Paws up to Protecting Backyard Playtime

Although our backyards are our pets’ favorite place to stretch their legs and imaginations, there are many factors that we must pay attention to in order to ensure that their safety isn’t in jeopardy. Dr. Mike and the rest of the Animal Hospital of Largo team shared a few pieces of advice with Florida Home about how to make our backyards as safe as possible for our pets.
Optimizing your pets’ safety during outdoor play begins with a visit to the vet’s office to learn about and obtain flea, tick and worm preventatives. Preventatives are of the utmost importance to both indoor and outdoor animals. Because of the high mosquito populations in our area, our pets are at particular risk of heartworm infection. Although heartworms are more common in dogs, diagnosis in cats is on the rise. Administering heartworm preventatives year-round as directed by your veterinarian is the best way to protect your pets. Veterinary offices like Animal Hospital of Largo can help you determine which flea, tick and heartworm preventative is most suitable for your pet. Be wary of the product quality, as cheap preventatives can be dangerous. To further reduce your pets’ risk of heartworm infection, battle the problem at the source by eliminating or treating your yard’s standing water where mosquito larvae live and grow.
Along with standing water, it is important to ensure your backyard is free of poisonous plants and animals. If you think your dog or cat has been poisoned, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 immediately—the sooner your pet is treated, the better their chances of recovery. If an emergency vet clinic visit is necessary, the more information you have on the culprit the better, including a sample if possible. In addition, other animals, like coyotes or raccoons can threaten your pets’ safety. Store the phone number for your local animal services to report any wildlife-related issues.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, accidents happen. That is why it is important to be prepared with a pet first-aid kit, which will include many of the same items you’d find in a kit for humans. For example, keeping Benadryl in your pet’s first-aid kit may be a good idea; just be sure to consult your vet to confirm the suitable dose. Customizing your pet’s first-aid kit to its lifestyle and needs increases emergency preparedness. The kit should have an E-collar (more commonly known as the cone of shame), the contact information for your local emergency veterinary clinic and your pet’s medical history, including a list of medications it takes regularly. It’s important that this information is readily accessible for the emergency veterinarian to consult. Finally, calling ahead of an emergency visit will help the clinic prepare for your pet’s arrival.
Your pets view your backyard as a haven of fun. With simple preventative measures, you can ensure it stays that way. Animal Hospital of Largo puts pet care first, spreading information on how to best protect pets from avoidable dangers. To learn more about them, please visit them on the Web at www.ahlargo.com. If you’d like to speak with them about the best flea, tick and worm preventative options for your pet, call (727) 595-2287 to schedule an appointment today.