Category: Awareness

Did you know that April is Heartworm Awareness Month?

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April is Heartworm Awarness Month in Texas, and it’s the perfect time to make sure that your furry friend is protected from this potentially life-threatening disease. In Texas, heartworms are a year-round threat due to the warm and humid climate, which provides ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. These pesky insects are the primary mode of transmission for heartworm disease, and it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to put your dog at risk. As pet owners, we all want to ensure that our furry friends are healthy and happy. That’s why it’s important to spread awareness about heartworm disease, especially during Heartworm Awareness Month in April.

Fortunately, heartworm disease is preventable with the right care. Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause serious damage to a dog’s heart and lungs if left untreated. Unfortunately, it’s not just outdoor dogs that are at risk – even indoor dogs can contract heartworms if they are bitten by an infected mosquito.

Prevention is key when it comes to heartworms. Monthly heartworm medication is a simple and effective way to protect your dog from this potentially deadly disease. It’s important to stay consistent with administering the medication, as missing even one dose can put your dog at risk.

In addition to medication, you can also take other preventive measures such as using mosquito repellents and keeping your yard clean of standing water where mosquitoes can breed. The most effective way to protect your dog from heartworms is to give them a monthly preventive medication. These medications are available in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets, topical treatments, and injections. Your veterinarian can recommend the best option for your pet based on their health status, age, and lifestyle.

Dog Thank You

In addition to medication, there are other steps you can take to reduce the risk of heartworm disease in your pet. These include:

  • Reducing your pet’s exposure to mosquitoes by keeping them indoors during peak mosquito activity times (dawn and dusk).
  • Removing standing water from your property to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
  • Using mosquito repellents on your pet, such as sprays or collars, when they are outside.

At the Kingwood Pet Resort in Texas, we take heartworm prevention seriously.

This Heartworm Prevention Month, take the necessary steps to protect your pet from heartworm disease. Schedule a wellness visit with your veterinarian and make sure your furry friend is up-to-date on their heartworm preventive medication. Together, we can keep our pets happy, healthy, and heartworm-free.

Preparing Your Pets for Spring: 6 Things Pet Owners Need to Consider

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Spring is finally here! The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and it’s time to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather with your furry friend. As a pet owner, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy during the spring season.

  1. Update Your Pet’s Vaccinations Spring brings a lot of outdoor activities and events, which means your pet may come in contact with other animals. Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date, including their rabies vaccine, to keep them healthy and protected.
  2. Spring Cleaning Spring is a great time to do a little spring cleaning in your home. This includes cleaning up any pet hair, dander, and debris that may have accumulated over the winter months. Clean and disinfect your pet’s bedding and toys, and replace any worn out or broken items. Keep in mind that many cleaning products, even “natural” ones, are toxic to pets. Often, pets accidentally ingest cleaning chemicals as they self-groom after sprays have gotten on their fur or paws. There’s also the risk of skin irritation from chemical burns and respiratory difficulty from the strong cleaning fumes.
  3. Parasite Control Spring is the time when ticks and fleas become active. Ensure your pet is protected with flea and tick prevention medications, and regularly check them for any signs of these pesky parasites. Additionally, heartworm prevention is crucial during this season.
  4. Exercise Spring weather is perfect for outdoor activities with your pet. Take your furry friend for walks, hikes, and trips to the park. These activities provide essential exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding time with your pet. These outdoor activities are fun, but pet owners need to take precautions to keep their pets safe. Try to keep your dog on a leash to avoid punctures or lacerations from sticks or branches. At the dog park, it’s also important to decide if your dog is a good fit for dog parks. Consider your dog’s behavior, aggression, age, and sociability.
  5. Allergies Just like humans, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies. Keep an eye out for any signs of allergies, such as sneezing, itching, or redness around the eyes and nose. If you suspect your pet has allergies, speak to your veterinarian about treatment options.
  6. Safety Tips Spring brings a lot of potential hazards for pets. Ensure your pet is safe by keeping them away from any toxic plants, pesticides, and chemicals. Additionally, keep an eye on them when they’re outside to prevent any accidents. A new season means more toxins to be mindful of! In addition to cleaning supplies, there are many other concerns such as toxic flowers and plants, rat/mouse poison, snail/slug bait, antifreeze, toxic human foods such as chocolate, grapes, and xylitol products, and medications. One of the biggest spring dangers are lilies! These flowers are deadly to cats. The smallest sniff of pollen, sip of the vase water, or bite of the stem or petals can cause kidney failure. There are also many Easter pet dangers to consider if your family celebrates this holiday.

Flowers

Conclusion: Spring is a beautiful season that provides many opportunities for pet owners to enjoy outdoor activities with their furry friends. By following these tips, you can ensure your pet stays healthy, happy, and safe during this season. Remember to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or well-being.