and tick preventive all year, now is the time to start. As your pet spends more time outdoors, they’re more likely to pick up these irritating and potentially dangerous critters and bring them into your home. Although over-the-counter medications are available, it’s best to see your veterinarian before beginning any treatment, especially if your pet has existing health problems that might be affected by the chemicals in these treatments.

3. Watch Out for Poisonous Plants

Plants are blooming this time of year, and unfortunately, some carry considerable risk to your pets. Easter lilies are very toxic to cats, so keep these flowers in a high place where your cat can’t reach them or out of your home completely. Flowers with bulbs, such as tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils, pose a risk to dogs, who are known to dig them up after they’ve been planted and then ingest them.

4. See Your Veterinarian for Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm disease can seriously damage your dog’s heart, lungs, and arteries, and it can be fatal if left untreated. Heartworm parasites are transmitted through mosquito bites, and since mosquito activity picks up in spring, now is a crucial time to ask your veterinarian about a preventive regimen. Your animal clinic can provide annual testing to see whether your dog is already infected or not and then recommend the best medications to either treat or prevent the disease.

By following these simple tips for springtime pet wellness, you’ll ensure you and your pet will enjoy all the season has to offer. From regular checkups to pet vaccinations and even emergency pet care, the team of veterinarians at Countryside Veterinary Service Middlefield is dedicated to keeping your furry friend healthy and happy. For the best in veterinary care, contact any of their six convenient locations either through their website or by getting in touch through Facebook.