Newburgh summers bring warm afternoons, lush trails, and plenty of chances to enjoy time outside with your pets. But rising temperatures, blooming plants, and more outdoor exposure also bring seasonal health risks. This summer, Stone Cottage Veterinary Hospital is focusing on prevention, so that pet owners can stop summer problems before they start. With just a few proactive steps, you can make this season safe and worry-free for your furry companions.
Why Prevention Matters in Summer Months
When it comes to summer pet care, reactive treatment can be costly and stressful. Instead, early action, like routine exams, pest control, and avoiding common hazards, can protect your pet from issues of the season, including:
- Heatstroke
- Parasites
- Paw injuries
- Allergies
- Dehydration
- Digestive upsets
8 Pet Care Tips for Summers in the Hudson Valley
Start with a Summer Wellness Check
Prevention begins with your veterinarian. Having a veterinary exam during summer means the chance to make sure your pet is on parasite prevention, current on vaccinations, free of underlying conditions that could worsen in heat, and fit for increased activity levels.
Protect Against Parasites
Wooded trails and riverbanks are beautiful, but they’re also home to ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes that carry heartworm. Monthly prevention is a must.
Beat the Heat with Smart Scheduling
Walk your pet early in the morning or late in the evening. Avoid midday outings when the sun (and pavement) are at their hottest. Hot sidewalks can cause burns and heat stress fast.
Paw Protection Matters
Consider using booties if your dog spends a lot of time on pavement. Keep nails trimmed to prevent splitting, especially if they’re walking more often on hard surfaces.
Stay on Top of Grooming
Brushing removes excess fur that can trap heat and encourage parasites. Make sure to wash your pet off if they go swimming in any water, like pools, rivers, or the ocean.
Keep Cool
If you’re hot, so is your pet. Ice cubes, air conditioning, and access to tile floors are all great ways to help your cat or dog cool down. Check out these other ideas from AAHA.
Avoid Food Hazards
Summer parties can leave behind dangerous scraps. Keep your pet away from foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, bones, and fatty meats that can cause gastrointestinal distress or other health concerns.
Hydrate and Watch for Dehydration
Always provide clean water, and know the signs of dehydration: dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, and poor skin elasticity. Bring water with you on outings and use travel bowls or bottles designed for pets.
Bonus Tip: Prepare for Emergencies Before They Happen
Always research the nearest emergency vet clinic when traveling. A little preparedness can turn a scary moment into a manageable one.
Have a Safe Summer with Your Pet in Newburgh, NY
With the right preventive measures, summer in Newburgh becomes a season of health and happiness, not parasites and emergencies. Prevention is the best way to get through summer. Stone Cottage Veterinary Hospital has veterinary services like vaccines and parasite preventatives for pets in Newburgh and from surrounding areas like New Windsor and Cornwall. Protect your companion before problems arise. Contact us to schedule your pet’s summer wellness exam.
