Summertime is perfect for outdoor recreation for you and your pets. Unfortunately, it is also a great time for disease transmission and parasites. What is a pet parent to do?

Vaccinate. Protect your pets and your family by vaccinating. Vaccines provide disease prevention and peace of mind. As dogs and their humans spend more time outside this summer, they have a greater chance to come in contact with disease causing agents. In addition to vaccinations against rabies and distemper, vaccinations against leptospirosis and Lyme disease are recommended for dogs in our area. Leptospirosis is a disease transmitted by contact with urine from an infected animal, including urban animals such as fox, squirrels and raccoons. Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease and is transmitted when ticks attach themselves to a mammal for a blood meal. Vaccination is a safe and relatively inexpensive means to prevent these diseases.

Treat for parasites. Prevention is key. Have your dog tested for heartworm, a mosquito-transmitted disease, and tick-borne diseases. Monthly heartworm prevention is reasonably priced and far safer than treating your companion for heartworm. 

Using effective flea and tick control for your companions can help you, too. No one wants to have fleas infest their house. Ridding your home of fleas is costly in time and money. There are many parasiticides available to protect your pets from fleas and ticks. Topical and oral formulations are available for dogs and cats. Some require monthly application while others are effective for up to 12 weeks. Consult your veterinarian for the best choice for your pet. Treat your pet regularly to prevent disease transmission and parasites.

Make the most of summer by keeping your companions safe and well. Vaccination and parasite prevention will help you enjoy the best season ever.