Summer Time Care for Your Dog or Cat

Summer is right around the corner! And we know it's easy to get caught up in vacation planning, but this time of year is also very important for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to ensure your dog or cat stays healthy this summer season and for many more to come.


	Flea prevention for all pets. Finding just one flea could be a sign of a flea infestation. So before you spot a flea on your pet or in your home, give your pet monthly flea medication like Frontline Plus, K9 Advantix, or Advantage. Some topical flea medications also protect against ticks, but for those that do not (Advantage), we recommend using the Preventic Tick Collar for Dogs. If you have multiple pets, each pet will need to be treated since fleas jump from pet to pet.
	Advantage II K9 Advantix II (Dogs only) Frontline Plus Preventic Tick Collar for Dogs


	Protect against heartworms. Unfortunately, hot temperatures and humid weather are the perfect conditions for mosquitoes, the carrier of heartworm larvae. But just like fleas, heartworms are nearly 100% preventable with routine use of heartworm pet meds. Giving heartworm preventatives at the same time each month can greatly reduce your pet's risk of contracting this potentially fatal disease.
	Revolution Heartgard Plus Iverhart Plus Interceptor Sentinel


	Shampoo and groom your pet regularly. Outdoor play sessions in the heat, grass, pollen, and other allergens can cause skin irritations and a dull coat. Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner combo like our Oatmeal & Aloe Vera can help soothe irritated skin and bring back your pet's soft coat. Omega-3 fatty acids like Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet can also be added to your pet's diet to maintain healthy skin. If your pet loves to swim, you should clean your pet's ears after any activity in the water. Doing so will help prevent bacteria and yeast buildup which can result in itchy and smelly ear infections. To maintain your pet's ear health, use an ear cleanser like our 1-800-PetMeds Ear Cleansing Solution. If your pet's ears develop an infection, Dr. Michael Dym, VMD recommends using Zymox enzymatic solutions.
	Oatmeal & Aloe Vera Combo Pack Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet 1-800-PetMeds Ear Cleansing Solution Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution Hydrocortisone Free Zymox Otic Enzymatic Solution with Hydrocortisone


	Feed a healthy diet. Feeding your pet a lean diet can greatly help your pet maintain an active and healthy life. When possible, feed your pet foods containing whole ingredients. If you're unsure which pet food to feed your pet, visit our Pet Food Center to see some of the top pet food brands rated by our pet food experts.
	Go! Natural Grain Free Endurance Formula Dry Dog Food Go! Natural Grain Free Senior/Weight Management Formula Dry Dog Food Go! Natural Canned Dog Food


	Have fun outdoors! Most importantly, summer time should be spent having fun with your dog or cat. Whether you're traveling or relaxing outside, we offer pet supplies that allow your pet to have fun right along with you and your family! For outdoor trips, you can use a pet ramp to help your pet in and out of your car. Or if you have multiple pets, consider a pet stroller. They are extremely helpful for managing multiple pets during trips to the vet's office, mall, park, or beach. Plus, they can help protect against heat stroke, which small and toy breed pets are at risk of when outside for prolonged periods of time. You should always make sure your pet has plenty of cold water to drink when outside. And if your pet likes to lie outside on the patio or by the pool, the Designer Cot is a great product to have. It helps your pet stay dry and elevated off the ground. Plus, the mesh fabric allows water to filter through and it's easy to clean if it becomes dirty.
	SUV Truck Van Pet Ramp Special Edition Pet Stroller Expedition Pet Stroller Designer Cot

Max's Tip: If you have a patio or backyard, you should treat these areas with Virbac Yard Spray to kill fleas and ticks.

Summer Time Care for Your Dog or Cat

Flea prevention for all pets.

Protect against heartworms.

Shampoo and groom your pet regularly.

Feed a healthy diet.

Have fun outdoors!