Each season brings with it a new opportunity for fun experiences with your dog but also many hazards to be aware of. I sat down with KeraVet Bio Advisor and Chief Medical Officer for Fuzzy, Dr. Cherice Roth, to find out what to be on the lookout for this spring and summer.

“As the weather starts to warm, we primarily see that pets and pet parents are out and about more. That’s why the most significant hazards I see during warm weather are secondary to pets being out in nature,” said Dr. Roth.

Cherice went on to explain that things such as snakebites, blue-green algae toxicity, and heatstroke become more prevalent. “It is not common for people to think of heatstroke in seasons other than summer, but it absolutely can happen in the spring. In fact, 80 degrees [Fahrenheit] can be enough for some pets to cause tremendous heatstroke and life-threatening injuries because of it.”

Signs of heatstroke include:

• Heavy panting and rapid breathing
• Excessive drooling
• Dry mucous membranes
• Bright red gums and tongue
• Skin hot to the touch
• Higher heart rate
• Hyperactivity
• Difficulty maintaining balance

More traumatic injuries typically happen during the warmer months due to simply spending more time outside. These injuries can include dog fights and even getting hit by a car. It’s important to keep your dog leashed when appropriate to help keep them safe from these hazards. Some of the more mundane and broader-reaching warm weather concerns include the rise in fleas, higher potential for tick infestations, and flares in seasonal allergies.

Learn more about KeraVet Bio Advisor, Dr. Cherice Roth, Chief Medical Officer for Fuzzy, by visiting her on LinkedIn.