Prevention is Key this Fall
Fall in Minnesota brings great weather and many fun outdoor activities that can be shared with your pets. Fall is also the time when many hunting dogs show off their skills and love of the sport. There are some key diseases that affect pets in Fall. Prevention is vital to stopping these diseases, and it could save you hundreds of dollars by keeping your pet well.
Ticks
Don't think your pet is out of the woods for tick diseases. Fall is actually the time when adult ticks reemerge after the summer heat ends. Adult ticks are most likely to carry dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis. Don't skimp on tick protection this Fall. Frontline Plus should be given monthly. A new tool against ticks is Scalibor, which is a collar that can be used with Frontline for even more protection. Ticks are usually present until December or until it is freezing on a daily basis. Tick protection is especially important when dogs are hunting. Don't forget to make sure your dog is up-to-date on their Lyme vaccination as well.
Fleas
Once there are fleas in the environment, it can take a lot of work to break the life cycle to rid your house of fleas. The time when pets in Minnesota are at highest risk of contracting fleas is Fall and early Winter. This is because mice are common carriers of fleas. In the Fall, mice will often try to find places to overwinter in people's houses and garages, therefore exposing pets to fleas. The best defense is prevention, such as monthly Frontline Plus, Advantage Multi for cats or a Profender collar.
Heartworm
Even heartworm-infested mosquitos are present in Minnesota until late Fall and early Winter. With the cooler temperatures don't let up on your pet's heartworm prevention. The medication in products like Heartgard Plus kill any immature heartworms that were contracted the previous month. It is best to use this product year round for its deworming properties.
Weight
If you pet is on the heavy side take advantage of the cooler weather to get your pet out and exercise. Shedding some extra pounds before winter can decrease the stress on your pet's joints. Pets that are less active in the winter should have their food decreased to prevent weight gain over the winter months.
Disclaimer: This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.