Calgary Spring Pet Care: Tick Prevention & Victoria Day Prep Guide

Spring has finally arrived in South East Calgary, bringing warmer weather and the perfect excuse to get outdoors with your furry best friends. As we gear up for the much anticipated Victoria Day long weekend, ensuring your pet is healthy and protected is a top priority. At Auburn Bay Veterinary Clinic, our father and son team knows that a little preventative care goes a long way in keeping your pets safe from seasonal threats. Whether you are planning a camping trip or a backyard barbecue, this guide will help you prepare your pet for a healthy, active spring season.

PREPARING FOR VICTORIA DAY ADVENTURES IN SOUTH EAST CALGARY

The Victoria Day long weekend is the unofficial start of summer, but it also means an increase in outdoor hazards for our pets. Before you pack the car or fire up the grill, it is crucial to ensure your pet is physically ready for increased activity and potential environmental changes. Our nose to tail exams are the perfect starting point to evaluate your pet's overall wellbeing. 

Here are a few ways to prepare your pet for the long weekend:

- Schedule a comprehensive check up to assess their locomotion and general health before embarking on long hikes.

- Ensure all essential vaccinations are up to date to protect against viruses common in dog parks and busy trails.

- Update their microchip information and collar tags just in case they wander off during the outdoor festivities.

- Pack a pet specific first aid kit if you are traveling outside the immediate Calgary area.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPRING TICK PREVENTION AND DEWORMING

As the snow melts across Alberta, tick season officially begins. Ticks and fleas are not just annoying pests; they can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease and cause severe skin infections or anemia. Additionally, the warmer weather thaws the ground, exposing your pets to parasites that require regular deworming.

Protecting your pet involves a proactive approach:

- Start preventative tick and flea treatments early in the season before outdoor infestations occur.

- Check your pet's coat thoroughly after every walk, paying special attention to the ears, neck, and paws.

- Maintain a regular deworming schedule, especially for puppies and kittens who are far more vulnerable to intestinal parasites.

- Watch for signs of lethargy or loss of appetite, which could indicate a tick borne illness or a severe parasite issue.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A NOSE TO TAIL EXAM

At Auburn Bay Veterinary Clinic, our comprehensive nose to tail exams are designed to catch potential health issues before they become major problems. Dr. Sandeep Mangat and Dr. Anmol Mangat use minimal restraint techniques to keep your pet calm and completely comfortable. We check everything from their eyes and ears for early signs of infection to their abdomen and skin for any abnormalities. Catching conditions like dry eyes or ear infections early means a faster, easier recovery for your pet. If you have a new furry addition to the family, we even provide special puppy and kitten packs during these visits to get you started on the right foot.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SPRING PET CARE

Q: WHEN DOES TICK SEASON START IN ALBERTA?

A: Tick season typically begins in early spring as soon as temperatures consistently stay above four degrees Celsius. It is best to start preventative measures in April or early May to ensure maximum protection.

Q: HOW OFTEN SHOULD DOGS BE DEWORMED?

A: Adult dogs should generally be dewormed every three months, but this can vary based on their lifestyle and risk of exposure outdoors. Puppies require more frequent deworming during their first few months of life.

Q: CAN I USE HUMAN BUG SPRAY ON MY DOG TO PREVENT TICKS?

A: No, human insect repellents often contain ingredients that are highly toxic to pets. Always use veterinary approved tick and flea prevention products tailored specifically for your animal's weight and breed.

Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FIND A TICK ON MY PET?

A: Do not panic. You can carefully remove it using clean tweezers by grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out. If you are uncomfortable doing this, bring your pet to our clinic for safe tick removal.

As you finalize your Victoria Day plans, make sure your pet's health is at the top of the checklist. Preventative care is the absolute best way to ensure a joyful and stress free season for the whole family. Contact Auburn Bay Veterinary Clinic today to schedule your pet's spring check up and stock up on essential tick, flea, and parasite prevention. Let us help you give your pet a happy, healthy spring.