The warm weather has returned, which means the prime hiking season has begun! If you have an adventure pup that is your faithful companion on the trails, you may be wondering what you need to do to make sure they can recreate safely as well. While hiking with your hound can be a fun-filled day of adventure and a good source of dog exercise, there are certain things you can do and pack and other things you can avoid to make sure the day doesn't go awry.

An unfortunate truth is that, in many parts of the United States, if you have pets, it is not a matter of if your pet has ever had fleas but when they will get them. At some time in your pet’s life, they are likely to get fleas. But just because it is common does not mean that it should be ignored. Just 1 female flea can lay as many as 40 to 50 eggs a day and over 2000 eggs in her lifetime. The longer you wait, the bigger the problems these minuscule pests can cause.

It’s puppy season, people! Tiny paws that smell like Frito’s (why we’ll never know), playful behavior, soft fur, so many snuggles, and the piece de resistance - puppy breath! Let’s face it, though. As time goes on, the puppy breath typically changes to something, well, a bit more ominous.

As the beaches, lakes, and other recreational areas begin to reopen, many of us will be venturing into the outdoors as the summer season approaches. However, reports of increasing occurrences of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in bodies of water across the United States pose a great risk for both you and your pet.

When most people hear the term “microchip”, they think of computers and robots. When you’re told that you should get your pet should be microchipped, you might picture some SciFi version of what is actually going to happen but, trust us, there is nothing quite so ominous involved in the procedure. So let’s talk about what microchipping is and what it isn’t. It’s particularly important to discuss this around this time of year, as the main job of a microchip is to help lost pets get back to their owners.

All you have to do is scroll through your social media feed to see that dogs, on the whole, are lovers. From giant Mastiffs who think they are lap dogs to Pugs who have no concept of personal space, most dog breeds are very affectionate. That’s because dogs love their pack members and, yes, that’s you! Being around them often is crucial to dog wellness.

As many of us remain quarantined due to COVID-19 and summer quickly approaches, those with swimming pools are likely getting prepared for The Big Open. And as temperatures outside continue to rise (well, for some of us!), dogs may look for ways to cool off when they go outside. Even when it's not very hot out, adventurous dogs may find any body of water irresistible.

Establishing an at home dental care routine is an important part of your dog’s overall health. You would never think to go days without brushing your own teeth, and it’s no different for your pets. Here at Lowell Animal Hospital we recommend brushing your dog’s teeth daily, but a great goal is at least three times a week.