Welcome Summer!!!!

It looks like we are finally getting a little sun and things are beginning to warm up here in Portland.  This will hopefully mean a little more time for us and our pets to get outside and enjoy a little exercise and some fun in the sun. 

Believe it or not, even in your own back yard, there can be potential hazards that could get in the way of our summer fun.  To protect your pet, simply use common sense and take the same precautions you would with a furry child (who can’t read or talk well).

Poisonings —There are many common plants and flowers that can be poisonous to pets. Some rodent poisons as well as snail and slug bait can be deadly to unwary pets.  Even chemical fertilizers and mulches can result in sickness and possibly death for your pet.  Although rodent poisons and insecticides are the most common sources of companion animal poisoning, there are many less common but potentially toxic agents that should be avoided.

Summer Heat—We got our first heat stroke victim of the year in May...the temperature that day was barely in the 70’s.  Please follow this link to learn more about how to protect your pet from summer heat risks.  Don’t forget, even when your pet has cooled down, there can still be lasting health concerns.

Fleas, fleas, and more fleas - The less-than-stellar summer weather of last year, coupled with a very wet spring and mild winter, has combined to make this spring and summer a real (flea) circus.  Please use your flea medications regularly—even if you don’t see fleas—they can be sneaky little arthropods and a single bite can set off a chain of itchy allergic reactions driving both you and your pet crazy.  Remember, over-the-counter flea medications may be inexpensive, but they rarely work well and can cause some very serious toxic reactions. 

**Special**

Buy a six pack of Advantage or Frontline and receive 2 doses for free!!!

We will continue to monitor warnings about toxic algae on our lakes and other pet related dangers again this summer.  If you are reading this email (and we’re sure you are) you will automatically receive our Pet Alerts as they come.

Be sure to subscribe to our Twitter feed and Facebook to get immediate notifications as we receive them from the State Veterinarian and our other trusted and reliable sources.