This summers extremely hot temperatures and abundance of rain has meant some difficult situations in many places of the country. In the south, for instance, there are many property owners dealing with flooding that is even worse in some cases than what was seen with Hurricane Harvey. In the midwest there are long stretches of interstate that are closed for flooding and many acres of agricultural fields that are sitting empty. And while we may often thing of humans and how we are affected by these extreme weather conditions, there are also problems that jeopardize the health of our pets.
In fact, emergency veterinary clinics in many parts of the country are reporting about dogs who have been exposed to dangerous blue green algae conditions in lakes and reservoirs.
Even if an animal only drinks one small bowl of water that an unsuspecting owner fills, the results can be deadly. It is important to realize the warning signs, which include, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, twitching, seizing, and loss of appetite. If pet owners suspect anything out of the normal, these animals should be taken in for veterinary services.
Veterinary Clinics Offer Important Services to Many Pet Owners
Local veterinarians and animal hospitals offer a number of services, from routine to emergency. Finding the right vet, of course, is as important for many families as it is to find the right family physician or pediatrician. A veterinary clinic that provides after hours phone services, for instance, can help a family determine the difference between a problem that can wait until morning and one that is an emergency. Owning a pet is an important responsibility and for many animal lovers a pet is an important part of the family. From making sure that they get to regular checkups to buying birthday and Christmas presents, some owners go all out when it comes to caring for their pets.
In addition to the emergency situations which require a visit to a local veterinary clinic, it is also important to know that, much like caring for a young child, there are many important check ups that can keep animals as healthy as possible. Consider some of these facts and figures about the many times when visiting a vet can help you make sure that your pet lives a long and healthy life:
- Just as older humans often require special care, vets suggest twice a year checkups for older pets.
- Unfortunately, 65% of pet owners do not brush their pet’s teeth, even though veterinarians explain the importance of regular brushing.
- Perhaps this is one of the reasons that most dogs and cats by the age of three have some evidence of periodontal disease.
- Leading to abscesses, loose teeth, and chronic pain, it is estimated that 80% of dogs and 70% cats also show signs of dental disease by age three.
- Fortunately, pet owners can reach 90% of the surface of a dog’s teeth just by brushing; flossing is not essential.
- More than in any other country., there are over 75 million pet dogs in the U.S.
- Painfully, as many as one in four pet dogs in the U.S. With the right kind of care, however, as many as 76% of dogs suffering from severe dysplasia and arthritis can live comfortable, happy live with the proper management.
- A flea can live more than 100 days without a blood meal, and the female flea can lay 2,000 eggs in her lifetime, so it is important to have your pet checked regularly. Flea and tick collars are also often recommended.
Having a pet is an important decision, any time of the year. Making sure that you are aware of climate and environmental dangers, of course, is very important if you are going to make sure that your dog, cat, or other pet live a long and healthy life. Similar to humans, small, organized steps can lead to life long health. From getting the right amount of exercise to visiting a vet on a regular basis, there are many ways that pet owners can help their animals remain important parts of the family both now and many years into the future. As he heat of summer finally leaves nd winter approaches, make sure your pet is ready.R