It's getting 'doggone' warm outside, and our four-legged friends are already feeling the heat.
Greensboro veterinarian Janine Oliver, DVM, joined the Good Morning Show to discuss summer pet problems that are often preventable.
FLEAS AND TICKS
Dr. Oliver said there are several great products on the market now to prevent fleas and tickets. Some are oral and some are topical. Consult your veterinarian about which option is best for your pet.
Like humans, pets are susceptible to tick-borne illnesses like Lyme Disease. It is crucial to check your pet for ticks every time he or she comes inside. "You want to check under their chin, behind their ears...feeling under their armpits, all the way under their groin, (and) lift their tail where ticks like to hide."
SHAVING VS. NOT SHAVING
So, should you shave or not shave your pet this summer? It's a question pet parents and groomers grapple with every summer. Does shaving help a dog stay cooler, or does it have the opposite effect?
Dr. Oliver said, "I recommend not shaving for heat. If you have a coated dog that is supposed to be groomed (like a poodle) then absolutely. You want to leave at least an inch of fur to prevent sunburn."
For double-coated dogs (huskies, retrievers, etc), she recommends just regular brushing. Their double-sided coats are cooling mechanisms. The best practice is just to brush to ensure the coat doesn't get matted.
HOT PAWS
Paw pads on pavement are equivalent to bare human feet on pavement. Dr. Oliver recommends walking the dogs on grass or white sidewalks.
She said there are products like "Paw Friction" -- a sandy substance that stays on pads for about a week and can protect against heat.