GUARD AGAINST HEARTWORMS!
How to Make Gardening a Family Adventure Green Thumbs in Training
As you enjoy more time outdoors this spring and summer, remember to protect your dog or cat from a growing threat to their health: heartworms. Protect Your Pet From This Unseen Threat We are seeing more heartworm infestations in our area, and sadly, some owners don’t bring their pets to us until it’s too late. We have treated numerous pets for this deadly parasite, and one dog passed away last year because we weren’t able to treat him soon enough. Don’t let this happen to your furry friends. If symptoms appear, such as coughing in your dog or frequent vomiting in your cat, treating them becomes more difficult.
There’s nothing better than spending time with your kids outside, enjoying an entertaining, creative, and informative activity. But sometimes, these activities are hard to coordinate. Thankfully, gardening appeals to parents and kids from all walks of life. All you need is a dedicated area in your yard or patio and seeds, and you’re ready to get started. Let your kids choose the plants. This is arguably the most crucial part of igniting your children’s interest in gardening. If you pick out the fruits, veggies, and flowers you want to grow and invite your kids to help plant, water, and pick, they may lose interest quickly. Instead, include them in the process from the get-go. Take them to the store and let them pick out seeds or plants. Encourage them to choose produce they already enjoy eating, making it even more fun for them! Just be sure their choices can grow in your area during the current season. Make space and plant together. After choosing your seeds, you must ensure your garden is ready to sustain life. Dedicate a section of your lawn or patio to your gardening efforts and start laying soil or filling your planters. Help your children transplant their seeds or young plants directly into the area. Now, put them in charge of caring for the plants by checking on and watering them. You may want to follow behind to ensure they aren’t over or under-watering. Make it fun and informative! You can get your kids more involved by encouraging them to research their plants and track their growth. They can even look online to see how their plants should be developing. Soon enough, those fruits and vegetables will be ready to eat, and you should let your children pick anything ripe when possible. Seeing the fruits of their labor (literally) will make this experience even more enlightening and enjoyable for them.
The best defense against heartworms is a
good offense! Interceptor+, the monthly medication we use to prevent heartworms, is especially valuable
because it also controls adult hookworms and expels adult roundworms and tapeworms. Dogs can catch gastrointestinal parasites by eating other
animals’ feces, and cats can catch them by eating mice and other rodents.
So, start the season right by protecting your pets against these deadly parasites. We’re happy to help you with any questions or concerns!
To Our Valued Clients Heads Up! Book April Appointments Early We want to provide the best possible care for your pets this spring, and we know that requires advance planning on your part. Please be aware that Dr. Jeff will be away during the month of April following elective surgery. That means we will be operating with one less vet than usual! Please help us out by scheduling essential appointments well in advance. We appreciate your help!
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