All Four Seasons Pet Safety Tips in Lindenhurst, IL

Every season brings things to enjoy and things to avoid. Yet, our furry companions don’t always have the same discerning judgement for avoiding what can harm them. That’s where you come in! As your pet’s guardian, it’s up to you to steer them clear of seasonal hazards, but to do that, you need to know what to look out for. Lindenhurst Animal Hospital has come up with seasonal tips to help you keep your pet safe year-round!

Winter Pet Safety Tips

The winter season is a beautiful time of year but it also comes with some hazards. Keep these in mind during this cold season to keep your pet from harm:

• Some pets don’t tolerate the cold as well as others. Short-haired and small breeds can be especially vulnerable to winter’s chill. If you notice your pet is sensitive to the cold, get them a pet jacket to stay warm on their walks and consider booties for their paws, too!
• Speaking of walks, try to keep them shorter at this time of year, unless your pet is a cold-weather breed like a Husky. Be wary, too, of sidewalk salt and ice that can damage their paw pads.
• No matter what your pet’s cold tolerance, it’s never safe to leave them outside for any extended period of time. Even with their fur coats, they can be vulnerable to frostbite (especially on their sensitive noses and ears) and hypothermia.
• Gently wipe your pet down after walks or spending any time outside to remove ice and salt that can cause severe irritation if left on the skin too long.

Keep antifreeze in a pet-proof area. Dogs and cats alike are drawn to the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze, but this poisonous substance can cause serious toxicity. Keep it well out of paw’s reach!

Spring Pet Safety Tips

April showers bring May flowers, and a whole lot of allergies, too! In addition to sneezing and itchy skin, your pet faces a few other seasonal hazards, too.

• Parasites are in full force! While we highly recommend year-round parasite prevention, spring is the time to make sure your pet is up to date to protect them from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more.
• While a lovely spring breeze feels great through that open window, it could also pose a risk to curious cats. They may pounce at the bugs on the screen and subject themselves to a tumble out the window. Keep any accessible windows only cracked, or always supervise your pet around them!
• When diving into spring cleaning, make sure the products you use are pet-safe, and if they are not, use them cautiously, according to their directions.
• If your pet is scratching their skin more than usual, set up an appointment to see your veterinarian as they could have an allergy!

Summer Pet Safety Tips

The hot days of summer have plenty of dangers for our pets, but plenty of fun, too! Learn how to keep your pet safe and cool during the hottest time of year:

• Heatstroke is a serious concern for our pets who simply cannot sweat like we do. They release heat by panting, but this is oftentimes insufficient, especially in flat-nosed breeds like Boxers and Bulldogs. Keep your pet cool with lots of water and shade when you’re outdoors on warm days, and limit their time outside on very hot days.
• Take walks early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the hottest time of day. Also be sure to avoid hot pavement as it can burn their paw pads.
• While a nice coat trim can be helpful in keeping pets cool, never shave them completely. Their fur actually helps in trapping cooler air close to their body.
• Pets can get sunburned too, especially short-coated white-haired dogs and cats. Use pet-safe sunscreen on them when outdoors for more than half an hour.
• NEVER leave your pet in a parked car. Even on a mild 70-degree day, the car can heat up to dangerous levels in minutes. Take your pet out with you or leave them at home in the AC!

Fall Pet Safety Tips

Fall is often a very welcome season as it offers gentle relief from summer’s heat. Yet this season can also bring about dangers for our pets including:

• Be careful with holiday treats. From Halloween and Thanksgiving to Christmas preparations, fall brings a lot of opportunities for our pets to get into candy, chocolates and other goodies that are not good for them!
• If you trimmed your pet’s coat for the summer, let them grow it all back so they can be prepared for the colder weather.
• Keep in mind that many parasites are still active in the fall, including fleas and ticks. Continue your pet’s parasite prevention all year long!
• With many guests coming in and out of your house for the holidays, make sure your pet doesn’t have the opportunity to bolt out the open door.
• Cooler weather means small wild animals like mice and rats may want to take shelter in your warm home. When using rodenticides, be sure to keep them well out of your pet’s reach.

Referrals

Taking care of your furry family members is not something we take lightly. We are honored that you trust us with your pet’s care, and just as honored that you trust us enough to recommend us to your friends, family and neighbors.

Your referrals are the highest compliment you can give, and you can be sure we’ll take great care of them, just like we do for you and your pets. Thank you for helping us grow!

Cat and Dog Separation Anxiety

Have you ever come home to find mutilated plants, chewed up pillows or furniture that’s been destroyed?

Cat and dog separation anxiety can result in destructive behaviors, house soiling and excessive barking. If your pet is exhibiting any of these signs of distress, call us at 847-356-1516 to talk about ways we can help.

With behavior management techniques, time and patience, your pet will learn to feel more comfortable when home alone.

Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning

Did you know that more than 70 percent of dogs and cats have some form of dental disease by the age of 3?

When teeth aren’t kept clean, plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar, an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply.

Eventually gums become red and inflamed, creating pockets where more bacteria collect. This bacteria can even enter the bloodstream and affect the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs.

Your pet’s teeth should be just as sparkly white as yours. Call us at 847-356-1516 to talk about brushing up on your cat and dog’s teeth cleaning today!