As with any other time of year, it’s important to take your pets to the vet regularly. A summer checkup may even prevent future health problems, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Make sure your pet is tested for heartworm and you keep up with a monthly heartworm preventive regimen. Keep an eye out for parasites in the summer, too, and use a regular flea and tick control medicine. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), pet owners also need to be aware of insect bites. If your dog is bitten or stung, remove the stinger and watch the site for an allergic reaction. If a reaction occurs or there have been multiple wasp, bee or mosquito bites, take the animal to the vet. These are year-round issues, but in the summer months — with much more outdoor time — it’s especially important to monitor them.
