Pet Health Tips for Spring

It's getting warmer and we all want to be outside, including our pets and that's why spring is an important time for pet care. Dr. Taneeka Bautista, Director of Veterinary Quality at Banfield Pet Hospital - the nation's leading provider of preventive veterinary care, shares some pet care tips and tricks for the spring season. After being indoors for much of the winter, spring is a time when we emerge to soak up the sunshine with our pets. This of course presents a whole new set of things you need to be aware of, from seasonal allergies to communicable diseases, so it's always a good idea to take a beat and reevaluate your pet's health. At Banfield Pet Hospital, they are all about delivering top-notch preventive veterinary care and achieving the best outcomes for our beloved pets. The best way to keep our pets healthy is to prevent problems before they arise and one of the easiest and most affordable ways to do this is through a wellness plan. You can talk to your vet about options, like Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan. These customizable packages let you budget for routine care, including annual exams, bloodwork, vaccines, dental cleanings, and more, making pet care a breeze. With the sunny skies, everyone--including our pets--starts socializing and traveling more, which can sometimes lead to communicable diseases, especially for dogs. Regular checkups and keeping their vaccines up-to-date helps ensure your pets stay healthy and happy. Watch for and talk to your veterinarian about any changes in behavior, loss of appetite, coughs or other respiratory issues - all of which could be symptoms of an underlying issue. Another treatment you should make sure your pet is up to date on is flea, tick, and heartworm medication. While fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can be a year-round problem, they start coming out more in the warmer weather. In fact, according to the American Heartworm Society, more than a million pets in the U.S. have heartworm, and cases are on the rise. The good news is, you can easily prevent these with topical, oral, or injectable treatments, keeping your pets safe and protected. Similar to humans, we see allergic skin disease emerge in spring leading to skin and dermatology issues; such as itchiness and ear problems. Stay vigilant and talk to your vet to keep your furry friends comfortable - you can even use telehealth apps like Banfield's Pet Chat for 24/7 pet health advice from a veterinary professional. It's a great time to check up on your pet's dental routine. Taking care of their teeth at home is super important for their overall health but annual professional cleanings should also be part of their holistic dental care. Another thing to consider is upping the activity to keep your pet's extra pounds in check. Many pets are less active in the cooler months or around the holidays. Regular physical activity is essential for keeping your pet healthy and happy. With over 1,000 locations across the country, Banfield makes sure you have access to your pet's medical records and high-quality care no matter where you are. Pet owners can learn more about Banfield's services at banfield.com .