By Lauren Wanko
Correspondent
Four-year-old Alice gladly accepts treats from her vet during her summer check-up. Dr. Scott Delaney examines her carefully.
“Some of the biggest issues that we see with pets in the summer has to do with exposure to parasites. There are exoparasites which are fleas and ticks and then there are endoparasites which are parasites which are inside the dog,” he said.
And can lead to heartworm disease. The Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital director says dogs can get it from a mosquito bite. Other parasites infect the intestines.
“Dogs get intestinal worms by walking out to the lawn. There are parasite eggs live out in your lawn. They are brought into the yard by other wild animals and your pets walk on the grass. You can’t see these because they’re microscopic,” Dr. Delaney said.
Dogs often lick their paws and can end up ingesting the parasite eggs. Dr. Delaney insists both heart and intestinal worms are easily prevented with a monthly tablet.
When it comes to fleas and ticks, Dr. Delaney says pet owners should ensure their cats and dogs are protected with preventative medications and since there are so many options available, he says talk to your vet to make sure you’re making the right choice for your pet.
Dogs should always have access to fresh, clean water. The doctor recommends pet parents refill bowls at least twice a day. Walking a dog early in the morning or after the sun goes down versus the middle of day is ideal in the sweltering heat. Keep them in the shade and never leave pets in cars.
“Dogs are not able to perspire. They don’t cool like humans do. The only way the dogs can cool themselves is through panting and they cool themselves by expiring and bringing the cool air in the lungs. But when the ambient temperature and humidity are high, it’s difficult for dogs to cool,” Dr. Delaney said.
Dad Ed Albanese notices Kohlbear seems to have cooled down since his haircut.
“I’m very happy we got the haircut. I noticed walks are longer. He seems more comfortable in the house and at night, not panting as much,” he said.
Kohlbear doesn’t play in dog parks often.
“My wife’s not too fond of me taking him there because of possible fights, wounds,” Albanese said.
That’s something the Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital is used to handling.
“Dogs aren’t always friendly with each other. It seems like not a week’s going by that we’re not sewing up dog wounds this time of year,” Dr. Delaney said.
Dogs, cats and their parents too should visit their vet twice a year says Dr. Delaney. Six-year-old Andrew seems pretty comfortable during his exam.
“Cats I think generally hide things. I feel like if you don’t catch them early you could have bigger problems so twice a year they come in and get a head to toe,” said Stacy Walker of Brick Township.
As for Alice, she got a clean bill of health. It looks like she’ll have no problem relaxing this summer.